Noteworthy places of interest

Why favour Brussels and make it ”Yours

Stone filigree, façades accentuated with bronze and gold: the GrandPlace/Grote Markt reveals a thousand and one secrets of the past.

Fantastic museums, imposing historic buildings and impressive perspectives. Mont des Arts/Kunstberg has a strong and steady heartbeat. The world of music parades its wealth of talent there.

Absolutely gigantic. The Cinquantenaire/ Jubelpark esplanade has three world-famous museums in a magnificent park.

Heysel/Heizel is always lively and bustling with its procession of all kinds of visitors. Business people attending the trade fairs and shows of the Centenaire exhibition buildings, and families and travellers to the entrancing Mini-Europe park.

The whole city is yours ! An outstanding example of cultural heritage,

The Guide & Map is the most loyal

Flagey has theatres and studios,

assistant you can have for directing

including the famous studio 4

your own personal scenario of

with its captivating acoustics.

Brussels. In 120 pages and a handy

A place that's become a must.

size, it slips into your pocket for just… 3.00 €.

over other destinations to discover” ?

Brussels is a region that's home to the capital of Europe and the Kingdom of Belgium. It’s famous for the Grand-Place/Grote Markt, the Manneken-Pis and the Atomium. If, seated at a table outside a café over a sociable kriek or gueuze - beers unique to the valley of the Senne - you ask the people of Brussels what they think, they'll tell you that there's much more to it than that. Brussels today has become a European village. Cosmopolitan and passionate about good food, it reflects the art of enjoying life. “Yours to discover” varies with the passing of the seasons: springtime is populated with comic strip heroes; summertime comes in the form of music and suntops; autumn is devoted to the beauties of Art Nouveau; “winter fun” includes an entertaining gourmet trail offering a wealth of European traditions. Brussels is the centre of Europe and reasonable prices make it affordable for everyone. No other destination can compare in terms of value for money and the art of living… and, what's more, in Brussels, they often speak more than six different languages!

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Close-up on Art Nouveau

o special effects or trick shots. In 1893, a certain Victor Horta drew the revolutionary plans for the Tassel house. His colleagues and followers immediately fell in behind him. The concept of movement excited the whole of Europe.

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Freewheeling... Walking or cycling are the best ways of covering the districts that take you to the masterpieces of Horta, Hankar, Delune, Strauven… and many others! www.bruxelles-art-nouveau.be 4

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An exception he Grand-Place/Grote Markt is one of the most important UNESCO sites and is therefore part of our listed World Heritage of Humanity. Just around the corner, the Galeries Saint-Hubert (arcades) prefigured the commercial architecture of the whole of Europe: its fine shops are always wellstocked. The neighbouring towers of the cathedral of Saints-Michel and Gudule have witnessed many sumptuous royal weddings.

T

The D-Tours audio guides mark out the trails for you to follow around Brussels. The Marolles, the GrandPlace/Grote Markt and the Saint-Catherine district. www.d-tours.org

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© Vincent Merckx

al theatrical backdrop

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A Showcase

s your style trendy or off-beat? The Dansaert district is teeming with shops dedicated to avantgarde. Brussels' fashion designers vie with each other for daring and are renowned from California to Japan.

I

Practical, colourful and full of information, the Themed Walks provide signposts for "Yours to discover". www.brusselsinternational.be 8

named Desire

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Out there in

10

the night

russels also teems with life as the day draws to a close. The bars and restaurants in the area around Saint-Boniface/Sint-Bonifaas and the black and cool ambience of the Matonge district lend rhythm to the nightlife. The very elegant lounge style is expressed from place du Châtelain/Kasteleinsplein to place Louise/Louizaplein.

B

For night owls only Brussels by Night lists the best places to head for as soon as the sun goes down. www.agenda.be 11

Roll out the

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barrel…

n Brussels, Gueuze, Kriek with cherries, raspberry beer, and Faro (enhanced with sugar candy) are brewed in traditional old barrels.

