Eurostar to Brussels

At the end of the nineteenth century, Belgian architects Victor Horta and Paul Hankar introduced Art Nouveau to architecture. With the gentrification of Brussels this new style was to become all the rage. The use of metallic frameworks enabled the architects to introduce more light into buildings and the new design combined natural elements with stained glass and wrought iron. In modern Brussels, more than 500 buildings bear witness to this rich architectural heritage and the subsequent Art Deco. Art Nouveau gems not to be missed include: the Horta Museum, the Musical Instruments Museum (formerly the Old England shop), Autrique House, the Belgian Comic Strip Museum, Cirio brasserie, Hotel Metropole and the world’s first true Art Nouveau building - the Hotel Tassel.

Address: Throughout Brussels

More information: http://bruxellesartnouveau.be/index.html

Le Falstaff

Fancy a tasty snack in a “belle époque” setting? Discover the brasserie-restaurant Le Falstaff, a classic of the Brussels scene that's popular with people curious to see its sumptuous, art nouveau period decor. Built in 1886 as a bourgeois home, Le Falstaff features all the characteristics of art nouveau: stained glass with floral motifs, large windows, Japanese-inspired arches, and shapes inspired by nature. It’s worth a visit for the architecture alone. Even so, don’t forget to enjoy the typical Brussels dishes and try the sparkling “halve en halve” (half white wine, half champagne).

Address: Rue Henri Maus 19 - 1000 Bruxelles

More information: http://www.lefalstaff.be

Brussels is the home of European comic strips, so logically there's a museum dedicated to them right in the heart of the capital. The CBBD (Belgian Comic Strip Center) presents the origins of the comic strip and brings together a collection of original documents (sketches, pencil drawings, manuscripts etc) in its ‘Treasury’. But discovering the creators of Lucky Luke, the Smurfs, Tintin and Snowy isn’t all this museum can offer: it’s also housed in one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau in Brussels, the 1906 Waucquez warehouse designed by Victor Horta.

Address: 20 rue des sables, 1000 Brussels

More information: http://www.comicscenter.net/en/home

Chez Léon

Looking for a lively restaurant serving Belgian specialities and value for money food? Chez Léon is right in the historical centre of Brussels, just a short stroll from the Grand Place, and serves hearty portions of Belgian dishes, including fresh mussels and chips. It’s been in existence for over 100 years and certainly knows a thing or two about both chips and beer - a perfect combination. When you arrive, show the Chez Léon discount voucher on your Belgian Railways ticket to get 15% off.

Address: Chez Léon - 18 Rue des Bouchers - 1000 Brussels

More information: http://www.chezleon.be/index.asp?intro

A la Mort Subite

Located in a listed building, this lively Brussels brasserie has a name with an unusual history. In about 1910, Théophile Vossen was running a pub called “La Cour Royale” which attracted clerks from the nearby National Bank. These regulars often played a game called "421" during their break. Whoever lost the game was referred to as “le mort”, i.e. “the deceased”. When time was short, the bank clerks played just one round, and the loser was then called “le mort subite”, “the suddenly deceased”. Hence the brasserie’s name, which is now shared by its Gueuze beer, one of many beer specialities on offer.

Address: A la Mort Subite: rue Montagne-aux-Herbes Potagères 7, 1000 Brussels

More information: http://www.alamortsubite.com