City Hopping Belgium

Düsseldorf

Dusseldorf is one of Germany's economic hubs, with a densely
populated city centre housing about 600,000 people. The city is
lively, with a love of music and culture that is hard to resist.
Dusseldorf is famous for its trade and fashion fairs and attracts
visitors from all over the world to these big and exciting events.
Streets like Bolkerstraße, Ratinger Straße and Kurze Straße are
alive with entertainment in the evenings. Those looking for an
authentic drink can sample the locally-produced Altbier (meaning
old-style beer) for which Dusseldorf is known.

Much of Dusseldorf was destroyed in World War II. The city is
therefore not as scenic as others in Germany despite its ancient
history, the first mention of which dates back to 1135. Modern
architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, however, in
Frank Gehry buildings and the colourful Colorium, all clustered in
the harbour district.

There are several pedestrian malls to stroll through and plenty
of museums and parks to enjoy. Visitors will be hard-pressed to
find a cleaner and more elegant city in Germany, even if there are
fewer historic buildings than may be expected. There is a
long-standing rivalry between Dusseldorf and Cologne but both
cities are gems for visitors - just order the right beer in the
right city!

Dusseldorf is located within easy distance of Bonn and Cologne,
and due to its proximity to the border also makes a good base for
weekend trips to Amsterdam, Paris, or Brussels.

Antwerp

Antwerp is perhaps best known for its
diamonds, and the city's sparkling allure attracts the glitterati
with a thriving fashion and entertainment culture. The city also
has countless shopping opportunities, trendy bars and nightclubs
for the fashion-conscious and young at heart.

As the second-largest city in Belgium and a
major European port, Antwerp has a more modern face than many of
its neighbours. Much of the city was destroyed in World War II, but
its history is present in its beautifully-preserved Gothic and
Baroque architecture. At the centre of the city is the Grote Markt,
with the baroque Brabo Fountain in the middle. The work of baroque
sculptor Pieter Paul Reubens is visible all over the city, most
notably at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.

A visit to Antwerp is a must on any Belgian
holiday. Indeed, the city does a uniquely European balancing act of
old and new, offering plenty of pretty sights, good museums, family
attractions and sidewalk cafés.

Brussel (Bruxelles)

Home of the European Union, Brussels has become a bustling
centre for bureaucrats and businessmen and is a thriving
cosmopolitan metropolis. The buildings in the city are a
fascinating mix of architectural styles, and there are numerous
museums of interest throughout. Within the 14th-century city walls
is the compact centre of the old city with the beautiful Grand
Place at its heart. Visitors rarely stray beyond the walls of the
'petit ring' of the city centre, clearly defined from the newer
glitzy quarters by its narrow maze of streets. This is where the
key sights can be enjoyed, together with the best bars and
restaurants.

Visitors can experience the beauty of the art and architecture,
marvel at the bizarre sight of the Mannekin-Pis statue, and spend
time shopping for traditional souvenirs such as Belgian chocolate
and lace. The National Opera House and many other theatres host a
variety of events and concerts for those wanting some high culture,
and there are plenty of restaurants offering gastronomic delights.
These outings can be rounded off by a drink or two in any one of
the lively bars located near the Grand Place.

Vibrant and energetic, Brussels is a city of museums and
architecture among Europe's finest, a shopper's fantasy and a
diner's capital.

Nijmegen

Nijmegen is a city in the southeastern Netherlands that has a rich history dating back over 2000 years. The city was an important military site during the Roman Empire and was also the first major Dutch city to be captured by the Germans during World War II. Today, Nijmegen is a vibrant and lively city with a population of over 158,000. The city is home to a number of universities and research institutes, as well as a lively nightlife scene. There is something for everyone in Nijmegen and the city is well worth a visit.

Düsseldorf

Dusseldorf is one of Germany's economic hubs, with a densely
populated city centre housing about 600,000 people. The city is
lively, with a love of music and culture that is hard to resist.
Dusseldorf is famous for its trade and fashion fairs and attracts
visitors from all over the world to these big and exciting events.
Streets like Bolkerstraße, Ratinger Straße and Kurze Straße are
alive with entertainment in the evenings. Those looking for an
authentic drink can sample the locally-produced Altbier (meaning
old-style beer) for which Dusseldorf is known.

Much of Dusseldorf was destroyed in World War II. The city is
therefore not as scenic as others in Germany despite its ancient
history, the first mention of which dates back to 1135. Modern
architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy, however, in
Frank Gehry buildings and the colourful Colorium, all clustered in
the harbour district.

There are several pedestrian malls to stroll through and plenty
of museums and parks to enjoy. Visitors will be hard-pressed to
find a cleaner and more elegant city in Germany, even if there are
fewer historic buildings than may be expected. There is a
long-standing rivalry between Dusseldorf and Cologne but both
cities are gems for visitors - just order the right beer in the
right city!

Dusseldorf is located within easy distance of Bonn and Cologne,
and due to its proximity to the border also makes a good base for
weekend trips to Amsterdam, Paris, or Brussels.