Ports of call - Belgium - Brussels
The Basics | Events | Attractions | Airports | Restaurants
Home of the European Union, Brussels has become a bustling centre for bureaucrats and businessmen and is a thriving cosmopolitan metropolis. The buildings in the city are a fascinating mix of architectural styles, and there are numerous museums of interest throughout. Within the 14th-century city walls is the compact centre of the old city with the beautiful Grand Place at its heart. Visitors rarely stray beyond the walls of the 'petit ring' of the city centre, clearly defined from the newer glitzy quarters by its narrow maze of streets. This is where the key sights can be enjoyed, together with the best bars and restaurants.
Visitors can experience the beauty of the art and architecture, marvel at the bizarre sight of the Mannekin-Pis statue, and spend time shopping for traditional souvenirs such as Belgian chocolate and lace. The National Opera House and many other theatres host a variety of events and concerts for those wanting some high culture, and there are plenty of restaurants offering gastronomic delights. These outings can be rounded off by a drink or two in any one of the lively bars located near the Grand Place.
Vibrant and energetic, Brussels is a city of museums and architecture among Europe's finest, a shopper's fantasy and a diner's capital.
The Basics - Getting Around
The modern and well-organised public transport system of Brussels consists of the metro, trams and buses. The network is user-friendly with route diagrams and timetables posted at most stops, and there are free maps available from the tourist office. Trams provide an ideal way to get around and are faster than buses, especially when they travel underground in the city centre to become the prémétro. Both tram and bus stops are by request only. There is a separate system of local trains linking the inner city to the outskirts, although they are of minimal use to tourists, except for getting to and from the airport. Tickets are valid for any form of public transport except local trains, and once validated can be used for multiple transfers within an hour. Tickets are fairly cheap; strips of five or ten tickets or day passes are also available. Children below 12 years ride free. Taxis can be hailed from any of the taxi stands around the city; they are metered and expensive, and taxes and tips are included in the price. The city is relatively easy to negotiate by car, though renting a vehicle is unnecessary. The towns of Bruges and Antwerp are a short train or car journey from Brussels; they are fairly compact and once there it is easy to get around on foot.
Brussels Flower Carpet
For a few days every two years, the beautiful Grand Place in the centre of Brussels is transformed into a gigantic carpet of fresh begonias, intricately worked into a themed pattern. In 2006 the tapestry was inspired by the Middle Ages, with the flowers arranged on rotating platforms to form a giant kaleidoscope of 'rose windows'. Past designs have included scenes from Belgium folklore and mythology, the Brussels Coat of Arms, and Turkish rugs. Work begins a year in advance with scale models and detailed plans, and the multi-coloured end result is well worth it. The multi-coloured carpet can best be viewed from the balcony of the City Hall.
Contact the Brussels Tourist Information on +32 (0)2 513 8940 for more information.
13 - 15 August 2010 | Web:www.flowercarpet.be
Europalia Festival
Europalia is a major international arts festival held every two years to celebrate one invited country's cultural heritage. Since 1969, Europalia has organised some twenty festivals. Each has turned the spotlight on one culture in a comprehensive programme of music, fine arts, photography, cinema, theatre, dance and literature. From October to February, the festival fills numerous locations in Brussels, other Belgian cities and in neighbouring countries.
October 2011 to February 2012 TBA | Web:www.europalia.eu
Brussels Flower Show
The magnificent and unique Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the Brussels suburb of Koekelberg is the venue for the city's annual flower show. Each year in October the grounds of this massive Art Deco edifice are transformed into an Eden, spread with flowers, water features and plants arranged by nearly 100 florists. Visitors can delight in the flower show in addition to marvelling at the Basilica itself, the largest neo-Gothic church in the world, its interior decorated in 1930s style. A climb to the dome is rewarded with a beautiful panorama across the city and surrounds.
For more information contact the Basilica on +32 (0)2 425 8822.
October 2010, TBA
Brussels - Brussels Expo
Tens of thousands of art experts and art lovers from all over the world eagerly await ArtBrussels, Belgium's premier art festival, renowned for its high standard. The Belgian Association of Contemporary Art Galleries instituted ArtBrussels in 1968 and today the work on view, selected by an international committee, represents more than 150 international galleries.
