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From early December to early January, this market offers all things Christmassy – crafts, decorations, presents – in the streets to the west of the Grand Place and around the Bourse.

At Citadines, you can rent a studio or an apartment with kitchen and living areas. The flats are available for single nights, but are better value for longer stays. Reasonably priced and centrally located in the Place Sainte-Catherine area.

Pared-down elegance in an old mansion, with patio. Light, wholesome, international cuisine prepared to high standards of excellence.

In the late 19th century, the area around Cogels-Osylei became a showcase for opulent architecture – extraordinary.

An outpost of the Colmar chain in a 16th-century building that was once a Spanish prison.

Each of the 101 rooms has been decorated by a different modern Belgian artist, to varying and unusual effect. Just south of the Gare du Nord, within easy walking distance of the city centre.

Brussels’ most celebrated restaurant has three Michelin stars. For a taste of the superlative, innovative French cuisine, be sure to book weeks ahead.

As part of its celebrations as a Cultural Capital of Europe in 2002, Bruges undertook to create a new concert hall. The result is a highly innovative building that has quickly become established as a leading venue for classical music, as well as ballet and jazz.

South-west of the “Pentagon” delineating the old city, the Conrad lies close to the prime shopping area around the Place Louise. A polished and comfortable modern hotel, it has huge bedrooms, and two respected restaurants.

The Brussels conservatory is a highly respected institution. Its buildings, completed in 1875, were designed by the architect of the Galeries Royales de Saint-Hubert (see Galeries Royales de Saint-Hubert), and include a classical music venue.