600 years ago, Brussels was nothing more than a handy place to buy a waffle on the way to Bruges. Then, it was given free trade status and its economy took off. By 1830, it was the capital of an exuberant and newly independent country booming with the industrial age. Today, with over one million people, it is the headquarters of NATO and the capital of the European Union. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.