April 2011 TBA
Web:www.artbrussels.be
Brussels Beach
Not just a beach, but a real seaside resort in the heart of Brussels on the edge of the canal, Brussels Beach, or Bruxelles Les Bains, offers half a mile (1km) of fine sand, coconut palms and waterfalls, and plenty of sport, relaxation and cultural activities. Sports like beach volleyball, pétanque and ultimate frisbee are available, or for the less actively inclined a Thai pagoda houses several professional masseurs for complete relaxation. Two stages provide entertainment in the form of live music, DJs and shows, and food stalls and beach bars afford the chance to savour flavours from around the world. Children are well catered for with activities and entertainment that includes sandcastles, clowns and water games.
2 July to 22 August 2010
Web:www.bruxelleslesbains.be
Belgian F1 Grand Prix
The Spa-Francorchamps track often makes for one of the most exciting races of the season as it has a reputation for rain on race-day. The track is two hours away from Brussels.
27 - 29 August 2010
Web:www.f1belgium.com/
Mannekin-Pis
The distinctive statue has been described as the Eiffel Tower of Brussels and tourists throng the streets in search of the tiny urinating urchin. The bronze Mannekin is thought to represent the 'irreverent spirit' of Brussels, but there are numerous tales about its beginnings. Started by Louis XV of France many years ago, it has been the custom of foreign countries, companies, visiting dignitaries or charities to donate an outfit to the Mannekis-Pis and the little boy is usually decked out in the latest costume; previous costumes are displayed in the City of Brussels Museum.
Grand Place (Central Square)
The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels and has been since the Middle Ages. One of Europe's more beautiful squares, it lies in the centre of a confusion of small cobbled streets, and is surrounded by richly decorated 17th century Baroque Guildhouses, various Neo-Gothic buildings and museums. It is, however, the town hall, a magnificent Gothic building that dominates the square. Markets, flower stalls and various events are held here and this is the place to get to grips with the essence of Brussels, perhaps over a local delicacy at a pavement café.
Hôtel de Ville
Brussels' city hall is rated as the most splendid civic building in Europe. The foundations were laid in 1402 and it survived the mercifully inaccurate bombing during World War 2 when most of the other buildings on the Grand Place were destroyed. The façade is embellished with gargoyles and images of nobility while the intricate 100 metre-high tower is resolved by a fine statue of St Michel, patron saint of Brussels. Tours are available - well worth it to see the fine tapestries and miscellaneous works of art inside.
Galeries Royales Saint Hubert
Mall lovers everywhere should make a pilgrimage to the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert, the very first shopping arcade in Europe. Opened in 1847, the arcade became a draw card for the cream of 19th century society and today continues to inspire shoppers and browsers alike. The building itself is an architectural marvel: arcaded shop fronts across two floors are separated by pilasters, conceived in a Cinquecento style. The roof above is made of arched glass panes connected by a delicate cast-iron framework - very photogenic! In between the various shops you'll find cafes, restaurants, a theatre and even a cinema.
Tel: (02) 512 2116
Palais Royal
Belgium's magnificent Royal Palace was built in the 19th century as the official residence of the Belgian Royal family although today is used for official functions and other ceremonial purposes. The palace is positioned in front of Brussels Park, itself well worth exploring, and directly opposite the modern Parliament building as if symbolically representing the country's system of government, a constitutional monarchy. Tours are only possible in summer and commence after the National Holiday on 21 July. Inside are a multitude of historical artefacts and some impressive contemporary art, commissioned by the queen in 2002.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts
An unmissable attraction for art lovers: the twin Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art are Brussels' premier art museums. They feature art from the 15th to 18th centuries (ancient) and 19th century to the present day (modern). The larger of the two is the Museum of Ancient Art, opened in 1887, featuring the best collection of Flemish art in the world; highlights include works by van Dyck and over 20 paintings by Rubens. The Museum of Modern Art was opened in 1984 and includes fine examples from Belgium's best artists over the past century, plus modern legends such as Francis Bacon.
Tel: (0)2 508 3211
The Atomium
Forget the Mannekin Pis - this is the structure that best symbolises Brussels and certainly the one locals are more proud of. Built for the 1958 World Fair, the Atomium takes its shape and proportions from the internal lattice of an iron atom. There are nine spheres linked by escalators and each contains exhibition rooms hosting a rapidly changing series of exhibitions. There is a great view from the deck of the uppermost sphere.
Tel: (0)2 475 4777
Belgian Centre of Comic Strip Art
Belgium's love of wacky humour and comic book art come together in this wonderful museum housed in a fabulous Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta. You'll see plenty of its most famous subject, Hergé's Tintin ,as well as the Smurfs and art from over 670 cartoonists. This is a temple to cartooning, now considered an art form worthy of serious consideration, and so the museum aims to trace the history and development of the discipline rather than to entertain.
