Brussels (Cadogan Guides) [Paperback]

Here is a rarity: a guidebook written with wit, humour and passion.' - Independent on Sunday

‘Cadogan’s Guide to Brussels by Antony Mason is well-written, highly informed and has an excellent food section’

‘Veritable page-turners... Excellently written, bursting with character’

‘As well informed as the country guides’

Explores every corner of Brussels, from everybody's favourite silly statue, the Manneken-Pis, to the Baroque extravagance of the Grand' Place - finds the best places to slurp beer and chomp on chocolates and mussels - passes by Tintin as well as the works of Breugel, Magritte and Rubens - points out Art Nouveau architecture and the superbly kitsch Atomium. 'Belgium, and Belgian culture, is suddenly being pushed out of the backstage and into the limelight, and undergoing radical reappraisal. Belgian restaurants, Belgian beer, Belgian chocolates, have now achieved virtual cult status. And even the French seem less inclined to make jokes about the Belgians.'

Designed for busy people who still want an authentic experience, Cadogan’s city guides are the only ones to take you straight to the heart of your destination: each book’s unique colour introduction is packed with itineraries and ideas for days out, helping you make the most of your stay. Extensive, cross-referenced maps have hotels and restaurants clearly marked, which makes navigating the city a breeze, and the listings themselves are the most extensive of any series. Sit back and enjoy reading about cultural quirks, engaging historical backgrounds and colourful anecdotes, all written in the individual style for which Cadogan authors are renowned. Whether you’re planning your city-break in advance or want on-the-hoof reference, Cadogan city guides are the ideal pocket companion.

Anthony Mason is the author of some 60 books, including biographies, atlases, books on exploration, great civilizations and the Wild West, and travel guides. He now lives in London, but has been a frequent visitor to Belgium over the years.

'The Grand’ Place is the jewel in Brussels’ crown – and such a splendid jewel that the rest of the crown might just as well be made of iron. Nothing can quite prepare you for the elation you feel when you emerge from the warren of surrounding streets into this spacious, gilded arena. The French dramatist Jean Cocteau described the Grand’ Place as ‘un riche théâtre’, and that is what it is: a splendid stage for the public. ‘The Grand’ Place is Brussels’ top tourist attraction, so it is almost permanently overrun by tourists, and the neighbouring streets are tacky with tourist tat; despite all this, the area has an atmosphere of infectious, easy-going pleasure, suggesting the more sedate pace of bygone eras and providing as convincing a link with the past as its medieval street plan. Despite being at the heart of one of Europe’s great cities, it’s barely bothered by traffic or by the intrusion of modern business and its architecture.’