5 Reasons to Visit Brussels

We've got travel to Europe on the brain, and recently we've really been developing a bit of a crush on Brussels. The capital of Belgium, this gorgeous city is most certainly worth a visit and we could give you about 1,000 reasons why. But to keep things simple, we're listing off our top five.

1. The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is the oldest shopping arcade in Europe.

Opened in 1847, this shopping arcade is one of the city's most popular and beautiful structures. It used to be the former meeting place of French refugees such as Alexandre Dumas and Victor Hugo, but these days its numerous shops, restaurants, cafes, and theaters attract tourists and locals.

2. Brussels is the birthplace of French, er, Belgian fries.

Contrary to popular belief, Brussels is where the fry was born -- although the French will contest this. But history claims that the term "French fries" simply came about when British and American WWI soldiers tasted the fries in Belgian and dubbed them French as that was the language being spoken. Locals generally dip their "chips" in a mayo-like aioli.

You Might Also Like: The Real Stories Behind Traditional Danish Dishes

3. Audrey Hepburn was also born here.

Audrey Hepburn may have been British, but she was born in Brussels in 1929 and spent her childhood there, as well as in the Netherlands and England.

4. Brussels is a major trader of beer, selling over 800 brands.

The city is a major trader of beer, chocolate, and waffles. So our #4 reason to visit Brussels is really three delicious reasons.

Related Link: The 7 Best Cities for Beer Lovers

5. The Royal Palace is stunning and massive.

Built on the on the initiative of King Leopold II in the early 1900s, the facade of the stunning Royal Palace of Brussels shares the same neoclassical style of Buckingham Palace -- but it is fifty percent longer.

Have more reasons to add? Let us know in the comments below!

More from Oyster.com: