VISITBRUSSELS - Probook

VISITBRUSSELS SIZED FOR DISCoVERIES

W W W. V I S I T B R U S S E L S . B E

PRoBooK 2013

EN

Š Photos: E. Danhier - M. Zunini - M. Vanhulst - J.P. Lejeune

Welcome toProBook

Brussels is the capital city of 500 million Europeans and is one of the Power Cities, those important and influential places of decision-making and debate. Nonetheless, it still cultivates its talent as a metropolis on a human scale and its international reputation for friendliness and sociability. It makes itself accessible to all of its many visitors: business, culture, leisure and pleasure, those escaping for a break,… whatever its purpose, a stay in Brussels is something to remember.

As a world city, it shows a multi-cultural character that fits it like a glove: it’s both historic and modern, of the North and of the South, and proud of its differences which it intermixes unselfconsciously.

Its cuisine rises to any challenge, its fashion is paraded on the most highly-rated catwalks, its Art Nouveau treasures offer more than 200 opportunities to admire this flourishing style and its comic strip heroes have recently become Hollywood stars.

ProBook 2013 invites you to enjoy some quality times, times that help to create true happiness.

We hope you enjoy reading this! And please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions: we’re there to guide you around Brussels.

The VISITBRUSSELS teams

WWW.VisitBRussels.Be

1

s ContaCt

Belgium

italy

united states

China

All the information concerning this brochure:

uFFiCio BelGa PeR il tuRisMo BRuXelles-Vallonia

BelGian touRist oFFiCe BRussels - Wallonia

touRist oFFiCe FoR FlandeRs BelGiuM - BeiJinG oFFiCe

Viale Vittorio Veneto 28 I - 20124 Milano Tel.: +39/ 02 86 05 66 Fax: +39/ 02 87 63 96 info@belgioturismo.it PRess Tel: +39 02 86 46 31 36 stampa@belgioturismo.it tRade Tel: +39 02 86 99 29 33 trade@belgioturismo.it www.belgioturismo.it

220 East 42nd street - Room 3402 New York, N.Y. 10017 - USA Tel.: +1 212 758 81 30 Fax: +1 212 355 76 75 info@visitbelgium.com www.visitbelgium.com

Room 612B, Beijing Kuntai International Mansion, 12-B - Chaowai Avenue, Chaoyang District - 100020 Beijing Tel.: +86 10 5879 0785 / 86 Fax: +86 10 5879 0787 china@visitflanders.com www.visitflanders.com.cn

VisitBRussels bip - rue Royale 2-4 - 1000 Brussels PRess Pierre Massart Tel. : +32 (0)475 53 08 07 p.massart@visitbrussels.be PRess Martha Meeze Tel. : +32 (0)486 53 31 81 m.meeze@visitbrussels.be Fax : +32 (0)2 549 50 98 tRade Anousjka Schmidt Tel. : +32 (0)2 548 04 57 Fax : +32 (0)2 549 50 59 a.schmidt@visitbrussels.be

united Kingdom BelGian touRist oFFiCe BRussels & Wallonia 217 Marsh Wall UK-London E14 9FJ Live operator: Tel.: +44 (0)20 7537 1132 Free brochure line: Tel.: +0800 9545 245 (UK only) Fax: +44 (0)20 75 31 03 93 info@belgiumtheplaceto.be PRess press@belgiumtheplaceto.be trade@belgiumtheplaceto.be www.belgiumtheplaceto.be touRisM FlandeRs - BRussels FlandeRs House 1A, Cavendish square UK - London W1G 0LD Live operator: Tel.: +44 (0)20 730 777 38 info@visitflanders.co.uk PRess Tel.: +44 (0)20 7307 7742 press@visitflanders.co.uk trade@visitflanders.co.uk www.visitflanders.co.uk

Poland oFFiCial PaRtneR

VISITBRussels

uRZad PRoMoCJi tuRystyKi Walonia-BRuKsela UI. KS. I. Skorupki 5 - VI pietro PL - 00-546 Warszawa Tel.: +48/ 22 583 70 06 or 01 Fax: +48/ 22 583 70 03 mjanow@poczta.onet.pl www.belgique-tourisme.be

tuRisMo FiandRe, BRuXelles, BelGio Piazza Santa Maria Beltrade 2 I - 20123 Milano Tel.: +39/ 199 44 21 11 Fax: +39/ 02 455 50 204 italia@visitflanders.com PRess Tel: +39 02 97 38 16 97 l.lobasso@turismofiandre.it www.turismofiandre.it

Japan BelGian touRist oFFiCe Wallonia - BRussels Chiyoda-ku, Nibancho 7-3 Nibancho Bldg 3F JP - 102-0084 Tokyo - Japan Tel.: +81 (0)3 3237 7105 Fax: +81 (0)3 3237 8400 info@belgium-travel.jp PRess/tRade Tel.: +81(0)3 3237 7105 damien.dome@belgium-travel.jp midori@belgium-travel.jp www.belgium-travel.jp touRist oFFiCe FoR FlandeRs BelGiuM - toKyo oFFiCe NK Shinwa Bldg. 5F 5-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, JP - 102-0083 Tokyo - Japan Tel.: +81 (0)3 3237 8031 Fax: +81 (0)3 3237 8075 japan@visitflanders.com www.visitflanders.jp

touRist oFFiCe FoR FlandeRs BelGiuM - neW yoRK oFFiCe The New York Times Building 620 Eighth Avenue, 44th Floor New York, N.Y. 10018 - USA Tel.: +1 212 584 2336 3002 Fax: +1 212 575 3606 us@visitflanders.com PRess liliane@visitflanders.us tRade julie@visitflanders.us www.visitflanders.us

Russia

india

denmark / sweden

touRist oFFiCe FoR FlandeRs BelGiuM - neW delHi oFFiCe

BelGian touRist oFFiCe FlandeRs - BRussels

Represented by Mileage Communications (India) Pvt. Ltd 119, Sishan House, 2nd floor Shahpur Jat New Delhi - 110 049 Tel.: +91 11 498 76 700 19 Fax: +91 11 498 76 701 india@visitflanders.com www.visitflanders.in MuMBai oFFiCe Represented by Mileage Communications (India) Pvt. Ltd 306, Abhishek Building (3rd floor), New Link Road, Andheri (West) Mumbai - 400 053 Tel.: +91 22 2673 1108 Fax: +91 22 2673 1109 india@visitflanders.com www.visitflanders.in

toeRisMe VlaandeRen MaRKetinG Grasmarkt 61 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 504 04 38 Fax: +32 (0)2 504 04 80 russia@visitflanders.com www.visitflanders.ru

Grasmarkt 61 - 1000 Brussels Tel. : +32 (0)2 504 25 20 Fax : +32 (0)2 504 04 80 danmark@visitflanders.com sverige@visitflanders.com www.belgien.dk www.belgien.nu

introduction

y R a M M u s

Welcome to ProBook ..................................... 1

VisitBRussels sized for “art de vivre” ...................32

Contacts ....................................................... 2

in the heart of europe .................................. 34

essential....................................................... 4

an uptown very up-market ........................... 36

Quality destination ........................................ 5 Brochures and leaflets ................................... 6

When diversity goes hand in hand with creativity ................................ 38

Good reasons to come to Brussels in 2013 .......... 8

and dansaert created fashion ....................... 40

- Brusselicious............................................... 8

saint Géry: history and design ...................... 42

- Hall 12 at the Heysel ................................... 8

When the city becomes a “village” ................ 44

- Fin de siècle Museum .................................. 9

a capital city, naturally ................................ 46

and good reasons to come back again

sunday markets........................................... 48

(2014 and beyond…) ..................................... 9

love to eat and drink? that’s forgivable! ....... 50

accessibility ................................................. 10

Gay friendly ................................................ 52

VisitBRussels sized for culture & leisure ............. 12 the dna of Brussels .................................... 14

Well, shall we go out then? ........................... 54 Brussels-on-Jazz .......................................... 56 let the music play! ...................................... 57

art nouveau, born in Brussels ...................... 18

VisitBRussels sized for events ................................ 58

Follow the steps of the surrealists ..................... 20

events per month ........................................ 60

Mont des arts, the height of culture .............. 16

those heroes forever blowing bubbles ........... 22 Quaint museums and houses ........................ 26

VisitBRussels sized for you ....................................... 76

Family special ............................................. 28

Guided tours ............................................... 78

there will be sport! ...................................... 30

Hotels ........................................................ 80

around the atomium .................................... 24

youth hostels .............................................. 89 Guest-house rooms ...................................... 89 Camping ..................................................... 89 For buses .................................................... 90 Brussels’ responsible commitments ............... 91

our Partners & our networks ...... 92

Official carrier www.brusselsairlines.be

3

l essentia

www.visitbrussels.be The official site for tourism in Brussels, which presents the ambitions of VISITBRUSSELS and its promotional strategy, nearly 30,000 pages, large-scale photos and videos included: content is king! consultation based on • you are (one of our target groups): tourists, business people, the travel sector or media persons • you love (the experiences that fit you best) shopping shrewdly / immersing yourself in culture / a little romanticism / feeling super trendy / family-kids adventure / gay / indulging in good food… in an infinite number of variations and themes easy for visitors to use to prepare their stay with complete confidence by looking up the opinions and recommendations posted on the Web and sharing their experiences • trip planner for city breaks • meeting planner for business meetings as well as: • • • •

a high-definition royalty-free photo library a hotel booking system the whole range of culture on offer the tourist products for sale in our e-shop

the biggest database of Brussels on the Web

new ! mobile application THE WHOLE OF BRUSSELS ON YOUR SMARTPHONE! A 100% off-line application and free of charge (including map) for finding all the best places and useful functionalities such as “around me” thanks to the GPS function.

FoR iPHone / iPod touCH and on andRoid

VISITBRussels

ion t a n i t s de Quality

VISIT

BRUSSELS

QUALITY DESTINATION

VISIT

One of Brussels’ main concerns is to monitor the satisfaction of its visitors with the quality of the services they’ve used. Since 2011, two large-scale initiatives have been set up to analyse how leisure or business tourists feel about the city and to improve the quality of the welcome. Listening to you!

BRUSSELS

Brussels is asking its visitors to complete an on-line questionnaire; the data is gathered every day and analysed in order to keep a constant eye on the level of satisfaction that Brussels provides.

The results are published monthly in a satisfaction barometer, which is passed on to all those involved in tourism. In this way, they can follow the progress of this index and react quickly if necessary.

QUALITY DESTINATION

With its Quality Academy, VISITBRUSSELS offers visits and tours, round tables and other original presentations to operators in the sector in order to raise their awareness of the rich and varied tourist provision in Brussels and of the campaigns or initiatives being carried out by the tourist office. Hotel and hospitality industry, reception staff, shops and businesses, guides, event and cultural organisers: these training opportunities are aimed at all the tourism trades. Enthusiastic and well-informed, they then become our best ambassadors.

• On-line satisfaction survey questionnaire: www.visitbrussels/qualitydestination • Satisfaction barometer : www.visitbrussels.be/satisfaction • Brussels Quality Academy : www.visitbrussels.be/qualityacademy • Contact: h.maisondardenne@visitbrussels.be

5

lets F a e l d n es a R u H C o R B

visitbrussels sized for tourism & meetings

let’s Meet 2013 The indispensable reference brochure for organisers.

Format 272 x 210 mm - 210 pages

en

VisitBRussels siZed FoR touRisM & MeetinGs A richly illustrated brochure, which paints a wonderful picture of all the things there are to see and do in Brussels.

Format 210 x 210 mm - 32 pages

This work tool answers all the questions that arise when it comes to organising: searching for the right places and venues, technical data sheets for meeting or presentation rooms, accommodation options, incentive ideas. It’s also a way of accessing all the services provided by the teams of the Brussels Convention Bureau: personalised welcome, granting of subsidies or financial advances. (Available in EN)

History, events, the soul of Europe, the culture which ranges from Art Nouveau to comic strip including gastronomy: more than 30 pages to whet the appetite and make a visit to Brussels a success. (Available in FR/NL/EN/DE/ES/IT)

order & info: meetings@visitbrussels.be download it at www.visitbrussels.be Price: free for organizers

order & info: info@visitbrussels.be Price: 0.60 €

VISITBRussels

available from the tourist information offices in Brussels and in our e-shop www.visitbrussels.be

PoCKet Guide

MaP oF BRussels

BRussels CaRd

What to do, what to see, where to stay, where to eat, where to go out.

The whole of Brussels in 1000 addresses and a complete city map.

Essential for a comfortable stay.

Discover the museums with the Brussels Card!

Folded Format 85 x 160 mm

Format 85 x 55 mm

Format 120 x 205 mm - 144 pages

The perfect pocket handbook, this guide takes you by the hand and shows you the whole of Brussels with, among other things, descriptions of the houses on the Grand-Place, the comic strip walls walk, a hundred or so museums and other legendary places that really shouldn’t be missed.

(Available in EN/FR/NL/DE/ES)

A general map to help you get your bearings easily and ensure you don’t miss any of the key places of interest in Brussels.

In addition to public transport (STIB), some thirty Brussels Museums can be visited free of charge with the Brussels Card. The Brussels Card is valid for 72, 48 or 24 hours and consists of a smart card, a public transport ticket and a full-colour guide. You will enjoy 25% discount in several tourist attractions, cultural institutions, shops, bars and restaurants. Nine Brussels designers’ shops in the Dansaert district offer 5% discount on their collections.

order & info: info@visitbrussels.be Price : 5.00 € tapering rates for 20 or more copies

order & info: info@visitbrussels.be Price : 0.50 € tapering rates for 100 or more copies

www.brusselscard.be special conditions for tour operators: a.schmidt@visitbrussels.be Price : 40.00, 34.00 or 24.00 €

7

2013

Good reasons

to come to Brussels in 2013 BRusseliCious The year of gastronomy in Brussels in 2012 made the whole world’s mouth water and is a long way from serving its last meal yet! The delicious programme has more revelations to make in 2013 and beyond, and some initiatives proved so popular that, henceforth, they’ll form part of the permanent activities available in Brussels. A few examples include: the Tram Experience and its delicious feasts on rails which cross the city, typical menus served up by the restaurants and the 100% Brussels breakfasts in the luxury hotels, the Belgian wine growers given pride of place and the picnics in the most magnificent leafy areas. In view of their success, the themed dinners such as the banquet of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables, the Art Deco splendour of la Belle Epoque or the medieval feasts of the Ommegang will once again liven up the fine Brussels evenings. Gourmet gatherings to delight Epicureans.

US O I C I L E S BRUSRUSSELICIOUS.BE w w w.B

VISITBRussels

www.brusselicious.be

a BiG neW FeatuRe on tHe BRussels landsCaPe Spring 2013 will see the opening of a multipurpose venue which will change the cultural and sporting life of Brussels as well as giving a new boost to its talent for hosting conferences, trade shows and fairs. This is because Hall 12 at the Heysel plateau is undergoing a face lift and complete make-over designed to turn it into a hall for which people have been waiting for a long time: multi-functional, extremely flexible and with a capacity of anything from 2,500 to 15,000 people.

Four different layouts are planned: concert hall, sports centre, conference venue with 3,000 seats and an exhibition floor space of 9,500m² for trade shows and fairs.

Everything there is designed with well-being, ease of moving around and the mixed nature of the activities in mind. As far as the spectators or participants are concerned: acoustic performance levels, optimised viewing angles, fluid movement of people, easy accessibility for the less able-bodied; and for the professionals: comfortable access ramps, super-equipped rooms and state-of-the-art technical facilities. This place will be a marvel of expertise in the field.

MoRe inFoRMation:

Brussels International Trade Fair Place de Belgique - 1020 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 474 85 49 m.bresciani@bitf.be

and good reasons

to come back again

In Brussels, spring 2013 will see the opening of the Musée Fin de siècle Museum (end of the 19th century), which will stand out as one of the jewels of our heritage. An exhibition of the finest works placed back into its historic context under the aegis of the Brussels-Capital Region and thanks to a partnership which unites the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, the Royal Library of Belgium and the Théâtre royal de la Monnaie. De Coster and the birth of a national literature, the rediscovery of the Primitives, Rops and Baudelaire, social art, how Impressionism was received, literary and pictorial symbolism, Péladan and idealism, the decorative arts between Brussels and Nancy, Wagner at la Monnaie, Brussels Capital of Art Nouveau, Spilliaert, Minne, Maeterlinck, the first École de Laethem, and more. A huge programme combining the paintings hung on the walls and contemporary technological tools.

100 yeaRs aGo! Commemoration of World War one 1914-1918 Those murderous years changed the face of the world. And Brussels wishes to commemorate that troubled period, to pay tribute to its heroes and to the unknown men and women who fought against the enemy, as well as to keep the memory alive. Although Brussels was far from the front line, it was nonetheless the theatre of memorable events and key battles in the development and the fortunate outcome of this conflict. The people of Brussels are rebellious and revanchist by nature, like their Manneken-Pis, and the city’s population went to great lengths, throughout those 4 years, to resist bravely and to hoodwink the occupying forces.

2014 and Beyond…

This commemoration will be the occasion for ceremonies, exhibitions, concerts and a traditional tattoo as well as publications, themed trails and numerous local initiatives all over the Region. All the tourist authorities are getting organised together now to ensure that all the events which will be taking place around the country are an emotional celebration and a centre of attraction for tourism.

© M.Vanhulst

Fin de sieCle MuseuM

alphonse

Mucha,

la nature, 1899-19

00. © Pr opriété

de la Ré gion de Br uxelles

-Capitale

www.fine-arts-museum.be

9

2012

VISITBRussels

lity i B i s s e C aC Amsterdam  Brussels 210 km london lille Paris

amsterdam düsseldorf Köln

01h53

10 trains a day

45 min

Düsseldorf  Brussels 220 km 02h20 Roma

50 min

Lille  Brussels 95 km 40 min

treading softly!

easy to reach,...

More than 60 million Europeans can reach their capital city in less than two hours and in real comfort and an environmentallyfriendly way: high-speed trains really are the favourite of visitors to Brussels, whether they’re coming for business or pleasure.

The main point of arrival for high-speed trains: Gare du Midi and this is linked to the four other main stations of Brussels: Nord, Centrale, Luxembourg and Schuman.

Gare du Midi Rue de France 2 - 1060 Bru Eurostar, Thalys, TGV www.sncb.be www.b-rail.be

For getting around, those who live in or come to Brussels have plenty of choice.

Walking, cycling, tram or metro, bus, shared night taxis… In this way, you can easily get to museums, legendary places and venues, exhibitions and shopping centres or meet up with friends at any hour of the day or night. And for even greater freedom, get on a Villo and head off for anywhere you fancy. There are 180 stations for picking up and dropping off these hire bicycles. En route to intermodal transport! tram, metro, bus www.stib.be Bike hire www.villo.be www.provelo.org shared taxis (from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.) www.collecto.org

Köln  Brussels 207 km 01h47 or 01h57

till 10 trains a day

London  Brussels 350 km 01h51

9 trains a day

01h10

Paris  Brussels 300 km 01h22

till 25 trains a day

01h00

Roma  Brussels 1200 km 02h10

What could be more surreal than using metro stations as museums. Since this form of underground transport was first created in Brussels, stations and passages have been paying tribute to well-known artists: Hergé, Schuiten, Magritte, Horta, and others. Paintings, sculptures, photographs, trellises and stained-glass windows; canvas, bronze, wood, glass or steel: every station has its own personality, while at the same time retaining a reassuring unity for the passengers. Welcome to Brussels’ biggest art gallery! www.stib.be

11

visitbrussels sized for Culture & leisure

e r u t e l r Cu eisu l

&

the DNA of brussels .............................................................. 14 Mont des Arts, the height of culture......................................... 16 Art Nouveau, born in brussels................................................. 18 Follow the steps of the surrealists ............................................ 20 those heroes forever blowing bubbles ...................................... 22 Around the Atomium .............................................................. 24 Quaint museums and houses .................................................. 26 Family special ....................................................................... 28 there will be sport! ................................................................ 30

w w w. v i s i t b r u s s e l s . b e

isure e l & e r Cultu

the DNA of brussels t

he places you really shouldn’t miss include: the Grand’Place with its rounded cobblestones and gilded houses, Manneken-Pis, the brazen little chap with the well-stocked wardrobe, the Galeries Saint-Hubert (shopping arcades), the first of their kind in Europe, the Bourse (stock exchange), which looks like a Greek temple, with its Belle Epoque cafés, and La Monnaie opera house. Rue Neuve and its myriad of stores take you to Place des Martyrs from where you then reach the gothic Cathedral of Saints Michel and Gudule, which frequently echoes with the sound of its great organ.

But to feel the soul of the city and enjoy art de vivre like a Brussels native, you have to go into one of the many cafés you come across on the way and sip a Gueuze, Kriek or Faro, jewels in the crown of Brussels’ great brewing tradition. The friendly ambience often leads to conversations between one table and the next.

Since 1972, UNESCO has been drawing up its list of tangible cultural and natural world heritage sites and, since 2001, a list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Brussels is on those lists with several of its gems: • four important homes of Victor Horta: the Tassel, Solvay and van Eetvelde buildings and the house-cum-studio of that master of Art Nouveau • the Grand-Place: a set of buildings consisting of the Town Hall, the Maison du Roi (King’s House) and other houses which mark the boundary of this magnificent quadrilateral, often described as the most beautiful square in the world • the Stoclet House, an Art Deco wonder both for its architecture and for its furniture and interior design; paintings by Klimt and Moser are housed there (not open to the public) • the planting of the Meyboom: a folk tradition which began in 1308 and is continued every year, always on 9th August.

VISITbrussels

1

Grand-Place All lit up at night.

4

Café Falstaff Authentic Art Nouveau setting.

Rue Henri Maus 19 - 1000 Bru

Café le roy d’espagne, n°1 Great choice of beers.

MAil:

Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles (Maison du Roi) Rue du Poivre 1 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 279 43 76 Press CONtACt Jo De Witte Tel.: +32 (0)2 279 43 72 www.musees.bruxelles.be 5

Galerie de la Reine 30 - 1000 Bru www.taverne-du-passage.be

la Monnaie

10

Place de la Monnaie - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 229 13 72 info@lamonnaie.be Press CONtACt Claire Jesuran c.jesuran@lamonnaie.be www.lamonnaie.be

6

Café toone vii Typical bistro and eccentric Brussels puppets.

Impasse Sainte Pétronille Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes 66 1000 Bru www.toone.be

Place des Martyrs

For more complete information on the Grand-Place and the town Hall : The mini-map visitbrussels siZeD FOr uNesCO Available in FR/EN - NL/DE

Galeries saint-Hubert restaurant la taverne du Passage In one of the finest covered arcades in Europe, an institution where you can treat yourself to specialities of Brussels and prime grilled meat.

Rue de la Bourse - 1000 Bru

Rue de la Violette 12 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 213 44 50 Press CONtACt Jo De Witte Tel.: +32 (0)2 279 43 72 www.musees.bruxelles.be

Manneken-Pis Café Poechenellekelder Typical café in front of Manneken-Pis.

9

bruxella 1238 Archaeological site

Grand-Place 9 - 1000 Bru www.brasseriedelommegang.be

Café A la Mort subite The essence of Brussels, Faro, Gueuze, Kriek..

Rue Montagne-aux-Herbes-Potagères 7 - 1000 Bru www.alamortsubite.com

Rue Tabora 11 - 1000 Bru

brasserie de l’Ommegang The brasserie of the famous Maison du Cygne. An exceptional location, an unparalleled terrace on one of the most beautiful town squares in the world!

3

8

Café la bécasse Old-style setting, typical beers and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

brussels specialities Around the Grand’Place: Planète Chocolat, Dandoy, Galler, Neuhaus, …

belgian Comic strip Center Rue des Sables 20 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 219 19 80 Press CONtACt Willem De Graeve Tel.: +32 (0)2 210 04 33 www.cbbd.be

Rue de la Bourse 18 - 1000 Bru

Grand-Place - 1000 Bru MAil: rue du Poivre 1 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 279 43 50 Press CONtACt Jo De Witte Tel.: +32 (0)2 279 43 72 www.musees.bruxelles.be

Costume and lace Museum

7

Café Cirio Quiet tavern with astonishing 1900 setting.

