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5 Reasons Why Brussels is the Ultimate Romantic Getaway

Elegant buildings, high quality cuisine, scenic walks, café culture and world-renowned chocolate. If ever there was a city that should be high on the list of romantic weekend break destinations it’s Brussels.

That’s right, the same Brussels that is famous for being the heartland of Eurocratic red tape is also an ideal romantic retreat. Perhaps it’s down to its part-French heritage, but step away from the stuffy European Parliament and you will find a city that’s full of charm, character, elegance and, well, romance.

Still don’t believe me? Here are five reasons why you should hop on the Eurostar and head to Brussels for a romantic weekend away.

1. Small and intimate

Unlike Paris, Brussels is a small city and as such it is an intimate and friendly one. Most tourist attractions can be easily got to on foot, while it still retains many ‘big city’ benefits, such as good restaurants and numerous art galleries.

On top of this, Brussels is a city where you can just spend a day exploring its parks and squares. Consider heading to the Parc de Bruxelles; this old, formal park is located in the centre of the city and is a perfect place to enjoy a romantic stroll. Scattered throughout the park are classic statues and fountains, plus it offers great views of the Palais Royal and Palais de la Nation.

2. Scenic streets

Many of the great European cities have a number of architecturally significant buildings that give them an individual character. Even here Brussels stands its ground. Forget any preconceptions of drab parliament-style constructions, instead Brussels is home to a range of beautifully designed buildings, from 18th Century Palaces to the Art Deco, Brussels packs many architectural movements into its small city.

What Brussels is most know for, however, is Art Nouveau. At the turn of the 19th Century wealthy merchants and artists began renovating their homes in the Art Nouveau style, and roughly 500 of these buildings are still standing today. With its abundance of decorative flowery details, along with its feminine curved lines and influences from nature, Art Nouveau is arguably one of the most romantic architectural movements.

3. Chocolate paradise

Along with flowers and jewellery, chocolates are a traditional romantic gift and Belgium is world-famous for its chocolates. In fact chocolate-making is so highly revered in the country that it has strict rules about the ingredients and processes that can be used. As a result, it will probably come as no surprise that Brussels has some of the best (and most expensive) chocolate shops on the planet. Not only can you sample and buy the confectionery, but there are also museums dedicated to it. For those looking to take their passion for chocolate one step further, there are even workshops and demonstrations that show you the art of chocolate making.

4. Café culture

From elegant and expensive restaurants to old-fashioned cafes, Brussels has a range of eating options that will suit all types of budgets and tastes. You will find a variety of international cuisines available in Brussels, including French, Italian and Turkish. That said, you cannot go to Brussels without sampling some of the local cuisine, and there are lots of restaurants and cafes in the city that serve a number of traditional Belgium dishes.

Belgium cuisine is largely influenced by that of its neighbours, France and Holland, and as such it has the reputation of being as high quality as French cuisine, but without the pretention. Fish and meat make up the bulk of traditional Belgium dishes, however fries, which are thought to originate from the country, are also very popular. Another internationally popular Belgium dish is waffles and they are sometimes eaten as a street snack, as well as desserts.

5 Diamonds

If the romance of Brussels has gotten to you and you want to buy your partner an extra special gift, or perhaps even a proposal is on the horizon, then head to Diamondland. Although located in Antwerp, it is less than a 50 minute drive from Brussels and well worth the trip, especially if you’re looking for the perfect diamond. Not only will you be able to choose from a vast range of settings, stones and cuts, but you will also be able to watch as your ring is being made there and then.

Even for those not looking to splash out just yet, a visit to Diamondland might give you some future inspiration.

Photo by Terence S. Jones via Flickr CC

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