Brussels: a City of Heritage and Modernity

Louise Sawitzkaja • 30 April 2025

As the capital of Belgium and the administrative heart of the European Union, Brussels is a city that seamlessly blends political significance with cultural richness. Whether you prefer to explore on foot, by bike, bus, or tram, the city offers countless ways to discover its many charms.


A Rich History and Stunning Architecture

Brussels is home to numerous historical and architectural landmarks, some of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.


Among the remarkable monuments that are waiting to be explored, the most iconic is the Grand-Place, a breathtaking central square surrounded by the Town Hall, and the King's House (Maison du Roi). A simple turn on the spot reveals centuries of history and stunning architecture. This vibrant square isn’t just beautiful — it's alive with activity year-round, hosting concerts, traditional fairs, cultural events, and the famous Flower Carpet every two years in the summer. Just a short walk away, you’ll also find the city’s mascot, the Manneken-Pis, a small statue with a big personality that has captured visitors’ imaginations for centuries.


With its unique silhouette, The Atomium  has, over time, grown to become the symbol of Brussels. On the inside it offers a beautiful view of the capital, and also an entirely astounding and surreal ride through its interior spaces and volumes which alone makes a visit worth.


Other monuments to be discovered throughout the city include the elegant La Monnaie opera house, the historic Bourse, the grand National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the impressive Justice Palace, and the beautifully maintained Royal Greenhouses of Laeken — an architectural gem surrounded by stunning gardens.


And whether you want to enjoy a cup of coffee or chocolate, take a stroll or go shopping, don't forget to visit the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries, a gorgeous glass-roofed arcade in the centre of Brussel.

an aerial view of bilbao

Discover Beautiful Parks and Green Spaces

In addition to its iconic historical landmarks, the capital offers a wealth of parks, public gardens, and charming squares perfect for a leisurely stroll or a moment of relaxation.


Notable green spaces include the picturesque Mont des Arts, the regal Royal Palace Gardens, and the expansive Parc du Cinquantenaire, each providing a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.


For a peaceful retreat, head to the serene Bois de la Cambre. And if you're looking to immerse yourself in nature, venture just beyond the city center to the expansive Sonian Forest—a calm, green haven with miles of scenic walking trails winding through lush woodlands.


Visit Unique Museums

Whether you're eager to discover new things or deepen your knowledge, Brussels delivers a rich cultural experience for every interest. The city boasts an impressive array of museums, each offering its own unique insight and perspective.


Highlights include the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, and the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History. Science and nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Museum of Natural Sciences, while music lovers can explore the fascinating Musical Instruments Museum. For more niche interests, there’s Choco-Story Brussels, the Tram Museum, and the Fashion and Lace Museum — each offering a distinct and memorable visit.


The city also caters wonderfully to families, offering a variety of experiences that will delight both children and adults. Popular spots include the Comics Art Museum, the Cinema Museum, the immersive Museum of Infinite Realities, the mind-bending Museum of Illusions Brussels, and the miniature wonderland of Mini-Europe.


Whether you're drawn to fine art, quirky collections, or interactive experiences, Brussels promises a cultural journey full of surprises.

A glass display in a restaurant of pinxtos in bilbao spain

Shopping: from Luxury Labels to Hidden Treasures

Visiting the capital is also a fantastic opportunity for shopping, offering a wide variety of options — from high-end luxury boutiques to charming second-hand stores.


For lovers of designer fashion, Avenue Louise is the go-to spot, home to many prestigious brands. If you're after popular international labels, Rue Neuve is perfect for a relaxed shopping stroll through well-known retailers.


Treasure hunters and vintage enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the many thrift shops scattered across the city, as well as the vibrant flea markets that pop up in various neighborhoods. Notable spots include Place du Jeu de Balle in the eclectic Marolles District, the Antique and Book Market at Place du Grand Sablon, and the ever-trendy Brussels Vintage Market, just a short walk from the central station.


A row of colourful buildings downa street in the centre of bilbao

Discover its Culinary Delights

Brussels is a true haven for food lovers, offering a diverse and delicious gastronomic scene. The city is famous for its iconic local specialties, including chocolate, waffles, French fries, and a wide variety of beers.