City of brussels Museum (Maison du Roi)

2

stock exchange

11

Place Agora Crafts market on week-ends

12

Cathedral of saints Michel and Gudule Parvis Sainte-Gudule - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 217 83 45 www.cathedralestmichel.be

w w w. v i s i t b r u s s e l s . b e

g r a n d - p l a c e

Sized for heritage

en

13

and the brochure visitbrussels siZeD FOr HeritAGe Format 160 x 160 mm Price: € 3.00 - available in FR/EN - NL/DE - ES/IT

Galerie bortier Second-hand bookshops.

3� w w w . v i s i t b r u s s e l s . b e

15

Mont des

isure e l & e r Cultu

Arts, the height M

of culture

ont des Arts was dreamed up by King Leopold II, who wanted to surround his palace with beautiful things and beautiful minds. Judge from the wealth of art on offer within a 300m radius: the Musée Magritte Museum, which displays the world’s biggest collection of works of art by the famous Belgian surrealist artist; the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, a meeting-place for visitors from all over the world, house more than 20 000 old and modern works of art; the Palais des Beaux-Arts - BOZAR - (Brussels’ concert hall and fine arts centre) organises events, exhibitions and festivals, and blends art from past and present.

History enthusiasts can visit the Coudenberg archaeological site, the vestiges of the medieval palace - in times gone by the residence of Emperor Charles V - and walk along the old Rue Isabelle, which is now underground. Not far from there, the ING Cultural Centre hosts high-quality temporary exhibitions and the church of Saint-Jacques on Coudenberg, where the first king of the Belgians swore allegiance to the constitution.

Nature’s treasures are also here in this quarter: the Park of Brussels, with its broad treelined walks and its secluded leafy-green corners, is undoubtedly the most well-used in the capital. Below Place Royale, don’t miss the hanging garden of SQUARE, the Brussels Conference Centre.

In the late 19th century, Brussels became an unrivalled crossroads of creativity and the Art Nouveau movement. That movement was evident in the architecture as well as in the great energy of society during that period. Literature, painting, opera, music, architecture, photography and poetry; Maeterlinck, Verhaeren, Ensor, Khnopff, Spilliaert, Maus, Horta, Van de Velde, Kufferath, Lekeu and others.

The Fin de Siècle Museum officially opening in spring 2013, will tell the story of that multidisciplinary adventure, inviting visitors to follow an exhibition tour of this late 19th-century period by placing it back in its historic setting: the landscape and modernity.

VISITbrussels

Other must-see places on Mont des Arts: the BELvue Museum, where families can find out about the history of Belgium through workshops and organised activities. Music and filmlovers are crazy about CINEMATEK, the Film Museum, with its silent films accompanied by music, not to mention the Musical Instruments Museum, which brings 1200 remarkable instruments together in a surreal Art Nouveau edifice of metal volutes and glass. At the top, you can find a huge terrace offering an unforgettable sweeping view over the whole city.

1

bOZAr Centre for Fine Arts

4

5

CiNeMAteK Rue Baron Horta 9 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 551 19 19 info@cinematek.be Emmanuelle De Schrevel Tel.: +32 (0)2 551 19 40 www.cinematek.be

Garden of Mont des Arts 6

Bd. de l’Empereur 4 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 519 53 11 Press CONtACt Sara Lammens Tel.: +32 (0)2 519 53 98 sara.lammens@kbr.be www.kbr.be

Musical instruments Museum - MiM Rue Montagne de la Cour 2 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 545 01 30 Press CONtACt Damien Filippi Tel.: +32 (0)2 545 01 54 damien.filippi@mim.fgov.be www.mim.fgov.be

belvue Museum Hotel Bellevue Place des Palais 7 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)70 22 04 92 info@belvue.be Press CONtACt Mathilde Oeschner oeschner.m@kbs-frb.be www.belvue.be

royal library of belgium

3

royal Museums of Fine Arts of belgium - Museum of Ancient Art Musée Fin de siècle Museum

visitbrussels

BIP - Rue Royale 2-4 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 513 89 40 www.visitbrussels.be OPeN daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Weekends and public holidays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ClOseD 25/12 and 1/1

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Park of brussels and its pavilions

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royal Palace

Rue de la Régence 3 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 32 11 info@fine-arts-museum.be Press CONtACt Barbara Porteman Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 08 barbara.porteman@fine-arts-museum.be www.fine-arts-museum.be

Press CONtACt

sQuAre, brussels Meeting Centre

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Rue de la Régence 3 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 32 11 info@musee-magritte-museum.be Press CONtACt Barbara Porteman Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 08 barbara.porteman@fine-arts-museum.be www.musee-magritte-museum.be

Rue Ravenstein 23 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 82 00 info@bozar.be Press CONtACt BOZAR press Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 84 30 press@bozar.be www.bozar.be

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Musée Magritte Museum

Place des Palais - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 551 20 20 www.monarchie.be iNFO VISITBRUSSELS info@visitbrussels.be Visits in summer (± 22/07 > 01/09)

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Palais des Académies

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saint-Jacques on Coudenberg Church

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iNG Cultural Centre Place Royale 6 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 547 22 92 art.department@ing.be Press CONtACt

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Coudenberg, Former Palace of brussels Archaeological site and museum Place des Palais 7 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)70 22 04 92 info@coudenberg.com Press CONtACt Frédérique Honoré Tel.: +32 (0)2 563 61 78 f.honore@coudenberg.com www.coudenberg.com

Tel.: +32 (0)2 547 22 94 pressoffice@ing.be www.ing.be/art 13

the welcoming café terraces of Grand sablon

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les Petits Oignons restaurant A short walk from Sablon, a new, nicely decorated place to eat, which conjures up great high-quality menus.

Rue de la Régence 25 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 511 76 15 www.lespetitsoignons.be

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Petit sablon surrounded by 48 statues representing the old trade guilds of Brussels.

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isure e l & e r Cultu

Art

Nouveau born in brussels i

t was in Brussels that the Art Nouveau style originated around the 1890s thanks to a pioneering architect, Victor Horta, who, along with Hankar, Cauchie, the Delune brothers, BlĂŠrot and twenty or so of their colleagues, established its worth. This all-encompassing art, which dominated every field until 1920, is not only found in architecture, it also stamped its mark on furniture, carpets, decorative objects and jewellery.

In reaction to the frenzy of all-out industrialisation, the motifs of the period stem mainly from nature. Geometry makes way for arabesques, flora climbs and winds its way up metallic structures, and stone cut into curves seems to lose its rigidity.

This artistic movement was sudden and fairly brief but it had such power that it soon became international under other designations such as Modern Style in Britain or Style Nouille in France.

Brussels has an enormous Art Nouveau heritage in many quarters of the city. A cycle ride lets you see as many of these gems as possible.

These wonders are the subject of a Biennial, which, by way of exception, opens up to everyone dozens of public and private premises: schools, swimming pools, private houses, function buildings and special collections can be viewed every two years for the last 4 weekends in October.

brussels has more than 200 Art Nouveau places of interest to offer: www.visitbrussels.be

VISITbrussels

1

Bailli area

3

Hotel Tassel

The “Les Hiboux” house

Rue P-E Janson 6

Avenue Brugmann 55

The Van Rysselberghe house

Hotel Hannon (Espace Photographique Contretype)

Rue de Livourne 83

Avenue de la Jonction 1 - 1060 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 538 42 20 PRESS CONTACT Evelyne Biver eb.contretype@skynet.be www.contretype.org

Hotel Otlet Rue de Livourne 48

House of Count Goblet d’Alviella Rue Faider 10

4

The Ciamberlani house

Rue Faider 83 & 85

Hotel Max Hallet Avenue Louise 346

Rue Defacqz 71

Private house Rue Africaine 92

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Place Flagey

And its cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Flagey (Former Broadcasting House) Place Sainte-Croix - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 641 10 10 PRESS CONTACT Séverine Provost Tel.: +32 (0)2 644 61 91 info@spcc.be www.flagey.be

Constantin Meunier Museum (Royal Museums of Fine Arts) Rue de l’Abbaye 59 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 648 44 49 info@fine-arts-museum.be PRESS CONTACT Barbara Porteman barbara.porteman@fine-arts-museum.be Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 08 www.fine-arts-museum.be

Abbaye de la Cambre 5

Hotel Solvay Architecte : V. Horta 1894-1898 Avenue Louise 224 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 640 56 45 www.hotelsolvay.be

Avenue De Gaulle 39-38

Horta Museum: the private house and studios of the architect

café terraces.

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Rue du Lac 6

Châtelain area

Architecture Foundation Rue de l’Ermitage 55 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 642 24 80 PRESS CONTACT Bertille Amaudric bertilleamaudric@hotmail.com www.fondationpourlarchitecture.be

Rue Vilain XIIII 7 -9-11

The private house of Paul Hankar

La place du Châtelain, and its

7

Rue de la Vallée 2-4-6-8-1012-18-20-22-24-26-28-32-40

Rue Defacqz 50

Ixelles Museum of Fine Arts Rue J. Van Volsem 71 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 64 21 musee@ixelles.be PRESS CONTACT Bérénice Demaret Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 64 27 www.museedixelles.be

Ixelles ponds area

Avenue des Klauwaerts 16-15

House of the painter René Janssens

Rue Américaine 25 - 1060 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 543 04 90 PRESS CONTACT Thierry Mondelaers thierry@hortamuseum.be www.hortamuseum.be

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Rue de Belle-Vue 42-44-46

Rue Defacqz 48

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Brugmann area

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Delune House Architect : L. Delune - 1904 Avenue Fr. Roosevelt 86 - 1050 Bru

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La Cambre forest Some roads are closed to cars on Saturdays and Sundays: during the summer, bicycles can be hired from Pro Velo (Carrefour des Attelages).

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For a bicycle ride with guided tour : Pro Velo www.provelo.org

for hire : 180 Villo stations, in the city centre more or less every 500 m Hotline Tel.: 078 05 11 10 www.villo.be

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Follow the steps

isure e l & e r Cultu

of the surrealists

A

ny self-respecting native of Brussels has surrealism in his blood; not in the least Cartesian, but more of an expert in bantering repartee, he cheerfully handles mockery and paradox. After all, isn’t the biggest character of the city a little chap, MannekenPis, not 2-feet tall, taking a wee on a street corner? René Magritte was born and lived all his life in this city unlike any other. So it’s no surprise that this rebellious and creative spirit permeated all his work.

Follow his footsteps to experience his unusual daily life. Start by visiting the new Musée Magritte Museum which is dedicated to him. Don’t look for any connection between the sets, characters and objects featured in his paintings because they’re only linked in them for the purpose of the painting. “Cadavre exquis” “Golconde” or “Ceci n’est pas une pipe”, each piece of work is a snub to rational thought.

To prolong this immersion in the incongruous, you then have to explore the places which exaggerated his creativity, the cafés where he used to meet his visionary friends for cheerful libations and endless games of chess. An initiatory trail to view Brussels through the other end of the spy-glass.

1

sQuAre, brussels Meeting Centre The Palais des Congrès of Brussels houses a magnificent fresco by Magritte.

Mont des Arts - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 13 22 www.square-brussels.be

2

VISITbrussels

bOZAr The modern name for the Palais des Beaux-Arts (Brussels’ Fine Arts Centre and Concert Hall)

designed by Victor Horta and the leading cultural and arts centre in Brussels. This is where the first international surrealist exhibition was held in 1934.

Centre for Fine Arts Rue Ravenstein 23 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 82 00 info@bozar.be Press CONtACt BOZAR press Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 84 30 press@bozar.be www.bozar.be

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Magritte Gallery In a pared down decor, exhibition of reproductions of the artist’s original works or works inspired by them, along with lithographs and sculptures.

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Coudenberg 76/78 - 1000 Bru www.magritte-gallery.com 4

Musée Magritte Museum 200 of the painter’s works covering more than 2500 m² of exhibition space. The most important and most varied collection in the world.

Rue des Brigittines 1 - 1000 Bru CONTACT Sandrine Tielemans s.tielemans@brigittines.be www.brigittines.be 9

Rue de la Régence 3 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 32 11 PRESS CONTACT Barbara Porteman Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 08 barbara.porteman@fine-arts-museum.be www.musee-magritte-museum.be

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Palais de Justice (Law Courts) A masterly and monumental structure, which looks down onto the working-class district: city of symbols and contrasts.

Les Marolles This district has always been the centre of the cheeky banter and spirit of Brussels; the daily flea market held there offers perfectly eclectic and slightly surreal stalls.

Gare de la Chapelle and Skate Park des Ursulines Present-day surrealists display their work in the open air to share their “tag & trash “ creations on even the smallest section of wall available in the area around la Chapelle railway station. Stunts, tricks and acrobatics provided by teenagers on skateboards.

The Editions Jacques Brel The whole world of the Great Jacques who used to celebrate offbeat Brussels in songs.

Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés 11 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 511 10 20 www.jacquesbrel.be

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At n° 207 Rue Haute This façade with its surreal floors used to house the very first Toone puppet theatre.

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La Fleur en Papier doré The café where the Belgian surrealists used to get together and which has kept all its original cachet.

Rue des Alexiens 55 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 511 16 59 www.fleurenpapierdore.be

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5

Les Brigittines cultural & arts centre Just next to an Italo-Flemish Baroque-style church, an arts centre dedicated to voice and movement and to modern dance in particular.

Manneken-Pis The symbol of Brussels’ rebellious and surrealist spirit.

Greenwich The Greenwich, a listed café, which is worth the trip for its decor as well as for the fact that Magritte often used to play chess there with other figures of surrealism in Brussels.

Rue des Chartreux 7 - 1000 Bru www.greenwich-cafe.be

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The Zinneke (mongrel in Brussels dialect) On the corner of rue des Chartreux, he lifts his leg: irreverent but so likeable!

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Le Cirio Built in pure Art Nouveau style, le Cirio has always played host to numerous artists. EdouardLéon-Théodore Mesens and Marcel Lecomte, from the surrealist group of Brussels, were regulars here.

Rue de la Bourse 18/20 - 1000 Bru

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Galeries Saint-Hubert Théâtre Royal des Galeries In 1951, René Magritte painted a fresco on the ceiling of the auditorium here, reminiscent of the very famous Magrittian skies.

Théâtre des Galeries Galerie des Princes 6 - 1000 Bru www.trg.be

Museum of Letters and Manuscripts On display in the Arts section of the permanent exhibition are documents written by surrealist artists such as Magritte, Dali, Max Ernst, Chagall, Bellmer and Delvaux.

Galerie du Roi 1 - 1000 Bru www.mlmb.be

Off map: René Magritte House-Museum Magritte painted most of his emblematic works in the dining room of the rented apartment where the couple used to live on the ground floor.

Rue Esseghem 135 - 1090 Bru Tel./ Fax : +32 (0)2 428 26 26 PRESS CONTACT André Garitte www.magrittemuseum.be

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Surrealist guided walks www.visitbrussels.be www.voiretdirebruxelles.be

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those

heroes forever blowing

isure e l & e r Cultu

b

bubbles

russels, homeland of Tintin and Spirou, the undeniable forerunners of many generations of comic strip heroes. The Smurfs, Lucky Luke and the Daltons, Corentin, Black and Mortimer - to mention only the most famous - have made children of all ages in every country of the world dream, tremble with fear and laugh with mirth.

The clear line at the tip of a pencil, Belgian comic strip has given birth to some great names of the 9th art and its future looks bright because there’s nothing like deep roots for encouraging new talent to grow.

“Speech balloons” are more or less everywhere in Brussels and especially at the Belgian Comic Strip Center (CBBD), set up in a superb Art Nouveau building. The CBBD regularly puts on themed exhibitions. Don’t miss the comic strip trail, which leads you across the city, gazing upwards, in the company of these likeable characters, immortalised in giant format on nearly 50 city gables. But Brussels celebrates its heroes all over the city in countless bookshops and other little shops packed with pages for poring over, miniatures for collecting, engravings and lithographs...

VISITbrussels

1>13

wall frescoes This route presents you with an abbreviated version of the comic strip trail. And the POCKET GUIDE “visitbrussels siZeD FOr DisCOverY” gives you a tour of it with commentary. Available at 5.00 € in the information offices from visitbrussels.

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Rue de la Colline 13 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 514 51 52 www.tintinboutique.com 19

BIP - Rue Royale 2-4 - 1000 Bru or Town Hall, Grand-Place - 1000 Bru or Gare du Midi - Exit Horta www.visitbrussels.be 14

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Marc sleen Museum The permanent exhibition looks at the life and work of Marc Sleen, the father of Nero.

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Comic strip bar of the radisson blu royal Hotel Which displays, as wall tags, the drawings and sketches left there by forty or so great names of the 9th art.

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saint-Hubert Galleries Upmarket shopping.

Comic strip shops and galleries Selling new and second-hand comic books, ex-libris, figurines and collectors’ items for the die-hard comic fan. boulevard Anspach, boulevard Lemonnier, rue du Midi, City 2.

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rue A. Dansaert and surrounding area Fashion and design shopping, trendy terraces.

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Marché aux Poissons and place sainte-Catherine Excellent fish restaurants.

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Place du béguinage A haven of peace and tranquillity in the heart of the city.

Rue du Fossé aux Loups 47 1000 Bru

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Comics Café Enjoy an Obelix or Popeye hamburger surrounded by original comic strip works and wander around the comic strip galleries in the area.

Place du Grand Sablon 8 - 1000 Bru www.comicscafe.be

the mini-maps visitbrussels siZeD FOr tiNtiN (available in EN/FR/NL/DE/ES) and visitbrussels siZeD FOr COMiC striPs (available in FR/NL/EN/DE) complete your information literature.

Comic strip House Bd. de l’Impératrice 1 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 502 94 68 info@jije.org Press CONtACt François Deneyer www.jije.org

Rue des Sables 33-35 - 1000 Bru Press CONtACt Willem Degraeve willem.degraeve@stripmuseum.be www.marc-sleen.be 16

MOOF Museum of Original Figurines A nice surprise for visitors who can find figurines, collectors’ items, original drawings and sketches and other comic strip curiosities here, in addition to a well-stocked shop.

Galerie Horta Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes 116 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 265 33 25 Press CONtACt Geert De Weyer Tel.: +32 (0)486 89 61 01 geert.deweyer@scarlet.be www.moof-museum.be

belgian Comic strip Center (CbbD) Rue des Sables 20 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 219 19 80 Press CONtACt Jean Auquier Tel.: +32 (0)2 210 04 32 ja@cbbd.be www.comicscenter.net

la boutique tintin

sized for TINTIN

sized fo r

COMICS

Hergé Museum This temple to the “clear line” standing outside the Brussels-Capital Region (at Louvain-la-Neuve) covers a total of some 2,000 m² of exhibition space on three floors, in a building with surprising spaces constructed on the edge of a wooded area and dedicated to the father of Tintin. www.museeherge.com

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isure e l & e r Cultu

Atomium

the

H

Around

ow can you cover Europe in a single trip? Follow the guide… Head to the north of Brussels with the Atomium in your sights: this is undoubtedly the Brussels monument that’s been the most famous worldwide since 1958 and the World Fair. Sparkling since its renovation in 2005, this symbol of our city hosts numerous exhibitions. In its upper sphere, a restaurant area offers a 360° view over the whole of Brussels and far beyond.

An extraordinary attraction awaits you at the foot of this giant: Mini-Europe. All the member States of the European Union are represented here by their famous monuments reproduced right down to the tiniest details. Here, you move around from country to country from one magnificent scale model to another. Adults can’t believe their eyes, while children get an enjoyable geography lesson while having fun at the same time. The interactive centre “Spirit of Europe” gives you a chance to test your knowledge of Europe.

Nearby, Bruparck is a village for relaxation and refreshments and the Planetarium offers you a flight into the galaxy. You can also head for the Orient by visiting the Japanese Tower and the Chinese Pavilion nestling in the park of the Royal Castle of Laeken (residence of the royal family) or treat yourself to a break in the leafy-green setting of Osseghem Park to admire its surprising open-air theatre.

brussels Greeters Why not experience a different kind of tourism by turning to “Greeters”? These volunteers, Brussels born and bred or adopted, guide you, solo, with the family or in a group, on an individually-tailored journey of discovery. According to your tastes or interests, they show you unknown quarters, local places of interest, their favourite places to eat and their great shopping tips. These special opportunities for meeting and talking to people leave you with unforgettable memories and the feeling that you know more than anyone about a city full of charm. www.brussels.greeters.be

VISITbrussels

1

Atomium Square de l’Atomium - 1020 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 475 47 75 Press CONtACt Inge Van Eycken inge.vaneycken@atomium.be www.atomium.be

2

Mini-europe Bruparck - 1020 Bru iNFOliNe Tel.: +32 (0)2 474 05 50 Press CONtACt

Philippe Van Steenbergen philippe.steenbergen@minieurope.eu www.minieurope.eu

Museums of the Far east: Chinese Pavilion, Japanese Art Museum Japanese tower Avenue Van Praet 44 - 1020 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 268 16 08 Press CONtACt Bart Suys Tel.: +32 (0)2 741 73 00 bart.suys@kmkg-mrah.be www.kmkg-mrah.be

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Océade Tropical water park.

Bruparck - 1020 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 478 43 20 www.oceade.be

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Planetarium Av. de Bouchout 10 - 1020 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 474 70 50 www.planetarium.be

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10

King baudouin stadium and its discovery trail Av. de Marathon 135/2 - 1020 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 474 39 46 www.staderoibaudouin.be

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Parckdesign at the Jardin du Fleuriste the Hop on Hop off red double-decker buses take you there and back to the city while providing a commentary along the way. w w w. v i s i t b r u s s e l s . b e

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Kinepolis and its 24 cinemas Bd. du Centenaire 20 - 1020 Bru www.kinepolis.be

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the restaurants and cafés of bruparck

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Osseghem Park

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the Friterie and brasseries on boulevard du Centenaire

9

Parc of laeken

brussels… for All The Brussels-Capital Region pursues an active policy of promoting integration and access to greater autonomy for people with reduced mobility - whether they live in Brussels or are just visiting - when they’re exploring the capital city.

All information on the accessibility of accommodation infrastructure, restaurants, shopping, sports and leisure centres is now available in one click. www.brusselsforall.be www.visitbrussels.be/pmr

accessible alone or with assistance

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isure e l & e r Cultu

Quaint

and

museums

houses

beautiful little places just a few minutes from the centre. uilt in 1930 by the architects Polak and Hoch on the prestigious Avenue des Nations (which then became Franklin Roosevelt), the villa of Baron Louis Empain is a gem in the purest Art Deco style. The same enthusiasm and curiosity prompted by this modern luxurious building at the time are still evident today since the reopening of the recently restored premises. villa empain is the international head office of the Boghossian Foundation.

b

They say that the spirit of this great humanist of the Renaissance still floats around in erasmus House. Around 1521, he settled in Anderlecht in this large medieval building with the appearance of a priory. It was faithfully restored a few years ago and contains many valuable documents and works of art from the period. This is a real journey through time. The perfect way to round it off is by visiting the medicinal and philosophy garden.

Once upon a time the residence of a Dutch banker and his wife, the van buuren Museum was built in 1929 in the Art Deco style, which was all the rage at the time. The use of space, the lights and the materials that were chosen give this place an almost palpable soul. In the garden, you enter a wonderful treasure chest of plant life once dreamed up and maintained by Alice van Buuren.

The old studio of the artist, the Constantin Meunier Museum has a very powerful feel about it, just like that prolific creator of the 19th century whose monumental works are found more or less everywhere in Brussels.

The ixelles Fine Arts Museum is famous for its unique collection of original posters by ToulouseLautrec. The 19th and 20th century rooms are devoted to Impressionism, Fauvism and Surrealism, Abstract, Pop Art and Contemporary Art. At the Antoine wiertz Museum, the vessel is as surprising as the contents. This house, though modest in size, exhibits enormous canvasses expressing the mystical and allegorical inspirations of the artist as well as romantic and visionary sketches.