I

Beer 2005, a festival of flavours in Brussels From bottles to casks, this brochure reveals all the secrets of these delicious beverages and suggests you explore Brussels through 4 walks, with beer as your guide. www.beer2005.be

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Important art

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Museum van Buuren

and secret collections russels’ museums teem with extraordinary works that have left their mark on the history of art. Bosch, Bruegel, Teniers and Memlinc are still stars today. Elsewhere, limousines, fighter planes and old trams are on display in imposing buildings. Many quaint museums house remarkable pieces, gathered together by inspired researchers.

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For 3 days, 30 museums for only 30 € ! … and free rides on all public transport. What could be better than that? www.brusselscard.be

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russels’ concert hall and fine arts centre (BOZAR), Musical Instruments Museum, Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Royal Library of Belgium, Bellevue Museums, Royal Palace, former Palace of Brussels and the Brussels and Sablon/Zavel parks make up the artistic centre of the city and can be visited on foot.

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Sunday on Mont des Arts A truly unique ticket! For a modest price, it’s the ideal pass for opening every door. Children get special treatment: for them, it’s free! www.montdesarts.be

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Mont

des Arts/Kunstberg

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A walk in

s you walk around, the sweeping city views draw your eye and camera lens. The parks and gardens spread out their luxuriant or meticulously maintained world of plants and greenery.

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Discovering Brussels by bicycle And why not have a specialist to accompany you ? Bicycle hire and guided bicycle tours : www.provelo.org

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the park

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World capital s world capital of the speech bubble, the city invites you on a walk following the trail of 30 comic strip frescoes in the city centre districts. On foot, by bicycle, alone or as a group, experience this trail and mingle chummily, for the day, with Brussels’ real inhabitants and the heroes that populate our imagination.

A

Brussels Essentials This great passport ensures you a reasonably-priced welcome at eleven key sites in the city. An opportunity and a bargain well worth grabbing for short stays and family trips. www.mustofbrussels.be

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of comic strip

21

© Tom Swaelems

No divas,

russels' head cooks and their teams are just one of the reasons to smile in this city. Here, gastronomy is one art with star billing that's still affordable.

B

22

just real stars

Somewhere to sit, see and be seen ? The Gourmet Guide sets out a great spread of the city’s tables. Multi-starred restaurants feature alongside traditional local brasseries. Practical information, seasonal dishes and unmissable specialities: food-lovers are certain to find plenty to their taste in it. www.brusselsinternational.be 23

Living it up

n summer, Brussels has plenty of open-air festivities to offer. A chance to enjoy our beers on one (or more) of the many café terraces!

I

An essential summer diary, the Summer Fun leaflet is your guide and adviser for finding the city-centre hot spots. Organised entertainment, urban culture, folklore, exhibitions and concerts follow in quick succession, one after another, all summer long, to set your ears quivering and your feet tapping. www.brufete-brufeest.be 24

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On Brussels’

LET THE GREEN BELT SURPRISE YOU ! A host of villages full of gentle charm and surrounded by idyllic country hillsides lies hidden just a stone’s throw away from Brussels. There, you can wander the hills of the Dijleland by bicycle, sail in a boat along the rivers and canals or feel heady with culture in one or more of the region’s many museums. This is a great way of discovering the many castles of the Pajottenland, seeing stars in the excellent MIRA observatory or finding out what lies ahead for mankind at the museum of the future. And, then, why not make the most of the authentic products of this region, such as Gueuze and Kriek, chicories and grapes. The Flemish Brabant Tourist Office suggests cycling, walking or riding routes. Ask for the free brochure.

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The castle and the National Botanical Garden in Meise

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE GREEN BELT, LEUVEN AND THE HAGELAND, PLEASE CONTACT: Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant Provincieplein 1, 3010 Leuven Tel + 32 (0)16 26 76 20 Fax + 32 (0)16 26 76 76 e-mail: [email protected] www.vlaamsbrabant.be/toerisme

