Brussels' Grand Place carpeted with flowers

The headquarters of the European Union and the capital of Belgium, Brussels is a cosmopolitan city with striking Art Nouveau architecture. 

First-time visitors make a beeline for the Grand Place; one of the most beautiful city squares in Europe, it is transformed into a public ice rink every winter and every two years is carpeted with a spectacular display of flowers.

Other attractions include the nearby Manneken Pis fountain, galleries such as Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts and Musée Horta, the Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula, and the chilled-out greenery of Mont des Arts Park.

Before leaving Brussels, history buffs can take a side trip 18km south to Waterloo, where in 1815 Napoleon finally got his come-uppance.