The owner of the Clockarium is quite a character, exhibiting nearly 1,000 Art Deco mantelpiece ornaments. Period, kitsch, rococo, gilt and enamelled.

By its name alone, the Plasticarium conjures up colour: the Museum of Plastic set up in an Art Deco house contains the best of what was being made in the Golden Sixties.

Situated in the north of Brussels, the house where renĂŠ Magritte lived and worked for nearly 25 years is now a favourite place for surrealism buffs.

VISITbrussels

rené Magritte House-Museum Rue Esseghem 135 - 1090 Bru Tel./ Fax : +32 (0)2 428 26 26 Press CONtACt André Garitte www.magrittemuseum.be

Clockarium Boulevard A. Reyers 163 - 1030 Bru Tel./Fax : +32 (0)2 732 08 28 Press CONtACt Jacques De Selliers press@clockarium.com www.clockarium.com

For something to eat near the Clockarium: bowery Amazing concept store. A complex which groups together a trendy fashion arcade on the ground floor, a wine bar on the mezzanine floor and a gourmet restaurant upstairs. This new place to go in Brussels, with its super-modern decor, is proving very successful.

Chaussée de Louvain 650-652 1030 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 325 12 90 www.bowery.be

erasmus House Rue du Chapitre 31 - 1070 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 521 13 83 Press CONtACt Kathleen Leys Tel.: +32 (0)2 521 13 83 www.erasmushouse.museum

Constantin Meunier Museum (Royal Museums of Fine Arts) Rue de l’Abbaye 59 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 648 44 49 Press CONtACt Barbara Porteman barbara.porteman@ fine-arts-museum.be www.fine-arts-museum.be

ixelles Museum of Fine Arts Rue J. Van Volsem 71 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 64 21 Press CONtACt Bérénice Demaret Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 64 21 berenice.demaret@ixelles.be www.museedixelles.be

For something to eat near the villa empain: brasserie de la villa lorraine and la villa lorraine

An institution in the capital and one that’s going through a great revival. Gourmet or brasserie-style, this establishment offers two different formats and is worth taking time over.

Avenue du Vivier d’Oie 75 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 374 31 63 www.villalorraine.be

vintage pop culture The only collection of its kind, the Plasticarium - Museum of Plastic - is well worth a report of its own. Located in an Art Deco house, it contains an anthology of the most colourful things from the Golden Sixties. Flashy orange armchairs, curvy furniture, pop implements, various strangelyshaped objects... this magnificent collection of hundreds of pieces is “a utopia of all things plastic”. As Roland Topor used to say, “it slides, it’s smooth and it’s beautiful”. That says it all. Admission for groups only and booking is essential.

Tel.: +32 (0)2 344 98 21

Antoine wiertz Museum (Royal Museums of Fine Arts) Rue Vautier 62 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 648 17 18 Press CONtACt Barbara Porteman Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 08 barbara.porteman@ fine-arts-museum.be www.fine-arts-museum.be

villa empain boghossian Foundation Centre for dialogue between the Eastern and Western cultures Av. Franklin Roosevelt 67 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 627 52 30 Press CONtACt Christophe Dosogne christophe@boghossianfoundation.be www.villaempain.com

David and Alice van buuren Museum Avenue L. Errera 41 - 1180 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 343 48 51 Press CONtACt Nathalie Saverys ns@forum-communication.be www.museumvanbuuren.com

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isure e l & e r Cultu

Family

special M

ore than 30 activities, museums and attractions in the centre and all over Brussels, offer some special moments for sharing. Cultural, original, lively, interactive, indoor or in the open air, all these places are easy to reach by public transport.

You can forget work, school and other worries and, instead, admire, play, imagine and fall asleep at night with your head full of dreams. The time’s gone by so quickly! You’ll have to come back soon, all together, for more Brussels experiences.

the centre belgian Comic strip Center The main residence of the most famous heroes of the 9th art was built by Victor Horta. As well as permanent collections, there are themed exhibitions, a little shop and a café-restaurant.

Rue des Sables 20 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 219 19 80 Press CONtACt Willem de Graeve Tel.: +32 (0)2 210 04 33 www.comicscenter.net

VISITbrussels

Musical instruments Museum (MiM) 1.200 instruments from all periods and every continent are on display in the former Old England stores in Art Nouveau style. You can listen to all of them using ingenious infra-red helmets. On the top floor is a terrace offering a sweeping view and a restaurant.

Rue Montagne de la Cour 2 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 545 01 30 Press CONtACt Damien Filippi Tel.: +32 (0)2 545 01 54 damien.filippi@mim.fgov.be www.mim.fgov.be

Coudenberg, Former Palace of brussels A key archaeological site in Brussels.

The vestiges of the chapel of Charles V, Rue Isabelle and even a grand ceremonial room have been unearthed.

enrol in the creative workshops of bOZAr sundays www.bozar.be

explore the world of comic strip figurines at the MOOF

Archaeological site & museum Place des Palais 7 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)70 22 04 92 Press CONtACt Frédérique Honoré f.honore@coudenberg.com Tel.: +32 (0)2 563 61 78 www.coudenberg.com

www.moof-museum.be

experience brussels!

An interactive exhibition where you can build your own town with giant foam blocks and take funny photos in front of the most famous monuments.

www.guignoletdansleparc.be

BIP - Brussels Info Place Rue Royale 2/4 - 1000 Bru www.biponline.be

toy Museum A museum that’s not at all old-fashioned! Kids can climb, touch and play as their grandparents did in their day.

take part in the roller-skating Parade on Fridays in summer www.belgiumrollers.com

laugh your head off with some very funny puppets.

Defy the laws of balance at the skate Park (skateboarding) www.brusk.be

Have fun with the incredibly witty wardrobe of Manneken-Pis and find out about the history of the city, according to age, with trail booklets.

Maison du Roi - Grand-Place - 1000 Bru www.bruxelles.be

Rue de l’Association 24 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 219 61 68 www.museedujouet.eu

the Cinquantenaire and the european district

Porte de Hal Suits of armour, swords, horses, lances and shields: it doesn’t take much imagination to hear the knights jousting. Right at the top, the path around the battlements to watch out for the enemy from the top of the ramparts.

Museum of Natural sciences A spectacular scene arrangement: the iguanodons who greet you from the height of their 65 million years.

The Evolution Gallery helps adults and children to understand our origins and how we’ve evolved. Creative workshops and a little area for budding archaeologists.

Boulevard du Midi 150 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 534 15 18 www.kmkg-mrah.be

Rue Vautier 29 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 627 42 38 (24/24h) Press CONtACt Yannick Siebens Tel.: +32 (0)2 627 43 77 yannick.siebens@naturalsciences.be www.naturalsciences.be

royal Museum of the Army and Military History With armour, uniforms, flags and weapons from the past, only the rattle and clinking of weapons is missing to relive the military exploits of past centuries. But the present is also represented with armoured vehicles and more than 80 flying machines.

Parc du Cinquantenaire 3 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 737 78 11 Press CONtACt Marie-Hélène Billwatsch Tel.: +32 (0)2 737 78 27 marie-helene.billwatsch@klm-mra.be www.klm-mra.be

Autoworld With their shiny chrome, the 400 vintage cars of this collection put on a great show of gleaming bodywork and fine leather seating.

Parc du Cinquantenaire 11 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 736 41 65 Press CONtACt Corinne Redaelli Thewissen Tel.: +32 (0)2 736 41 65 ct@autoworld.be www.autoworld.be

woluwe brussels urban transport Museum Here you’ll find everything that’s run on rails in Brussels since 1869. Horsedrawn or electric-powered, 150 trams and other vehicles tell the story of our extraordinary public transport.

to find out all you need to know about brussels’ parks and gardens www.ibgebim.be www.ecli.net

Outside the centre Children’s Museum Seven educational areas to allow children to express themselves and discover the world revolving around several themes.

Rue du Bourgmestre 15 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 640 01 07 www.museedesenfants.be

Planetarium You’ll find yourself gazing up at the stars and planets thanks to 360° surround-screening of the films onto the ceiling. Constellations, comets and black holes will hold no more secrets for you.

brussels Mill and Food Museum Here, you can try sweets and get a taste of food-related customs from elsewhere through a trail game and pictures for colouring in.

Rue du Moulin à Vent 21 - 1140 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 245 37 79 www.moulindevere.be

Mini-Golf at the Mellaerts Ponds skating outdoors in bois de la Cambre the little steam train in Forest http://ptvf.fte2.org

Many museums provide families with an educational kit to help them explore the place or exhibition.

Avenue de Bouchout 10 - 1020 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 474 70 50 www.planetarium.be

Mini-europe The attraction with 350 scale models so you can travel, in just a few minutes, from Viking longships to the eruption of Vesuvius. In the Spirit of Europe centre, have fun finding out how the European Union works.

Bruparck - 1020 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 474 05 50 www.minieurope.eu

Avenue de Tervueren 364B - 1150 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 31 08 / (0)2 515 31 10 Press CONtACt Jean-Louis Mottet jean-louis.mottet@trammuseumbrussels.be www.trammuseumbrussels.be SIZED FOR KIDS

visitbrussels pampers kids!

Ask for the special Kids’ mini-map with 30 fun and informative recreational activities.

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sport!

he international influence of Brussels also happens through sport because its favourable location and great accessibility by any means of transport make it a destination that’s easy to plan for and fast to reach.

Its other “sporting” assets are: an invigorating multiculturalism, modern infrastructure, its talent for hosting big events, its desire to put sport at the heart of life and of the city and its many green areas.

The sports CV of the Brussels-Capital Region includes famous names such as Eddy Merckx, Jacky Ickx and the Borlée brothers. It also features great events such as the Van Damme Memorial, which, every summer thrills 40,000 people in the Heysel stadium, and the holding of the EURO 2000 football championship, which was a huge success. But there’s no question of us resting on our laurels. Brussels intends, more than ever, to give free rein to its talent: it’s reviving, devising and giving its tourism a new dimension and supporting the many initiatives of the sports federations.

VISITbrussels

Cycling in villo city Brussels is proud of having given birth to Eddy Merckx, that indomitable hero of cycling. So, it offers anyone with energy to spare the opportunity to get around on two wheels. More than 160 Villo stations invite you to get on a hire bike and criss-cross the 19 local districts of the Region and then return it to the place of your choice. www.villo.be

i jog, you jog, …

At weekends or going to and from work, joggers are soon itching to get out there and run. In Brussels, they’ll be able to indulge in their favourite activity among trees on a number of tracks both in and immediately around the city.

Depending on what takes their fancy and how much time they have: in Parc de Bruxelles, beneath the windows of the Royal Place, at the Cinquantenaire very close to the European institutions, in Bois de la Cambre woods, in Forêt de Soignes or at the foot of the Atomium … the choice is theirs.

the big round ball The current golden generation of the Red Devils has what it takes to make a difference with Vincent Kompany (Manchester City) and Eden Hazard (Chelsea) and it’s firmly convinced that it will qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. As for the Royal Sporting Club of Anderlecht, based in the Constant Vanden Stock Anderlecht stadium, it’s still one of the most prestigious European clubs and is knocking on the door of the Champions League. www.footbel.com www.rsca.be

And the little yellow ball In the shadow of the Atomium, the Royal Primerose has, for 2 years, been hosting the famous WTA Brussels Tennis Open in May. For one week, the world’s best women’s tennis players battle it out for the prestigious trophy.

A date on the sporting calendar that’s become unmissable, the week just before Roland-Garros!

as well as: However you feel like taking care of your body or taking your mind off other things, you can also

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• treat yourself to a round of golf between meetings or visiting places of culture • swim a few lengths or dive 33 m • hurtle along the wide avenues on rollerblades in complete safety • lift some weights or just maintain your muscles • or feel more chilled out after a few Tai Chi poses. www.brusselsgolfclub.com www.golf-anderlecht.com www.bruxelles-piscines-index. blogspot.be www.nemo33.com www.belgiumrollers.com www.bruxelles-fitness.be www.taichi-academy.be www.bruxelles.be

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www.wta-brusselsopen.com

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www.bruxellesenvironnement.be www.20km.be (26/05/2013) www.brusselsmarathon.be (06/10/2013)

Places to go and city trails are published in the mini-map visitbrussels siZeD FOr sPOrts

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E R V I V In the heart of Europe ............................................................ 34 An uptown very up-market ..................................................... 36 When diversity goes hand in hand with creativity ..................... 38 And Dansaert created fashion ................................................. 40 Saint-Géry: history and design ................................................ 42 When the city becomes a “village” .......................................... 44 A capital city, naturally ........................................................... 46 Sunday markets .................................................................... 48 Love to eat and drink? That’s forgivable! .................................. 50 Gay friendly .......................................................................... 52 Well, shall we go out then? ..................................................... 54 Brussels-on-Jazz ................................................................... 56 Let the music play! ................................................................ 57

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russels is the capital of 500 million Europeans, a lively city which offers a permanently cosmopolitan ambiance thanks to the diversity of its different cultures from past and present and from here and elsewhere.

In the European institutions district, there are a lot of business people to the m² but Place du Luxembourg is a real world assembly place and the favourite «terrace» of an international group of people who get on well with each other in all languages.

Place Solidarnosc 1980 welcomes you with open arms and leads you towards the entrance to the European Parliament and the Parlamentarium: its brand new and super-modern visitors’ centre, which tells you everything about the history, work and projects of this institution. Just behind this imposing building, Leopold Park is a rustic oasis in the heart of the city. In its vicinity, the Wiertz Museum and its enormous paintings and the Museum of Natural Sciences and its procession of iguanodons.

As you leave the park, Place Jean Rey allows you to admire the reflection of an urban landscape in the windows of the Delors building, which houses the Economic and Social Committee and, opposite, the Justus Lipsus, which is home to the Council of the EU. Rue Froissart takes you to the Schuman roundabout to reveal the majestic entrance of the Berlaymont, whose flags of the member countries salute the work of the European Commission.

And as crowning piece of this journey, an exploration of Parc du Cinquantenaire created for the 50th anniversary of Belgium. It houses museums, works of art and other cultural surprises. At the top of the archways of its triumphal arch, an unbeatable panoramic view over the whole city awaits you.

Tintin arrives in the train station Right in the middle of the European district, at the entrance to Gare du Luxembourg (train station), the most famous reporter has carved out a place for himself, in black and white, on one of the walls adjacent to Place du Luxembourg. This fresco of Tintin, drawn in 1932, shows the arrival of Saint Nicholas in Brussels. It’s worth noting that the railway station is one of the oldest in Europe (which, moreover, used to receive the Orient Express) and its façade is listed. For the most informed Tintinophiles, note that Gare du Midi is also adorned with another black and white panel taken from the album “Tintin in America”.

VISITBRUSSELS

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Place and Gare du Luxembourg and an astonishing view on the European Parliament.

Parlamentarium The European Parliament’s Visitors’ Centre A visitors’ centre to tell you all about the European Parliament in any of 23 languages: its history, its latest news and its future. A unique interactive experience and multimedia display system: this new cultural attraction won the Prix d’honneur du Tourisme in 2012.

Museum of Natural Sciences Rue Vautier 29 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 627 42 38 (24h/24) PRESS CONTACT Yannick Siebens Tel.: +32 (0)2 627 41 21 yannick.siebens@naturalsciences.be www.naturalsciences.be

The Mail (Esplanade Solidarnosc 1980), the European Parliament

Rue Wiertz 60 - 1047 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 284 21 11 vissem@europarl.europa.eu www.europarl.europa.eu Free visits with audio guides for individuals, Monday to Thursday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Friday at 10 a.m., for group visits on written request only 2

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Place Jourdan for its cafés, restaurants, terraces, chips and its market every Sunday between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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Place Jean Rey

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Delors building (Committee of the Regions & European Economic and Social Committee)

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Justus Lipsus building (Council of the European Union)

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Berlaymont and Charlemagne buildings European Commission: Visits only on written request, from Monday to Friday and only for groups (min. 15 pers. and request made at least 2 months in advance)

Willy Brandt Building Rue Wiertz 60 - 1047 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 283 22 22 PRESS CONTACT Anja Fuchs-Koenig anja.fuchs@ europarl.europa.eu www.europarl.europa.eu

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Antoine Wiertz Museum (Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium) Rue Vautier 62 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 648 17 18 PRESS CONTACT Barbara Porteman Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 08 barbara.porteman@fine-arts-museum.be www.fine-arts-museum.be

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Leopold Park

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Horta Pavilion (Royal Museums of Art and History)

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Parc du Cinquantenaire - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 741 72 11 PRESS CONTACT Bart Suys Tel.: +32 (0)2 741 73 00 bart.suys@kmkg-mrah.be www.kmkg-mrah.be (Temporarily closed for restoration works)

http ://ec.europa.eu

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Cinquantenaire Park

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Cinquantenaire Museum (Royal Museums of Art and History)

Parc du Cinquantenaire 11 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 736 41 65

Parc du Cinquantenaire 10 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 741 72 11 PRESS CONTACT Bart Suys Tel.: +32 (0)2 741 73 00 bart.suys@kmkg-mrah.be www.kmkg-mrah.be

Corinne Redaelli Thewissen Tel.: +32 (0)2 736 41 65 ct@autoworld.be www.autoworld.be

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Royal Museum of the Army and Military History Parc du Cinquantenaire 3 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 737 78 11 PRESS CONTACT

Marie-Hélène Billwatsch Tel.: +32 (0)2 737 78 27 marie-helene.billwatsch@klm-mra.be www.klm-mra.be

Ask for the mini-map with walk VISITBRUSSELS SIZED FOR EUROPE Available in FR/EN, NL/DE & IT/ES

Autoworld Brussels

Nearby, for something to eat:

PRESS CONTACT

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Parkside Brasserie A special favourite in this European district for a smart and trendy brasserie which knows how to please the Eurocrats.

Avenue de la Joyeuse Entrée 24 1040 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 238 08 08 www.restoparkside.be

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he upper part of the city, influenced in the past by the bourgeoisie, has almost naturally become a place for upmarket shopping. Avenue Louise and its shopping arcades, Boulevard de Waterloo, Rue de Namur, Avenue de la Toison d’Or and the neighbouring streets are a real compendium of creativity and variety. On these legendary thoroughfares, window-shopping takes you from Brussels designers to Belgian labels, from luxury items to big international names, from classic to trendy: an essential trail for treating yourself or taking high-quality souvenirs home for your nearest and dearest.

Fancy pretending to be a celebrity for a while or perhaps you don’t have much time? It’s possible to benefit from the services of a Personal Shopper in Brussels, a fashion or design professional who goes with you for half a day or more to advise you on your choices: the solution for perfect purchases in a special ambience.

For a well-earned coffee break, what could be more enjoyable than sitting comfortably at a café table on a sunny terrace or, in less clement weather, in a hushed bar of a grand hotel; and for those who prefer a break surrounded by nature, Egmont Park offers the tranquillity of its lawns and greenery.

Late afternoon is the perfect occasion to give yourself a beauty and wellness break: hairstyling, manicure, massage, gym, this district has everything to offer.

And for an evening as successful as the rest of the day, all you have to do is choose from among the abundance of good restaurants and pleasant lounge bars in the district.

VISITBRUSSELS

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Boulevard de Waterloo, Galerie La Verrière Fine works of art presented by the Fondation Hermès.

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Boulevard de Waterloo 50 - 1000 Bru

Galerie Gladstone The ultimate in contemporary creativity.

Rue du Grand Cerf 12 - 1000 Bru 2

The Egmont Park

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The unbeatable panoramic vista from the Palais de Justice (Law Courts)

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Galeries Louise, avenue Louise Luxury international names and Belgian designers.

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Rue Jourdan and rue J. Stas The Louise Village a haven for café terraces and restaurants.

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Galerie D+T Project Ultra-modern and international.

Rue Bosquet 4 - 1060 Bru

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Galerie Aeroplastics Contemporary Small exhibitions full of inspiration.

Rue Blanche 32 - 1060 Bru

Zaabär skilled traditional chocolatier and grocer’s.

Production workshop.

Personal Shopper 3-h shopping trip rate: 275,00 € Additional hour: 75,00 € Languages: FR - NL - DE - EN - ES - IT

Chaussée de Charleroi 125 - 1060 Bru

INFO & RESERVATION

Restaurants and After-shopping 10

Rue de Namur Leading prêt-à-porter and fashion houses.

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Chaussée de Charleroi

Le Crystal lounge bar Luxurious interior by Antoine Pinto.

Sofitel - Avenue de la Toison d’Or 40 - 1050 Bru 11

Le Loui Brit-style cosy corner.

Hotel Conrad - Avenue Louise 71 1050 Bru

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The Flat A very busy lounge bar.

Here, you can have a drink in the dining room, bathroom or bedroom.

Rue de la Reinette 12 - 1000 Bru

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Rouge Tomate Tucked away in the middle of a main thoroughfare, this restaurant keeps a close eye on the balance of its dishes and the well-being of its customers, and, in fine weather, you can enjoy its lovely garden hidden away in the heart of the city.

Anousjka Schmidt Tel.: +32 (0)2 548 04 57 a.schmidt@visitbrussels.be www.visitbrussels.be

A bit of philosophy Nestling in a leafy green setting, Passage Marguerite Yourcenar leads on to Egmont Park facing rue aux Laines; 14 sentences taken from her novel “L’Œuvre au Noir” and engraved in stone pay tribute to the writer while at the same time creating a quiet and serene place which invites you to spend a moment or two in philosophical thought and meditation. The view of the back of Egmont Palace adds further to the harmony of the place and, as for the Orangerie, now a restaurant, it brings you back to more earthly flavours.

Like to find out more about upmarket shopping in Brussels?

Mini-map VISITBRUSSELS SIZED FOR EXCLUSIVITY (Available in EN)

Avenue Louise 190 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 647 70 44 www.rougetomate.com

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When

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diversity in hand with creativity

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A

t Porte de Namur, you enter a quarter nicknamed Matonge after a very well-known place in Kinshasa. Here, the whole of Africa is offered up to you: you’ll find miles of multicoloured fabrics, and can fill up with exotic fruits, spices from distant lands and human warmth.

A short walk away, Saint-Boniface district places the emphasis more on the trendy approach, with many small and fashionable clothing and jewellery shops. A few Italian and Asian restaurants give the café terraces opposite the church the mixed and colourful appearance of a global café. After this immersion in different cultures, this trail takes you to the Ixelles Museum of Fine Arts. Its permanent collections and themed exhibitions are very popular and many original Toulouse-Lautrec posters are also on display.

Finally, Place Flagey is a huge esplanade which hosts many events. The enormous ocean liner which seems to have run aground there was once the broadcasting house and is now home to a centre for cultural events, including a hall with remarkable acoustics.

Enjoy a little romantic stroll around the Ixelles ponds, surrounded by Art Nouveau and Art Deco houses.

VISITBRUSSELS

1

Matonge, African district

3

L’Amour Fou Bustling modern brasserie, live music 4

5

Art Nouveau houses created by Ernest Blerot 12, 18, 19, 20 rue Ernest Solvay 17, 19 - 22 rue Saint-Boniface

The church of Saint-Boniface: Brussels’ first church in the neo-gothic style.

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Ixelles Museum of Fine Arts

Flagey The old radio broadcasting house converted into a cultural events centre.

Place Sainte-Croix - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 641 10 10 PRESS CONTACT Séverine Provost Tel. : +32 (0)2 644 61 91 info@spcc.be www.flagey.be

Galerie Bodson-Emelinckx International contemporary arts centre.

Rue de Hennin 70 - 1050 Bru

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Place Flagey

“food market” from Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.; and “general market” Saturdays and Sundays, from 8 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.

Rue J. Van Volsem 71 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 64 21 PRESS CONTACT Bérénice Demaret Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 64 27 berenice.demaret@ixelles.be www.museedixelles.be

Saint-Boniface district Terraces, bistros and restaurants of world cuisine.