doorstep... A FASCINATING LAND THAT LIES only a few kilometres south of Brussels. A place that cares deeply about its way of life, home comforts and the welcome it offers to its visitors, Walloon Brabant shows a respect for tradition: typically quaint villages, historic sites, traditional farms with quadrangular courtyards, hospitality and fine food await you. A GLORIOUS PAST, A DYNAMIC PRESENT From the Middle Ages to the present day, Walloon Brabant has preserved the finest examples of its history. The most important of these are the site of the battlefield at Waterloo, the Cistercian Abbey at Villers-laVille, the Collegiate Church of Nivelles, the Château of Rixensart and several charming little museums. On a more contemporary note, Walloon Brabant is also home to the “Six Flags” amusement park and to Louvainla-Neuve, a university seat and the newest town in Belgium. A BEAUTIFUL GREEN SETTING PERFECT FOR RELAXING The many estates, parks and gardens of Walloon Brabant display their different colours through the seasons giving great pleasure to the people walking through them. With its eleven golf clubs and fourteen 18-hole courses, Walloon Brabant is unquestionably a golfers’ paradise to be explored over a weekend, for example. Ramblers can roam a network of some 215 km of signposted walks while horse and rider can take to the bridle paths. If you prefer a bird’s eye view, ask for a tour of Walloon Brabant by hot air balloon.

INFORMATION: Cellule Tourisme de la Province du Brabant wallon Avenue Einstein 2, 1300 Wavre Tel. : +32 (0)10 23 61 85 Site: www.brabantwallon.be

Birdie or eagle ? That little white ball soars into the skies of Walloon Brabant !

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1,2,3... theme

There are a number of organisations offering theme tours to help you explore the city from its most original perspectives. Sometimes extremely erudite, always very characteristic and in each case very lively. It would be surprising if you didn’t find that something “extra” to make your stay even more memorable…

VOIR

ET DIRE

BRUXELLES

Under the promising and well-earned name of “Seeing and Saying Brussels”, six associations have pooled their knowledge and their enthusiasm for the town by creating individual theme tours. Tel.: +32 (0)476 43 36 32 E-mail : [email protected] - www.voiretdirebruxelles.be

ARAU (ATELIER DE RECHERCHE D’ACTION URBAINES)

ET

Boulevard Adolphe Max 55 Adolphe Maxlaan - 1000 Brussels Tel. +32 (0)2 219 33 45 - Fax +32 (0)2 219 86 75 E-mail: [email protected] - www.arau.org The political, social and economic evolution of the city, explained in a lively and engaging way from the point of view of its architecture and town planning.

LA FONDERIE Rue Ransfort 27 Ransfortstraat - 1080 Brussels Tel. +32 (0)2 410 99 50 - Fax +32 (0)2 410 39 85 E-mail: [email protected] - www.lafonderie.be A long-term view, intelligently blending economic, social and historical aspects. This research centre highlights the sum total of Brussels’ vitality.

ITINÉRAIRES

ARKADIA Rue Hôtel des Monnaies/Munthofstraat, 120 – Brussels Tel. + 32 (0)2 537 67 77 - E-Mail: [email protected] www.asbl-arkadia.be Art historians share their passions in a friendly and accessible manner.

BUS BAVARD/CHATTERBUS Rue des Thuyas 12 Thujastraat - 1170 Brussels Tel. +32 (0)2 673 18 35 - Fax +32 (0)2 675 19 67 E-mail: [email protected] - www.busbavard.be With a deliberately eccentric approach, the Chatterbus doesn’t treat its groups like flocks of sheep nor its guides like parrots !

Rue Hôtel des Monnaies 157 Munthofstraat - 1060 Brussels Tel. +32 (0)2 534 30 00 - Fax +32 (0)2 534 02 14 E-mail: [email protected] - www.itineraires.be Brussels seen through its celebrities, real or fictional. Through music with Jacques Brel, or the mysteries of the freemasons narrated by Victor Horta.

PRO VELO Rue de Londres 15 Londenstraat- 1050 Brussels Tel. +32 (0)2 502 73 55 Fax +32 (0)2 502 86 41 E-mail: [email protected] www.provelo.org A pleasant and active way of exploring the city with neither windscreen nor roof in your way, giving you a completely unimpeded and unparalleled view.

GUIDES GBB

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Town Hall of Brussels Grand-Place/Grote Markt - 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 548 04 48 - Fax +32 (0)2 514 45 38 E-mail: [email protected] From the Brussels of Charles V to European capital, official guides accompany you in a choice of 10 languages as you step out for the first time here. (For groups).

tours ASSOCIATION

DU

PATRIMOINE

ARTISTIQUE Rue Charles Hanssens 7 Charles Hanssensstraat - 1000 Brussels Tel. +32 (0)2 512 34 21 E-mail: [email protected] http://users.skynet.be/APA There’s no getting away from the Art Nouveau melting pot that Brussels once was, with its designers Horta, Van de Velde, Hankar and all their followers.

