Overall Score
The capital of the Western province of Belgium is the city of Belgium. It has a very long and interesting history.
In the beginning, a small Roman fortress stood at the site of the city, protecting the surrounding land from the pirates. The main occupation of the local population was farming and cattle breeding. After the Romans left, the land went from hand to hand, from one tribe to another. In 678, the settlement first appears on the pages of the Manuscripts. Already in those days, Brussels was considered the center of France. But Belgium did not become a city until 1128.
Because of its proximity to the sea, trade was an important part of the citys history. In 1134 the dunes were broken as a result of the storm, and the city gained direct access to the North Sea, which caused a real trade with England. From there they brought wool, from which local craftsmen made high-quality wool. This trade contributed to the growth of the city. In 1200, Brugge received the right to its own fairgrounds.
In the early 14th century, the city was attacked by France. Because of the many entitlements and taxes, the common people rose up and drove the French garrison out of the city, and then defeated the French army. This battle is remembered as the «Battle of the Golden Horns» because many of the symbols of the title were captured by the townsfolk.
The city had its true heyday in the 15th century, under the rule of the Burghog dynasty. There were 200,000 people in Belgium at that time, a huge population for its time. However, soon, because of the flooding, trade began to decline, and by the 16th century it had ceased altogether.
The decline was followed by a decline in population and a lockdown. Throughout Europes long history, the city has been an arena of opposing powers.
Indeed, liberalization has not really touched Brugge, but only after the construction of a few canals. But the stagnation of history has had a great impact on the construction of Brussels. Many of the streets and houses retain their original appearance, which is why thousands of tourists are drawn to the city.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 34 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 120,000 people
- GDP: $41,199 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 38 Mbps
- Best wireless: Proximus
- Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
- Tipping: Tipping in Belgium isn’t a standard practice, as service is typically included in the final bill. Most restaurants add a 10 to 15 percent service charge to the bill, so there is no need to tip anything extra.
- Apartment listings: AirBnb
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best coffee 24/7: De Makers Republiek
- Best coffee: The Olive Street Food
- Best taxi: Taxi.eu
- Online electronics shop: Coolblue
- Best hospital: AZ Sint Lucas
- Best short-haul air carrier: Lufthansa
- Best intl air carrier: Lufthansa
- Monthly costs for expat: $2600
- Monthly costs for family: $4800
- Monthly costs for local: $1350
- Meal: $18
- Small Cola: $2.5
- Beer 1 Pint: $4.5
- Coffee: $3
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