Tel: (0)2 219 1980
Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate
The Chocolate Museum is a fitting tribute to both the history of the cocoa bean and the Belgian's famed love of chocolate. The first chocolatier in the city appeared in the 1600s and today Belgians eat an average of 9kg a year! Visit on Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 3pm and you'll to see the master chocolatier at work and get to taste his handiwork.
Tel: (0)2 514 20 48
Royal Museum of Central Africa
Under the direction of King Leopold, the Belgian Congo returned fantastic riches to Belgium in the 19th century, yet the people of that colony paid a terrible price. This museum was founded to explore the relationship between European colonial powers and the people they subjugated. Recent exhibits have broadened the museum's focus to include environmental issues and ethnography in Africa, Asia and South America. The museum is situated on beautiful grounds in the Flemish commune of Tervuren, just outside of Brussels.
Tel: (0)2 769 5211
Brussels Children's Museum
With interactive and educational exhibits, the Brussels Children's Museum is a wonderful place to take the kids to enjoy learning and playing. From learning about colours, careers, the body and even watching shows on themed exhibits, children will be entertained from start to finish.
Tel: 02 640 0107 Email: childrenmuseum.brussels@skynet.be
Bruparck
This village was originally created for the 1958 World Exhibition and houses some of Brussels' most popular tourist attractions. The Oceadium water park, Mini Europe, a Kineopolis cinema and the world-renowned Atomium are all located here, making this a great day out for the whole family with plenty of eateries to stop and grab some refreshments and a bit of fuel for the next attraction.
Tel: 02 474 8383 Email: info@bruparck.com
Mini Europe
Located next to another one Brussels' most popular tourist attractions, the Atomium, Mini Europe contains miniatures of all of Europe's favourite attractions at a scale of 1:25. Approximately 350 attractions can be seen from around 80 cities. Mini Europe is one of Brussels' leading attractions, bringing in over 300,000 visitors annually.
Tel: 02 478 05 50 Email: info@minieurope.eu
Walibi Belgium
With dozens of exciting and thrilling rides, children will be simply captivated at Walibi Belgium Amusement Park. With terrifying roller coasters and children's favourite cartoon characters such as Tweetie Pie and Bugs Bunny, your children will love you for taking them here.
Tel: 010 42 1500
Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium
Featuring fascinating displays and exhibitions, kids will enjoy a trip to the Museum of Natural Sciences of Belgium, and in particular the dinosaur section, the largest of its kind in Europe. Other points of interest for younger visitors are the PaleoLab where fossils and replicas of mammoths are on display, as well as the Evolution and Animal Kingdom sections.
Tel: 02 627 42 27 Email: info@naturalsciences.be
Antwerpen International Airport
The airport is located one mile (2km) east of Antwerp.
Tel: +32 (0)3 285 6500.
Airport facilities include a bank, restaurant, duty-free and a business centre.
Avis and Hertz operate from the airport.
Brussels International Airport
The airport is located eight miles (13km) northeast of the city centre.
Tel: +32 (0)2 753 7753.
Airport facilities include ATMs and bureau de change, a post office, duty-free shops, cafes/restaurants, a beauty shop, a Communications Centre with Internet access, religious services, train information and reservation, travel agency, and luggage lockers. There is also a mobile phone rental office and Wireless LAN hotspot service.
Both long- and short-term parking are available 24 hours. NV Interparking SA operates parking facilities for more than 9,000 vehicles next to the terminal. Car Hotel provides long-term parking facilities close to the E19, and a free shuttle service to the passenger terminal every 10 minutes.
Major car hire companies are represented at the airport, including Avis, Budget and Hertz; their desks are in the Arrivals hall.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport
Brussels South Charleroi Airport is 28.5 miles (46km) from the city.
+32 71 251 211
There is a tourist help desk in the arrivals terminal. Other facilities include shops, bars and restaurants, first aid and baby/parent rooms, travel agent and Internet stands, a VIP lounge and a well equipped business centre. There is a bank, a bureaux de change and several ATMs. Facilities for the disabled are also good.
Long-term and short-term parking are available at the airport.
Rental companies include Avis, Europcar and Hertz.