Rue Saint-Boniface and rue de la Paix: Vintage clothes and accessories, streetwear

Rue Lesbroussart 43a - 1050 Bru

Chaussée d’Ixelles 185 - 1050 Bru

Chaussée de Wavre 174- 1050 Bru

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Reservoir shop A real Aladdin’s cave: clothes, books and music.

Shop ‘til you drop

Chaussée de Wavre exotic food and products, hair braiding.

Beer Mania real temple of Belgian beer in Brussels. More than 400 kinds.

Chaussée d’Ixelles and surrounding streets

Rue Lesbroussart

Le Café Belga for artists and the young trendy crowd.

Quartier Libre For enjoying original tapas.

Rue Lesbroussart 16 - 1050 Bru

Le frit’kot (friterie) One of the best in the capital in the middle of place Flagey.

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Ixelles Ponds Galerie Fred Lanzenberg Talent-spotter and supporter of contemporary artists.

Avenue des Klauwaerts 9 - 1050 Bru

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n Brussels, creativity is just like the art de vivre: inventive or even eccentric. Tasteful and high-quality, Brussels fashion is worthy of all these descriptions and comes up with some timeless collections.

A few years ago, fashion designers emerging from the leading schools of Brussels took over Rue Dansaert and the surrounding area. Over the years, boutiques and studios have turned it into the essential quarter for those who want to look at and try on clothes and accessories, giving a new lease of life to this once neglected corner of Brussels.

Rue Dansaert is the temple of temptations: for all ages, all styles, all sizes, all budgets and at (almost) all hours of the day since the shops stay open on Thursdays until 8 p.m.

And, going back to the sources of this great art, the Museum of Costume and Lace, near the Grand’Place, is well worth a visit for its collection of old lace and finery, and presents a retrospective film of the great occasions in our couturier history.

This trail can be combined with the design theme on the following page.

• MAD Brussels Mode & Design Center The Brussels Fashion and Design centre Rue d’Alost 7/11 - 1000 Bru www.madbrussels.be

• www.shopinbrussels.be • www.afterworkshopping.be shops and businesses stay open in the city centre every Thursday until 8 p.m.

VISITBRUSSELS

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Saint-Hubert Galleries

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Place du Nouveau Marché aux Grains: Johanne Riss: women’s clothes and wedding dresses - n°35 Icon: clothes for women - n°5 Haleluja: high fashion clothes and accessories - n°6

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Rue L. Lepage: AXL Store: clothes for men and women - n°1 Mapp: women’s and men’s clothes - n°5 Filles à Papa: absolute look for women and men - n°10 Nicolas Woit: women’s clothes - n°19 Virt & Real: very trendy shoes - n°21 NDC: it-shoes women - n°36 Mieke Cosyn: wedding dresses - n°39 Just in Case: women’s clothes - n°63

Ciel mes Bijoux ! : vintage Haute Couture jewellery.

Delvaux: luxury leather goods and accessories.

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Costume and Lace Museum Rue de la Violette 12 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 213 44 50 PRESS CONTACT Jo De Witte Tel.: +32 (0)2 279 43 74 jo.dewitte@brucity.be www.musees.bruxelles.be

Below you will find a selection of Belgian and international clothes boutiques that you’ll pass along the way: 3

Rue du Lombard: Gillis: hats - n°17

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Rue du Marché-au-Charbon: Privejoke: young and urban n°76 Conni Kaminski : clothes for women and men n°102

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Rue des Teinturiers: Ramon et Valy: vintage for men and women - n°19

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Rue Van Artevelde: Valérie Berckmans: clothes for women and children - n°8 Supergreen me : ecoshop clothing, accessories, objects n°19.

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Rue des Chartreux: Bellerose: stylish and relaxed, children - n°11 WhaZup: original and witty gifts for everyone - n°14 Blender: accessories, jewellery and decor - n°18 Gabrièle: vintage clothes - n°27

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Rue du Marché aux Porcs: Le fabuleux Marcel de Bruxelles: the singlet gets an updated image - n°8 Azniv Afsar: women’s clothes - n°26

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Rue de Flandre: Maison Martin Margiela: clothes for men and women n°114

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Rue Rempart des Moines: Sophie Heymans: jewellery - n°15 Rue Antoine Dansaert: Y-dress ? : women’s clothes n°102 Hoet Design Store: designer specs, furniture and objects n°97 Carine Gilson: feminine lingerie, Brussels studio, each garment is unique - n° 87 Ogotaï: women’s clothes - n°88 Stijl: clothes for men and women, accessories - n°74

Annemie Verbeke: women’s clothes - n°64 Marianne Timperman: jewellery - n°50 Underwear: underwear for men & women, swimming costumes n°47 Passa Porta: the house of literature; laboratory of words and ideas - n°46 Diesel concept store: clothes for men and women - n°38 Rue Blanche: women’s clothes - n°35 Kat en Muis: clothes and accessories for children - n°32 Marithé + F. Girbaud: men’s and women’s clothes - n°21

After-shopping:

Brussels gastronomy on place du Vieux Marché aux Grains and place Sainte-Catherine.

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Le Fourneau For the pleasure of watching a chef cook in front of you and behind the counter. You savour the know-how and - another original aspect of the concept - choose the starters per item and the mains by weight. Each according to his or her appetite.

Place Sainte-Catherine 8 - 1000 Bru Tel : +32 (0) 2 513 10 02 www.evanrestaurants.be

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Seafood restaurants at the Marché aux Poissons.

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Café terraces of the world at place St-Géry.

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The Black Tower, remains of the first fortified wall around the city.

www . visitbrussels . be

Ask for: • The mini-map VISITBRUSSELS SIZED FOR MODE & DESIGN, available in EN. • The mini-map VISITBRUSSELS SIZED FOR SHOPPING, available in FR/EN & NL/DE.

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Saint-Géry

history &

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hese winding streets and houses with Flemish gables saw the birth of Brussels over a 1000 years ago. And yet this is where you’ll find the highest number of designers per square metre. This very “bruxellois” paradox would not displease Magritte, who used to assiduously frequent the localities to play chess or put the world to rights with his surrealist friends.

Variety has pride of place everywhere in the studios and shop windows: you go from vintage to ascetic, from contemporary to the sixties and from minimalist to extremely kitschy. Perspex, metal, paper, recovered materials, the finest wood,… anything’s possible in this universe of shapes and colours.

And every style of art and life are on the menu on this trail: the hustle and bustle of the Halles Saint-Géry (indoor market halls) to the multicoloured café terraces but also the tranquillity of the Béguinage district, the rows of façades which are all different from each other, the Romanesque, Gothic Revival or Neo-Renaissance churches (or, like the church of Sainte-Catherine, all three at once). Not to mention the “la Bellone” house, with its Baroque courtyard covered with a glass roof for dance shows.

And if you come across a bronze quadruped with one paw in the air on the corner of a street, you’ve just made the acquaintance of zinneke, the mischievous mongrel who, in the same way as Manneken-Pis, symbolises the rebellious spirit that’s so much a part of our Brussels’ character.

People feel so comfortable in this ever-changing historic spot that the industrial buildings alongside the nearby canal have been turned into loft apartments. Life here is as buzzing by day as it is by night.

This trail can be combined with the fashion theme on the previous page.

A designer’s night sleep Brussels has seen five design hotels spring up. Opposite the Botanic Garden, the BLOOM! and its resolutely designer and minimalist look for each of the 300 rooms, decorated by different artists. A stone’s throw away from the Gare du Midi, the Be Manos is a Black & White design jewel. The White Hotel, situated on Avenue Louise, is the showcase of young Belgian designers. Their creations feature in all the rooms - all immaculately white as the name implies. A small hotel at the heart of the fashion district, the Pacific, invites guests into intimate surroundings conjured up by Mia Zia. And the last one, the Pantone Hotel … www.hotelbloom.com - www.thewhitehotel.be - www.bemanos.com - www.hotelcafepacific.com - www.pantonehotel.com

VISITBRUSSELS

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Place Saint-Géry

2

Church of Notre-Dame aux Riches Claires Flemish Renaissance era (17th century), cultural centre.

An eclectic style by Poelaert.

Place Sainte-Catherine - 1000 Bru

Pl. Sainte-Catherine 44 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 279 64 35 PRESS CONTACT Sarah Segura Tel.: +32 (0)2 279 64 01 sarah.segura@brucity.be www.centraleart.be

Café Greenwich Haunt of the surrealists.

6

5

Rue Antoine Dansaert

Place Sainte-Catherine

Maison du Spectacle & Maison de la Bellone House dating from the 17th century.

7

Marché aux Poissons

The former docks of the Port of Brussels.

MicroMarché A cooperative of designers who present their creations (decorative objects, furniture, jewellery).

Gallery Greta Meert Art gallery in an Art Nouveau house.

Rue du Canal 13 - 1000 Bru www.galeriegretameert.com

10

Rue de Flandre 46 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 513 33 33 PRESS CONTACT Valérie Sombryn valerie@bellone.be www.bellone.be

Rue des Chartreux 9 - 1000 Bru

Rue A. Dansaert 6 - 1000 Bru

8

9

Café Fin de Siècle A cheap and cheerful eatery for Brussels cooking.

Café L’Archiduc Jazz, live music.

Anspach fountain

Café “De Markten” Former headquarters of the Val-Saint-Lambert glassworks.

Rue des Chartreux 19 - 1000 Bru

MAD Brussels www.madbrussels.be

Quai aux Barques 4 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 513 19 92 www.jaloa.com

Centrale for contemporary art

Espace Bizarre Furniture, lights and decor for enlightened connoisseurs of contemporary design.

District of the Brussels fashion designers and stylistes.

Jaloa Gastronomic discovery with Gaëtan Colin, Michelin-starred chef, bubbling with talent and flying the flag for Brussels cuisine.

(now deconsecrated)

Zinneke on a street corner, with the typical cheek of a Brussels native, a mongrel lifts his leg …

4

Seafood restaurants

Church of Sainte-Catherine

Rue des Chartreux

Rue des Chartreux 7 - 1000 Bru

Quai au Bois à Brûler 39 - 1000 Bru

Place Sainte-Catherine 4 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 514 23 14 www.ellisgourmetburger.com

Rue des Riches Claires 23 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 511 50 99 OPEN Saturday 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

3

Galerie Aliceday Contemporary works by amazing artists …

Ellis Gourmet Burger A real hamburger with genuine prime Belgian meat, what could be better when you want a great hamburger.

Its café terraces and world cuisines.

Grand Hospice Pachéco Neo-classical complex (1824).

The Béguinage, its square Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste Place du Béguinage - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 217 87 42

11

The roof of Parking 58 Panoramic view over Brussels.

12

Café Walvis An essential meeting place.

Rue Antoine Dansaert 209 - 1000 Bru

www . visitbrussels . be

Quai à la Houille 9 - 1000 Bru www.micromarche.be

Shopping: Fishmongers, old-style hardware shops and herbalists’ shops.

43

When

the city

IVRE V E D T R A

a village

becomes

Y

ou only have to take a short walk towards the south of Brussels to come across places which are overlooked by tourists, out of the ordinary and full of surprises.

Far from the frenetic tempo of the city centre, these districts offer a quality of life that’s the envy of many.

Place du Châtelain, Place Brugmann and the surrounding areas move at the easy rhythm of a village. Everyone knows each other, they stroll along here at a slower pace to prolong the enjoyment, and the streets are still full of life well after the offices have closed. There are beautiful residences, gourmet restaurants, craftsmen, art galleries and stylish shops. Yet you also find everywhere here the very laid back approach so typical of Brussels, a subtle blend of seriousness and a sense of the ridiculous.

In Bois de La Cambre, you’re in the depths of the countryside. Walking here gives you a choice between majestic avenues and romantic narrow tree-lined ways, a spot of enjoyable lazing on a lawn area or rowing on a pond: everyone will find their favourite way of enjoying a moment or two of pure nature.

VISITBRUSSELS

1

The Châtelain district The Gourmet market On Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. A must!

2

Galerie La Maison Particulière A private house which really is special and is used to show works put together according to a theme: no appointment necessary - there’s nothing for sale but everything to see.

Rue du Châtelain 49 1050 Bru

3

Skin & Soul Creative jewellery inspired by the skin and nature.

Rue Faider 121 1050 Bru

4

Dédée K A profusion of frills and flounces, trinkets and knick-knacks.

9

The Brugmann district

9

Sandrina Fasoli Exceptional clothes, shoes and accessories.

Place Brugmann 22 - 1050 Bru

9

Place Brugmann 13 - 1050 Bru 9

Tan A real little organic paradise with nice things to eat and books to read.

10

Rose “Parisienne” boutique, fashionable and designer gifts.

10

11

7

11

www.toucanbrasserie.be 11

Retroparadise Old-fashioned clothes and accessories at affordable prices.

Les Petits Riens We recycle, revamp and customise.

Le Toucan Brasserie French-style brasserie for Brussels specialities.

Avenue L. Lepoutre 1 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 345 30 17

Le Toucan-sur-Mer Same again, fish and seafood version.

Avenue L. Lepoutre 17 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 340 07 40

Rue Américaine 105 - 1050 Bru 8

Faisons un rêve Design & decor in a magnificent 1900 house.

Avenue L. Lepoutre 112 1050 Bru

Lady Dandy Trendy pre-loved.

Rue du Page 5 - 1050 Bru

Must by Lucia Esteves Trendy and avant-garde design.

Rue Darwin 37 1050 Bru

Rue de l’Aqueduc 56 - 1050 Bru 6

Kelly Boutique Collector’s clothes and bags.

Rue Darwin 60 1050 Bru

Rue de l’Aqueduc 95 - 1050 Bru 5

Le Plasch Fashionable brasserie for delicious little dishes.

Place Brugmann 34 - 1050 Bru

Place de la Trinité - 1050 Bru 5

L’Antichambre Here, you create your own fragrance from among the flowery green or musky “liquids”.

A quick trip to the countryside : The abbey of la Cambre, a true gem of nature and architecture, is a haven for daydreaming and meditation. Bois de la Cambre woods opens up its tree-lined driveways and walkways and, after a very pleasant stroll, why not meet up on Île Robinson (Robinson’s Island) by taking the ferry for a meal or drink surrounded by nature.

www.toucanbrasserie.be 12

www . visitbrussels . be

Galerie Taché-Lévy Rue Tenbosch 74 - 1050 Bru

Rue Américaine 95 - 1050 Bru 13

Galerie Xavier Hufkens Rue Saint-Georges 6-8 - 1050 Bru

45

IVRE V E D T R A

A capital

city,

naturally W

ith more than 28 m² of green space per inhabitant, Brussels is the greenest capital city in Europe; it’s a real patchwork of leafy greenery: historic parks, welcoming little squares and wide shady avenues as well as city gardens which you can find in the middle of almost every residential block.

A magnificent green loop of pathways encourages our visitors to explore the Region. On foot, by bicycle, on rollerblades or by any other means of transport that’s quiet and compatible with the aforementioned, more than 60 km of routes are laid out and cross a number of protected areas. Very varied scenery, sweeping countryside views, forest driveways, vegetable or market gardens: plenty to satisfy the whole family whatever they want from being outdoors.

The Green Walk takes you to places that are difficult to get to or even simply out of reach by other paths.

On this trail, we’ve plotted out some nature parks, historic places of interest and conservation areas for you: natural and museum treasures, nature and culture definitely go well together! www.promenade.verte.be

VISITBRUSSELS

1

Atomium Symbol of Expo’58 surrounded by its royal gardens: the Colonial garden, Sobieski park, the Floriste’s garden and its designer furniture.

5

Square de l’Atomium - 1020 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 475 47 75 info@atomium.be PRESS CONTACT Inge Van Eycken inge.vaneycken@atomium.be www.atomium.be

Rue du Rouge-Cloître 4 - 1160 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 660 55 97 info@rouge-cloitre.be www.rouge-cloitre.be 6

2

Moeraske nature reserve “Little marsh” in Dutch, fourteen hectares of marshland, ancient woodlands, kitchen gardens, meadows of tall grass, a stream, springs and a very wide-ranging biodiversity.

7

Place St-Vincent 1140 Bru Free monthly guided tours (2-3 hours) by the CEBE PRESS CONTACT

Dr. Christian Rombaux Tel.: +32 (0)2 242 50 43 info@cebe.be www.cebe.be 3

4

8

Roodebeek Park A pretty park with playground, animal house, pavilion, local museum and arboretum.

Brussels Urban Transport Museum Large collection of historic trams, buses, trolleybuses and taxis tucked away in leafy surroundings.

Avenue de Tervueren 364B - 1150 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 515 31 08 / +32 (0)2 515 31 10 PRESS CONTACT Jean-Louis Mottet jean-louis.mottet@ trammuseumbrussels.be www. trammuseumbrussels.be

Domaine du Rouge Cloître An old Augustinian priory on the edge of Forêt de Soignes, the site is home to an arts centre, a Maison du Conte (Storyteller’s House), artists’ workshops, a playground, a restaurant and a café.

9

Tournay-Solvay Park A conservation area comprising the ruins of the Solvay château, the classical English-style garden with its rose garden, a beech grove, an orchard and an educational kitchen garden.

Kinsendael nature reserve An important centre of the green and blue network of Brussels, Natura 2000 Special Protection Area and feeding area for ten or so different species of bats.

Bempt Park A park for crossing whilst sitting astride a little steam train! Nine replicas, on a scale of 1/8th, vintage models of locomotives criss-cross the park on a onekilometre circuit, crossing lawns and little bridges.

10

Roi Baudouin Park A huge composite of woods, meadows, marshlands, parks and ponds. There’s also the Children’s Farm, which organises activities such as animal care, bread-making, kitchen gardening and beekeeping.

Green markets and shops They’re ethically responsible and environmentally sound: there are numerous green markets and organic or Fair-trade shops springing up in Brussels. Everyone loves this new way of consuming with a clear conscience: it’s good for the planet and for your health. We match our menus with the seasonal local produce and rediscover the true taste of things.

Place Sainte-Catherine on Wednesdays from 7.30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Rue des Tanneurs 58-62 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2012

W W W. V I S I T B R U S S E L S . B E

Scheutbos conservation area This 6-hectare area of greenery with an ecological and recreational purpose is a lovely piece of countryside and has been designated for its scenic and historic qualities, its blue and green network and for its wide-ranging biodiversity.

47

Sunday

IVRE V E D T R A

S

markets

o close and yet so different, the Sablon and the Marolles districts are a real gold mine for art lovers, collectors or bargain hunters. They’re 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 takes off in the very heart of Rue Haute and Rue des Minimes, at Place Breughel. 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. Lovingly-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 brusseleir accent, you’ll have reached the roots of the Marolles. All of this local tradition is further enhanced by the fantastic bric-abrac: the flea market that’s been held every morning for more than a century on Place du Jeu de Balle!

VISITBRUSSELS

1

The Grand Sablon For its restaurants and café terraces.

5

OPEN Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Brasserie Ploegmans At 148, between traditional and trendy over a Faro and a stoemp.

Antique dealers, auction rooms and art galleries on the Sablon and its surrounding area.

The Square Breughel l’Ancien Below the Law Courts for its pavement cafés.

The Chocolate makers Rue de la Régence 3b

6

Postal address:

rue Bodenbroek 6 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 511 57 41 http ://up.catho-bruxelles.be/notre-dame 2

Garden of Petit Sablon

3

Place Poelaert Panoramic view over the city.

The Law Courts Take a peek at the great hall.

Place Poelaert 1000 Bru OPEN 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4

Minimes Church

Rue des Renards and place du Jeu de Balle For their popular pubs.

Church N-D. de la Chapelle Where Bruegel is buried.

Place de la Chapelle - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 512 07 37 open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. j-l.blanpain@bxl.catho.be

10

Dandoy The oldest biscuit shop in Brussels.

Rue de Rollebeek 50 - 1000 Bru

Many antique dealers and shops are open from Wednesday to Sunday. The weekend is the best time to visit this area: markets are held on Sundays and the shops stay open until around 3 p.m.

Place du Jeu de Balle Flea market, the most famous flea market in Brussels, every morning. between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m., but special on Sundays.

Interior decoration shops and bric-a-brac Rue Haute and rue Blaes 7

Les Halles des Tanneurs A setting just waiting to be discovered.

Rue des Tanneurs 60 - 1000 Bru

CLOSED

on weekends and bank holidays, July Guided tours on written request to Korei korei@skynet.be

9

The house of Pieter Bruegel the Elder At 132.

Sablon antiques and book market

Sablon Church

Rue Haute

8

Les Brigittines Baroque church and its contemporary copy, now a cultural centre.

Rue des Brigittines - 1000 Bru www.brigittines.be

Rue des Minimes 62 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 511 93 84 vdb.marolle@skynet.be

www . visitbrussels . be

49

Love to eat

IVRE V E D T R A

and drink?

That’s forgivable!

M

ention Brussels and it’s not long before you start talking about gastronomy. It’s true that this city has taste, know-how and traditions in the most flavoursome fields.

Let’s start with chocolate, which is indisputably the most well-known and most exported food-lover’s product. Nestling in little “ballotins” (selection boxes), the individual chocolates are like jewels set with exquisite decorations and filled with soft centres containing fruit or precious spices. The city has an ever-growing number of master chocolate-makers tirelessly seeking the perfect union to delight our taste buds. Some of them invite you into their workshops for an introduction to chocolate.

As for beer, it’s the favourite beverage of the people of Brussels and all those who pay us a visit here. This daughter of the hop flows freely from casks or bottles, plain or flavoured, simple or sophisticated. Among the most famous, Gueuze, Kriek and Faro are prepared according to the oldest traditions and their production secrets jealously guarded; but as their specific character depends on the water used in their composition, they can’t be made anywhere else. To be enjoyed sensibly!

The chip stalls, also called “friteries” or “fritkots” in Brussels dialect, fill street corners, squares and “kermesses” (local fairs) with an appetising smell. People often queue up there impatiently, mouths watering in anticipation, before finally getting hold of their paper cones overflowing with golden, salted and crispy chips, which they devour immediately using their fingers. Sometimes, they add a large dollop of mild or spicy sauce. The first bite is followed by a blissful silence, which speaks volumes for the quality of the occasion.

Slow food “Slow food” has found fertile ground in Brussels because home-grown produce here is delicious. Many chefs have decided on a cuisine that’s both subtle and authentic. www.slowfoodbe.be

VISITBRUSSELS

Chocolates and biscuits Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate Rue de la Tête d’Or 9-11 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 514 20 48 info@mucc.be PRESS CONTACT Peggy Van Lierde www.mucc.be

Maison des Maîtres Chocolatiers Belges Demonstrations and tasting.

Grand-Place 4 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 888 66 20 www.mmcb.be

The delicacies of the Grand’Place and surroundings Dandoy, Galler, Godiva, Corné, Planète Chocolat, Chocopolis, Pierrre Ledent, Jean-Philippe Darcis, Frédéric Blondeel, Elisabeth, …

The delicacies of the Saint-Hubert Galleries Neuhaus, Mary, Corné, Belgique Gourmande, …

The delicacies at the Manneken-Pis Brussels waffles, Neuhaus, Godiva, Leonidas, …

The delicacies of the Sablon Côte d’Or, Biscuits Dandoy, Wittamer, Neuhaus, Marcolini, Godiva, Passion Chocolat, …

Chocolate-makers to visit Workshop of the chocolate-maker Mary Discover a purveyor to the royal court in an extraordinary place.

Chaussée de Wavre 950 - 1040 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 737 72 41 www.mary.be

Workshop Zaabär Discover a chocolate-makercum-grocer who devises original blocks of chocolate in a very contemporary setting.

Chaussée de Charleroi 125 - 1060 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 533 95 80 www.zaabar.be

Workshop Laurent Gerbaud New establishment of the traditional chocolate-maker opposite BOZAR. Rue Ravenstein 2D - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 511 16 02 www.chocolatsgerbaud.be

The breweries Today, Brussels has two breweries ranked among the best in the world. Both take particular care to work on flavours which have become a rarity on the brewing scene: acidity and bitterness.

