Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance.
COUNTRY CODE:
Dial ++32 for Belgium
FROM THE AIRPORT
Car Hire :
Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +32 (0)2 721 0592. Open from 6.30am-11pm Monday-Saturday and 7am-9pm Sunday.
Airport Transfer :
Pre-book your door-to-door transfer with easyJet’s transfer partner, Holiday Taxis—from home to the airport and the airport to city or resort. Just log on to easyjet.holidaytaxis.com.
Train :
Trains depart every 15 minutes for the city centre. Tickets: €2.80 single; €5.60 return.
Taxi :
The journey to the centre of town costs about €35 and takes 25 minutes.
Bus :
Every 20 minutes, buses 12 and 11 go to Schuman metro station in the centre. Tickets: €3.
(1520 Chaussée de Wavre, Auderghem. Tel. 02 673 6673 ) Head for this design-conscious Thai restaurant and enjoy the €9 lunch menu. It's famous for delicious red curry chicken.
(7 Rue Basse, Uccle. Tel. 02 374 6936) In the village-like Uccle district, this restaurant with Mediterranean-style décor offers French cuisine made from fresh produce. Don't miss the cod gently cooked in butter and served with mushrooms.
(7 Rue des Dominicains. Tel. 02 512 2084) This centrally located restaurant is a local institution, serving seafood for almost 40 years. Sample one of the local specialities: boiled salt-water fish and vegetables flavoured with pistou.
(24 Avenue du Roi Chevalier, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. Tel. 02 711 5860) Discover fine fusion flavours at this creative new Italian restaurant and admire the very trendy décor. Make your choice from the extensive menu (try the sautéed veal with ceps) or the daily suggestions on the blackboard.
(110 Boulevard Anspach. Tel. 02 548 2424) Dance the night away at this institution on the main boulevard of Brussels. See www.abconcerts.be find out what's on.
(52 Rue des Chartreux. Tel. 02 502 0049) Join the young, fashion-conscious locals and night owls at this club where resident and guest DJs offer different themed parties every night.
On the ground
Shop
The Grand Rasoir, founded in 1821, specialises in fine cutlery and razors. It has also its own workshop offering sharpening and repair services (7 Rue de l’Hôpital. Tel. 02 512 4962).
Insider Tip
Public phone cards can be found at post offices and some shops displaying the distinctive red card. Very useful if you need to call home but don't want a massive mobile phone bill!
Key Area
Built in the 19th century, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is an architectural masterpiece. It shelters restaurants, pubs, a renowned theatre, cinema and many shops. Just a few seconds' walk from the Grand-Place.
This month
The fantastic Star Wars exhibition hits Brussels this month. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover more than 280 original props from the films (until 1 June. Tour et Taxis, 86C Avenue du Port. Tel. 02 420 6069).
Day Tripping
Malines/Mechelen
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Like many Flemish cities, Malines (in French), or Mechelen (Flemish), is like a real open-air museum. In the centre, you'll find guided walking tours—just follow the coloured arrows to discover gems such as the Saint-Rombaut Cathedral and Palace of Marguerite of Austria. It's just 30 kilometres from Brussels.
No way!
Belgians greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. If you want to give more than one, go for three—two kisses looks more intimate.
