Brussels: A European Gem of Culture and Cuisine

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah/dey-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [kom-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [san-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh sey-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [al-lay voo zan]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah po-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay un may-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhoost]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kom-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel er ay eel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon er]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees er ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-ehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [trwah]
• 4Quatre
  [ka-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay lad-res]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd ay luh proh-shan (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Brussels traces its origins back to the 10th century when Saint Gaugericus built a chapel on an island in the Senne River. This marked the beginning of the settlement that would grow into the bustling city we know today. The name 'Brussels' is believed to derive from the Old Dutch 'Bruocsella,' meaning 'marshland.'

The Grand Place, or Grote Markt, is the central square of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its history dates back to the 12th century when it served as a marketplace. The square is surrounded by opulent guildhalls, the Town Hall, and the King's House. It has played host to numerous historical events, including the bombardment of Brussels by French troops in 1695.

In the 15th century, Brussels became the capital of the Duchy of Brabant and later part of the Burgundian Netherlands under the rule of the Dukes of Burgundy. This period saw the city flourish culturally and economically, with the construction of many significant buildings and the establishment of Brussels as an important political center.

The 16th century was a turbulent time for Brussels as it was swept up in the Reformation. The city experienced the Iconoclasm of 1566, where Protestant reformers destroyed Catholic images and altars. This period of religious strife was marked by conflict between Catholic and Protestant factions.

Brussels came under Spanish Habsburg rule in the 16th century after the abdication of Charles V. The city remained under Spanish control until the War of the Spanish Succession, which saw it pass into Austrian hands. During this time, Brussels experienced significant architectural and cultural development.

In 1830, Brussels played a central role in the Belgian Revolution, leading to Belgium's independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. The revolution was sparked by a performance at the Théâtre de la Monnaie and quickly escalated into widespread uprisings. The Provisional Government declared Belgium's independence in Brussels on October 4, 1830.

Brussels was occupied by German forces during World War II from May 1940 until September 1944. The city endured hardship but also became a center of resistance activities. The liberation of Brussels by Allied forces in September 1944 was a significant moment in the city's history.

Brussels is often referred to as the 'Capital of Europe' as it hosts the headquarters of the European Union. This began in the mid-20th century when the city was chosen as the seat of several key EU institutions, including the European Commission and the European Parliament. This status has reinforced Brussels' role as an international political hub.

Brussels is known for its rich cultural diversity, with influences from Flemish, Walloon, and international communities. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, renowned culinary traditions, and numerous festivals. Landmarks like the Atomium, Manneken Pis, and the Royal Palace highlight the city's unique blend of history and modernity.

Brussels is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main international gateway, located approximately 12 kilometers from the city center. It offers numerous flights to and from destinations worldwide. Alternatively, Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is another option, primarily serving low-cost carriers. For rail travelers, Brussels is a major hub with three main stations: Brussels-North, Brussels-Central, and Brussels-South (Midi), the latter being a Eurostar and Thalys terminal connecting Brussels with cities like Paris, London, and Amsterdam. If you prefer road travel, Brussels is accessible via several major highways, and international bus services like FlixBus and Eurolines operate routes to the city.

Brussels boasts an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metro services operated by STIB/MIVB. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, stations, or via mobile apps, and are valid across all modes of transport. The city also offers bike-sharing services like Villo! and numerous bike lanes for cyclists. Taxis are available but can be expensive, with Uber also operating in the city. For a more leisurely way to explore, consider walking, as many attractions are within a short distance of each other.

The official currency in Brussels is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa and MasterCard. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and for tipping. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, making it easy to withdraw money as needed. Contactless payment methods and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also becoming increasingly popular.

Brussels is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any major urban area, it is important to stay vigilant. Areas such as Brussels-North and the surrounding neighborhoods can have higher crime rates, particularly for pickpocketing and scams targeting tourists. Always keep an eye on your belongings, avoid poorly lit and deserted areas at night, and be cautious in crowded places like public transport and tourist hotspots. Emergency numbers include 101 for police and 112 for medical emergencies and fire services.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Brussels has numerous hospitals and clinics that provide high-quality medical care. Pharmacies are widely available, and many are open 24/7. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor issues, pharmacists can often provide advice and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress smartly, especially when dining out or visiting upscale areas. Avoid overly casual or revealing attire. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and behaving respectfully. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket and give up your seat for elderly or disabled passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Close friends may greet with a kiss on the cheek. Eating & Drinking: Do try Belgian specialties like waffles, chocolate, and beer. Don't rush meals; dining is often a leisurely and social activity.

To experience Brussels like a local, explore neighborhoods like Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, and the Marolles, which offer vibrant markets, local eateries, and unique shops. Visit the Brussels Vintage Market or the Jeu de Balle flea market for unique finds. For a local culinary experience, try a traditional Belgian restaurant (brasserie) and order dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries) or carbonade flamande (Flemish stew). Participate in local festivals and events such as the Ommegang or the Brussels Jazz Weekend to truly immerse yourself in the local culture.