BRUSSELS BELGIUM VACATIONS
BRUSSELS HOTELS
The hotel trade in Brussels offers a particularly wide range of styles,
ambiences and decors. Brussels has no fewer than 150 hotels
spread over its 19 local districts. There, you’ll find fifteen or so *****
hotels, including period luxury hotels fully done up to suit today’s
tastes, but retaining the charm and elegance of the luxury hotels of
the past. **** hotels also meeting international standards and ***
hotels that are often well worth the trip. The charm of some
establishments is worth going out of your way for. Contemporary art,
Renaissance style, designer, Art Nouveau, these establishments are
full of ideas to make your stay unforgettable.
BRUSSELS TRANSPORTATION
Most public transport in the Brussels-Capital Region is organized by
the STIB (Société des Transports intercommunaux bruxellois).
The network includes metro lines, which connect the eastern and
western districts of the city. Pre-metro lines (trams in the tunnels)
complete the metro service. A great many metro lines also have
above ground bus and tram connections.
Timetables: 6 a.m. - midnight - consult the timetables shown at the
stops.
BRUSSELS BEST WALKING TOURS
Brussels is a city best explored on foot.
BRUSSELS WALKING ROUTE 1-Ixelles: from Saint-Boniface to
Flagey
Ixelles is one of the liveliest localities in Brussels. Thoroughfares of
shops and stores and perfectly-sited outside tables happily coexist in
the mix of local community atmospheres. In the middle, the Saint-
Boniface district, loyal to its good food establishments in unfailingly
original settings, borders on the highly colourful Matongé quarter. Its
inhabitants, who are mainly Africans, open up their doors and sunny
terraces.
Farther along, Ixelles’ Museums of Architecture and Fine Arts flit non-
stop between retrospectives and avant-gardism. In possession of the
biggest collection of Toulouse Lautrec posters, the latter also
displays works from the leading names of Fauvism and of the Cobra
movement.
And then, right at the bottom end of Ixelles, there’s Flagey, the old
radio broadcasting centre, which has genuinely resumed service by
offering a specialised and varied schedule over the last two years.
Festivals and concerts follow one after the other there all year round.
Whether it’s for cinema, song or visual arts, it’s always tempting to go
and discover something there. And the more inquisitive can go
further, along the edge of the ponds, to admire a myriad of Art
Nouveau houses.
The sight of Fauvist masterpieces, the smell of exotic scents, the
sound of world-famous acoustics, the taste of exquisite flavours or
the touch of a friendly embrace, Ixelles appeals to all 5 of our senses!
BRUSSELS WALKING ROUTE 2 -From the Sablon to the Marolles
and back
So close and yet so different, these two districts are a real gold mine
for art lovers, collectors or bargain hunters. It is also overflowing with
an infectious ‘joie de vivre’. The antique and modern art galleries of
the Sablon constitute a chic museum in themselves, where (almost)
everyone can chance on that rare and elusive pearl thanks to its
eclectic mix.
The nearby Law Courts were wittily re-baptised ‘the large inkpot’ by
Victor Hugo. Its panoramic view on place Poelaert can be reached in
thirty seconds via the bizarre lift that lands in the very heart of Rue
Haute. A constant whirl of activity, the popular Rue Haute and Rue
Blaes are thronged with the most unexpected bric-a-brac and
decoration shops, carefully interspersed with typical and welcoming
cafés and restaurants. Tempting, carefully-prepared dishes are
served alongside soups and soft cheese sandwiches.
The ‘zwanze’ is a must: once you’ve heard an absurd, incredible or
surreal story told in the good old brusseleer accent, you’ll have
reached the roots of the Marolles. All of this local tradition is further
enhanced by the fantastic bric-a-brac: the flea market that’s held every
morning on Place du Jeu de Balle!