Brasserie Cantillon Welcome to this family brewery that is unique in Brussels, a living museum of Gueuze, Kriek and many other spontaneous fermentation beers that are produced in-house. Here, nothing has changed since its creation: the welcome is generous and the brewing activity is booming: Visits, tastings of the home-made Gueuze-Lambic and the organisation of public brewing sessions.

Brussels Gueuze Museum Cantillon Brewery Rue Gheude 56 - 1070 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 521 49 28 www.cantillon.be

Brasserie de la Senne The beers of the Brasserie de la Senne are produced by two young and passionate brewers from Brussels, Yvan De Baets and Bernard Leboucq. This small artisan brewery makes beers in the traditional way, unfiltered, unpasteurised and with no additives: nothing but top-quality natural raw materials.

Chaussée de Gand 565 - 1080 Bru info@brasseriedelasenne.be www.brasseriedelasenne.be

Belgian Brewers’ Museum On the most beautiful square in the world, the high-tech manufacture of today’s beer, in sound and in images and its development since the 18th century. Tasting of a Belgian “surprise” beer in the prestigious surroundings of the House of the Belgian Brewers dating from 1695.

Grand-Place 10 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 511 49 87 www.beerparadise.be

Schaerbeek Museum of Beer Take a step back into the 19th century and discover all the manufacturing secrets of Belgian beers! Not to be missed: a surprising collection of 1000 bottles, 800 glasses and original advertising signs and posters. Exclusive tasting of the “schaerbeekoise”, an Abbey beer brewed only for the museum.

The best beer lists Moeder Lambik Over 600 different beers!

The best chip stalls (friteries)

Place Fontainas 8 - 1000 Bru Rue de Savoie 68 - 1060 Bru

In Brussels, the chip stalls have been raised to the rank of icons of good food.

L’Atelier Chalet atmosphere and beer menu on the wall.

Chez Antoine Place Jourdan - 1040 Bru

Rue Elise 77 - 1050 Bru

Délirium café 2,500 different kinds of beer, surely a world record!

Impasse de la Fidélité 4a - 1000 Bru www.deliriumcafe.be

Le Bier Circus Rue de l’Enseignement 57 - 1000 Bru www.bier-circus.be

Beer Mania A 400-beer collection + shop.

Chaussée de Wavre 174 - 1050 Bru www.beermania.be

Frit Flagey Place Flagey - 1050 Bru Fritland Rue Henri Maus - 1000 Bru Friterie de l’avenue du Parc Avenue du Parc (barrière St-Gilles) - 1060 Bru

Fritkot de la Chapelle Place de la Chapelle - 1000 Bru

Friterie Fontainas Rue Fontainas (Porte de Hal) - 1060 Bru

La Fleur en Papier Doré Every possible flavour in the temple of surrealism.

Rue des Alexiens 55 - 1000 Bru www.fleurenpapierdore.be

Av. Louis Bertrand 33-35 - 1030 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 241 56 27 http ://users.skynet.be/ museedelabiere Three mini-maps to make your mouth water: VISITBRUSSELS SIZED FOR … … SWEET TOOTHS : sweets galore … GOURMETS : our great local restaurants … TYPICAL FOOD : just about everything in Brussels’ specialities Available in FR/EN/NL/DE

51

Gay

IVRE V E D T R A

G

friendly

ay Brussels, it’s a spirit of freedom, legislation free from discrimination and a wide and varied range of activities in terms of night life, cuisine, shopping and culture. Situated in the centre of a virtual rectangle that would link up Amsterdam, Cologne, Paris and London, Brussels is synonymous with art de vivre and a multicultural approach to life: qualities for which we’re the envy of our neighbours...

The gay scene in Brussels is true to the city’s image: discreet, varied, warm and friendly.

The gay heart of the capital beats in the Saint-Jacques district, near the Grand’Place. But the whole Region, cosmopolitan, easy-going and tolerant, also loves to party and speak all languages. In Brussels, everything is nearby and this human scale is ideal for walking and exploring, making it easier to meet people even for visitors just passing through.

VISITBRUSSELS is fully involved in fulfilling the wishes and needs of this target public, particularly during Belgian Pride. It has co-produced this event since 2012 and the last one welcomed nearly 70,000 visitors. For example, a Gay Map focusing on lifestyle has been published, showing the cool and gay-friendly places to go in our capital city. It’s widely distributed by our tourist information offices in Brussels as well as by tourist information centres representing Brussels abroad. Hotels also offer any number of tempting package deals, based on one-off or repeat events with the huge cultural potential of Brussels.

The gay section of the Website, www.visitbrussels.be/gay, serves as the springboard for all the activities likely to please this demanding target group when it comes to living it up and experiencing new discoveries to the full. Add to this the Gay Brussels Facebook page and VISITBRUSSELS positions itself as the essential partner to gay tourists wanting a 100% experience of Brussels.

VISITBRUSSELS

Non-exhaustive instructions for a surprising and attractive capital

Characteristic ambiences

Brussels also invites you

Where to stay

Trendy in the Saint-Boniface district

• to hang out in one of the many parks, public gardens or Bois de la Cambre

A number of hotels provide weekend packages and special offers during events such as The Belgian Pride, La Démence parties, etc…

Very village-like around Places du Châtelain and Brugmann

The Rainbow district

Stylish and fashionable: Place du Grand Sablon

Saint-Jacques and around the Grand’ Place : shops, bars and restaurants Rue du Marché-au-Charbon : bars, restaurants, shops

Typically local in the working class quarter of the Marolles

Cool and colourful: Saint-Géry with its café terraces “In” and musical: Place Flagey with its concert halls and its packed bars

Shopping Dansaert : numerous fashion boutiques and fashion designers’ studios

• to get on a Villo to go wherever the mood takes you • to buy a Brussels Card: this pass gives you use of public transport, admission into a number of museums and good discounts in many shops www.brusselscard.be • gaze upwards to admire the comic strip heroes in giant format on 40 gables spread around the city • out until the early hours on one of the Démence evenings (lademence.com) as well as any number of more alternative and very often easy-going evenings out!

Events Belgian Pride 17 & 18 May 2013 www.blgp.be www.thepride.be Big La Démence weekends: Easter and All Saints’ Day weekends (parties on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) www.lademence.com

More information on events: www.visitbrussels.be/gay Ask for the Gay Map f.boutry@visitbrussels.be

Diversity Week 13 to 19 May 2013 Gay and Lesbian Film Festival of Brussels www.fglb.org Pink Screen Festival November 2013 www.pinkscreen.org

sized for LESBIAN & GAY

50€

0,

For a chocolate feast : around Grand’Place and Grand Sablon.

53

IVRE V E D T R A

?

Well, shall we go out then

You’re going to love evenings and night-time in Brussels! hen the offices close up and the conference rooms empty, a different lifestyle begins.

While some go home, others go out. This is the time to explore the soul of Brussels, soak up its cosmopolitan atmosphere and sample those cultural differences.

W

Here, in a few short steps, you go from one ambience to another, sometimes exotic, trendy and laid back, sometimes classy, music-loving and gourmet.

You won’t forget sipping a Gueuze on the Grand’Place when it’s all lit up, an incentive evening revolving around chocolate or crispy golden chips eaten with your fingers from a paper cone.

Spend some time in the casino, start dancing to rock or salsa and you won’t want the night to end.

All kinds of nigths out • a cosmopolitan epic Weekdays at Place du Luxembourg and Place Jourdan.

• a trendy tour Place du Châtelain, rue Américaine, place Brugmann.

• diving into history Grand’Place - see it again lit up in the evening - and surrounding areas.

• an exotic trail Porte de Namur, Matonge, chaussée d’Ixelles and Flagey.

• a sporty break Roller and bike parade Friday evenings in summer. www.belgiumrollers.com

VISITBRUSSELS

• a musical interlude www.lamonnaie.be (opéra) www.bozar.be www.flagey.be www.abconcerts.be www.botanique.be

Shopping Afterwork shopping Every Thursday, the shops stay open until 8 p.m. in the area around the Grand’Place and the Saint-Géry, Dansaert, Marché aux Poissons and SaintJacques districts.

Chocolate All the chocolate shops in the tourist areas are open late into the evening.

Markets organic: Tan Rue de l’Aqueduc 95 - 1050 Bru Open until 11 p.m. and beyond.

typical: Boeremet Abattoirs d’Anderlecht Rue Ropsy Chaudron 24 - 1070 Bru Thursdays, until 8 p.m. - gourmet stalls and various aperitifs. www.boeremet.be

Casino VIAGE is a complex that’s wholly dedicated to leisure activities, games and shows.

An unexpected place for a sparkling experience.

Boulevard Anspach 30 - 1000 Bru info@viage.be www.viage.be

Bars Flamingo Fred Nicolay, the guru of Brussels nightlife, has just opened his latest creation, the biggest bar in Brussels (400 m²) with a terrace illuminated by a heliostat reflecting the light from the top of a neighbouring building. Decorated in shades of green, cast iron columns and concrete formwork.

Rue de Laeken 171 - 1000 Bru

Hard Rock Café New !

Reservation essential.

Grand-Place 12a - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 546 16 67

Potemkine A friendly and trendy café/ cinema with, on screen, some great classics and art-house productions and hot weekend nights.

Avenue de la Porte de Hal 2 1060 Bru

Le Fontainas Very fashionable bar in the gay-friendly Brussels environment with WiFi connection and a huuuuggge terrace area.

Rue du Marché-au-Charbon 91 1000 Bru

Ralphs A very lively and usually packed bar on the very international Place du Luxembourg: go and feel the heartbeat of Europe.

Place du Luxembourg 13 - 1050 Bru

Chaff Alternative bar in the heart of the Marolles: flavoursome cuisine, full of games, exhibitions, concerts… everyone loves it!

Place du Jeu de Balle 21 1000 Bru

Goupil le Fol Bric-à-brac and French chanson. Without a care, sink into comfortable armchairs and the half-light to sip fruit wines served in large glasses.

Rue de la Violette 22 - 1000 Bru

Le Roi des Belges A bistro of les Halles, well known for its subtle blend of styles. Downstairs, modern industrial feel and, upstairs, a seventies vibe.

Rue Jules van Praet 35-37 1000 Bru

Le Tavernier This cool student bistro puts on excellent jazz gatherings followed by wild parties.

DJs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m.

Chaussée de Boendael 445 1050 Bru

Café Belga A real icon of the Flagey district, just opposite the Ixelles ponds. A pleasant, cosmopolitan and very festive atmosphere in the evenings and a performance sometimes !

Place Eugène Flagey 18 - 1050 Bru

Bar du Matin A friendly place and vvveeerrry interesting programme of music! Depending on the day of the week and the vagaries of the weather, the atmosphere moves inside and outside onto a lovely big terrace area.

Chaussée d’Alsemberg 172 1190 Bru

For drinking and dancing Bonnefooi A safe bet for nightlife in Brussels: dance until the early hours here - Amazing mezzanine and programmes that leave you open-mouthed (DJ jamming session exhibition).

Rue des Pierres 8 - 1000 Bru

Madame Moustache Slightly crazy, gypsy-style decor in this brilliant dance café, which blends styles such as lindyhop, rockabilly, swing and post-rock. Staff in sailor suits…

Quai au Bois à Brûler 7-5 1000 Bru

Café de la Maison du Peuple de Saint-Gilles Recently renovated in New York industrial style, this bar livens up the buzzing Parvis de Saint-Gilles: perfect atmosphere for live music, exhibitions and parties.

Parvis de Saint-Gilles 39 1060 Bru

For clubbing...

Mr. Wong Set up in the “China Town” of Brussels, this new place puts on an eclectic programme of music.

Rue de la Vierge Noire 10-12 1000 Bru

The Wood Open since 2009, The Wood is set up in one of the old hunting lodges of Bois de la Cambre.

Guests very often include DJs and party organisers, the place to be to find out everything there is to know about what’s happening now…

Avenue de Flore 3-4 - 1000 Bru

Mirano Continental The monthly “Libertine Supersport” party has set up in this old converted cinema, along with many other concepts for themed parties such as @seven, Elitist, Be chic and NextLevel.

Chaussée de Louvain 31 - 1210 Bru

Fuse FUSE has won the prize for best techno club in Europe!

THE international benchmark that’s been popular for 17 years now.

YOU nightclub A sublime nightclub with interior decor by Miguel Cancio-Martins (yes, he of the Buddha bar in Paris). The recipe? Everything’s mixed: the decor, the people, the drinks and the music.

Rue Duquesnoy 18 - 1000 Bru

Jeux d’hiver An unmissable Brussels disco.

Strict door policy (dress code!) but, once inside, you can have a great time to the best music from past and present.

Bois de la Cambre - Chemin du Croquet 1 - 1000 Bru

Spirito Martini A spiritual venue for nights out in Brussels just beneath the walls of an old Anglican church: hall for events, boudoir bar and quintessentially musical mood in an interior that takes your breath away.

Rue de Stassart 18 - 1050 Bru

La Cueva de Pepe A Latino discotheque which gets you moving to wild rhythms: Salsa, Merengue, Reggae...

Rue de la Fourche 49 - 1000 Bru

Night buses

These buses, called Noctis, criss-cross the whole of Brussels every Friday and Saturday until 3 a.m. www.stib.be

Rue Blaes 208 - 1000 Bru

55

IVRE V E D T R A

Brussels-

Jazz

on-

B

russels has always attracted all the great names of jazz. It must have hints of Afro-American in its genes, prompting the craziest improvisations and leading to a longstanding love story. The Alhambra, the Hot Club, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Django Reinhardt: places of pilgrimage and big names which have given Brussels an international standing.

Nowadays, clubs, cafés, alternative podiums and festivals always reserve a big slot for this style of music, which is far from having played its last note. And we have great ambassadors for this, with Toots Thielemans, Philippe Catherine and Aka Moon, and a whole new generation of talented jazzmen.

THE CLUBS Jazz Station Based in a renovated old railway station, this Brussels club appeals with its modern architecture and interior, which draw inspiration from the world of jazz.

Tel.: +32 (0)2 733 13 78 Chaussée de Louvain 193a 1210 Bru www.jazzstation.be

L’Archiduc From 1937 this place once welcomed great names such as Nat King Cole, Miles Davis and Jacques Brel and it’s still a monument where you can listen to established or budding stars.

Sounds Jazz Club Here, Ixelles takes on the look and sound of Chicago or New Orleans. This is one of the favourite venues of authentic jazz-lovers.

For full details with, among other things, addresses of cafés and bars which often play jazz: The mini-map VISITBRUSSELS SIZED FOR JAZZ (available in FR/EN/NL/DE)

Tel.: +32 (0)2 512 92 50 Rue de la Tulipe 28 - 1050 Bru www.soundsjazzclub.be

www.visitbrussels.be/jazz www.jazzmarathon.be www.jazzinbelgium.com

The Music Village A short walk from the GrandPlace, it schedules big performers: the public love it and so do the musicians.

Tel.: +32 (0)2 513 13 45 Rue des Pierres 50 - 1000 Bru www.themusicvillage.com

SIZED FOR JAZZ

Tel.: +32 (0)2 512 06 52 Rue Antoine Dansaert 6 - 1000 Bru www.archiduc.net

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BOZAR

Ancienne Belgique

Forest National

This place is an exciting centre of the arts dedicated to culture in all its forms: music, films, conferences, festivals and more.

And its Studio 4 benefits from some of the best acoustics in the world.

Built by Victor Horta, this place of Brussels culture is recognised on the international scene because music from all periods and places is celebrated: classic, baroque, jazz, stars of showbiz and the very popular Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition.

Or the AB to its friends. This is a place that’s always in step with the latest music and that, nearly every evening, reverberates to the sound of rock and pop.

A gigantic hall with a capacity of 8,000, successfully drawing fans of all kinds of music.

Stars in 2013: Arno and Monster Magnet.

Av. Victor Rousseau 208 - 1190 Bru

in 2013, we’ll be seeing: Pelléas and Mélisande by Debussy, Lulu by Alban Berg and Romeo and Juliette by Gounod.

on the programme in 2013: Anima and its cartoon heroes, and the best Klara and Berlioz concerts performed by the Brussels Philharmonic orchestra.

Place de la Monnaie - 1000 Bru PRESS CONTACT Claire Jesuran Tel.: +32 (0)2 229 12 10 c.jesuran@lamonnaie.be www.lamonnaie.be

Place Sainte-Croix - 1050 Bru PRESS CONTACT Séverine Provost Tel.: +32 (0)2 644 61 91 info@spcc.be www.flagey.be

Rue Ravenstein 23 - 1000 Bru PRESS CONTACT BOZAR press Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 84 30 press@bozar.be www.bozar.be

Boulevard Anspach 110 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 548 24 24 PRESS CONTACT Kevin Mc Mullan km@abconcerts.be www.abconcerts.be

in 2013: Deep Purple, Mamma Mia! and the Peter Pan show.

INFO & TICKETS

Tel.: 0900 69 500 Tel.: from abroad: +32 70 25 20 20 PRESS CONTACT Thibault Anderlin thibault.anderlin@musichall.be www.forestnational.be

Botanique The former Botanical Garden of Brussels was officially opened in 1829. It’s now dedicated to arts of a different kind than the art of growing plants and flowers: the Art Deco glass houses and the Orangerie open up their spaces, depending on the day, to sounds of rock, jazz or French chanson.

Rue Royale 236 - 1210 Bru INFO & TICKETS

Tel.: +32 (0)2 218 37 32 PRESS CONTACT Pascale Bertolini Tel.: +32 (0)2 226 12 42 pascale.bertolini@botanique.be www.botanique.be

57

visitbrussels sized for EVENTS

S T N E V E

Events per month ........................................ 60 to 75

W W W. V I S I T B R U S S E L S . B E

NOVEMBER 2012 PREHISTO

RY - DO

Urban, textile, industrial: design in all its guises gives pride of place to the work of young Belgian designers. And what could be more natural than to house these contemporary works in a place that symbolises modernity and creativity: the Atomium.

Atomium Square de l’Atomium - 1020 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 475 47 75 info@atomium.be www.atomium.be PRESS CONTACT Inge Van Eycken inge.vaneycken@atomium.be

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Princess Marie-José > 03/03/2013

Daughter of King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, Princess Marie-José was the wife of Italian crown prince Umberto. She led an eventful life in elite artistic and musical circles. The slender figure of this muse of the Roaring Twenties still haunts memories of that period and lends real glamour to this exhibition of previously unpublished photographs and archive documents, bringing the exciting period of the inter-war years back to life again.

> 26/02/2013

Comic strip is everywhere in Brussels and the city is always eager to turn the spotlight on its comic strip artists whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Over the course of 50 years in the 9th art, the man who was Peyo’s assistant in his early days (dad to the Smurfs) brought the darling Natacha, that rather quirky air hostess, into the world. But he has always been quick to praise the customs of our country with eloquence and good humour.

An enjoyable rediscovery in a really nice exhibition!

Cinquantenaire Museum Parc du Cinquantenaire 10 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 741 72 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 733 77 35 info@kmkg-mrah.be PRESS CONTACT Bart Suys Tel.: +32 (0)2 741 73 00 bart.suys@kmkg-mrah.be www.kmkg-mrah.

Belgian Comic Strip Center Rue des Sables 20 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 219 19 80 Fax: +32 (0)2 219 23 76 visit@cbbd.be www.cbbd.be PRESS CONTACT Willem De Graeve Tel.: +32 (0)2 210 04 33 willem.degraeve@stripmuseum.be

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Prehistory do it yourself > 26/05/2013

Eating, sleeping, clothing themselves, defending themselves against animals or evil neighbours: life was no picnic for prehistoric people.

This big panorama with activities, films and workshops tells us about the daily lives of our distant ancestors. And, who knows ... could help us to cope better with our lives today …

Museum of Natural Sciences Rue Vautier 29 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 627 42 38 (24h/24) Fax: +32 (0)2 627 42 33 info@naturalsciences.be www.naturalsciences.be PRESS CONTACT Yannick Siebens Tel.: +32 (0)2 627 43 77 yannick.siebens@ natuurwetenschappen.be CONTACT FOR GROUP ORGANISATION

Tel.: +32 (0)2 627 42 34 CONTACT FOR VENUE HIRE

Isabelle Van Loo Tel.: +32 (0)2 627 45 34 isabelle.vanloo@sciencesnaturelles.be

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> 27/01/2013

François Walthéry 50 years of comic strip

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DECEMBER 2012 Constant Permeke

Edouard and Cleopatra

30/11/2012 - 06/01/2013

> 20/01/2013

> 10/02/2013

The magical illumination of the Grand’Place, the Christmas market of the European regions in the heart of the city, the Baroque merry-go-rounds on Place Sainte-Catherine, the big wheel and the ice rink at Marché aux Poissons, dozens of stalls for stocking up on gifts and treats. Winter Wonders is the perfect name for it!

Major retrospective of the body of work of this prolific artist to mark the 60th anniversary of his death: more than 130 paintings, drawings and sculptures by this leading figure of Flemish expressionism.

Powerful works, both anecdotal and illustrative, in which the female body, a symbol of fertility, is every much in evidence.

Like so many other artists, architect and town planner Edouard Empain had a fascination for Egypt. The exhibition presents a diverse panorama of those inspirations, from Pharaonic architecture to Orientalist paintings, from Empire furniture to Art deco furniture, from jewellery to fashion accessories, from opera to theatre, from literature to comic strip and cinema, from the construction of Héliopolis

by Edouard Empain to the cruises on the Nile: an enthralling world which, once again, testifies to the links that, for so long, have been formed between the cultures of East and West.

BOZAR - Brussels Centre for Fine Arts Rue Ravenstein 23 - 1000 Bru

Brussels Major Events d.romanus@brusselsmajorevents.be INFO: www.plaisirsdhiver.be

RESERVATION

Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 82 00 www.bozar.be PRESS CONTACT BOZAR press Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 84 30 press@bozar.be CONTACT FOR GROUP ORGANISATION

Tel.: +32 (0)70 344 577 groups@bozar.be CONTACT FOR VENUE HIRE

Erwin Verbist Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 82 20 planning@bozar.be

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Villa Empain Boghossian Foundation Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 67 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 627 52 30 PRESS CONTACT Christophe Dosogne christophe@boghossianfoundation.be www.villaempain.com

> 03/03/2013

This artist from Cameroon is holding his first solo exhibition in Brussels. Tayou blends national or economic symbols, organic materials, waste products or reworked objects to great effect. His works tell of all kinds of diversity and are a real ode to humanity and to the need for the community of sharing. A fine moral code in this day and age of every man for himself.

Wiels - Contemporary Art Centre Avenue Van Volxem 354 1190 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 340 00 53 Fax: +32 (0)2 340 00 59 www.wiels.org PRESS CONTACT Micha Pycke Tel.: +32 (0)2 340 00 51 micha.pycke@wiels.org

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Winter Wonders

61

JANUARY 2013

This annual gathering of aesthetes has become a must: 120 first-rate exhibitors provide an opportunity to see… and buy unique antique, contemporary, ethnic and classic pieces. The valuation sessions held during the event attract a lot of visitors wanting to find out the value of their possessions. All in the magnificent setting of Tour & Taxis and in a friendly ambience.

Tour & Taxis Avenue du Port 86 c - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 513 48 31 Fax: +32 (0)2 502 06 86 info@brafa.be www.brafa.be PRESS CONTACT Bruno Nélis Tel.: +32 (0)476 39 95 79 Fax: +32 (0)4 365 85 75 b.nelis@mvgpartners.com

> 17/02/2013

A real dialogue among Mediterranean cultures: this exhibition presents the past and history of Cyprus through more than 300 objects, most of which come from Cypriot collections as well as some from Belgian and British ones.

Spectacular pieces presented according to themes painting a picture of the island, such as its relationship with the sea or the world of the dead and the sacred.