Comme Chez Soi - French
Brussels - 23 Place Rouppe
This gourmet pilgrimage site never fails to impress, with exceptional quality, refined flavours and an ambient Art Nouveau design. The restaurant boasts both a warmly welcoming atmosphere and truly memorable dishes, such as red mullet fillet with karides or beef fillet with black truffles. For dessert, try the chocolate cake with almonds and hazelnuts. Advanced booking is essential. Closed on Sunday and Monday, and on Wednesday for lunch.
Web:http://www.commechezsoi.be/
La Truffe Noire - French
Brussels - 12 Boulevard de la Cambre
For those with a passion for truffles, pay a visit to this shrine created by Italian chef Luigi Ciciriello. It is a friendly establishment renowned for serving superb truffle-focused dishes in its warm and relaxed environment. Don't miss the carpaccio truffles with olive oil and parmesan for starters and the roast duck with Canary Island bananas for mains. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, only open Monday and Sunday for reservations of 30 or more guests.
Web:www.truffenoire.com
La Quincaillerie - Gastropubs
Brussels - 45 Rue du Page
Housed in a former hardware store, La Quincaillerie has all the raw materials for a fabulous dining experience. The staff are friendly if slightly frenetic; the interior's Horta-inspired industrial qualities are striking; and the food is quite simply fantastic, especially the impeccably fresh seafood. Open for dinner all week, and lunch Monday to Friday. Bookings essential well in advance.
Web:www.quincaillerie.be
Les Brassins - Local
Brussels - 36 Rue Keyenveld
Belgian brasseries are scattered throughout Brussels so it's hard to tell which are truly outstanding and worth seeking out - we've heard consistently good reports about this local secret, tucked away at the end of a back street in Ixelles. Enjoy tasting some of the 50 local brews while tucking into hearty dishes like rabbit cooked in cherry beer, or the meatloaf with mustard sauce. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.
Web:www.lesbrassins.com
Chez Leon - Local
Brussels - 18 Rue des Bouchers
Don't be put off by the picture menu and touristy look, this is the real deal! For celebrated mussel dishes, as well as local fare such as rabbit stewed in kriek(cherry) beer or stoemp(bubble and squeak), the original Chez Leon (near the Grand Place - watch out for imitations!) is the perfect place to dine. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.
Web:www.chezleon.be
Aux Armes De Bruxelles - Local
Brussels - 13 Rue des Bouchers
Founded in 1921, this is a true Brussels legend that serves the freshest of mussels and finest of French fries. Approach the moules et friteBruxelles-style by eating the first mussel with your fingers and then use the shell to eat the rest. The entire menu is excellent, especially the beef stewed in beer and the delicious waterzooï.The front room's vintage Art Nouveau interior is delightful. Open for lunch and dinner daily, reservations recommended.
Web:http://www.armebrux.be/en
Bonsoir Clara - International
Brussels - 22 Rue Antoine Dansaert
Located in the fashion district of Brussels, this trendy restaurant offers diners a selection of both traditional and international cuisine. The menu features a variety of Belgian, Italian and Asian dishes including cold pea soup, fish lasagne, roast lamb and cod carpaccio. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner, and for dinner on weekends. Reservations recommended.
Web:www.bonsoirclara.be
La Maison du Cygne - Local
Brussels - 2 Rue Charles Buls
Once frequented by the likes of Karl Marx and the Belgian Socialist Party, this 17th century house now offers diners a traditional ambience, enhanced by richly coloured décor and polished walnut walls. The menu features mainly Belgian and French cuisine including lobster salad with apples and a curry sauce, beef fillet with a three pepper sauce, and lemon-scented codfish. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner, and for dinner on Saturday. Reservations recommended.
Web:http://www.lamaisonducygne.be/uk_home.php
Les Trois Couleurs - French
Brussels - 453 Avenue de Tervuren, Woluwé-Saint-Pierre
Dining at Les Trois Couleurs is gorgeous throughout the year - in winter guests can enjoy the spacious, neat dining room and in summer the terrace garden is perfect. This elegant and romantic restaurant's menu offers French cuisine such as a prawn and caviare salad, or poached brill. Open Tuesday to Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for dinner and Sunday for lunch. Reservations essential.
Web:http://www.3couleurs.be/
La Porteuse d'Eau - Local
Brussels
This beautiful art deco restaurant not only stuns with amazing decor, but keeps locals coming back for more with classic Belgian cuisine and selection of over 70 Belgian beers.
Web:www.laporteusedeau.be