BRUSSELS CLASSIC WALKING ROUTE
The major attractions at the heart of the capital can be discovered at
leisure in the course of one single, charming walk. In fact, its most
fascinating old monuments are concentrated within a perimeter that
is on a human scale, which means that it is possible to wander from
one world into another in only a quarter of an hour.
From the Grand-Place, a lively alleyway takes you to the Galeries
Saint-Hubert (shopping arcades) and its discovery tour ‘Brussels on
Stage’. Providing, as it does, a summary of the city’s history and
characteristics, this visit promises some pleasant surprises to all. On
the other side of the Grand-Place you’ll want to pay a visit to the
mischievous Manneken-Pis, which even Asian visitors sometimes
find “very cute, but quite small, no?”.
Then head down towards the Stock Exchange and make
acquaintance with its two Belle Epoque taverns, the Falstaff and the
Cirio. Passing in front of the Théâtre de la Monnaie, you will find
yourself at the beginning of Rue Neuve, the most bustling of
Brussels’ shopping streets.
Then, in search of a little serenity and grandeur, cross Place des
Martyrs and go up towards the Cathedral of Saints Michel and
Gudule. While you’re in the vicinity, check out the times of the recitals,
as the new Grenzing great organs are worth a visit as much for their
aesthetic qualities as for their sonorous and rich notes. In the course
of this walk, you’ll often be tempted to push open the door of an old
bar to compare the original flavours of the gueuze, the kriek or the
faro, brewed exclusively in the region.
BRUSSELS ATTRACTIONS
1 Grand-Place
An awe-inspiring setting rebuilt in 1700, Brussels’ Grand-Place (main
square) has no fewer than 40 listed buildings standing either side of
the majestic Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) and the Maison du Roi (King’s
House).
2 St Michel and Gudule
A combination of gigantic proportions and the Gothic delicacy of
Brabant, the Cathedral also possesses Grenzing organs consisting
of no fewer than 3000 pipes.
3 Colonne du Congrès
Very close to the royal park and overlooking the lower part of the city,
the Colonne du Congrès (Congress Column) is one of the symbols
of the declaration of Belgian independence.
4 Atomium
Built for the 1958 World Fair, this architectural curiosity leaves no-one
unmoved. A lift takes you to the top where you can enjoy an
unbeatable view.
5 Mini-Europe
Meandering in the shadow of the Atomium is the delightful Mini-
Europe trail. No fewer than 350 famous monuments and places of
interest are presented there on a scale of 1:25 in the most
meticulous detail. Truly impressive!
6 Pavillon chinois and Tour japonaise (Chinese Pavilion and
Japanese Tower)
Exoticism guaranteed a hundred metres from the royal estate. One of
the many different projects of King Léopold II.
6 Château royal de Laeken (Royal Château of Laeken)
This is the residence of our monarchs. Between the walkways of the
estate surrounding the château stand the majestic Laeken
greenhouses, which can be admired in full bloom in April.
7 Sablon
The perfect spot to see and be seen, this is the perfect place for
spotting beautiful antiques and scrumptious chocolate.
8 Palais de Justice (Law Courts)
With its imposing location and bulk, this architectural "mammoth"
overlooks the Marolles district.
9 Quartier Louise (Louise district)
Temple of luxury shops and social graces.
10 Place Royale and Palais royal (Royal square and Palace)
The classical exterior proportions conceal a wonder of delicate
refinement inside.
11 Palais de la nation
This is Belgium’s federal parliament.
12 Cinquantenaire
Its lovely park and vast car, aircraft and history museums make this a
must.
13 Art Nouveau district
The finest names in Art Nouveau architecture have left their mark
around Square Ambiorix, including the master of the genre, Victor
Horta. So look out for the plant-like curving lines, because they’re
everywhere.
14 European district
Vast sheets of glass and mazes of offices housing most of the official
European Union authorities.
