Brussels
From Bruges, you can easily reach Brussels by car (100 km) or train (direct connection, 1 hour).
Brussels is the capital of Flanders, the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union. King Filip I and Queen Mathilde have their official residence at the Royal Palace in the centre of town and their private residence at the Royal Castle in Laken.
Brussels is a vibrant metropolis, dotted with beautiful palaces, parks and monuments. It's the home city of Horta, a famous Art Nouveau architect and artist, the surrealist painter Magritte, Tintin and his creator Hergé and the 16th century painter Breughel.
Brussels' magnificent Market Square is dominated by the 15th century Town Hall and the richly decorated Guild Houses. A visit to Brussels' most famous citizen, ‘Manneken Pis’ is a must. In the neighbourhood there are many nice restaurants and museums, such as: the Museum of Fine Arts, Ancient Art and of Modern Art. The Zavel, a beautiful square is home ot many antiques and art boutiques.
Just outside the city centre you can admire the Atomium, built for the Expo '58, the World's Fair in Brussels. The steel construction, consisting of 9 spheres, represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
The European district is situated around the Schumann Square. Both the European Commission and the Council of the European Union have their seats there. Brussels' high end shopping erea is situated on and around the Avenue Louise.
You can find more information on:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brussels