D*TOURS Drève du Caporal 23 Korporaaldreef – 1180 Brussels Tel. : +32 (0)2 345 09 59 E-mail: [email protected] www.d-tours.org An audio trail, colourful and historic, comical and curious, entertaining and dream-like in the workingclass district of the Marolles, on the history of the Grand-Place/Grote Markt or the delightful SainteCatherine/Sint-Katelijne district.

BRUKSELBINNENSTEBUITEN

OPEN TOURS CITY SIGHTSEEING “HOP ON, HOP OFF”

Rue du Houblon 47 • Hopstraat - 1000 Brussels Tel. +32 (0)2 218 38 78 E-mail: [email protected] http://brukselbinnenstebuiten.vgc.be On a constant quest for the unusual and avant-garde, these really are guides who can take you off the beaten tracks.

Gossetlaan 15 - 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden Tel. +32 (0)2 466 11 11 - Fax: +32 (02) 463 51 95 E-mail: [email protected] www.open-tours.com The double-decker buses set off from Gare Centrale to explore the city with multilingual guides. Get on and off when you please.

BRUSSELS

ONTHAAL

BY WATER

/

RIVERTOURS

Quai des Péniches 2bis • Akenkaai - 1000 Brussels Tel. +32 (0)2 203 64 05 - Fax +32 (0)2 203 07 09 E-mail: [email protected] www.scaldisnet.be For boat lovers, tourist river cruises in the heart of the city and its surrounding areas.

EN

PROMOTIE BRUSSEL

Rue des Princes 8-10 Prinsenstraat - 1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 227 18 18 - Fax: +32 (0)2 227 18 19 E-mail: [email protected] www.opbrussel.be Looking for a special programme? This organisation will help you find it.

VISIT BRUSSELS LINE “HOP ON, HOP OFF”

CALÈCHES CARLOS MOENS-STASSENS Watermolen 1 - 9300 Aalst Tel +32 (0)53 70 05 04 - Fax +32 (0)53 78 63 27 A little ride in the city centre to the nostalgic clipclop of horses’ hooves. Horse-drawn carriages await you near the Grand-Place/Grote Markt.

Brussels City Tours Rue de la Colline 8 Heuvelstraat (near the GrandPlace/Grote Markt) - 1000 Brussels Tel. +32 (0)2 513 77 44 - Fax +32 (0)2 502 58 69 E-mail: [email protected] www.brussels-city-tours.com The comfort of city tours in double-decker buses with individually-tailored commentary over headphones in 8 languages. Step aboard at Central Station and go immediately to the upper floor.

USEFUL ADDRESSES

IN

BRUSSELS

Practical information BELGIAN TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE

Auberge de Jeunesse Génération Europe

Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes/Grasmarkt 63, 1000 Brussels • Tel. + 32(0)2 504 03 90 • Fax + 32(0)2 513 04 75 • Opening hours: November to April 2005 from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m to 1 p.m. May, June, September, October 2005 from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. July and August 2005 from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. • Closed: Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., 25/12 and 1/1

Rue de l’Elephant 4 Olifantstraat - 1080 Brussels • Tel. + 32 (0)2 410 38 58 • Fax +32 (0)2 410 39 05 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.laj.be

ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Sleepwell - Espace du Marais Rue du Damier 23 Dambordstraat - 1000 Brussels • Tel. + 32 (0)2 218 50 50 • Fax + 32 (0)2 218 13 13 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.sleepwell.be

Office de Promotion du Tourisme Wallonie Bruxelles OPT

CHAB - Centre Vincent van Gogh

• Brochures: Tel. 02 509 24 00 (only from Belgium) • E-mail: [email protected] • www.belgique-tourisme.net

Rue Traversière 8 Dwarsstraat - 1210 Brussels • Tel. + 32 (0)2 217 01 58 • Fax + 32 (0)2 219 79 95 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.chab.be

