Pentagon Travel Guide (Brussels/Belgium/Benelux/Europe)

Introduction to Pentagon
List of Places to Visit in Pentagon
Hiking/Biking Routes of Pentagon
- Brussels Green Belt
- Forest de Soignes
Best Things to Do in Pentagon: Activities and Tours
- Sightseeing Tour of Brussels
- Belgian Chocolate Workshop
Week-Long Itinerary for Pentagon
Food and Drink Scene of Pentagon
Where to Stay in Pentagon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Pentagon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Belgian Chocolate
- Lace
Local Culture and Customs of Pentagon
Best Time to Visit Pentagon
Do’s and Don’ts of Pentagon
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Pentagon
- Health in Pentagon
Getting to Pentagon: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around Pentagon
Where to Go Next from Pentagon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Antwerp
- Bruges
Conclusion

Introduction to Pentagon

Pentagon is a bustling municipality located in the heart of Brussels, Belgium’s capital. It’s a hub of activity, with plenty of museums, galleries, and theaters to explore. The area is also home to the beautiful Grand Place, where tourists can marvel at the stunning architecture and sample Belgian cuisine at its finest. The district gets its name from its pentagonal shape, which is due to the city walls constructed in the 17th-century.

List of Places to Visit in Pentagon

Pentagon is the perfect spot for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the rich cultural history of Belgium. Here are some must-see spots:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Halle Gate

The Halle Gate is a beautifully preserved 14th-century city gate that served as both a defensive structure and later as a customs post. Visitors can explore the history of the site while enjoying stunning views of Brussels.

Royal Palace of Brussels

The Royal Palace of Brussels is one of the grandest buildings in the city and serves as the official home of the Belgian Royal Family. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace’s opulent interiors and the surrounding park’s gardens.

Museum of the City of Brussels

The Museum of the City of Brussels is an excellent place to learn about the city’s history. A highlight of the museum is the Grand-Place tapestry, which gives an idea of how the square looked before the construction of new buildings in the 18th century.

Natural Attractions of Pentagon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Parc de Bruxelles

Brussels’ largest park, Parc de Bruxelles offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Perfect for a picnic or a stroll, the park is home to many statues and sculptures.

Cambre Woods

The Cambre Woods are a natural paradise in the heart of the city. Located just south of the Parc de Bruxelles, visitors can relax amidst wildlife, walking trails, and wildflowers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pentagon

For active travelers, Pentagon is ideal for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Some recommended routes are:

Brussels Green Belt

The Brussels Green Belt is one of the most popular hiking routes in the city, covering an expansive 60-kilometer loop. The trail covers various parks, woodlands, and nature reserves around Brussels.

Forest de Soignes

The Forest de Soignes is located south of Brussels and stretches across 4,000 hectares. The region is perfect for both hiking, biking, and horse riding thanks to its many well-marked trails.

Best Things to Do in Pentagon: Activities and Tours

Here are some exciting things to do in Pentagon:

Sightseeing Tour of Brussels

Visitors can take a tour around the city to see the best attractions, including the Atomium, Manneken Pis, and the Royal Palace.

Belgian Chocolate Workshop

Learn about Belgian chocolate history and make your chocolate truffles and pralines under the guidance of a master chocolatier.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pentagon

Here’s an ideal week-long itinerary for a trip to Pentagon:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Take a Sightseeing Tour of Brussels
Day 2	Visit the Royal Palace of Brussels and the Manneken Pis fountain
Day 3	Explore the museums in the area, including the Museum of the City of Brussels and the Halle Gate
Day 4	Take a hike in the Cambre Woods
Day 5	Learn about Belgian chocolate at a workshop
Day 6	Enjoy a leisurely bike ride to the Forest de Soignes
Day 7	Spend a relaxing day at Parc de Bruxelles and finish the evening with dinner at a restaurant on the Grand Place

Food and Drink Scene of Pentagon

Belgium is famous for its food, and there is no shortage of delicious gastronomic delights in Pentagon. Visitors should try some of these dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

Belgian Waffles

Belgian waffles are famous worldwide, and visitors should try the locally made variety, which features sugar sprinkled on top.

Frites

Frites, or french fries, are more than just a side dish in Belgium. Belgian fries are usually served with a variety of dipping sauces, including mayonnaise and ketchup.

Local Beverages

Belgian Beer

Belgium is home to some of the world’s most popular beers, including Duvel, Chimay, and Leffe.

Jenever

Jenever, also known as Genièvre, is the Belgian version of gin. It’s typically sipped slowly and served ice-cold.

Where to Stay in Pentagon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in Pentagon, ranging from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some recommendations:

Sofitel Brussels Europe

The Sofitel Brussels Europe is located near the European Parliament and boasts modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV.

Hilton Brussels Grand Place

The Hilton Brussels Grand Place is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the city, with a fitness center, sauna, and two restaurants.

Sleep Well Youth Hostel

Those traveling on a budget should consider the Sleep Well Youth Hostel, which offers dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms.

What to Buy in Pentagon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Pentagon should check out these local products:

Belgian Chocolate

Belgian chocolate is world-renowned, and tourists should take some home as souvenirs.

Lace

Belgium is famous for its intricate lacework. Many shops in the area offer handmade lace items, including tablecloths, napkins, and clothes.

Local Culture and Customs of Pentagon

Belgium is a multilingual country, with French, Dutch, and German being the most commonly spoken languages. Tradition and culture are significant in the area, so visitors should be respectful.

Best Time to Visit Pentagon

The best time to visit Pentagon is during the summer months, from June to August, when temperatures are warm and comfortable. The peak tourist season is from June through September.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pentagon

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Pentagon:

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions.
Be polite and courteous to everyone you meet.
Try the local cuisine.

Don’t:

Speak too loudly or act inconsiderately in public.
Ignore museum etiquettes or rules.
Leave trash in public places.

Safety and Health

It’s generally safe to travel to Pentagon; however, visitors should take the usual precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Safety in Pentagon

Travelers should avoid walking alone in secluded areas at night. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on belongings.

Health in Pentagon

Belgium is a modern country with a high-quality healthcare system. Visitors should ensure they have adequate travel insurance before arriving.

Getting to Pentagon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Pentagon

Brussels International Airport is located approximately 20 minutes from the city center of Brussels.

Bus Stations Near Pentagon

Brussels Midi Station is located south of Pentagon and offers connections to various destinations throughout Europe.

Other Options

The city boasts numerous metro and bus lines that offer visitors convenient ways to get around.

How to Get Around Pentagon

Travelers can easily get around Pentagon on foot or by taking public transportation. The city’s metro system is comprehensive, and buses offer convenient connections to the airport and other parts of the city.

Where to Go Next from Pentagon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some exciting places to visit near Pentagon:

Antwerp

Antwerp is a vibrant city and is home to some of the country’s top museums and galleries, including the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Middelheim Museum park.

Bruges

Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning medieval architecture and picturesque canals.

Conclusion

Pentagon is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Belgium. Visitors can immerse themselves in the area’s rich cultural history, explore natural wonders, sample delicious cuisine, and much more. With so much to offer, Pentagon is an ideal destination for travelers of all ages.