Five reasons why you have to visit Brussels

For a national capital, Brussels often flies well below the radar. But if you know the city like a local, it's hard to understand why. Brussels comfortably ranks among Europe's top five hidden gems. Art, fine food, grand designs, classy architecture and the buzz that comes from cultural diversity. It's all here and ready for exploration. Luxury travel destinations need to stand out and Brussels certainly does. Here are five reasons to discover Brussels during your next urban adventure.   

1. Brussels is an art lover's dream

In Brussels, masterpieces and upcoming talents jostle for attention around every corner. The city boasts over 100 galleries - hosting Old Masters, pathbreaking modernists and today's innovators. The Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts is the focal point, featuring the mind-bending Magritte Museum, 17th-century works by masters like Reubens or Breughel and artifacts from Brussels' golden age in the late 19th-century Belle Époque. The museum complex is easily within walking distance of Corinthia Brussels, so it’s easy to fit a few visits into your schedule.

Alternatively, browse smaller showcases like the art gallery Almine Rech or the Xavier Hufkens Gallery. Brussels has more art collectors per capita than anywhere else, ensuring a dynamic and ever-changing gallery scene. You can even stumble upon beauty as you indulge in a waffle or window shop. For instance, you could join the Street Art Trail to discover eye-catching murals from global graffiti legends like Kool Koor. Canvases are everywhere in Brussels.

2. Mix Michelin Stars with sublime street snacks

Brussels satisfies every artistic appetite and doubles as a haven for food lovers. With a high number of Michelin stars per capita, the city is a magnet for culinary brilliance. Where else can you find 31 Michelin-starred restaurants within walking distance? With 138 restaurants per square mile, Brussels overflows with options for discerning gourmands.

Even better, Brussels blends quality and diversity like nowhere else. Sample the world-champion pâté en croute at Bozar or head to the museum quarter or Anderlecht where prestigious restaurants like Le Paix offer unique Japanese and European fusions.

Gourmands can even savour exceptional cuisine on the ground floor of Corinthia Brussels.  At the prestigious Palais Royal, chef David Martin conjures up a symphony of tastes, incorporating influences from Japan, France, and Belgium. Experience Martin’s spin on global flavors in a stunning setting that compares with Brussels’ elite dining venues.

Back in the city, the up and coming restaurants around Saint-Gilles are also out of this world (and an easy Metro ride from Corinthia Brussels). The Latin American cuisine at Wallen Eatery is attracting attention, while Le 203 satisfies with seasonal bistro-style dishes. The street food vendors around the Museum Quarter are also some of Brussels' hidden gems. But it's just as enjoyable to snuggle up in a local cafe for a mid-morning treat.

3. Fill your feed with snaps of Art Nouveau wonders

Your Instagram feed does not need to go hungry during a Belgian escape. Brussels' architecture will also add a "wow factor" to anyone's online content.

Brussels is well known as the birthplace of Art Nouveau - an extravagant decorative style that flourished from around 1890 to 1914. Fortunately, many gorgeous buildings remain from that period. Thanks to Brussels' modest size, you can also explore them by foot. Start at the Victor Horta Museum in Rue Américaine which honours one of the creators of  Art Nouveau hero. After that, pick up a map and wander. Brussels has over 40,000 protected heritage locations, so choose wisely. Be sure to check out the Tassel House, Horta's first masterwork. The fabulous Solvay House, the elegantly simple Max Hallet House and the bold Van Eetvelde House are all unmissable, too.

When you return to the storied Grand Hotel Astoria, spare a moment to enjoy the exterior. Built in 1910, our hotel is a stunning example of Belle Époque architecture, while the restored interiors evoke the presence of monarchs and movie stars.

4. Live music is always on the agenda

Speaking of stars, Brussels is one of Europe's musical hotspots. Belgium has more music festivals per square kilometre than any other country, and many of these events take place in Brussels. And it's not just about quantity. The Belgian scene spans every conceivable genre and musical tradition.

June's Fête de la Musique sees a crescendo of free concerts and park-hosted spectaculars. Couleur Café brings African-influenced acts to centre stage, while the springtime Listen Festival features a diverse array of styles at 17 city-wide venues. Brussels Jazz Weekend is another standout, filling squares with wild rhythms and irresistible grooves in mid-May. Even if you miss the event, Brussels teems with exceptional Jazz clubs. Jazz Station and Sounds Jazz are popular spots, but there areplenty of smaller venues to discover.

The Queen Elisabeth Competition deserves a special mention. The competition is a proving ground for tomorrow's classical maestros. Winners also used to perform in the Salon Elizabeth at Corinthia Brussels, so the contest is close to our hearts.

Visitors should also enjoy an unforgettable evening at La Monnaie where world-class opera performances take center stage, or attend a concert at BOZAR,where the stunning surroundings are as captivating as the symphonies themselves.

5. Shop, learn, revel and relax in a cultural melting pot

Above all else, Brussels is a vibrant cultural destination. For instance, shoppers won't leave empty-handed.

Luxury shopping is on the agenda at Bvd de Waterloo, where famous designer brands showcase their latest designs. The boutiques of Chatelain district offer unexpected creations, and Rue Antoine Dansaert is a hotspot for jewellery and fashion visionaries.

Shoppers should also make time for one-off events like November's Brussels Design Market or January's Ceramic Brussels. Both are ideal places to find unique furnishings or delightful gifts.

Curious visitors will also love diving into over 200 museums as they discover Brussels. The Atomium is the most famous, soaring 300 feet above the city. But there's so much to discover after visiting the futurist icon. We love the incredible collection at the Musical Instruments Museum (MiM), but the fearsome dinosaurs at the Natural Sciences Museum and the vintage locomotives at Train World are also popular highlights.

We also recommend checking annual schedules for cultural festivals. Don’t miss hidden gems like Folklorissimo (in September) or the puppet-themed Guignolet dans le Parc (August).

Since 1971, the gorgeous Carpet of Flowers has also covered the Grand-Place in flowers every other August. It's the perfect symbol of Brussels – a city that doesn't want to boast or brag, but always takes your breath away.