BRUSSELS HOTELS
The hotel trade in Brussels offers a particularly wide range of styles,
ambiences and decors. Brussels has no fewer than 150 hotels
spread over its 19 local districts. There, you’ll find fifteen or so *****
hotels, including period luxury hotels fully done up to suit today’s
tastes, but retaining the charm and elegance of the luxury hotels of
the past. **** hotels also meeting international standards and ***
hotels that are often well worth the trip. The charm of some
establishments is worth going out of your way for. Contemporary art,
Renaissance style, designer, Art Nouveau, these establishments are
full of ideas to make your stay unforgettable.
BRUSSELS TRANSPORTATION
Most public transport in the Brussels-Capital Region is organized by
the STIB (Société des Transports intercommunaux bruxellois).
The network includes metro lines, which connect the eastern and
western districts of the city. Pre-metro lines (trams in the tunnels)
complete the metro service. A great many metro lines also have
above ground bus and tram connections.
Timetables: 6 a.m. - midnight - consult the timetables shown at the
stops.
BRUSSELS BEST WALKING TOURS
Brussels is a city best explored on foot.
BRUSSELS WALKING ROUTE 1-Ixelles: from Saint-Boniface to
Flagey
Ixelles is one of the liveliest localities in Brussels. Thoroughfares of
shops and stores and perfectly-sited outside tables happily coexist in
the mix of local community atmospheres. In the middle, the Saint-
Boniface district, loyal to its good food establishments in unfailingly
original settings, borders on the highly colourful Matongé quarter. Its
inhabitants, who are mainly Africans, open up their doors and sunny
terraces.
Farther along, Ixelles’ Museums of Architecture and Fine Arts flit non-
stop between retrospectives and avant-gardism. In possession of the
biggest collection of Toulouse Lautrec posters, the latter also
displays works from the leading names of Fauvism and of the Cobra
movement.
And then, right at the bottom end of Ixelles, there’s Flagey, the old
radio broadcasting centre, which has genuinely resumed service by
offering a specialised and varied schedule over the last two years.
Festivals and concerts follow one after the other there all year round.
Whether it’s for cinema, song or visual arts, it’s always tempting to go
and discover something there. And the more inquisitive can go
further, along the edge of the ponds, to admire a myriad of Art
Nouveau houses.
The sight of Fauvist masterpieces, the smell of exotic scents, the
sound of world-famous acoustics, the taste of exquisite flavours or
the touch of a friendly embrace, Ixelles appeals to all 5 of our senses!
BRUSSELS WALKING ROUTE 2 -From the Sablon to the Marolles
and back
So close and yet so different, these two districts are a real gold mine
for art lovers, collectors or bargain hunters. It is also overflowing with
an infectious ‘joie de vivre’. The antique and modern art galleries of
the Sablon constitute a chic museum in themselves, where (almost)
everyone can chance on that rare and elusive pearl thanks to its
eclectic mix.
The nearby Law Courts were wittily re-baptised ‘the large inkpot’ by
Victor Hugo. Its panoramic view on place Poelaert can be reached in
thirty seconds via the bizarre lift that lands in the very heart of Rue
Haute. A constant whirl of activity, the popular Rue Haute and Rue
Blaes are thronged with the most unexpected bric-a-brac and
decoration shops, carefully interspersed with typical and welcoming
cafés and restaurants. Tempting, carefully-prepared dishes are
served alongside soups and soft cheese sandwiches.
The ‘zwanze’ is a must: once you’ve heard an absurd, incredible or
surreal story told in the good old brusseleer accent, you’ll have
reached the roots of the Marolles. All of this local tradition is further
enhanced by the fantastic bric-a-brac: the flea market that’s held every
morning on Place du Jeu de Balle!
BRUSSELS CLASSIC WALKING ROUTE
The major attractions at the heart of the capital can be discovered at
leisure in the course of one single, charming walk. In fact, its most
fascinating old monuments are concentrated within a perimeter that
is on a human scale, which means that it is possible to wander from
one world into another in only a quarter of an hour.
