The Belgian capital Brussels is charming and historic, making it the perfect location for a relaxing weekend break.

Located in the centre of Belgium, the city dates back to before the 10th century and its identity was cemented when a small castle was built in 979 on an island surrounded by the River Senne. The city walls were constructed shortly afterwards and the settlement became an important stop on trade routes.

Brussels formed part of the Holy Roman Empire, but achieved independence after the Belgian Revolution of 1830 and started to expand rapidly. In 1940 the city was bombed by Germany and was attacked throughout the war.

Also the home of the European Union and the political seat of Nato, Brussels plays a vital political role on the world stage. The city is a conference magnet and accommodation at weekends in some stunning hotels can be relatively cheap as a result.

The architecture is one of the major delights of Brussels and part of the city's charm lies in wandering through its pretty streets. The population of Brussels speaks a mixture of Dutch and French and the city is officially bilingual. The city is very cosmopolitan and many people also have excellent English.

Brussels has a manageable number of key tourist sites, the most impressive of which is arguably the Grand Place, with its baroque guildhalls, Gothic town hall, cafes and eateries.

There are many interesting museums, from the Musee des Instruments de Musique, home to the biggest collection of musical instruments in the world, to the Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique with its extensive collection of ancient and modern art.

The Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art will delight children, there is a small museum dedicated to the famous Belgian singer Jacques Brel, another to painter Rene Magritte and one for the work of Art Nouveau pioneer Victor Horta.

Brussels also has a vibrant theatre, dance and classical music scene and the huge Atomium at Laeken, a building shaped like a giant molecule that visitors can walk around.

Flights to Brussels are becoming increasingly cheap and it is also possible to travel by Eurostar from London. The city has a very good Metro system, tram network and regular buses and is very easy to travel or walk around. Summer is the best time to visit, with soft sunlight falling on its historic squares.

Food in Brussels is generally excellent and there is a heady array of restaurants across the city, from traditional cafes selling waffles and cakes to seafood and fine dining establishments. The pubs are open impressively late and serve excellent, frothy Belgian beer.

As a small city, Brussels feels open and very close to the surrounding forests and countryside. However, it also offers plenty of opportunities for shopping in its chic streets and at the popular flea market at Jeu de Balle in the Marolles quarter. There are a number of lively nightclubs and bars dotted around catering to most tastes.