Tourism Office for Flanders • E-mail: [email protected] • www.visitflanders.com

Bed & Brussels

Town Hall of Brussels Grand-Place/Grote Markt, 1000 Brussels • Tel. + 32(0)2 513 89 40 • Fax + 32(0)2 513 83 20 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.brusselsinternational.be • Opening hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, summer: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; winter: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 1/1 till Easter: closed on Sunday. • Closed: 25/12 and 1/1

• Tel. + 32(0)2 646 07 37 • Fax + 32(0)2 644 01 14 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.bnb-brussels.be

HOTEL RESERVATIONS

ARRIVAL BY AIR

On the spot, at either the Belgian Tourist Information Centre or Brussels International - Tourism. See our hotel guides, available on request

YOUTH HOSTELS

Auberge de Jeunesse Jacques Brel Rue de la Sablonnière 30 Zavelput - 1000 Brussels • Tel. + 32 (0)2 218 01 87 • Fax + 32 (0)2 217 20 05 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.laj.be - www.cbjt.

Jeugdherberg Bruegel Rue du Saint-Esprit 2 Heilige Geeststraat - 1000 Brussels • Tel. + 32 (0)2 511 04 36 • Fax + 32 (0)2 512 07 11 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.jeugdherbergen.be

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Taxistop - Bed & Breakfast • Tel. + 32(0)70 222 292 • Fax + 32(0)2 223 22 32 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.taxistop.be

TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL

PLACES TO STAY

GUEST-HOUSE ROOMS BRUSSELS INTERNATIONAL - TOURISM

Tourist Information: Brussels International - Tourism Arrival Hall - 7/7, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed: 25/12 and 1/1 Espace Wallonie - OPT - Office de Promotion du Tourisme Wallonie-Bruxelles Arrival Hall - weekdays 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. , WE 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed: 25/12 and 1/1 Brussels National Airport (Zaventem) is 14 km from the city centre. Trains run to the Gare du Nord, Gare Centrale and Gare du Midi every 20 minutes. Journey time: approx. 30 minutes. Fare: 2.60 €. Airport info flights: Tel. +32 (0)2 753 77 53 (from abroad) and • 0900/70 000 - (7 a.m. until 10 p.m.). • E-mail: [email protected] • www.brusselsairport.be

ARRIVAL BY TRAIN

displayed on the meter and includes service. Tips are left at your discretion. Per hour waiting charge: 21.86 €. City centre to/from airport: average fare 29.75 €. Special rates offered by some taxi firms.

Gare de Bruxelles Midi/Station Brussel-Zuid Tourist Information: Brussels International - Tourism Hall TGV/Thalys/Eurostar Opening hours: Winter: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m; Saturday 9 a.m to 6 p.m.; Sunday and bank holidays, 9 a.m to 2 p.m; Summer : Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m; Friday, 8 a.m to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed: 25/12 and 1/1 • Brussels has several main stations and a dense rail network with regular trains and attractive fares. Brussels Midi is the main interchange for international services, particularly TGV (Thalys) and Eurostar. • Discount fares are available for selected tourist excursions and in conjunction with some major national events. Train tickets are on sale at station ticket counters. Further details from Belgian Railways (SNCB/NMBS): Passenger information: • www.sncb.be www.b-rail.be • Tel. +32 (0)2 555 25 25, in French, national services (weekdays and WE 7 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.) • Tel. +32 (0)2 528 28 28 national and international services and reservations (weekdays 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. - WE 9 a.m.- 5.30 p.m.)

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Metro, tram and bus: Brussels public transport is operated by: STIB/MIVB Headquarters: Avenue de la Toison d’Or 14 Gulden Vlieslaan, 1050 Brussels

Passenger information: • Tel. 0900 10 310 (0.45 €/min.) • www.stib.irisnet.be Free map available from the Belgian Tourist Information Centre or from Brussels International - Tourism and at Metro stations.

Signposts: Metro stations are identified by the following sign: Tram and bus stops are identified by a red and white sign (all stops are request stops: hold your arm out to signal to an approaching bus to stop).

Buying tickets: Available from Metro stations, STIB/ MIVB offices, selected newsagents, tourist information centres.

Fares: Single ticket : 1.40 €; 5-journey card: 6.50 €; 10-journey card: 9.80 €; one-day travelcard (valid to midnight; valid for 2 persons on Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays) : 3.80 €; Airport Line Ticket : 3.00 €.

