Between Belgium and Europe

When you think of Brussels, you think of Europe. With the presence of the European Parliament, the Belgian capital can also call itself the capital of Europe, although people in Berlin, Paris or London will think differently. This route takes you through the stately part of Brussels. You walk through an area with large mansions, picturesque gardens and of course the European Parliament. Along the way you will pass places where drinking your coffee or tea slowly is an excuse to taste the political atmosphere. You will see many neoclassical mansions in Luxembourg Street. They were built around 1840 for the political elite. Many houses at that time still had a carriage entrance, so that the residents could move through the city relatively quickly in their own carriage. In the 1920s, horsepower was traded for cars. Thanks to that multiple horsepower, the elite could afford to move to the green spaces just outside the city and still be on time for important gatherings and celebrations. Nowadays, the mansions mainly house offices. At Luxembourg Square you can see, among other things, the station built in 1854. The station was on the train connection to Istanbul and is therefore considered the front door for the Eastern influence in Western Europe. The European Parliament is located behind the old station facade. In the surrounding catering establishments you will mainly find people who are active in the European Parliament. In the summer, the many terraces also beckon walkers and students to enjoy a pint or glass of wine. In the busy Belliardstraat you can witness the expanding lobby culture. At number 60-62, for example, the flag of Baden-Wurttemberg, one of the German states, flies. More and more states, provinces and even cities are establishing themselves in Brussels to be closer to power. To the left of the building is a former coach gate house that once housed the Prussian embassy. At number 33 on Science Street you will find a city palace from the nineteenth century. King Albert and his Elisabeth stayed here, among others. Their son Leopold III was born here. Today, the Belgian Council of State resides here. A little further on you walk through the remarkably wide Guimardstraat. This street was intended as the main connecting road through this district, which is why a carriage with four horses had to be able to turn here. Here you will also find many catering establishments to stretch your beautiful walk a bit.