Royal Museums of Art and History Cinquantenaire Museum Parc du Cinquantenaire 10 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 741 72 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 733 77 35 info@kmkg-mrah.be PRESS CONTACT Bart Suys Tel.: +32 (0)2 741 73 00 bart.suys@kmkg-mrah.be www.kmkg-mrah.be PRUS

ANCIENT CY

Jordaens and the Antique

Jan Fabre

> 27/01/2013

This visual artist, who is also a playwright, choreographer and writer, is as surprising as ever.

Here, he exhibits a series of contemporary self-portraits.

On a black and white draughtboard for contrasting interpretations, mischievous masks or death masks to represent that part in each of us which is ‘other’ or strange.

At last, a big exhibition dedicated to Jacob Jordaens (Antwerp 1593-1678), member of the famous trio of Flemish baroque painters which he formed with Rubens and Van Dyck. More than 80 paintings, drawings and tapestries on his favourite theme: Antiquity, its mythical gods and their infamous deeds, but revisited to win over and educate the not always very cultured middle classes of the period.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium - Museum of Ancient Art Rue de la Régence 3 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 32 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 508 32 32 info@fine-arts-museum.be www.fine-arts-museum.be PRESS CONTACT Barbara Porteman Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 08 barbara.porteman@ fine-arts-museum.be CONTACT FOR GROUP ORGANISATION

Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 33 33

Glenn Murcutt Architecture for Place

> 27/01/2013

> 20/01/2013

An unusual exhibition revealing the creative challenges of Australia’s most famous architect, winner of the Pritzer prize. These buildings, which have minimal impact on the environment, have been designed in a spirit that’s both progressive and anachronistic … without the help of any information technology media.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium - Museum of Ancient Art Rue de la Régence 3 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 32 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 508 32 32 info@fine-arts-museum.be www.fine-arts-museum.be PRESS CONTACT Barbara Porteman Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 08 barbara.porteman@ fine-arts-museum.be

Espace Architecture La Cambre-Horta, ULB Place Flagey 19bis - 1050 Bru INFO: CIVA -Hors les murs info@civa.be PRESS CONTACT Véronique Moerman Tel.: +32 (0)2 642 24 53 veronique.moerman@civa.be www.civa.be

CONTACT FOR GROUP ORGANISATION

Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 33 33 CONTACT FOR VENUE HIRE

Caroline Haraké Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 12 caroline.harake@fine-arts-museum.be

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CONTACT FOR VENUE HIRE

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19 - 27/01/2013

Ancient Cyprus

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BRAFA - 58th Brussels Antiques & Fine Arts Fair

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FEBRUARY 2013 Truc Troc

The Magrittes

01 - 03/02/2013

02/02/2013

A concept that emerged 35 years ago from the mind of an original man of Brussels and brought up to date by his son, Carl De Moncharline: each individual swaps whatever he wants for a work of art he likes.

You simply stick a Post-it note next to the piece you’ve fallen in love with, stating your mobile number and what you’re offering in exchange. If the artist likes it, he calls you back and the deal’s done. Culture can be good fun!

BOZAR Brussels Centre for Fine Arts Rue Ravenstein 23 - 1000 Bru RESERVATION TEL.: +32 (0)2 507 82 00 info@tructroc.be carldemoncharline@skynet.be www.tructroc.be PRESS CONTACT BOZAR press Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 84 30 press@bozar.be

The presentation of the Magritte awards for cinema is an annual ceremony which recognises French-language films produced in Belgium. This evening of glitz and glamour, organised by the Académie André Delvaux, salutes the country’s many talents sometimes better known outside of our borders than among the natives.

SQUARE Brussels Meeting Centre (to be confirmed) Tel.: +32 (0) 2 643 01 32 info@lesmagritteducinema.be www.lesmagritteducinema.be

The Human Body Exhibitiotn

Watteau

Anima

08/02 - 12/05/2013

08 - 17/02/2013

07/02 - 09/09/2013

An original exhibition produced jointly by Lille and Brussels to honour this great early 18thcentury painter. Strongly inspired by music, he adapted and interpreted this theme in nearly a third of his works. To reflect the importance of the event, there will be a programme of concerts and live performances.

An unmissable annual gathering of animated film: a festival that fills the carnival holidays and that enchants kids and adults alike. More than 100 screenings, an animated night, advanced showings and, by way of grande finale, the awarding of the Cartoon d’Or. Magical and unforgettable carnival holidays.

Bourse de Bruxelles Place de la Bourse - 1000 Bru TICKETS TEL.: +32 (0)70 25 20 20 INFO: info@thehumanbody.be

BOZAR Brussels Centre for Fine Arts Rue Ravenstein 23 - 1000 Bru RESERVATION TEL.: +32 (0)2 507 82 00 www.bozar.be PRESS CONTACT BOZAR press Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 84 30 press@bozar.be

PRESS CONTACT

CONTACT FOR GROUP ORGANISATION

Flagey Place Sainte-Croix 18 - 1050 Bru INFO & TICKETS Folioscope avenue de Stalingrad 52 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 534 41 25 Fax: +32 (0)2 534 22 79 info@folioscope.be www.animatv.be PRESS CONTACT Françoise Cathala Tel.: +32 (0)2 534 41 25 françoise@folioscope.be www.folioscope.be

A deeply moving journey inside our bodies: that most invaluable thing we possess and one which continues to fascinate despite all the advances of science. The exhibition divulges - in three dimensions - nearly all the secrets and mysteries of the complex systems that make us what we are, with the aim of helping us to adopt a better lifestyle and achieve greater well-being.

Tel.: +32 (0)70 344 577 groups@bozar.be CONTACT FOR VENUE HIRE Erwin Verbist Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 82 20 planning@bozar.be

presse@thehumanbody.be www.thehumanbody.be

CONTACT FOR GROUP ORGANISATION

Tel.: +32 (0)70 344 577 groups@bozar.be CONTACT FOR VENUE HIRE Erwin Verbist Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 82 20 planning@bozar.be www.bozar.be

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63

MARCH 2013 Brunfaut’s: progressive architects

Neo Rauch

Affordable Art Fair

Museum Night Fever

20/02 - 26/05/2013

21 - 24/02/2013

02 - 03/03/2013

08/02 - 09/06/2013

On the boundaries between social realism, surrealist abstraction, pop art and comic strip: this leader of the New Leipzig School has a style very much his own. He sees them as vital, like an animal or a living being, and says we should not try to understand, just to sense with as much subtlety as possible how these creatures are at peace with themselves.

Fine works at affordable prices selected by 90 Belgian and international galleries await you in the setting of Tour & Taxis.

This very unusual fair puts art within reach of (almost) every pocket. The atmosphere of this event is a combination of energy and daring. Well worth the trip.

Twenty or so museums open until the early hours and overrun by the younger generations for an off-beat and very, very contemporary programme! Tableaux vivants, mad tours, live music and DJs in places you wouldn’t expect: highly recommended for fans of culture by another route and of ‘off-piste’ art. Meet up on a dance floor to shake away this night of museum fever and finish off with the ‘after-party’.

BOZAR Brussels Centre for Fine Arts Rue Ravenstein 23 - 1000 Bru RESERVATION TEL.: +32 (0)2 507 82 00 www.bozar.be PRESS CONTACT BOZAR press Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 84 30 press@bozar.be

Various museums in Brussels INFO: Brussels Museums Council Galerie du Roi 15 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 512 77 80 Fax: +32 (0)2 512 20 66 info@brusselsmuseums.be www.museumnightfever.be

CONTACT FOR GROUP ORGANISATION

PRESS CONTACT

Tel.: +32 (0)70 344 577 groups@bozar.be CONTACT FOR VENUE HIREErwin Verbist Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 82 20 planning@bozar.be CH

Pieter Van der Gheynst Tel.: +32 (0)2 512 77 80 pieter@brusselsmuseums.be

NEO

An opportunity to admire paintings by the great British master as well as works by contemporary artists. Based on central themes such as identity, universal ethics and the position of the individual in ideological systems, this exhibition will reveal an unusual side to Bacon’s body of work and that of the new big names in Irish art.

BOZAR Brussels Centre for Fine Arts Rue Ravenstein 23 - 1000 Bru RESERVATION TEL.: +32 (0)2 507 82 00 www.bozar.be PRESS CONTACT BOZAR press Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 84 30 press@bozar.be CONTACT FOR GROUP ORGANISATION

Tel.: +32 (0)70 344 577 groups@bozar.be CONTACT FOR VENUE HIRE Erwin Verbist Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 82 20 planning@bozar.be

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Atomium Square de l’Atomium - 1020 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 475 47 75 www.atomium.be PRESS CONTACT Inge Van Eycken inge.vaneycken@atomium.be

Tour & Taxis Avenue du Port 86 c - 1000 Bru INFO: Tel.: +32 (0)2 346 90 85 Fax: +32 (0)2 346 90 88 PRESS CONTACT Valérie Gadenne v.gadenne@sparkies.be www.affordableartfair.be

28/02 - 19/05/2013

UD ASH

In the Brunfaut family, father, brother and son were all proud to represent Belgian architecture of the modernist period. Like their contemporaries, these progressives were openly committed and leading lights of their era. Private houses, mansions or public buildings, they left many a mark on Brussels. And this welldeserved exhibition highlights their work beautifully.

Francis Bacon’s Studio & Contemporary Irish Art

Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour

Ars Musica

Antique dealers from all over Europe come together once a year in Brussels with their best finds. From all corners of the world and all periods, rare objects will be there; looking around this fair will be collectors hoping for a good deal as well as visitors who simply like beautiful and authentic things.

05 - 07/03/2013

Love high-quality contemporary music? Then make a note of this date! Ars Musica is one of the 10 big international festivals of the genre. In 2013, once again, this festival immerses its audience in the most inventive and current achievements when it comes to scales and notes.

Brussels Expo Parc des Expositions Heysel - 1020 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 474 84 77 eurantica@artexis.com www.eurantica.be

Wolubilis Avenue P.Hymans 251 - 1200 Bru INFO & TICKETS:

Tel.: +32 (0)2 761 60 30 Patrick Toby Tel.: +32 (0)475 20 30 90 patrick.toby@banff.be www.banff.be PRESS CONTACT

Various venues INFO & TICKETS

Galerie Louise 203/1 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 219 26 60 Fax: +32 (0)2 219 88 14 info@arsmusica.be www.arsmusica.be PRESS CONTACT Séverine Provost info@spcc.be Tel.: +32 (0)2 644 61 91

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PRESS CONTACT

Hélène van den Wildenberg Tel.: +32 (0)4 349 14 41 info@caracascom.com

This spectacular festival is in residence in Brussels for the second time. Notice to all fans of the genre, the event presents stunts and adventures in the mountains which leave you open-mouthed at the most amazing images of canyoning, skiing, snowboarding and other high-altitude acrobatics.

08 - 24/03/2013

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65

APRIL 2013 Hopla !

BIFFF 2013 Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival

April 2013

Every year in April, the heart of Brussels beats faster at the most incredible juggling and circus acts. A big family festival where adults are as mesmerised as the kids by some 250 very talented artistes, from all backgrounds, who put on a great show in a big top, hall or in the open air.

Surprising entertainment and activities planned.

Art Brussels 17 - 21/04/2013

Fancy discovering new talents or admiring the works of highcalibre artists? Then, come to this contemporary art fair which, every year, selects more than 150 gallery owners from over 20 countries. Stroll from stand to stand and see the finest creations of today.

02 - 13/04/2013

The organisers of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival definitely have an eye for tracking down cinematographic nuggets of horror, science fiction and thrillers of all kinds. Far removed from Internet piracy and illicit copies, the BIFFF is an oasis of good films which get your adrenalin pumping.

The programme includes: a body-painting and fantasy make-up competition, a manga market, a zombie parade and a vampires’ ball. We’re not scared at all... honest!

Place Sainte-Catherine, Tour & Taxis, Bellone House and Bronks INFO: TEL.: +32 (0)2 279 64 01 PRESS CONTACT Sarah Segura sarah.segura@brucity.be

www.hopla-cirk.be LA

HOP

Brussels Expo Parc des Expositions - Heysel 1020 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 474 82 77 artbrussels@artexis.com www.artbrussels.be PRESS CONTACT Gerrie Soetaert Tel.: +32 (0)4 349 14 41 info@caracascom.com

Balkan Trafik Festival

Mid-April > early May 2013

Every time this festival is held, it offers a sample of the best of south-eastern Europe: music, theatre, cinema and workshops are on the programme during these festive days. A gathering for happy times that arise in the midst of this event. It’s both a party for the people and an oriental bazaar …

18 - 21/04/2013

Built in 1873 by the architect Alphonse Balat at the request of Leopold II, this is a real town of glass which took more than 20 years to grow in the area around the Royal Castle of Laeken: rotundas, cupolas and galleries house magnificent collections of exotic plants, trees and flowers, some of which were brought back from the Congo. The greenhouses are open for one fortnight a year just when the azaleas are in full bloom; the place is magical, the setting enchanting and the fragrances captivating.

BOZAR Brussels Centre for Fine Arts Rue Ravenstein 23 - 1000 Bru RESERVATION TEL.: +32 (0)2 507 82 00 www.bozar.be PRESS CONTACT BOZAR press Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 84 30 press@bozar.be CONTACT FOR GROUP ORGANISATION

Laeken Castle Avenue du Parc Royal (Domaine Royal) - 1020 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 551 20 20 www.monarchie.be

Tour & Taxis (to be confirmed) Avenue du Port 86 c - 1000 Bru

Tel.: +32 (0)70 344 577 groups@bozar.be CONTACT FOR VENUE HIRE Erwin Verbist Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 82 20 planning@bozar.be

PRESS CONTACT

INFO & TICKETS

Tel.: +32 (0)2 201 17 13 Fax: +32 (0)2 201 14 69 info@bifff.net www.bifff.net

Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

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MAY 2013 Spirou

© Spirou - Tome

23/04 - 24/11/2013

The little bellboy with the red hat appeared for the first time just about 75 years ago in Dupuis publications to the weekly delight of those readers in short trousers. He quickly became a symbolic figure of European comic strip. His story and circle of acquaintances have been penned and drawn by some twenty or so famous authors including Franquin.

And this anniversary is a great opportunity to relive his thrilling adventures through albums, figurines and original illustration plates.

Belgian Comic Strip Center CBBD Rue des Sables 20 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 219 19 80 Fax: +32 (0)2 219 23 76 visit@cbbd.be www.cbbd.be PRESS CONTACT Jean Auquier Tel.: +32 (0)2 210 04 32 ja@cbbd.be

Le Corbusier and photography

Fête de l’Iris (Iris Day)

Europe Day

04 - 05/05/2013

09/05/2013

25/04 - 06/10/2013

A great occasion in the regional life of Brussels: under the sign of its now modernised emblem and with its new communication style be brussels, the BrusselsCapital Region is living it up and treating everyone who happens to be there during that period to open days at all its institutions and to a lot of activities for all ages; these include, the huge Sunday evening concert on Place des Palais.

Europe Day takes place every year on the same date in all the European Union member countries. It’s on that day, in 1950, that the declaration marking the start of the creation of the new Europe was signed by Robert Schuman.

Brussels, the capital city of 500 million Europeans, is making the most of the occasion to open up all its institutions to the public so that everyone can get to know these sites and premises usually given over to important meetings. Far from the administrative image that it is too often attributed to it, Brussels is seizing the opportunity to show its human and cosmopolitan side and its innate sense of celebration.

A town planner, theoretician and visual artist, this inventive architect quickly grasped how effective photography could be and he made great use of it throughout his career: promotion, demonstration, memories of travels, keeping works alive, … This exhibition is therefore a huge iconographic repertoire illustrating his writings and his many achievements.

CIVA - International Centre for Urbanism, Architecture and Landscape Rue de l’Ermitage 55 - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 642 24 50 info@civa.be PRESS CONTACT Véronique Moerman veronique.moerman@civa.be www.civa.be

Mont des Arts and Europe district and several places in Brussels www.fetedeliris.be INFO VISITBRUSSELS

BIP - rue Royale 2-4 - 1000 Bru or Town Hall Grand-Place - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 513 89 40 info@visitbrussels.be www.visitbrussels.be PRESS CONTACT Pierre Massart p.massart@visitbrussels.be Tel.: +32 (0)475 53 08 07 Martha Meeze m.meeze@visitbrussels.be Tel.: +32 (0)486 53 31 81 Fax: +32 (0)2 549 50 98 press@visitbrussels.be

Mont des Arts and Europe district INFO: www.europa.eu

Musée Fin-de-Siècle Museum 07/05/2013 (to be confirmed)

Following more than a year of being closed, the former Museum of Modern Art is reopening under the name of Musée Fin de Siècle Museum (end of the 19th century of course!) after undergoing a radical transformation. The permanent exhibition places the very many artists of the period back into their historic and literary context. Rops and Spilliaert, Khnopff and the first Laethem-Saint-Martin school were a response to Baudelaire and Maeterlinck. You can also admire the famous GillionCrowet Art Nouveau collection there.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

Rue de la Régence 3 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 32 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 508 32 32 info@fine-arts-museum.be www.fine-arts-museum.be PRESS CONTACT Barbara Porteman Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 08 barbara.porteman @fine-arts-museum.be CONTACT FOR GROUP ORGANISATION

Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 33 33 CONTACT FOR VENUE HIRE

Caroline Haraké Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 12 caroline.harake@fine-arts-museum.be

© Spirou - Nic

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MAY 2013 Brussels Jazz Marathon

Gay Pride

Nuits Botanique

18/05/2013

02/05 - 12/05/2013

24-25-26/05/2013

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The 2013 edition of the Brussels Jazz Marathon will therefore be delighting jazz lovers for the 18th time. Four open-air podiums, dozens of clubs and cafés: 3 days of musical madness with 160 concerts and 450 musicians.

Very colourful parade full of wit, shows, concerts and surprises of all kinds. Belgian Pride is a giant fiesta of rainbow colours as well as an opportunity to highlight, with humour, the many prejudices that the homosexual community still has to face on a daily basis.

All over the city

City centre

With rock, electro, French chanson and other unclassifiable styles, the Nuits Botanique (Botanic Nights) cast a magical spell on your May evenings. This high-quality festival is an event that guarantees a stimulating programme and exciting discoveries. The concerts are spread between the Art Deco Rotunda, the Orangery, a marquee erected in the gardens or at the Cirque Royal: so many surprising venues and so many stars or very talented young people who perform there.

INFO & TICKETS

Jazztronaut Boulevard Léopold II 184d 1080 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 456 04 84 info@brusselsjazzmarathon.be www.brusselsjazzmarathon.be PRESS CONTACT Inghe Berckmoes Tel.: +32 (0)2 456 04 88 inghe@jazztronaut.be BRUSSELS

Belgian Pride Rue du Marché-au-Charbon 42 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 502 75 00 Fax: +32 (0)2 400 71 72 info@thepride.be www.thepride.be PRESS CONTACT Alan De Bruyne Tel.: +32 (0)488 21 92 35 alan@thepride.be

JAZZ MARA

THON

Le Botanique Rue Royale 236 - 1210 Bru INFO & TICKETS

Tel.: +32 (0)2 218 37 32 info@botanique.be www.botanique.be PRESS CONTACT Pascale Bertolini Tel.: +32 (0)2 226 12 42 pascale.bertolini@botanique.be CONTACT FOR VENUE HIRE

© Greg Van Oz

Emmanuel Giltaire location@botanique.be

GAY

VISITBRUSSELS

PRIDE

The Brussels 20 km race 26/05/2013

Athletic? Then, get your trainers on! The Cinquantenaire esplanade is expecting 25,000 participants for the start of this race, which covers the loveliest avenues of the city and leads through Bois de la Cambre. See Brussels from a different angle by running, walking or... just applauding the brave souls!

Esplanade du Cinquantenaire INFO AND REGISTRATION

Bruxelles Promotion Place de la Chapelle 17 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 511 90 00 Fax: +32 (0)2 511 37 15 info@sibp.be www.sibp.be www.20km.be

Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition 2013 06/05 - 01/06/2013

This prestigious international music competition was founded in 1937 by this great musiclover in order to find talented young musicians. After singing and violin last year, 2013 is dedicated to the piano.

Virtuoso feats on ebony and ivory will thrill Brussels for nearly a month. The qualifying rounds will determine the 12 finalists who will be among the winners according to the confidential marks of a specialist panel of judges.

The Royal Conservatory of Music Rue de la Régence 30 - 1000 Bru Brussels Centre for Fine Arts BOZAR Rue Ravenstein 23 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 213 40 50 Fax: +32 (0)2 514 32 97 www.cmireb.be PRESS CONTACT Barbara Stael info@cmireb.be Tel.: +32 (0)2 213 40 50

JUNE 2013

05 - 29/06/2013

An impressive gathering of award-winning chefs from all over the country, offering an extraordinary gastronomic experience! The greatest chefs slave over hot stoves while the public enjoy new taste sensations while admiring the brilliance of the cooks.

Demonstrations, tastings, workshops and conferences to celebrate the curious palate and love of good food.

Free films, concerts and evening events on the roof: that of the Beursschouwburg.

This unusual venue looks down over the city centre, giving a different summer perspective of the town. The audience is diverse, absorbed and friendly.

Doors open from 5 p.m. onwards so you can enjoy an early evening drink and some tapas and stay there until the wee small hours.

Tour & Taxis Avenue du Port 86c - 1000 Bru

Beursschouwburg Rue Auguste Orts 20- 28 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 550 03 50 PRESS CONTACT Yasmina Boudia yasmina@beursschouwburg.be www.beursschouwburg.be

INFO: PRESS CONTACT Cédric Allard ca@culinariasquare.com www.culinariasquare.com

Brussels Oriental Art Fair - BOA Brussels Ancient Art Fair - BAAF Brussels NonEuropean Art Fair BRUNEAF 05 - 09/06/2013

Three festivals of exotic and ancient art allowing us to spend 5 days among the beautiful objects of past and present as well as from here and elsewhere in the world. Classical, Asian, African art: the galleries will be full of visitors … as will the café terraces of the beautiful Place du Grand Sablon.

Place du Grand Sablon - 1000 Bru BOA Rue Mignot Delstanche 17 1050 Bru www.boafair.be

INFO:

BAAF Rue des Minimes 17B -1000 Bru info@baaf.be www.baaf.be

INFO:

BRUNEAF Impasse Saint-Jacques 17 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 514 02 09 info@bruneaf.com www.bruneaf.com

INFO:

Giorgio Mercanti 07/06 - 22/09/2013

A submersion in the innermost, fascinating and refined world of this Italian artist, imbued with futurism, whose paintings and drawings are so many mysteries. His still-life works reduced to the essential belong to the icons of modern art and make a statement with their restraint and precision. Go and see this without fail, whether you’re an initiate ... or not.

BOZAR Brussels Centre for Fine Arts Rue Ravenstein 23 - 1000 Bru RESERVATION TEL.: +32 (0)2 507 82 00 www.bozar.be PRESS CONTACT BOZAR press Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 84 30 press@bozar.be CONTACT FOR GROUP ORGANISATION

Tel.: +32 (0)70 344 577 groups@bozar.be CONTACT FOR VENUE HIRE Erwin Verbist Tel.: +32 (0)2 507 82 20 planning@bozar.be

La Cambre fashion show 07 & 08/06/2013

The now famous annual fashion show starring the designers of the school of La Cambre recognises the talent of the future graduates by awarding prizes for the work they’ve done over the course of 5 years of study. Two hours of almost magical sights with a succession of original designs and an ambience that’s every bit as good as the big Parisian shows. The new generation of Brussels creativity is waiting in the wings.

Modo Brussels Rue d’Alost 7-11 - 1000 Bru PRESS CONTACT Elke Timmerman Tel.: +32 (0)2 880 85 62 elke@modobrussels.be www.lacambremode.be www.modobrussels.be INFO:

mbre

Out Loud !

30/05 - 02/06/2013

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JUNE 2013

JULY 2013

Festival Musiq’ 3

Couleur Café

28 - 30/06/2013

26 - 30/06/2013

A young, friendly and original event that presents a musical journey through different instruments and eras. More than 30 classical concerts lasting 45 minutes, for the chance to listen to and watch the performers who come from all backgrounds. Plus: films, workshops and even flash mobs in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere open to everyone. Isn’t culture a wonderful thing?