Brussels stations: Central: Carrefour de l’Europe/Europakruispunt 2, 1000 Brussels. Midi/Zuid: Rue de France/Frankrijkstraat 2, 1070 Brussels. Nord/Noord: Rue du Progrès/Vooruitgangstraat 85, 1210 Brussels. Luxembourg: Pl. du Luxembourg/Luxemburgplein, 1040 Brussels. Schuman: Rond-point Schuman/Rondpunt Schuman, 1040 Brussels (for the EU institutions).

Buses serving areas outside Brussels itself: Walloon Brabant: Walloon Brabant - TEC, Place Henri Berger 6 - 1300 Wavre • Tel. + 32(0)10 23 53 53 / Fax +32(0)10 23 53 10 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.tecbw.com

Flemish Brabant: De Lijn, Martelarenplein 19 - 3000 Leuven • Tel. + 32(0)70 220 200 - info: + 32(0)16 31 37 11. • E-mail: [email protected] • www.delijn.be Fares are in relation to the length of the journey (itself divided into fare zones - discounts are available).

INFORMATION ABOUT DRIVING IN BELGIUM

Federation of Belgian Coach Operators: FBBA coaches: • FBAA: Tel. + 32(0)2 245 35 70 • Fax + 32(0)2 245 20 50 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.fbaa.be

PRACTICAL TIPS

Speed limits: Built-up areas: 50 km/h and 30 km/h zones, other roads: 90 km/h and 70 km/h zones; Motorways: 120 km/h. Breakdown services: • Touring Secours: Tel. +32 (0)70 34 47 77 • or RACB Tel. +32 (0)78 15 20 00 Other details: Motorways are toll-free. Seat-belts must be worn by both front and rear passengers. Maximum permitted blood alcohol level: 0.5 grams per litre . Depending on the region, road signs are either in French, Dutch or both (Brussels). Priority: drivers must give way to priority vehicles (trams, buses, ambulances) or to vehicles coming from the right, except when the road they are driving on has priority. Taxis: average cost per km: 1.14 € ( within Brussels); 2.28 € (trips outside the 19 Brussels boroughs). Pick-up charge: 2.35 € during the day; 4.21 € at night. The fare is

Entry formalities for foreign tourists for stays of less than 3 months: European Union (ex. UK and Ireland) and Swiss nationals: identity card. UK and Ireland, other nationals: valid passport Commission of the European Union: Rue de la Loi 200 Wetstraat, 1049 Brussels. • Info : Tel. + 32(0)2 299 11 11

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Currency and foreign exchange:

NORDIC COUNTRIES

(market rates in October 2004) 1 € = 0.694 GBP 1 € = 1.273 USD 1 € = 135.159 JPY 1 € = 1.557 CAD

Office de Promotion du Tourisme Wallonie - Bruxelles rue Saint-Bernard 30 - 1060 Bruxelles • Tel. + 32 (0)2 504 02 20 • Fax + 32 (0)2 513 69 50 • E-mail : [email protected] • www.belgium-tourism.net

Tips and service: cinemas/hotels/restaurants: In the case of usherette service, tip 0.50 €. Hotels: service included. Restaurants: service (16%) and VAT are included (tip for exceptional service only). Cloakroom attendant ±1.25 to 2.50 €/person. Public toilets: 0.25 to 0.50 €. Phone: public call boxes with coins or a phone card (Telecard on sale at post offices, news-stands, stations). Credit card phones available at certain tourist sites.

Official public holidays : 1 January, Easter Monday, 1 May, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, National Holiday (21/7), 15 August, 1 November, 11 November (Armistice Day), 25 December (Christmas).

Emergency services :

BELGIAN TOURIST OFFICES

• Ambulance/Fire : 100 • Federal Police : 101 • European emergency & assistance : 112 Other out-of-hours services: listed in newspapers and displayed in windows of pharmacies.