As in much of Belgium, you’ll find the beloved moules-frites (mussels with fries) on many menus, often paired perfectly with a refreshing local beer. For a great tasting experience, we recommend visiting Chez Léon or Au Vieux Bruxelles.


Be sure not to miss the country's world-famous chocolates, often regarded as some of the finest in the world. Excellent places to try include L’Alchimie du Chocolat and Passion Chocolat. What better souvenir to take home than a box of luxurious Belgian chocolates to share the taste of Brussels with loved ones?


Brussels is a city where every moment feels like a discovery. Whether you're staying for a weekend or lingering longer, the Belgian capital promises unforgettable experiences at every turn. Wander its historic streets, marvel at its bold modern landmarks, and savor the flavors that make Brussels truly unique. Here, every journey becomes a story worth telling—and every visit leaves you longing to return.

Travel the World’s Biggest Music Festivals

by Leonor Resende • 14 April 2026
At their core, music festivals are more than live performances or carefully curated line‑ups. They are cultural gatherings, temporary communities where locals and travellers come together in shared spaces shaped by creativity, tradition, and emotion. For a few days or weeks, familiar landscapes are transformed, and in that transformation a place reveals how it celebrates, how it communicates, and how it welcomes outsiders.  These moments go beyond what happens on stage. Festivals unfold within real places, not isolated bubbles, and they carry the imprint of their surroundings. The food reflects regional traditions, the rhythms of daily life seep into the schedule, and local values are expressed through art, design, and the way people interact. Whether set in countryside fields, historic cities, or coastal neighbourhoods, festivals offer travellers an unusually intimate way to experience a destination. This is what makes music festivals such compelling entry points for cultural travel. They encourage movement without urgency, discovery without a checklist, and connection without preconception. Rather than following an itinerary, travellers follow a feeling, allowing sound, place, and human connection to shape the journey. In these moments, travel becomes less about where you go next, and more about how deeply you experience where you are.

The Ultimate Malta travel guide: Top Attractions & Hidden Gems

by Kelly Collins • 1 April 2026
Malta is one of those places that completely catches you off guard, in the best ways imaginable. For such a tiny island nation, it packs more beauty, history and “wait, why does nobody talk about this?!” moments than seems fair. One minute you're wandering through golden stone streets that look straight out of a period drama, and the next you're floating in shockingly blue water, wondering why it isn't illegal for the sea to look that good. It’s the kind of destination where the big attractions blow your way, but the hidden corners are what quietly steal your heart This guide is here to walk you through Malta the way a fellow traveller would, with honest insight, friendly advice and all the info you need to make your trip effortless and unforgettable

Find Your Perfect Holiday Based on Your Personality

by Leonor Resende • 27 March 2026
Choosing a holiday is more than deciding on a place to visit, it’s choosing the version of yourself you want to step into for a little while. Some people come alive on high mountain trails, others find their joy floating in warm turquoise seas. Some feel energised exploring new cultures, while others crave nothing more than sunshine, good food and the simple luxury of slowing down. Travel isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. It’s personal. It’s emotional. It’s a reflection of you. And that’s why the best holidays aren’t picked at random, they’re chosen by discovering what kind of traveller you truly are. Are you the adventurer? The luxury seeker? The family memory‑maker? The culture lover? Or the dreamer ready to explore a far‑flung corner of the world? When you match your personality to the right holiday style, something magical happens: the anticipation grows, the excitement builds, and suddenly the journey feels like it’s already begun. So let’s dive in. Let’s explore the escape that suits your spirit, the holiday that feels like it was created with you in mind. Your perfect match is waiting…and it might just surprise you.

The Rise of Fitness Tourism: Why Irish Travellers are going abroad for races & events

by Kelly Collins • 25 March 2026
If you have noticed more Irish people swapping sun loungers for start lines, you are not imagining it. Fitness tourism, sometimes called race-cation have become one of the fastest growing travel trends for Irish holidaymakers. From destination marathons to HYROX events abroad, more of us are choosing to travel with a purpose, challenge ourselves in new cities and come home with a medal rather than just a tan. And the numbers back it up. Global marathon participation rose 9% last year, with runners increasingly choosing races based on location rather than proximity to home. HYROX, too, has exploded on social media, giving travellers a whole new kind of event to plan trips around So what's behind Ireland's growing love affair with fitness-focused travel? Let's break it down. 

