Bruges or Brussels - Brazilian Driver-Guide

Bruges: the Venice of the North
Bruges is a Belgian city with centuries of history and largely preserved medieval architecture. It is called the "Venice of the North" because of the numerous canals that surround or cross it.

The medieval Halletoren tower is the largest and most important building in the city. Built in the 13th century, it stands 88 meters tall and has a carillon with 47 bells at its top. This point is the very heart of the city and serves as a reference point for all tours in Bruges. Those who climb the 366 steps will enjoy a wonderful and complete view of the city.

The City Hall building, one of the oldest in the Netherlands, is also one of the city's must-see attractions. One of its most famous rooms is the Heilige-Bloedbasilieke chapel. For about 850 years it has housed a piece of cloth marked with the blood of Christ, and to this day this relic is kept in a crystal urn.

Don't miss out on trying the famous Belgian beer. Just order a pint of Straffe Hendrik or Brugs Tarwebier. Also sample the famous Belgian chocolates and head to Steenstraat to discover Venerande's homemade chocolates. Their specialty is the precious truffles. Don't forget to take home one of those delicious typical biscuits, known as Dentelles de Bruges. Brussels, capital of Europe.
Brussels is considered the capital of the European Union; it is the seat of the European Commission and the European Council, and is responsible for 75% of the work of the European Parliament. Perhaps for this reason, it has a reputation for being serious and multilingual. Beyond its diplomatic character, Brussels is a welcoming city, with hospitable inhabitants and very interesting attractions. Just ask the city's main symbol, the Manneken Pis, a tiny statue of a little boy urinating.

Another example is the Atomium, an iron molecule magnified billions of times, or the Grand Place, considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Brussels is a place with history, an intense cultural agenda, parks and museums. A cosmopolitan city, a meeting point for executives, tourists, students and bohemians.

To discover its true spirit, take some time to stroll through the charming Sablon neighborhood with its antique shops, where you can explore the markets and enjoy its bars and restaurants. There you will find authentic Belgians, always friendly and brimming with warmth, humor, and irony.

Brussels is also a very green city. Its four thousand hectares of parks and forests provide 40 square meters of chlorophyll per inhabitant. One of the greenest cities in Europe!