Do not go to Charleroi - it is a pit with nothing to see - boarded up windows and burned out flats - where squatters were trying to keep warm in winter. Especially do not go to Hotel de la Basse Chambre - it is riddled with bedbugs - I have bites all over my body - they are very painful - and I did not get my money back for my stay! As the Capitol of Europe Brussels leaves a lot to be desired - unless of course you are on an expense account or a member of European Parliament - and can stay in the finest hotels and eat in the finest restaurants!

Charleroi is a city, which is so depressing to everybody that it is already worth a visit. This city reflects like no other one in Belgium the cracking down of classical industries like mining, working with steel or textile industry. The whole town represents the richness of the past in a state of being rotten down. Additionally you will be accompanied by the rain being typical for this region. However - don't miss the international photo museum, which is for sure one of the highlights for the culture friend. Further if you like to take photos, make a tour, settle down in a pub and if you speak French, talk to the folks and you will learn more about Europe and Belgium than in any library of this world.

terrible airport, I would not travel to Charleroi itself. For use of this airport I think it is good to travel by your own car and park in the airport. We use public transportation which was either late or even absent - the pre-paid shuttle bus from Charleroi train station (A line) never appearaed from 3 to 4 pm. Had to hire taxi in last moment and rush to airport

Charleroi most of the business were closed like out of business did have a great dinner close to the hotel. The man working at the hotel warned us to stay away from any low lite street and to be very careful. Had no problems the city is in flux to modernize and grow worth a look

We were told not to leave the car on the street but in a secure compound! The town looked like it needed some serious regeneration. The station and canal were pretty but the rest had a lot to be desired.

A very rundown, depressed town. We were passing through to Calais so only stayed one night, a Friday. Looked like economic situation In the area is not that good and this shows in the appearance of whole town, buildings lacking maintenance and weeds everywhere. Not a very inviting town. On our way out on N90 we came across a huge metal / steel mill? Closed down so perhaps this accounts for the town now suffering