A colourfully mixed, altruistic, tropical and spicy festival! A cocktail of music from here and elsewhere with more than 50 concerts in 3 marquees. Couleur Café is, above all, a gigantic fiesta with all the brass bands, dance competitions, creative workshops, themed exhibitions, souks, restaurants and exotic cocktails you could wish for. A multicultural and off-the-wall ambience, just like Brussels itself. We’ll “zouk” until the morning.

Flagey Place Sainte-Croix - 1050 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 641 10 10 info@flagey.be PRESS CONTACT Séverine Provost Tel.: +32 (0)2 644 61 91 info@spcc.be www.flagey.be

Tour & Taxis Avenue du Port 86 c - 1000 Bru festival@couleurcafe.org www.couleurcafe.be PRESS CONTACT Irène Rossi press@couleurcafe.org CONTACT FOR VENUE HIRE

Jean Vandamme Tel.: +32 (0)2 420 60 69

From Halle au Pain (Bread Market) to City Museum Vernissage in June 2013

There’ve been so many names for this building now called la Maison du Roi (King’s House), but each reveals the various functions it has had through its history. This exhibition presents architectural traces, engravings, drawings, paintings, photographs and even digital reconstructions looking back at eight centuries of this magnificent edifice standing on the Grand’Place.

Maison du Roi Museum of the City of Brussels Grand-Place - 1000 Bru POSTAL ADDRESS : rue du Poivre 1 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 279 43 50 PRESS CONTACT Jo De Witte Tel.: +32 (0)2 279 43 72 jo.dewitte@brucity.be www.musees.bruxelles.be

Ommegang

Royal Palace of Brussels

02 & 04/07/2103

End July to early September 2013

This great folkloric procession is one of the most important events in Brussels history and culture.

Because the Ommegang recreates a famous celebration organised in 1549 on the Grand’Place in honour of Charles V and his son Philippe II. The whole of the royal court parades before your eyes in all its finery: more than 1,000 extras in period costume, dozens of horses, carts and giants. Horse-drawn carriages and flag throwers are also at the party in the magical setting of the Grand’Place.

It’s a tradition: when the royal family goes away on holiday, it leaves the doors to its administrative palace wide open so that everyone can admire its treasures. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers and period furniture, not to mention the ceremonial room with the ceiling covered in scarab elytra. Magnificent souvenirs from the past and contemporary artists rub shoulders in this “office” of the King, which is an essential visit of the summer.

Grand-Place / Sablon - 1000 Bru INFO: Tel.: +32 (0)2 512 19 61 Fax: +32 (0)2 502 68 35 ommegang-brussels@skynet.be www.ommegang.be

Royal Palace of Brussels Place des Palais - 1000 Bru www.monarchie.be PRESS CONTACT

cp@kppr.be cpa2@kppr.be

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Bruxelles les Bains (Brussels-on-Sea)

Brosella Folk & Jazz festival

Early July to mid-August 2013

13 - 14/07/2013

Just imagine: a beach of fine sand, coconut palms, pétanque areas, cocktail bars, straw huts… and yet you’re in Brussels. This urban beach looks so like the South of France that its nickname is La Croisetteke.

Adults soak up the sun while the kids have a great time joining in the organised activities, sports games and enjoying the fountains. Some evenings are open for live music beneath the starry skies: almost a month of seaside atmosphere and pleasurable idleness in the heart of the capital.

This festival is a compendium of goodies! Not only is it free but it’s also held in a place full of charm: an open-air theatre right beneath the Atomium. Jazz, folk and other kinds of exhilarating music resonate on these summer evenings spent in the light of paper lanterns. And the little ones haven’t been forgotten either: numerous activities are organised just for them.

Quai des Péniches - 1000 Bru info@bruxelleslesbains.be www.bruxelleslesbains.be

BROSELLA FOL

K & JAZZ FES

© Brosella

TIVAL

Théâtre de Verdure - Parc d’Osseghem (near the Atomium) - 1020 Bru INFO: Tel./Fax: +32 (0)2 270 98 56 info@brosella.be www.brosella.be PRESS CONTACT Henri Vandenberghe press@brosella.be Tel.:+32 (0)498 11 08 82 / +32 (0)2 763 49 00 -SEA

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AUGUST 2013 Roller-Bike Parade every Friday from June to September 2013

It all starts at 7 p.m. at Place Poelaert (Palais de Justice / Law Courts) for a big looped circuit through several of Brussels communes. The course can be covered in complete safety because the roads usually open to cars are barred to them for this event and the area is protected. On two or four wheels, beginner or veteran, inveterate or amateur: throw yourself into this adventure!

Roller Bike Parade INFO: Avenue Eugène Plasky 102 1030 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 741 63 20 Fax : +32 (0)2 741 63 29 red@beegroupe.be PRESS CONTACT Carl De Moncharline carldemoncharline@beegroupe.be www.belgiumrollers.com

VISITBRUSSELS

SEPTEMBER 2013 Brussels Summer Festival

Classissimo

Fiesta latina

Design September

09 - 18/08/2013

28/08/2013

01/09 - 30/09/2013

09 - 18/08/2013

For five years now, Classissimo has been taking on the challenge of incorporating a classical section into the Brussels Summer Festival. And, in view of the success it’s achieved, will, once again, be on the programme of concerts in churches, public buildings or museums to the delight of music-lovers. Because ‘highbrow’ classical music isn’t the sole preserve of wellinformed music-lovers. It’s composed for all ears that want to enjoy beautiful harmonies.

Soak up la cultura latina! The Bahamas, Mexico, Honduras, Puerto Rico, Curaçao … On hearing these names, who doesn’t dream of hot rhythms, colours and flavours? A sizzling night for singing, dancing, eating and having fun just as they do over there: concerts, parties, terraces and mercadillos.

Congas, rumba and mambo until the early hours.

This platform for Belgian and foreign designers to meet up generates a hundred or so events around the world of design.

Accessories, furniture, cars, graphic design and architecture, this industrial art concerns nearly every field and is of interest to a wide public. Plenty to please with visits to workshops, city walks and flea markets.

When Manneken-Pis picks up his guitar, everyone starts rocking’n’rolling in Brussels during the BSF! This one-of-akind festival takes over the city, which has a great time in all kinds of ways and at great prices. Three giant stages on Mont des Arts as well as more than 30 indoor live music events in bars and clubs and Urban Village with short film projections and street animations.

Several places in Brussels INFO: info@bsf.be www.bsf.be

Bourse de Bruxelles (Brussels Stock Exchange) Boulevard Anspach - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 474 80 02 info@classissimo.be PRESS CONTACT Nicky De Neef press@classissimo.be www.classissimo.be

Bois de la Cambre (to be confirmed) INFO: www.fiesta-latina.be

Various places in Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 349 35 95 www.designseptember.be PRESS CONTACT

Delphine Vercauteren Tel.: +32 (0)2 349 35 95 delphine@best.be

© Maarten_De_Ceulaer

Belgian Beer Weekend

05 - 08/09/2013

30/08 - 01/09-2013

As centre of the 9th art, Brussels decided to celebrate it and, so, every year, lays on a wonderful feast and has a great time with its favourite heroes.

Markets, tours, a parade: on the walls or in 3D in the sky when they’re inflated with helium, the characters descend on the city. And to end on a high note: a gigantic sound and light show which turns Place Royale into a comic strip panel for one fantastic evening.

Highly recommended to children from 7 to 77.

In the days when Brussels did its own thing, every village around the city had its own brewery and, although there aren’t as many of them today, the masters of the brewer’s oar still form a respected brotherhood. And to celebrate this brewing tradition with the pomp and ceremony worthy of the occasion, the lagers, the white beers, the amber ones, the fruity ones and the strong beers, all these daughters of the hop parade on the Grand’Place for a weekend of (preferably sensible) enjoyment.

Various places in Brussels INFO: VISITBRUSSELS BIP - rue Royale 2-4 - 1000 Bru or Town Hall Grand-Place - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 513 89 40 info@visitbrussels.be www.visitbrussels.be PRESS CONTACT Pierre Massart p.massart@visitbrussels.be Tel.: +32 (0)475 53 08 07 Martha Meeze m.meeze@visitbrussels.be Tel.: +32 (0)486 53 31 81 Fax: +32 (0)2 549 50 98 press@visitbrussels.be www.comicsfestival.be

Grand-Place INFO: Brewers House Grand-Place 10 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 511 49 87 Fax: +32 (0)2 511 32 59 belgian.brewers@beerparadise.be www.belgianbeerweekend.be

Eat! Brussels

Heritage Days

13/09/2013 - 12/01/2014

September 2013

14 - 15/09/2013

Entitled Passion, Function and Beauty, this awe-inspiring retrospective presents a chronological overview of the life and work of this genius of Art Nouveau. As founder of La Cambre and inspiration behind the Bauhaus movement, he succeeded in giving his works the qualities of functionality and undeniable elegance. A number of activities will be organised to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth, including city walks.

A gastronomic gathering arranged for all food lovers and gourmets whether natives of Brussels, Belgians or tourists.

This cosmopolitan, bustling and creative city, the capital of Europe, invites them to discover a hundred or so different food outlets: restaurants, bars, sweet and savoury stalls, demonstrations by great chefs for enjoying a quick bite and lifestyle revelations. With the family or among friends: an experience not to be missed.

The streets of Brussels are a real jigsaw of stunning façades and outstanding buildings of all styles. But how can you find out what’s hidden behind those walls? For a whole weekend, the general public can, at last, explore these interiors with their unexpected decor and ingenious fixtures and fittings. Based on the chosen theme which serves as the unifying thread each year, some usually private places invite the public in, to the great delight of the inquisitive among us. Two good tips to help you view as many historic or unusual places as possible: an itinerary carefully selected from a programme that always has so much to offer, and … comfortable shoes!

Henry Van de Velde

Royal Museums of Art and History - Cinquantenaire Museum Parc du Cinquantenaire 10 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 741 72 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 733 77 35 info@kmkg-mrah.be PRESS CONTACT Bart Suys Tel.: +32 (0)2 741 73 00 bart.suys@kmkg-mrah.be www.kmkg-mrah.be

Bois de la Cambre INFO: VISITBRUSSELS PRESS CONTACT Pierre Massart Tel.: +32 (0)475 53 08 07 p.massart@visitbrussels.be Martha Meeze m.meeze@visitbrussels.be Tel.: +32 (0)486 53 31 81 Fax: +32 (0)2 549 50 98 press@visitbrussels.be www.visitbrussels.be

INFO: Tel.:

+32 (0)2 204 24 49 Tel.: 0800 40 400 (brochures) jdp-omd@mrbc.irisnet.be www.monument.irisnet.be

PRESS CONTACT

Brigitte Vander Brugghen Tel.: +32 (0)2 204 24 49

© SABAM Belgium 2012

Comic Strip Festival

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OCTOBER 2013 L’empire des Lumières (Empire of Light)

Brussels Museums Nocturnes

Europalia India

Art Nouveau Biennial

Skoda Jazz Festival

03/10/2013 - 26/01/2014

October 2013

October / November 2013

26/09 - 19/12/2013

19/09/2013 - 13/01/2014

To enjoy a different kind of autumn evening, why not experience a personal remake of the film “Night at the Museum”? Minus the scary bits, plus the culture… Every Thursday from September to December, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., half a dozen museums open up their doors, workshops and behind the scenes for you: tailor-made guided tours to please inquisitive minds.

For its 24th event, this festival is, once again, travelling far beyond the borders of Europe, choosing India as the star of these four colourful months of culture which Europalia brings us every two years. Opening a window onto the vast cultural wealth of India naturally leads to a breathtaking programme: open up your chakras, treat yourself to chicken masala, listen to the legends of the land of the Indus and the Ganges, laugh and cry with the stars of Bollywood … A big adventure, almost an expedition!

As every two years, this is a unique opportunity to discover the Art Nouveau heritage of Brussels during the four weekends in October. Turning the spotlight on each of the Art Nouveau districts in turn, the programme offers the public the opportunity to (re)discover the most characteristic facades as well as to visit dozens of interiors which, by way of exception, open their doors and gardens to visitors. Exceptionally fine mansion houses, grand townhouses, apartments and school, industrial or public buildings: visiting these places are so many opportunities to understand their history, their conservation and how people used to live there in the past.

Guides, walks, bus or bike rides in different languages through different districts of the Brussels region: a smooth-running organisation which draws many visitors whenever it takes place.

Things are going well for this jazz festival, which is one of the top 3 in Europe. Its success is thanks to the famous names which are on the billing every year, including Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Nina Simone, Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck and our very own, national and international, Toots Thielemans, who celebrated his 90th birthday last year.

Museums Council Galerie du Roi 15 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 512 77 80 Fax: +32 (0)2 512 20 66 info@brusselsmuseums.be www.brusselsmuseums.be PRESS CONTACT Mieke Deceuninck mieke@brusselsmuseums.be

Several venues in the city INFO: Europalia International Galerie Ravenstein 4 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 504 91 20 Fax: +32 (0)2 504 91 21 info@europalia.eu www.europalia.eu PRESS CONTACT Inge De Keyser Tel.: +32 (0)2 504 91 35 inge.de.keyser@europalia.eu

URNES

S NOCT

MUSEUM

CONTACT FOR GROUP ORGANISATION

Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 33 33 Caroline Haraké Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 12 caroline.harake@fine-artsmuseum.be

VISITBRUSSELS

national © Europalia Inter

CONTACT FOR VENUE HIRE

INFO: Voir

et Dire Bruxelles Brussels Info Place BIP - rue Royale 2-4 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 563 61 51 info@voiretdirebruxelles.be www.voiretdirebruxelles.be/biennale

INFO: Jazztronaut

Tel.: +32 (0)2 456 04 60 info@jazztronaut.be info@skodajazz.be www.skodajazz.be PRESS CONTACT Inghe Berckmoes Tel.: +32 (0)2 456 04 88 inghe@jazztronaut.be

et

INFO: Brussels

Telemans © Dieter

Musée Magritte Museum Rue de la Régence 3 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 32 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 508 32 32 info@musee-magritte-museum.be www.musee-magritte-museum.be PRESS CONTACT Barbara Porteman Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 08 barbara.porteman@fine-artsmuseum.be

Various museums in Brussels

Several venues in Brussels

BIENNIAL

ark © Publi-M

René Magritte produced 17 different versions of l’Empire des Lumières and just as many answers to a real mystery: who, from the light or the night, will win? This is indisputably the most famous painting by the Brussels surrealist. It prompts questions and invites us to reinvent the everyday without being tricked by reality.

Gathered together in one place, these paintings tell us something about the development of the artist and his state of mind in the early nineteen-thirties.

NOVEMBER 2013

DECEMBER 2013

The legacy of Rogier van der Weyden

Festival of ice and snow sculpture

Late-night opening in Sablon

Winter Wonders

11/10/2013 - 26/01/2014

mid-November 2013 / mid-January 2014

last weekend of November 2013

The City of Brussels came up with the idea of Winter Wonders to console those of us who suffer from winter blues!

For us … and others, every year a big festival lights up the heart of the city. No need to be afraid of those long dark nights anymore! You’ll be having too much fun to feel the cold! An explosion of delights follow in quick succession over 2 km: come with the family and gaze in wonder at the baroque merry-go-rounds or whizz down the toboggan run at top speed.

By now, everyone knows their way to this very different Christmas market. The trail concept is very popular: it takes you across the city from shop to shop, stall to stall. There, you’ll find original, quality gifts and a wry and surreal enjoyment of life.

An extraordinary exhibition which paints a picture of artistic life in Brussels in the late 15th and early 16th century. This was an important period thanks to the dazzling development backed by the Dukes of Burgundy settled in Brussels. Their patronage allowed for the production of important works and some, now forming part of foreign collections, will, for the period of this small exhibition, return to their place of birth.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium - Museum of Ancient Art Rue de la Régence 3 - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 32 11 Fax: +32 (0)2 508 32 32 info@fine-arts-museum.be www.fine-arts-museum.be PRESS CONTACT Barbara Porteman Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 08 barbara.porteman @fine-arts-museum.be

Being held for the first time in Brussels, this festival won’t leave anyone cold ... despite its name.

Enormous piles of snow will be sawn, drilled, cut, hammered and chiselled by the creators of this ephemeral art. Their sculptures have to be kept at a temperature of -6°C. Apparently, some of them even polish them with a clothes iron!

A mystery central theme to be revealed just before the event will form the common thread of this very different kind of exhibition.

INFO: VISITBRUSSELS

CONTACT FOR GROUP ORGANISATION

Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 33 33 CONTACT FOR VENUE HIRE

Sablon District Grand Sablon 5 - 1000 Bru Fax : +32 (0)2 511 10 27 asblsablon@gmail.com www.sablon-bruxelles.com

Grand’Place, Bourse, place SainteCatherine and Marché aux Poissons Brussels Major Events INFO: www.winterwonders.be

© SKMS KB

-MRBAB

Caroline Haraké Tel.: +32 (0)2 508 34 12 caroline.harake@fine-arts-museum.be

BIP - rue Royale 2-4 - 1000 Bru or Town Hall Grand-Place - 1000 Bru Tel.: +32 (0)2 513 89 40 info@visitbrussels.be www.visitbrussels.be PRESS CONTACT Pierre Massart p.massart@visitbrussels.be Tel.: +32 (0)475 53 08 07 Martha Meeze m.meeze@visitbrussels.be Tel.: +32 (0)486 53 31 81 Fax: +32 (0)2 549 50 98 press@visitbrussels.be

The some 150 traders in the Sablon are inviting the public to (re)discover the charming Place du Sablon and its neighbouring streets with their gorgeous Christmas decorations.

Open days, previews, exhibitions: so many opportunities to look around the special heritage of this historic heart of Brussels, while at the same time enjoying the variety of high-quality shops and restaurants. Ride on romantic barouches through these very special surroundings. Foodlovers will also enjoy becoming acquainted with “Gourmet Sablon”, which unites the great local restaurants.

mid-November to late December 2013

75

visitbrussels sized for you

Rambert © Fabrice

© VISI

TBRUSS

EL S

U O Y Guided tours ......................................................................... 78 ................................................................................... 80 Hotels...................................................................................

Youth hostels ......................................................................... 89 Guest-house rooms ................................................................ 89 Camping ............................................................................... 89 For buses .............................................................................. 90 Brussels’ responsible commitments ......................................... 91

OFFICIAL PARTNER

W W W. V I S I T B R U S S E L S . B E

Official carrier www.brusselsairlines.be

Guided

W

hether on your own, with your family or in a group, there is always a means of discovering Brussels “your way”. On foot, by bike, bus or even by boat, you’re bound to find a tour that suits your personality among this range of associations... or why not try something completely different for a change?

Under the name “Voir et Dire Bruxelles”, a few associations have pooled their knowledge and their enthusiasm for the city by creating individual themed visits.

BIP - rue Royale 2-4 - 1000 Bru Tel. : +32 (0)2 563 61 51 info@voiretdirebruxelles.be www.voiretdirebruxelles.be

ARAU (ATELIER DE RECHERCHE ET D’ACTION URBAINES) Since 1979, the Arau guides, specialising in architecture and town planning, have been offering themed guided tours explaining the growth and development of Brussels from every angle.

Boulevard A. Max 55 - 1000 Bru Tel. : +32 (0)2 219 33 45 info@arau.org www.arau.org

ARKADIA.BE Learning by looking. Guided tours led by art historians with a passion for the subject, to help you see, understand, experience and love even more the treasures of Belgian and Brussels heritage.

BIP - rue Royale 2-4 - 1000 Bru Tel. : +32 (0)2 563 61 53 info@asbl-arkadia.be www.asbl-arkadia.be

CHATTERBUS The chatterbus trails: original, fascinating and friendly guided walks for exploring, dreaming about and loving Brussels…

Rue des Thuyas 12 - 1170 Bru Tel. : +32 (0)2 673 18 35 busbavard@skynet.be www.busbavard.be

ITINERAIRES Brussels seen through its celebrities … real or fictional.

Through music with Jacques Brel or the mysteries of the freemasons narrated by Victor Horta.

Rue de l’Aqueduc 171 - 1050 Bru Tel. : +32 (0)2 541 03 77 sophie@itineraires.be www.itineraires.be

PRO VELO A pleasant and active way of exploring the city with neither windscreen nor roof in your way, giving you a completely unimpeded view.

Rue de Londres 15 - 1050 Bru Tel. : +32 (0)2 502 73 55 info@provelo.org www.provelo.org

© JP Rémy

tours

BRUKSELBINNENSTEBUITEN On a constant quest for the unusual and avant-garde, these really are guides who can lead you off the beaten tracks.

Rue du Houblon 47 B1 - 1000 Bru Tel. : +32 (0)2 218 38 78 bruksel@skynet.be www.brukselbinnenstebuiten.be

DEDALE CULTURE Theme walks, bus tours and Brussels by night.

Avenue de la Nivéole 10 - 1020 Bru Tel. : +32 (0)2 268 42 26

LA FONDERIE An original approach that highlights the work and daily lives of the people of Brussels.

Their studies and programmes evoke the economic, social and industrial life of Brussels. The present and future of the region and its inhabitants are considered on the basis of historical analysis. The “Fonderie” trails combine urban and port routes, which present an original point of view and access to unusual places.

Rue Ransfort 27 - 1080 Bru

VISITBRUSSELS

Tel. : +32 (0)2 410 99 50 parcours.lafonderie@skynet.be www.lafonderie.be

KLARE LIJN The Klare Lijn guides love Brussels. The aim of the guides is to create a dialogue about the city, its specialities, the architecture, the people and the literature. A tour with commentary turns into a relaxing time for the visitors.

Rue du Village 40 - 1070 Bru Tel. : +32 (0)493 50 40 60 info@klarelijn.be www.klarelijn.be

KOREI Korei shows you around, sways you and banters with you in the chiaroscuro between architecture, literature, currents of thought and the savoir-vivre of the 18th century to the present day. Stories told in a particular place in the city or by a fireside, in a museum or at an exhibition.

Rue des Alexiens 55 - 1000 Bru Tel. : +32 (0)2 380 22 09 korei@skynet.be www.korei.be

Churches in Brussels ANIMATION CHRETIENNE ET TOURISME (ACT) Discover the history and wealth of the churches of Brussels in the company of specialist guides.

Rue du Bois Sauvage 13 - 1000 Bru Tel. : +32 (0)2 219 75 30 alice.verhoeven@base.be www.actasbl.be

GBB - OFFICIAL GUIDES BRUSSELS BELGIUM To experience anything from the Brussels of Charles V to the European Capital, hire the services of an official guide in any of 10 languages. On request and a number of different themes.

Town Hall of Brussels Grand-Place - 1000 Bru Tel. : +32 (0)2 548 04 48 guides@visitbrussels.be www.visitbrussels.be

Brussels Segway Tours

Audio-guides

BRUSSELS SEGWAY TOUR Discover or rediscover the centre of Brussels and its more unusual places with “Segway”.

D*TOURS An audio trail, colourful and historic, comical and curious, entertaining and dream-like in the working-class district of the Marolles, on the history of the Grand’Place or the delightful Place Sainte-Catherine district.

Now available to download on the website www.visitbrussels.be

INFO AND RESERVATIONS

from May to September VISITBRUSSELS Town Hall - Grand-Place - 1000 Bru Tel. : +32(0)2 513 89 40 INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS FOR GROUPS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Tel. : +32 (0)470 52 64 56 www.belgium-segwaytour.be

Coach tours with regular departures

Brussels by boat BRUSSELS BY WATER / RIVERTOURS Every week, Brussels by Water organises guided boat trips and day excursions in Brussels and from Brussels to other cities and regions of Belgium. Boats are a unique means of transport that let you explore Brussels and the surrounding areas in an unusual way.

