You must visit Brussels on a weekend day trip, then you will realise why Hercule Poirot is so proud about being Belgian. Amazing city with great buildings, the Royal Palace, the Palais de Justice, the Town Hall and the Atomium to mention just a few.

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The Atomium, built as part of Belgium's Expo 1958, is a must visit for anyone interested in 1950s technology. You can travel by lift and on elevators running through 18-metre aluminium tubes rising 102 metres in the air for a city-wide view from this oversize iron crystal atom!

www.atomium.be/

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Visit the Atomium, an amazing piece of architecture shaped like an atom and affording beautiful views over the city of Brussels!

www.atomium.be/

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Interesting structure. Can be explored quickly. 7 euro admission ok.
Also had the fastest lift in Europe at one time.

Brussels Expo tram station
www.atomium.be

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It's a private townhouse designed in 1893 by Brussels' art nouveau architect Victor Horta. It has recently been renovated by cult cartoonist duo Schuiten & Pieters and opened to the public. It's situated in the Schaerbeek area, which is off most tourist maps (being just north/north east of Rogier station) but well worth visiting for the beautiful buildings alone, many of which have been built in art nouveau style and kept in excellent condition (or recently restored). What's more, there's hardly a tourist in sight!

The entrance fee for Maison Autrique is 5€. Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and bank holidays.

266 Chaussée de Haecht, Schaerbeek, 1030 Brussels;
tel: 02 215 6600;
Accessible by tram: 92 & 93 (Saint-Servais), 90 (Robiano), or if the weather's nice, take the metro to Rogier and walk for 20-30 mins along Chaussée de Haecht;
www.autrique.be

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Can't believe no-one's mentioned it yet, but the Grand Place is the one genuine "must see" in Brussels, justly reputed to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, with its gabled guildhouses and the towering Hotel de Ville. There's a Son et Lumiere display every night during the summer months, although the buildings don't really need flashing lights to draw attention to themselves. The Mannekin Pis and Galeries Hubert are just around the corner.

Nearest Metro - De Brouckere or Gare Centrale

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This spectacular covered shopping arcade was one of the first in Europe and is filled with enticing little shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. It buzzes with activity until late and is worth visiting for the architecture alone.

Near the Grand Place

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A town house built in the early 20th century by Horta, with art nouveau interior.

rue americaine

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Wander around the ponds in one of the smartest parts of town for a peep at superb Art Nouveau houses.

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Modelled on the grand Loire Valley chateaux in France, this is a great place to relax. Wander the grounds or visit the chateau, 20km south of Brussels.

La Hulpe, 1310, Brabant Wallon, Brabant; Tel: +32 02 653 64 04; www.dreamit.be/castles/FT/FR/lahulpe.htm

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