Being the capital of Belgium, the administrative centre of the European Union, and home to the headquarters of NATO, Brussels is an important world city. It is known as a city of contrasts with historical buildings lined up near modern glass structures and it is here where Flemish meets French as the city is officially bi-lingual. Consider hiring a car from Brussels International Airport and you can enjoy the many sites of Europe's de facto capital.
Brussels is sometimes unfairly tagged as being just an administrative city. Such descriptions do Brussels a disservice, however, as the city's medieval heart and timeless palaces combine to make this a city worth exploring. The Grand Place is a medieval square which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is where many tourists begin their sight-seeing trip of the city. The nearby Royal Palace of Brussels is a beautiful reminder of Belgium's rich and royal history, while the chance to visit the European Parliament's headquarters must not be missed either. Rent a car from Brussels International Airport and you will be able to reach the city and see the sites quickly, as well as gain easy access to the rest of the country.