Belgium has found it hard to shake off a reputation for dullness. The coast – almost entirely built up – is certainly undistinguished but Belgium has some handsome brick-built cities.

Belgium is famous for its art, architecture, oil paintings as well as chocolate, beer, waffles and chips. It is centrally situated in Europe with boundaries towards the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France.

Belgium has a population of over ten million people in an area of around 30,000 square kilometres (11,700 square miles) so distances here are small.

Brussels also has an important international role as the European capital the city is home to the European Commission and to the Council of ministers of the European Union (EU).

Brussels is the bilingual capital of Belgium – both French and Dutch are the official languages of the city and street names and traffic signs are always in these two languages. It is a cosmopolitan city where many different cultures live together and where different languages can be heard on each street.

Holiday rentals from owners in Belgium bookable safely on-line.