Brussels is a cosmopolitan player in the European Union and the capital of the international business world. Inhabitants are generally bilingual in French and Dutch, but English is widely spoken due to so many international influences. Brussels is smaller than most European capitals, holding its unique culture and traditions while accommodating foreigners and adapting to its role as the center of European politics and global business.

The cobblestone streets of downtown Brussels invite visitors from all over the world. Its international environment lends a unique mixture of culture and cuisine that visitors and locals alike can appreciate and relate to. Although the international business and political world from an important part of Brussels' city culture, it never fails to provide a quaint and warm environment for its residents. The city's world-famous chocolate and beer convey the richness and vibrance of the culture they form. The city's energy is clearly displayed in many contexts, from its dedication to improving the European Union to a lively Saturday night in one of the many dance clubs around town.

Enjoy the colorful cafes on the Grand Place where you can relax and spend an entire afternoon enjoying a beverage with friends or just people watching. A central meeting point in the city, you are sure to observe people of all ages and walks of life.

Visit the site of the Battle of Waterloo, the battle that destroyed the empire of Napolean Bonaparte.

Have a fun afternoon at BruPark, the site of the 1958 World's Fair. You can walk through MiniEurope, a park lined with famous monuments that are only around 6 ft. high. BruPark also holds the Atomium, a huge structure built for the fair that you will see as you fly into Brussels.

The Abbey du Villers is a beautiful ruin that invites a relaxing walk around lush grounds with trees and green grass. This structure took 70 years to build by the Cistercian Monks during the 13th century. It was abandoned in 1796 at the beginning of the French Revolution, but in its prime housed more than 400 monks. The Cistercian archetecture is stunning, so you won't want to miss it.

Belgium has been a society under foreign rule throughout centuries, leading two three different official languages: Dutch, French and German. Linguistically, the country is clearly split into two major regions and one smaller region in the southeast, where German is mainly spoken due to the border influence.

French is spoken in the Southern region of Walloonia. The Wallonians are often mocked by the French as their accent is much slower and not considered as pure. This region holds the beautiful Ardennes Forest and the gorgeous rivers and creeks that run throughout.

Dutch is spoken in the Northern region of Flanders, however, most Belgians call it Flemish. The Flemish control much of the economy in Belgium.

Brussels is surrounded by the region of Flanders but is the only officially bilingual area in the country. Most people speak French in Brussels but there is a high population of Flemish speakers as well.

English is widely spoken throughout Brussels, but living there is also a great opportunity to learn a new language as well.

Some useful French phrases to start out with:

Bonjour! -Hello
cafe sil vous plait -Coffee please
Merci -Thank you
au revoir -Goodbye
c'est bon -Things are fine
comment ça va -How are you?
bonne journée -Good day
bonne soirée -Good night
où se trouve le/la -Where is...?
je ne comprends pas -I don't understand
je voudrais -I would like...
c’est important/urgent -It's important/urgent