Traditions and customs in Brussels

1. Beer culture

Over a thousand Belgian beers, each with its own glass, and Trappist and lambic traditions found nowhere else.

2. Ommegang

A July pageant in the Grand-Place re-enacting a 1549 procession, UNESCO-listed.

• Best time: July

3. Flower carpet

A million begonias laid across the Grand-Place for four days every second August.

• Best time: Mid-August, even years

4. Chocolate making

Praline was invented here in 1912; the difference between artisan and industrial is stark.

5. Bilingualism

Officially bilingual French and Dutch, and every sign is in both.