Bordering Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southeast, Montenegro to the southeast  and Slovenia to the northwest. Croatia has an impressive history, a fact that is best explained through the vast array of sites worth visiting. Most towns have an historical centre with its typical architecture. There are differences between the coast and the continental part, so both areas are a must. The most famous town is probably Dubrovnik, a prime example of the coastal architecture, but by no means the only one worth visiting. Equally important is the capital and largest city, Zagreb, with a population of about 1 million. It is a modern city with all the modern features, yet it has a laid back feel. In the east, in the region of Slavonia, the regional capital Osijek and the war torn Vukovar are awe inspiring. Scattered throughout the region are vineyards and wine cellars, most of which offer tours and tastings.

Croatia

Are you ready to get inspired by a world of art, design and culture? From creative hubs filled with the best galleries, museums, and ongoing exhibitions, to imaginative centres and workshops frequented by locals - check out the coolest curated spaces in {{area}}. 
The scene here is dynamic and endlessly evolving, whether you're an architecture admirer, a culture vulture, or an art and design enthusiast. Feed your creative side and dive right in! 

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When it comes to the culinary scene, we’ve got you covered with a list of dining and drinking experiences to take your tastebuds on a journey through {{area}}! Searching for the best local markets with yummy stalls? Curious about cooking classes, or wondering which traditional drinks and bites to try out? Our community of locals have some tasty recommendations for you.

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Food & Drinks

Beaches, national parks, urban parks, forests, dunes, heathlands - you name it! We've lined up the best of locally recommended nature activities in {{area}} that are sure to get some fresh air in those lungs! If it's anything you can explore and do in the great outdoors, you can plan it here.

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Lace up those hiking boots and get out on the trail! We’ve organized the top nature walks and hikes in {{area}} for all the outdoor lovers looking to go the limits. There are plenty of routes you can choose from - all offering you stunning views that make each step even more worth it.

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All of the landmarks, viewpoints, monuments, city skylines, and hidden gems at your fingertips! These are the places that will astound your sight and senses,  and would also make a pretty Instastory. 
From urban architecture to natural wonders, explore the must-see spots in {{area}}, and revel in the beauty that surrounds you here.

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Come one, come all - come big, come small! We've rounded up all of the kid-friendly places in {{area}}, including parks, playgrounds, outdoor activities, and museums for you and your family to enjoy. These places and activities are fun (and safe!) for the whole family, no matter what size or age!

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Ready for an epic time? Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just looking for an exciting outdoor activity - check out what {{area}} has going on. There's truly never a dull moment here. From biking, adventure parks, and water sports to wonderous new environments - we rounded up the best things for you to do to have an adventurous time outdoors.

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In Zagreb

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The Zagreb county borders Slovenia on its west. This region it’s more a living one, where you can really easily find some sweet villages, all around the capital. You can still  find some churches and ruins to visit, like ; the Ruins Sambor Castle, the Saint Martin church or even more recent monuments like the Fallen soldier of Velika Gorica. The region also has some nature to offer like the Nature Park Zumberak, in the west of the county.

Zagreb

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Your slow travel guide

Hi, I’m Atlas, your personal AI travel assistant. I can help you plan a trip, recommend destinations, recommend hotels, or answer any travel-related questions.

Welcome to the capital of Belgium! Known as the heart of the European Union, Brussels is absolutely buzzing. Modern neighbourhoods sit side by side with Art Deco buildings and historic landmarks. 

Brussels

Belgium, small but packs a punch. Not known among its fellow Europeans as a destination hub nor among those beyond the continent but look close and you will find some hidden gems. A confusing country with 3 official languages! We're here to help you navigate it and find the best best places in Belgium. 