USA Belgian Tourist Office 220 East 42nd street - Room 3402 New York, N.Y. 10017 - USA • Tel. +1 212 758 81 30 • Fax +1 212 355 76 75 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.visitbelgium.com

GREAT BRITAIN Tourism Flanders-Brussels - Flanders House 1A, Cavendish Square UK - London W1 G 0LD Tel. + 44 (0)20 7307 77 30 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.visitflanders.co.uk Belgian Tourist Office Brussels - Wallonia 217 Marsh Wall UK - London E14 9FJ • Tel. +44 (0)20 7531 03 90 • Fax +44 (0)20 7531 03 93 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.belgiumtheplaceto.be • www.belgium-tourism.net

SCANDINAVIA Denmark / Sweden Belgian Tourist Office Flanders-Brussels Vester Farimagsgade 1 (3rd floor), DK - 1606 Copenhagen V • Tel. +45 33 93 01 30 • Fax +45 33 93 48 08 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.belgien.dk • Sweden: www.belgien.nu

flySN.com

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POLAND Urzad Promocji Turystyki Walonia-Bruksela Ul. Ks. I. Skorupki 5 -VI° pietro PL - 00 546 Warszawa • Tel. +48 22 583 70 06 or 01 • Fax +48 22 583 70 03 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.belgique-tourisme.net

JAPAN Belgian Tourist Office Shuwa Kioicho, TBR Building N° 607 5-7, Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, 102-0083 Tokyo - Japan • Tel. +81 3 3237 7101 • Fax +81 3 3237 8400 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.belgium-travel.jp

CESKÁ REPUBLIKÁ Holandská a Flanderská turistická Informacní kancelár Tábortiská 23, Hotel Olsanka 130 87 Praha 3 - Ceská Republiká • Tel. + 420 2 670 92 444 • Fax + 420 2 670 92 650 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.flandry.cz

… FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM By road : Via France E42 (Calais-Lille-Tournai-Namur) Via Zeebrugge E40 (Ostend-Brussels) By rail : EUROSTAR : high-speed trains from London to Brussels. Numerous crossings daily. Journey : 2 hours 20 minutes. Info : EUROSTAR London or Eurostar ; • www.eurostar.com EUROTUNNEL : Central Customer Service • Tel. : 08705 35 35 35 or www.eurotunnel.com By coach : Eurolines: various destinations • www.eurolines.com By air : Frequent flights between UK cities and Brussels. By ferry : Several ferry companies have crossings to Belgium: HOVERSPEED (Dover-Calais): Tel. 0870 240 80 70 (from UK only) Tel. 00800 1211 1211 (outside UK) www.hoverspeed.com P&O FERRIES (Hull-Zeebrugge): www.ponsf.com Superfast FERRIES (Rosyth - Zeebrugge) www.superfast.com

Br us se ls Ai po rt

NA TO

Ge nè ve

B Lu russ xe el m sC bo it ur y g /L Sc hu ux m em an bu rg Di am an t

Take off from Brussels City or from Brussels Airport. At a basic price.

Airport Line : Take off from Brussels Airport and in less than 30 minutes you’ll arrive in the business district, the EU district, or in the shopping district, in the highest part of the city. You can get on or off the bus at any of the 6 stops comprising this express line. Brussels City-Brussels Airport: 3 € one month: 45 € / one year: 450 € Normal pricing between Brussels City and NATO.

AIRPORT LINE

0900 10 310 (0,45 €/min.) www.stib.be

Farther Afield LET’S MEET 2005 The complete guide for organisers of conferences, seminars and incentives.

WALLOON BROCHURE

Brussels International - MICE Tel.: + 32(0)2 549 50 50 Fax: + 32(0)2 549 50 59

Between Nature and Culture …

[email protected]

This copiously illustrated brochure

Available in English.

takes you through the diversity and wealth of leisure activities that make the south of Belgium so appealing. Available in FR, NL, DE, EN, IT, ES, DE.

GUIDE TO THE TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND MUSEUMS OF BELGIUM 2005 This guide, accompanied by a map of Belgium, offers you 300 suggestions for family excursions. You will find a host of practical information: opening times, prices, duration, etc. Available in FR, NL, DE, EN.

ESCAPADES IN WALLONIA 2005 Take a day or two away to explore the many different sides to Wallonia: countryside, relaxation, sports, discoveries and gourmet food. Available in FR, NL, EN, DE.

