Brussels

Brussels is best explored on foot, wandering through its streets and squares at a leisurely pace. The Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the obvious starting point, surrounded by the old Stock Exchange and the Sainte-Catherine quarter. Nearby, the Manneken-Pis statue with its ever-changing costumes remains a firm favourite, while the Îlot Sacré and the Saint-Hubert galleries make for a pleasant continuation of the walk. Comic strip enthusiasts will head to the Comic Strip Museum, a genuine reference on the subject, or follow the trail of the mural artworks scattered across the city centre. The Magritte Museum and the Musical Instruments Museum round out a rich cultural offering, alongside the Cinquantenaire Park, the European quarter and the Atomium, the city's unmistakable landmark visible from afar. On the culinary side, Brussels remains inseparable from chips, waffles and chocolate, with tastings and demonstrations available at several dedicated museums. For a simple, friendly bite, Fritkot Chouke serves up proper Belgian chips in a typical setting. Bruges, less than an hour away by train, makes for a popular day trip.