While Brussels undoubtedly suffers from an unfair stereotype of being the grey, dowdy bureaucratic centre of the European Union and the name 'Brussels' itself is often used interchangeably with the EU, or more correctly the European Commission, and almost always in the negative (“We need to take back control from Brussels!”, “We won't let Brussels tell us what to do!”, etc), the Belgian capital is actually a vibrant cosmopolitan destination with plenty of things to do, see, eat, drink, buy and experience.

Boasting some of Europe's best museums, Brussels is an art-lovers paradise, and when it comes to cheeky statues, Brussels collection is not just limited to the famed Manneken Pis. Speaking of children, those travelling with young ones will find more kid-friendly attractions in Brussels than the average European capital, with everything from toy and chocolate museums to the one of the world's preeminent comic strip collections and the so-called Mini-Europe where the entire continent can be visited in an afternoon.

Meanwhile, while stereotypes have again not done Belgium any favours when it comes to gastronomy, as there is much more to Belgian cuisine than beer, chocolate, waffles and chips (or French fries), although for what it's worth the latter are in a fact arguably a Belgian invention. True gourmands will surely already know that Brussels boasts more Michelin starred restaurants than any other European capital, save Paris and London, many of which are doing extraordinary things in the shadow of their more renowned neighbours.