January 2010

Brussels is not only a place that holds serious institutions like Parliament, the European Commission or NATO, but also older neighbourhoods, cosy chocolate shops, designer shops raging and a unique cultural atmosphere. This winter, discover it with Brussels Airlines.

Walking around with no hurries
You can start the visit of the city by the impressive Grand Place with its union and City Hall buildings, and reach the legendary statue of Manneken Pis, usually surrounded by tourists. Nearby, you can find Galleries St. Hubert, the first covered shopping arcades in Europe, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudule, famous for its stained glass, and the legendary Rue des Bouchers, surrounded with lively restaurants, ideal for a Gourmet snack.

Markets and museums
Then you can head up to the Upper Zone through the Sablon, a delicious neighbourhood of narrow roads plagued with markets, antiques shops, chocolate factories, and approach to the Mons des Arts, where the Museum of Ancient and Modern Art, the Library and the Royal Palace open their doors. Also don’t miss the Museum of Musical Instruments, located on the Old England former warehouses, with an Art Nouveau style, built with iron and crystal. In fact, the best panoramic view it’s in the restaurant on its dome.

Art Nouveau and Déco
To come back to the Low Zone, you can get the elevator that is in the street that runs down to Les Marolles, the most traditional neighbourhood of the city, which hosts the famous "marchés de puces” (traces). If you have time, get lost also through the neighbourhoods of Ixelles and Saint-Gillis, buildings full of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, art movements that had a major impact in Brussels thanks to his main representative, Victor Horta. Another funny way to get to know the downtown is following the painted façades of comics issues related to the city - there are over 30 - and of course you must visit the famous Belgian Comic Strip Center.

Brussels, closer with Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines, a Star Alliance member, offers a variety of flights from and to the European capital, giving you now more possibilities to accrue and redeem Spanair Plus points.

Likewise, and thanks to this airline, you will now benefit from greater connectivity in our continent.

In addition, you can get quadruple score and stay from 4,300 points (points per night for 2 persons’ room only) at any NH Brussels (NH offer is valid until 28th February 2010).