From the Grand-Place, a lively alleyway takes you to the Galeries
Saint-Hubert (shopping arcades) and its discovery tour ‘Brussels on
Stage’. Providing, as it does, a summary of the city’s history and
characteristics, this visit promises some pleasant surprises to all. On
the other side of the Grand-Place you’ll want to pay a visit to the
mischievous Manneken-Pis, which even Asian visitors sometimes
find “very cute, but quite small, no?”.
Then head down towards the Stock Exchange and make
acquaintance with its two Belle Epoque taverns, the Falstaff and the
Cirio. Passing in front of the Théâtre de la Monnaie, you will find
yourself at the beginning of Rue Neuve, the most bustling of
Brussels’ shopping streets.
Then, in search of a little serenity and grandeur, cross Place des
Martyrs and go up towards the Cathedral of Saints Michel and
Gudule. While you’re in the vicinity, check out the times of the recitals,
as the new Grenzing great organs are worth a visit as much for their
aesthetic qualities as for their sonorous and rich notes. In the course
of this walk, you’ll often be tempted to push open the door of an old
bar to compare the original flavours of the gueuze, the kriek or the
faro, brewed exclusively in the region.
BRUSSELS ATTRACTIONS
1 Grand-Place
An awe-inspiring setting rebuilt in 1700, Brussels’ Grand-Place (main
square) has no fewer than 40 listed buildings standing either side of
the majestic Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) and the Maison du Roi (King’s
House).
2 St Michel and Gudule
A combination of gigantic proportions and the Gothic delicacy of
Brabant, the Cathedral also possesses Grenzing organs consisting
of no fewer than 3000 pipes.
3 Colonne du Congrès
Very close to the royal park and overlooking the lower part of the city,
the Colonne du Congrès (Congress Column) is one of the symbols
of the declaration of Belgian independence.
4 Atomium
Built for the 1958 World Fair, this architectural curiosity leaves no-one
unmoved. A lift takes you to the top where you can enjoy an
unbeatable view.
5 Mini-Europe
Meandering in the shadow of the Atomium is the delightful Mini-
Europe trail. No fewer than 350 famous monuments and places of
interest are presented there on a scale of 1:25 in the most
meticulous detail. Truly impressive!
6 Pavillon chinois and Tour japonaise (Chinese Pavilion and
Japanese Tower)
Exoticism guaranteed a hundred metres from the royal estate. One of
the many different projects of King Léopold II.
6 Château royal de Laeken (Royal Château of Laeken)
This is the residence of our monarchs. Between the walkways of the
estate surrounding the château stand the majestic Laeken
greenhouses, which can be admired in full bloom in April.
7 Sablon
The perfect spot to see and be seen, this is the perfect place for
spotting beautiful antiques and scrumptious chocolate.
8 Palais de Justice (Law Courts)
With its imposing location and bulk, this architectural "mammoth"
overlooks the Marolles district.
9 Quartier Louise (Louise district)
Temple of luxury shops and social graces.
10 Place Royale and Palais royal (Royal square and Palace)
The classical exterior proportions conceal a wonder of delicate
refinement inside.
11 Palais de la nation
This is Belgium’s federal parliament.
12 Cinquantenaire
Its lovely park and vast car, aircraft and history museums make this a
must.
13 Art Nouveau district
The finest names in Art Nouveau architecture have left their mark
around Square Ambiorix, including the master of the genre, Victor
Horta. So look out for the plant-like curving lines, because they’re
everywhere.
14 European district
Vast sheets of glass and mazes of offices housing most of the official
European Union authorities.
BRUSSELS BELGIUM HOTELS
BRUSSELS HOTELS
BRUSSELS HOLIDAYS
BRUSSELS BELGIUM VACATIONS
BRUSSELS HOTELS
BRUSSELS HOLIDAYS
BRUSSELS BELGIUM VACATIONS
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