Top 6 Travel Destinations with Direct Flights from Cork Airport for 2026

by Leonor Resende • 25 March 2026
Imagine Cork Airport not as a terminal, but as a hallway lined with doors, each one opening onto a completely different world. Behind one door: golden beaches warmed by the Canary sun. Behind another: cobblestone streets, cafés buzzing with conversation, and the soft glow of city lights reflecting off canal water. Further down, a hidden gem on the Adriatic coast invites you to slow down, wander, taste, and explore. No matter what type of traveller you are, sun chaser, culture seeker, foodie, or adventurer, Cork’s direct flight network now connects you to the places you’ve been dreaming about. Here are six of the most inspiring destinations you can reach in just one flight. Step through any door you like.
Rocky coastline with green mountains meeting the blue ocean under a bright sky.

Madeira: The Island That Feels Like Five Destinations in One

by Leonor Resende • 12 March 2026
When most people think of island holidays, they imagine one thing: golden sandy beaches and long, lazy days by the sea, but the Portuguese island of Madeira is unlike any other. In this destination, you can experience landscapes and activities that feel like travelling across several destinations.  One moment you’re wandering misty mountain peaks shrouded in clouds, the next you’re swimming in volcanic pools, and by evening, you could be savouring world-famous wine while watching the sun dip into the Atlantic. Madeira is nature, adventure, culture, and relaxation all in one compact island. Here’s why it’s a destination you simply cannot miss.
Open suitcase with hat, sunglasses, headphones, camera, phone, and clothing on a bed.

Where to Travel in Summer 2026 in Europe

by Leonor Resende • 5 March 2026
Summer 2026 is just around the corner, and travellers are already dreaming of sunny beaches, cultural getaways, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're planning a short city break, a family holiday, or a luxury escape, knowing which European destinations are trending this year can help you plan the perfect getaway. From the postcard-perfect cliffs of Santorini, Greece, to the medieval charm of Dubrovnik, Croatia, the rustic beauty of Calabria, Italy, the cultural energy of Bilbao, Spain, and the year‑round sunshine of Tenerife, Europe is full of extraordinary places waiting to be explored this summer. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the hottest destinations of 2026, complete with insider tips, must‑see attractions, and ideas to help you plan the perfect summer getaway. 

The Best Hikes Around the world: Unforgettable trails for adventure travellers

by Kelly Collins • 10 February 2026
Hiking is one of the most immersive ways to experience the world's natural beauty, offering travellers the chance to slow down, breathe deeply and connect with landscapes that feel untouched by time. From dramatic mountain passes to lush tropical coastlines, the best hikes around the world provide not only physical challenge but also cultural discovery and breathtaking scenery. For Travel Enthusiasts seeking their next great adventure, these iconic trails represent some of the most rewarding journeys on the planet. 

The Adventure Seeker’s Guide to Greece’s Lesser-Known Islands"

by Kelly Collins • 4 February 2026
Now that summer is creeping up, many of us are starting to think about which holidays and destinations to tick off our bucket lists. To make that decision a little easier, today I’m going to guide you through some of the Greek islands that are perfect for adventure, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. While many dream of sun-soaked beaches and romantic sunsets, there is another side of Greece that is perfect for travellers who want more than just a postcard view. For those who crave hiking, swimming and discovering landscapes that feel untouched, there are many Greek islands that are built perfectly for that adventure! 

The Ultimate Guide to Thailand’s Festivals: Water, Lanterns, and Culture

by Kelly Collins • 14 January 2026
Thailand has become one of the world's most popular travel destinations, and it's easy to see why. Stunning beaches, vibrant cities, rich culture and unbeatable street food make it a must-visit country for any traveller. But one thing that makes Thailand really stand out is its festivals. From the splash-filled streets of Songkran to the glowing skies of Loy Krathong and Yi Peng, Thailand's festivals are an immersive experience of culture, fun and adventure. Whether you're a Gen Z traveller seeking Instagram-worthy pics or an older traveller looking to soak in tradition and local customs, there is something for everyone. This ultimate guide will show the top festivals in Thailand, including when to visit, what to expect and tips for experiencing them like a local.