Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the unofficial capital of the European Union, yet it remains one of Europe's most underrated cities. Diplomats and travelers share its grand Gothic and Baroque squares and the medieval lanes that wind between them, and the city has a cosmopolitan, multilingual energy few places can match, with French and Dutch spoken on every corner and languages from across Europe in the air.

Start in the Grand-Place, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, surrounded by gilded guildhalls. Then settle into a classic brasserie for hearty Belgian comfort food like moules-frites, and don't skip your daily dose of chocolate, waffles and Belgian beer. All that international influence has created a city packed with museums, markets, restaurants and boutiques, from comic-strip murals to Art Nouveau architecture and the giant Atomium.

Brussels is far more than a quiet alternative to Paris or Amsterdam, and fast trains connect it to both. I'll pair it with Bruges, Ghent or a river cruise and handle the rail connections and hotel.