CITIES

OF

ART

IN

FLANDERS

THE REGIONS

OF

Flanders has no fewer than six leading

Each Flemish region has its own

cities of art: Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels,

special character. Each one

Ghent, Leuven and Mechelen. You will

differs in the interesting

find magnificent historic buildings

tourist sights and gourmet

there, cathedrals, belfries and guild

specialities it offers, among

houses. But all these cities have much

other things. Come back and

more to offer than venerable

stay here as often as you can,

structures alone: experience their

solo, as a family or with friends

energetic and bustling lifestyle too.

and explore the rich resources

Available in FR, NL, DE, EN, IT, ES

they offer for eyes, palate and mind. Available in FR, NL, DE.

34

FLANDERS

Getting to Brussels MECHELEN 25 KM

ANTWERPEN 49 KM Grimbergen

ANTWERPEN 49 KM BREDA 101 KM

Vivoorde

A 12

E 19

Machelen

Wemmel

Aéroport National Nationale Luchthaven

AALST 30 KM

N9

RO GENT 56 KM OOSTENDE 120 KM

A 10

Ganshoren

E 40

Nossegem

Evere Sint-StevensWoluwe

Koekelberg St.-Agatha BerchemSte-Agathe

Dilbeek

NINOVE 24 KM

N8

Schaarbeek Schaerbeek

St.-JansMolenbeek St-Jean

Itterbeek

Vlezenbeek

St. Pieters-Leeuw

eg

LEUVEN 27 KM LIEGE 99 KM KÖLN 210 KM

E 40

LEUVEN 27 KM

WezembeekOppem

RO

N3

en uer erv n e T enlaa d . r Av ervu T

eg

nw

se

ven

Leu

e Ste

Tervuren

Watermael-Boitsfort Watermaal-Bosvoorde

Uccle Ukkel Ruisbroek

nw Stee

Kraainem

Auderghem Forest Vorst

vain ense Lou Leuv

A3

St.-Lambrechts WoluweSt- Lambert St.-Pieters WoluweIxelles Etterbeek St-Pierre Elsene Oudergem

Saint-Gilles Sint-Gillis

e de

Ché

Bruxelles Saint-Josse Sint-Joost Brussel

Anderlecht

LEUVEN 27 KM

N2

Zaventem

Diegem

Jette

Zellik

Overijse

Drogenbos

Forêt de Soignes

A7

N4

Zoniënwoud Hoeilaart

Linkebeek

E 411

Beersel

N6

RO E 19 Halle

Rhode-Saint-Genèse Sint-Genesius-Rode

o Waterlo Chée de

NINOVE 18 KM

N5 Wavre nweg ose Stee Waterlo

TOURNAI 80 KM LILLE 105 KM

WAVRE 27 KM

NAMUR 60 KM LUXEMBOURG 211 KM

La Hulpe

Waterloo

MONS 58 KM

Rixensart Tubize

Brainel’Alleud

Braine-le-Château Ittre

RO

CHARLEROI - MONS 60 KM PARIS 289 KM

NIVELLES 8 KM

CHARLEROI 53 KM

Brussels International is a member of

Brussels International-Tourism & Congress Brussels Town Hall - Grand-Place/Grote Markt 1000 Brussels Tel. +32(0)2 513 89 40 - Fax +32(0)2 513 83 20 E-mail: [email protected] www.brusselsinternational.be

Produced by Brussels International-Tourism & Congress, the O.P.T. Office de Promotion du Tourisme Wallonie-Bruxelles and Tourist Office of Flanders Concept and coordination: Brussels International Original texts: J. Alexandre Noskoff. Pre-press: Katsura. Original photography by: Olivier Brouwers, Jeep Novak, Etienne Tordoir, Marcel Van Hulst. Photo Library: Brussels International, Office de Promotion du Tourisme, Toerisme Vlaanderen. Publisher: G. Renders, Director Brussels International. The publisher declines any liability for errors or omissions which may have been made inadvertently despite the care, controls and attention that have gone into the drawing-up of this brochure.

Brussels, because…

The Art Nouveau

The night-time

The Mont des Arts/Kunstberg

Dining out

The Grand-Place/ Grote Markt

The secret collections

The Comic Strip

Living it up

The fashion

The beer

The Parks

Noteworthy places of interest