Lying on the North Sea coast, Belgium's immediate neighbours are France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands. The small nation of Belgium might leave you surprised by its rich and gorgeous heritage. It boasts a number of fascinatingly historic cities packed with medieval and Art Nouveau architecture and famous for their long traditions in arts, fashion and fine dining. If you've seen the best of them, the Belgian countryside offers anything from sandy beaches to the densely forested hills and ridges of the Ardennes. Brussels, the country's vibrant capital, is a modern world city with a highly international character. It combines massive postmodern buildings in its European Quarter with impressive historic monuments, such as the World Heritage listed Grand Place, surrounded by guildhouses and the Gothic town hall. There's Laken Castle and the large St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, dedicated to the cities patron saints. The Royal Palace is a more recent but no less grand structure. One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Atomium, a remarkable steel structure and remnant of the 1958 World's Fair.

Belgium

The view from the rooftops of an Ixelles building shows a blue sky above the neighborhood. 

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The Flagey building is a well known place where cultural events often take place. 

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Belgian homes are often layered in height and multicolored, shown here in the Ixelles neighborhood. 

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Even in the neighborhood parts of Flagey the large office buildings of the EU can be seen. 

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Flagey Square is a lively space in the Ixelles neighborhood where weekly outdoor markets take place. 

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# Welcome to one of Brussels’ largest neighborhoods, Ixelles! 

Nestled in the Ixelles umbrella is Flagey and Chatelain, both suburbs with a unique culture. Ixelles is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood. One of the best spots to visit in Ixelles is the famous Mantoge African district filled with shops and restaurants that differ from the typical Belgian classics. There’s a lot of history in Ixelles, and if you weren’t aware - it’s actually the birthplace of actress Audrey Hepburn! (You can even see where she lived!) 

## The Mini-Neighbourhood of Flagey
The Flagey area of Ixelles is totally  its own mini neighborhood. Go for a visit and you’ll soon see how popular this area is with locals. Flagey’s highlights include the weekly **Flagey Market** that happens over the weekend at the Flagey Square. If you’re looking for a place to go out with friends, you’ll always find a fun crowd around the square! 


## The Quirky Chatelain
A little more quiet and cozy, but is definitely worth a visit while you’re in Ixelles. Chatelain is full of things to do! This is the perfect area to spend the day wandering around and getting some shopping done. If you’ve never been to **Rue Du Bailli**, it is absolutely worth checking out. The trendy shopping street is filled with tons of cute local stores, so you’re bound to find something to buy here. Between these areas in Ixelles, there is always something to do, which is why we love it so much! 

### Learn Something New 
You can easily add some museums onto your list while wandering Ixelles. There’s a little bit of something for everyone here. Visit the **CIVA Museum** to take a deep dive into Belgian architecture, or head to the **Wiertz Museum** to witness the home and studio of beloved artist Antoine Wiertz! If you brought along the little ones, make sure to stop by the **Children’s Museum** or the **Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences** - both equally fun and kid friendly! 

### Get Outdoors
Escape the hustle and bustle and head out into nature. It’s right around the corner! Brussels is known for its picturesque parks and the neighbourhood of Ixelles is no different. Just within the area you’ve got some seriously great options for some green scenery. Located in the **Bois de la Cambre** is the **Abbaye De La Cambre**, a historical and architectural gem with a gorgeous garden area. Here you’ll also find **Tenbosch Park**, a smaller and more intimate park compared to the Bois de la Cambre. Size doesn’t really matter, though you’ll still feel like you’ve entered the forest without leaving the city behind! 

### Sip n Dine 
There is no shortage of yummy food and cool drink spots in Ixelles! Given that it’s a relatively popular spot for expats and people working in the EU bubble, there’s plenty of trendy bars in the area. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, we highly recommend *My Tannour* in Flagey, a delicious Syrian food spot. If you want to be let in on a little secret - check out the hidden gem *52 and the Secret Garden*! It’s a hidden Italian restaurant with a vibrant garden area. Definitely insta-worthy! 

If you’ve gone out in Brussels before, chances are you’ve heard of *Cafe Belga*. If you haven’t heard of it, listen up. This is one of the hottest spots to go out in Brussels, and definitely the best in Ixelles. Located in the popular Flagey Square, the bar has live music and DJs to get you up and moving any night of the week! If you want something a bit more upscale, try out *Le Tigre* - an Asian BBQ restaurant and bar, and a local favourite for their experimental cocktails. 


### Shop til You Drop
If you’re into vintage clothes, you won’t want to skip out on Ixelles. The **Brussels Vintage Market** takes place here, with tons of clothes to sift through. For weekend markets, the **Flagey Market** is THE spot. Tents with local produce, crafts, and food are all surrounding the Flagey Square. If you’re looking for more high-end options, the **Rue Da Bailli** is a super trendy street filled with boutique shops. If you’re a bookworm, make sure to stop by *Peinture Fraiche* - an impressive bookshop filled with a variety of new and second-hand books. Basically, if you’re in the mood to buy something new, you’ve got a lot of options in this neighborhood. 

### Time to Play
If you’re looking for a fun time out, there’s no limit in Ixelles! Between escape rooms, bounce arenas, and bowling, there’s tons of activities to keep you and your friends busy. **Brussels Bowling Ixelles** is a great spot to work on your strike, or check out **Escape Rush** - the most immersive escape game in Brussels! Try to escape from a submarine bunker, a Tokyo lab, or the White House! 

### Stick Around for a While! 
If you feel like you haven’t quite seen there is to offer in Ixelles, we don’t blame you. The Ixelles neighborhood spreads out over both Flagey and Chatelain - this means you have plenty of options for accommodation! Why not extend your stay and check one of these cozy boutique hotels! 

[Jardin Secret](https://www.booking.com/hotel/be/jardin-secret.html?aid=304142&label=gen173nr-1DCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaI4CiAEBmAExuAEXyAEM2AED6AEB-AEDiAIBqAIDuALfvu6NBsACAdICJDM5Y2Q5ZWIzLTI5NGYtNDFkYy05YmRkLTI1YmIzODczMDFmMNgCBOACAQ&sid=3084e5c50063d4b4786b757849ec8591&dist=0&group_adults=1&group_children=0&hapos=0&hpos=0&no_rooms=1&req_adults=1&req_children=0&room1=A&sb_price_type=total&sr_order=popularity&srepoch=1639685995&srpvid=a5498ef579940025&type=total&ucfs=1&activeTab=main)  - We won’t keep this one a secret from you! Hidden in the middle of Ixelles is this extremely cute and cozy hotel, complete with a secret garden area and a heated pool! You can even stay in and dine and drink at their restaurant and bar, or just take a quick 15 minute walk back into the central part of Brussels. 

[Maison Flagey Brussels](https://www.booking.com/hotel/be/maison-flagey-brussels.html?aid=304142;label=gen173nr-1DCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaI4CiAEBmAExuAEXyAEM2AED6AEB-AECiAIBqAIDuALy1-6NBsACAdICJDUyOTRjYTZjLTk5OWItNDc4YS05ZDY5LTA1MzI1MWQ1YTE1YtgCBOACAQ;sid=3084e5c50063d4b4786b757849ec8591;dest_id=1323641;dest_type=hotel;dist=0;group_adults=1;group_children=0;hapos=0;hpos=0;no_rooms=1;req_adults=1;req_children=0;room1=A;sb_price_type=total;sr_order=popularity;srepoch=1639690103;srpvid=a54996fa71590084;type=total;ucfs=1&#hotelTmpl)  - Any big Art Nouveau fans out there? Let’s face it, it’s kind of hard not to be after visiting Brussels! What if we told you that you could stay in a historic Art Nouveau building? The Maison Flagey building dates all the way back to 1906, and after being beautifully restored this is the perfect place to stay to get the full Brussels architectural experience. Did we mention they offer homemade croissants? 

Not ready to leave the city? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of Brussels neighborhoods to explore! Check out all of our guides on Brussels city and its unique neighborhoods. 