Quai des Péniches 2bis - 1000 Bru Tel. : +32 (0)2 218 54 60 / +32 (0)2 201 10 50 info@rivertours.be www.rivertours.be www.scaldisnet.be

“HOP ON, HOP OFF” TOURIST BUS Every hour, double-decker buses leave from the Gare Centrale and public transport stops to explore the city.

(Two tours)

Tel. : +32 (0)2 345 09 59 www.d-tours.org

Information about tours for children and young people • All the associations of “VOIR ET DIRE BRUXELLES”

• www.muntpunt.be

INFO AND RESERVATIONS

VISITBRUSSELS Town Hall - Grand-Place 1000 Bru Tel. : +32 (0)2 513 89 40 info@visitbrussels.be

ay

Rue des Princes 8-10 - 1000 Bru (from spring 2013 : Monnaie 6) Tel. : +32 (0)800 13 700 / +32 (0)2 227 18 18 info@opbrussel.be www.uitinbrussel.be/stadsgids/ stadswandelingen

Tours Exclusively for groups

© Segw

UITinBRUSSEL Need more information about classic walks? Looking for a specific programme? This organisation covers around fifteen guide associations and will help you to find what you’re looking for.

79

GRAND-PLACE & SURROUNDINGS

Hotels

Amigo 

W

ith hotels, guesthouses and youth hostels, there’s a great constellation lighting up the very starry sky of the hotel industry in Brussels: great classics, ultramodern, designer or loft style, spacious rooms, numerous services and very competitive prices.

Hotels here tend to be very booked up during the week but more available at weekends and at even more attractive prices. Many hotels create discovery packages for their guests, based on the main assets that Brussels has to offer: its creativity, its rich heritage and the many festive events that give rhythm to life in the capital.

Hotel bookings online : www.visitbrussels.be - book your stay

173 ROOMS

Rue de l’Amigo 1-3 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 547 47 47 hotelamigo@hotelamigo.com www.hotelamigo.com Gare Centrale

Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place  266 ROOMS

Rue Duquesnoy 5-7 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 505 55 55 resa.royalwindsor@warwickhotels.com www.royalwindsorbrussels.com Gare Centrale

Le Meridien  224 ROOMS

Carrefour de l’Europe 3 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 548 42 11 info.brussels@lemeridien.com www.lemeridien-brussels.com Gare Centrale

Metropole 

Best Western Premier HNA Carrefour de l’Europe  65 ROOMS

Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes 110 1000 Bru T +32 2 504 94 00 info@carrefourhotel.be www.carrefourhotel.be Gare Centrale

305 ROOMS

Place De Brouckère 31 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 217 23 00 info@metropolehotel.be www.metropolehotel.com De Brouckère

© Fabrice Rambert

GREEN KEY FITNESS WI-FI POOL RESTAURANT AC PRM LIFT

VISITBRUSSELS

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel 

Hotel Centrale  47 ROOMS

Rue des Colonies 10-12 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 504 99 10 reservations@centrale-hotel.com www.centrale-hotel.com Gare Centrale

281 ROOMS

Rue du Fossé aux Loups 47 1000 Bru T +32 2 219 28 28 info.brussels@radissonblu.com www.radissonblu.com Gare Centrale, De Brouckère

Le Dixseptieme  24 ROOMS

Rue de la Madeleine 25 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 517 17 17 info@ledixseptieme.be www.ledixseptieme.be Gare Centrale

Eurostars Grand Place 

Scandic Grand Place 

Boulevard Anspach 159-163 1000 Bru T +32 2 512 81 00 reservations@eurostarsgrandplace.com www.eurostarsgrandplace.com Bourse

Rue d’Arenberg 18 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 548 18 11 grand.place@scandichotels.com www.scandichotels.com Gare Centrale

54 ROOMS

Ibis Brussels Off Grand Place  184 ROOMS

Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes 100 1000 Bru T +32 2 514 40 40 H1046@accor.com www.ibishotel.com Gare Centrale

The Dominican 

NH Grand Place Arenberg 

150 ROOMS

155 ROOMS

Rue d’Assaut 15 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 501 16 16 nhgrandplace@nh-hotels.com www.nh-hotels.com Gare Centrale

Rue Léopold 9 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 203 08 08 info@thedominican.carlton.be www.thedominican.be De Brouckère

Alma 

37 ROOMS

Novotel Brussels Off Grand Place  132 ROOMS

Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes 120 1000 Bru T +32 2 514 33 33 H1030@accor.com www.novotel.com Gare Centrale

Sandton Brussels Centre  70 ROOMS

Rue des Paroissiens 15-27 1000 Bru T +32 2 274 08 10 brusselscentre@sandton.eu www.sandton.eu Gare Centrale

100 ROOMS

Rue des Eperonniers 42-44 1000 Bru T +32 2 502 28 28 info@almahotel.be www.almahotel.be Gare Centrale

Aris



55 ROOMS

Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes 78-80 1000 Bru T +32 2 514 43 00 info@arishotel.be www.arishotel.be Gare Centrale

Floris Arlequin Grand Place  92 ROOMS

Rue de la Fourche 17-19 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 514 16 15 arlequin@florishotels.com www.florishotels.com De Brouckère, Gare Centrale

Mozart



47 ROOMS

Rue du Marché aux Fromages 23 1000 Bru T +32 2 502 66 61 hotel.mozart@skynet.be www.hotel-mozart.be Gare Centrale

Saint-Nicolas  60 ROOMS

Rue du Marché aux Poulets 32 1000 Bru T +32 2 219 04 40 reception@st-nicolas.be www.st-nicolas.be De Brouckère, Bourse

Chantecler  14 ROOMS

Rue de la Grande Ile 26 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 512 11 51 info@hotel-chantecler.be www.hotel-chantecler.be Bourse, Gare Centrale

Grande Cloche (A la)  37 ROOMS

Place Rouppe 10 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 512 61 40 info@hotelgrandecloche.com www.hotelgrandecloche.com Bourse

Opera  49 ROOMS

Rue Grétry 53 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 219 43 43 reception@hotel-opera.be www.hotel-opera.be De Brouckère

La Legende 

The Moon 

Rue du Lombard 35 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 512 82 90 info@hotellalegende.com www.hotellalegende.com Bourse, Gare Centrale

Rue de la Montagne 4b - 1000 Bru T +32 2 508 15 80 info@hotelthemoon.com www.hotelthemoon.com Gare Centrale

26 ROOMS

17 ROOMS

La Madeleine 

Windsor 

52 ROOMS

24 ROOMS

Rue de la Montagne 22-24 1000 Bru T +32 2 513 29 73 hotel-la-madeleine@hotel-lamadeleine.be www.hotel-la-madeleine.be Gare Centrale

Place Rouppe 13 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 511 20 14 info@hotel-windsor.com www.hotel-windsor.com Bourse

La Vieille Lanterne 

Matignon



37 ROOMS

Rue de la Bourse 10 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 511 08 88 hotelmatignon@skynet.be www.hotelmatignon.be Bourse

6 ROOMS

Rue des Grands Carmes 29 1000 Bru T +32 2 512 74 94 www.lavieillelanterne.be Gare Centrale

Saint Michel  15 ROOMS

Grand-Place 15 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 511 09 56 info@hotelsaintmichel.be www.hotelsaintmichel.be Gare Centrale

81

DANSAERT & MARCHÉ AUX POISSONS

LOUISE

Brussels Marriott Hotel 

Hotel George V 

Saint-Géry Hotel 

Conrad Brussels 

Rue A Orts 3-7 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 516 90 90 mhrs.brudt.ays.mgr@ marriotthotels.com www.marriottbrussels.com Bourse, De Brouckère

Rue T’Kint 23 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 513 50 93 info@hotelgeorge5.be www.hotelgeorge5.be Bourse

Place Saint-Géry 29-32 - 1000 Bru info@hotelstgery.com www.hotelstgery.com Bourse

Avenue Louise 71 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 542 42 42 reservations.brussels@conradhotels.com www.conradbrussels.com Louise

218 ROOMS

Astrid 

100 ROOMS

17 ROOMS

24 ROOMS

Brussels Welcome Hotel 

Ibis Brussels Centre Sainte Catherine 

17 ROOMS

Quai au Bois à Brûler 23 1000 Bru T +32 2 219 95 46 info@hotelwelcome.com www.hotelwelcome.com Sainte-Catherine

236 ROOMS

Place du Samedi 11 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 219 31 19 info@astridhotel.be www.astridhotel.be De Brouckère, Sainte-Catherine

Rue J. Plateau 2 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 513 76 20 H1454@accor.com www.ibishotel.com Sainte-Catherine

Atlas  88 ROOMS

Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains 30 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 502 60 06 info@atlas.be www.atlas-hotel.be Sainte-Catherine, Bourse

Citadines Bruxelles Sainte Catherine  169 ROOMS

Quai au Bois à Brûler 51 1000 Bru T +32 2 221 14 11 stecatherine@citadines.com www.citadines.com Sainte-Catherine

Le Châtelain All Suite  107 ROOMS

Rue du Châtelain 17 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 646 00 55 info@le-chatelain.net www.le-chatelain.net Louise

Noga 

19 ROOMS

Novotel Brussels Centre Tour Noire 

Rue du Béguinage 38 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 218 67 63 info@nogahotel.com www.nogahotel.com Sainte-Catherine

217 ROOMS

Rue de la Vierge Noire 32 1000 Bru T +32 2 505 50 50 H2122@accor.com www.novotel.com Sainte-Catherine

Pacific Cafe Hotel 

Orts Hotel  14 ROOMS

Rue Auguste Orts 38-40 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 450 22 00 info@hotelorts.com www.hotelorts.com Bourse

269 ROOMS

13 ROOMS

Rue Antoine Dansaert 57 1000 Bru T +32 2 213 00 80 info@hotelcafepacific.com www.hotelcafepacific.com Sainte-Catherine, Bourse

Sofitel Brussels Le Louise  169 ROOMS

Av. de la Toison d’Or 40 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 514 22 00 H1071@accor.com www.sofitel-brussels-le-louise.com Louise

128 ROOMS

Rue P. Spaak 15 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 645 61 11 reservations.brussels@sheraton.com www.fourpoints.com/brussels Louise

Izán Avenue Louise  80 ROOMS

Rue Blanche 4-6 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 535 95 00 avenuelouise.reservations@ izanhoteles.es www.hotelizanavenuelouise.com Louise

Manos Premier  50 ROOMS

Chée. de Charleroi 100-104 1060 Bru T +32 2 537 96 82 stay@manospremier.com www.manoshotel.com Louise

Cascade Louise  92 ROOMS

Rue Berckmans 128 - 1060 Bru T +32 2 538 88 30 info@cascadehotel.be www.cascadehotel.be Hôtel des Monnaies

Floris Louise  36 ROOMS

Rue de la Concorde 59-61 1000 Bru T +32 2 515 00 60 louise@florishotels.com www.florishotels.com Louise

visitbrussels

Four Points by Sheraton Brussels 

Manos Stephanie  55 ROOMS

Chaussée de Charleroi 28 - 1060 Bru T +32 2 539 02 50 stay@manosstephanie.com www.manoshotel.com Louise

Mercure Brussels Center Louise 

Warwick Barsey Hotel Brussels 

Best Western County House 

Chaussée de Charleroi 38 - 1060 Bru T +32 2 533 66 66 mercurebrusselslouise@alliancehospitality.com www.mercure.com Louise

Avenue Louise 381-383 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 649 98 00 res.warwickbarsey@warwickhotels.com www.warwickbarsey.com Louise

Square des Heros 2-4 - 1180 Bru T +32 2 375 44 20 info@countyhouse.be www.bestwestern.be/countyhouse Louise

201 ROOMS

99 ROOMS

101 ROOMS

Agenda Louise 

Beverly Hills 

Rue de Florence 6-8 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 539 00 31 louise@hotel-agenda.com www.hotel-agenda.com Louise

Rue du Prince Royal 71 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 513 22 22 beverlyhills@infonie.be www.hotelbeverlyhills.be Louise

Aqua Hotel 

Brussels 

Rue J. Stas 32 - 1060 Bru T +32 2 537 42 50 nhstephanie@nh-hotels.com www.nh-hotels.com Louise

Rue de Stassart 43 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 213 01 01 booking@aqua-hotel.be www.aqua-hotel.be Porte de Namur

Avenue Louise 315 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 640 24 15 reservations@hotelbrusselsbelgium.com www.hotelbrusselsbelgium.be Louise

The Hotel

Argus

NH Brussels City Centre  246 ROOMS

Chaussée de Charleroi 17 - 1060 Bru T +32 2 539 01 60 nhbrusselscitycentre@nh-hotels.com www.nh-hotels.com Louise

NH Stephanie



38 ROOMS

28 ROOMS

97 ROOMS

68 ROOMS

67 ROOMS





41 ROOMS

431 ROOMS

Boulevard de Waterloo 38 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 504 11 11 book@thehotel.be www.thehotel-brussels.be Porte de Namur, Louise

Rue Capitaine Crespel 6 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 514 07 70 reception@hotel-argus.be www.hotel-argus.be Louise

Capital

62 ROOMS

Chaussée de Vleurgat 191 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 646 64 20 info@hotelcapital.be www.hotelcapital.be Louise

Beau Site 

Catalonia Forum Hotel 

Rue de la Longue Haie 76 1000 Bru T +32 2 640 88 89 info@beausitebrussels.com www.beausitebrussels.com Louise

Avenue du Haut-Pont 2 - 1060 Bru T +32 2 340 34 00 forum.comercial@hoteles-catalonia.es www.hoteles-catalonia.com Louise

38 ROOMS

142 ROOMS

Avenue Louise 91-93 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 543 33 11 bristol@thonhotels.be www.thonhotels.be Louise

The White Hotel 

Rue de Namur 82 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 548 99 10 info@hotel-chambord.be www.hotel-chambord.be Porte de Namur

Avenue Louise 212 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 644 29 29 info@thewhitehotel.be www.thewhitehotel.be Louise

Citadines Toison d’Or 

Vintage Hotel 

Av. de la Toison d’Or 61-63 - 1060 Bru T +32 2 543 53 53 toison@citadines.com www.citadines.com Louise

Rue Dejoncker 45 - 1060 Bru T +32 2 533 99 80 info@vintagehotel.be www.vintagehotel.be Louise

69 ROOMS

154 ROOMS

80 ROOMS

53 ROOMS

29 ROOMS

Made in Louise 

Les Bluets 

Rue Veydt 40 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 537 40 33 info@madeinlouise.com www.madeinlouise.com Louise

Rue Berckmans 124 - 1060 Bru T +32 2 534 39 83 info@bluets.be www.bluets.be Hôtel des Monnaies

Odette En Ville 

Rembrandt 

Rue du Châtelain 25 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 640 26 26 bruxelles@chez-odette.com www.chez-odette.com Louise

Rue de la Concorde 42 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 512 71 39 rembrandt@dommel.be www.hotelrembrandt.be Louise

49 ROOMS

8 ROOMS



Thon Hotel Bristol Stephanie 

Chambord Brussels 

10 ROOMS

13 ROOMS

Pantone  59 ROOMS

Place Loix 1 - 1060 Bru T +32 2 541 48 98 info@pantonehotel.com www.pantonehotel.com Hôtel des Monnaies

83

SABLON / MAROLLES Eurostars Sablon  32 ROOMS

Rue de la Paille 2-8 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 513 60 40 reservations@eurostarssablon.com www.eurostarssablon.com Louise

NH Du Grand Sablon  193 ROOMS

Rue Bodenbroek 2-4 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 518 11 00 nhdugrandsablon@nh-hotels.com www.nh-hotels.com Louise

ROGIER / BOTANIQUE Best Western Royal Center  73 ROOMS

Rue Royale 160 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 219 00 65 reservation@royalcentre.be www.royalcentre.be Botanique

125 ROOMS

Bd. du Jardin Botanique 9-13 1000 Bru T +32 2 218 06 80 info@hotel-le-dome.be www.hotelledome.com Rogier

Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre  454 ROOMS

Avenue du Boulevard 17 - 1210 Bru T +32 2 205 15 11 brusselscitycentre@thonhotels.be www.thonhotels.be Rogier

Crowne Plaza Brussels Le Palace 

Le Plaza Brussels 

Belmont 

Rue Gineste 3 - 1210 Bru T +32 2 203 62 00 info@cpbxl.be www.crowneplazabrussels.be Rogier

Boulevard A. Max 118-126 1000 Bru T +32 2 278 01 00 reservations@leplaza-brussels.be www.leplaza-brussels.be Rogier

Boulevard d’Anvers 10 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 227 15 40 info@belmont.be www.hotel-belmont.be Rogier

354 ROOMS

Hilton Brussels City  283 ROOMS t © Marcel Vanhuls

Le Dome 

Place Rogier 20 - 1210 Bru T +32 2 203 31 25 res.brusselscity@hilton.com www.hilton.com Rogier

Husa President Park  297 ROOMS

Bd. du Roi Albert II 44 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 203 20 20 info.president@husa.es www.husapresidentpark.com Rogier

190 ROOMS

31 ROOMS

Best Western City Centre  NH Atlanta  241 ROOMS

Boulevard A. Max 7 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 217 01 20 nhatlanta@nh-hotels.be www.nh-hotels.com De Brouckère, Rogier

49 ROOMS

Square Victoria Regina 9 - 1210 Bru T +32 2 219 06 61 info@citycentre.be www.citycentre.be Botanique, Rogier

Hotel BLOOM !  Sheraton Brussels Hotel  533 ROOMS

Place Rogier 3 - 1210 Bru T +32 2 224 31 11 reservations.brussels@sheraton.com www.sheratonbrussels.be Rogier

305 ROOMS

Rue Royale 250 - 1210 Bru T +32 2 220 66 11 info@hotelbloom.com www.hotelbloom.com Botanique

Colonies (Hôtel des)  95 ROOMS

Rue des Croisades 6-10 - 1210 Bru T +32 2 203 30 94 reservation@hotel-des-colonies.com www.hotel-des-colonies.com Rogier

VISITBRUSSELS

Hôtel du Congres  61 ROOMS

Rue du Congrès 38-44 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 217 18 90 info@hotelducongres.be www.hotelducongres.be Madou

Marivaux Hotel  135 ROOMS

Boulevard A. Max 98 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 227 03 00 reservations@marivaux.be www.hotelmarivaux.be De Brouckère, Rogier

Progress  57 ROOMS

Rue du Progrès 9 - 1210 Bru T +32 2 205 17 00 info@progresshotel.be www.progresshotel.be Rogier

Queen Anne  60 ROOMS

Boulevard E. Jacqmain 110 1000 Bru T +32 2 217 16 00 info@queen-anne.be www.queen-anne.be De Brouckère, Rogier

Siru Brussels Boutique Hotel  101 ROOMS

Rue des Croisades 2 - 1210 Bru T +32 2 203 33 03 info@hotelsiru.com www.hotelsiru.com Rogier

MIDI / LEMONNIER Villa Royale  45 ROOMS

Rue Royale 195 - 1210 Bru T +32 2 226 04 60 villa.royale@skynet.be www.villa-royale.be Botanique

Prestige 

Be Manos 

De Fierlant 

Rue du Méridien 70 - 1210 Bru T +32 2 211 40 30 info@hotelprestigebrussels.com www.hotelprestigebrussels.com Botanique

Square de l’Aviation 23-27 - 1070 Bru T +32 2 520 65 65 stay@bemanos.com www.bemanos.com Gare du Midi

Rue De Fierlant 67 - 1190 Bru T +32 2 538 60 70 info@hoteldefierlant.be www.hoteldefierlant.be Gare du Midi

Euro Capital 

17 ROOMS

60 ROOMS

Albergo 

Theater Hotel Brussels 

Bedford 

Sq. Victoria Regina 11-12 - 1210 Bru T +32 2 218 70 53 info@hotelalbergo.be www.hotelalbergo.be Rogier, Botanique

Rue Van Gaver 23 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 350 90 00 info@theaterhotelbrussels.com www.theaterhotelbrussels.com Yser

Rue du Midi 135 -137 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 507 00 00 info@hotelbedford.be www.hotelbedford.be Gare du Midi, Bourse

Albert 

Maxhotel 

Cascade Midi 

Rue Royale Sainte-Marie 27-29 1030 Bru T +32 2 217 93 91 info@hotelalbert.be www.hotelalbert.be Botanique

Boulevard A. Max 107 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 219 00 60 max@3sh.be www.maxhotel.be Rogier

14 ROOMS

19 ROOMS

9 ROOMS

63 ROOMS

Bentley

30 ROOMS

Avenue Rogier 51 - 1030 Bru T +32 2 242 52 95 reservation@hotel-bentley.com www.hotel-bentley.com

313 ROOMS

99 ROOMS

Avenue Fonsny 57 - 1060 Bru T +32 2 533 10 90 infomidi@cascadehotel.be www.cascadehotel.be Gare du Midi

34 ROOMS

Rue F-J. Navez 165 - 1030 Bru T +32 2 242 78 73 hotel@lapotiniere.be www.lapotiniere.be

Floris Avenue  47 ROOMS

Av. de Stalingrad 25-31 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 548 98 38 avenue@florishotels.com www.florishotels.com Gare du Midi

Hotel Espérance  12 ROOMS

Rue du Finistère 1-3 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 219 10 28 info@hotel-esperance.be www.hotel-esperance.be De Brouckère

Park Inn by Radison Brussels Midi  142 ROOMS

Place Marcel Broodthaers 3 1060 Bru T +32 2 535 14 00 info.brussels-midi@ rezidorparkinn.com www.parkinn.com Gare du Midi

49 ROOMS

Avenue Fonsny 9 - 1060 Bru T +32 2 535 17 00 info@ec-hotel.com www.ec-hotel.com Gare du Midi

Floris Ustel Midi 

Scandinavia Hotel  48 ROOMS

Chaussée de Mons 115-117 1070 Bru T +32 2 221 02 00 info@scandinaviahotel.be www.scandinaviahotel.be

114 ROOMS

Square de l’Aviation 6-8 - 1070 Bru T +32 2 520 60 53 ustelmidi@florishotels.com www.florishotels.com Gare du Midi

La Potinière  

40 ROOMS

Ibis Brussels Centre Gare Du Midi  225 ROOMS

Rue d’Angleterre 2-20 - 1060 Bru T +32 2 541 44 44 H3152@accor.com www.ibishotel.com Gare du Midi

Van Belle Hotel  110 ROOMS

Chaussée de Mons 39 - 1070 Bru T +32 2 521 35 16 reservation@hotelvanbelle.be www.hotelvanbelle.be

Aristote  25 ROOMS

Avenue de Stalingrad 3-7 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 513 13 10 info@aristote-hotel.be www.aristote-hotel.be Gare du Midi

Agenda Midi  35 ROOMS

Boulevard Jamar 11-13 - 1060 Bru T +32 2 520 00 10 midi@hotel-agenda.com www.hotel-agenda.com Gare du Midi

85

MIDI / LEMONNIER Mirabeau  30 ROOMS

Place Fontainas 18-20 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 511 19 72 info@hotelmirabeau.be www.hotelmirabeau.be Gare du Midi

EUROPE Eurostars Montgomery  63 ROOMS

Avenue de Tervueren 134 - 1150 Bru T +32 2 741 85 11 reservations@ eurostarsmontgomery.com www.eurostarsmontgomery.com Montgomery

Barry 

Sofitel Brussels Europe  149 ROOMS

Place Jourdan 1 - 1040 Bru T +32 2 235 51 00 H5282@sofitel.com www.sofitel-brussels-europe.com Schuman

Thon Stanhope  108 ROOMS

Rue du Commerce 9-13 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 506 91 11 info@stanhope.be www.stanhope.be Arts-Loi, Trône

Best Western Premier Park Hotel Brussels  54 ROOMS

Avenue de l’Yser 21-22 - 1040 Bru T +32 2 735 74 00 info@parkhotelbrussels.be www.parkhotelbrussels.be Merode

VISITBRUSSELS

Boulevard Charlemagne 50 1000 Bru T +32 2 230 00 10 reservation@firsteuroflathotel.be www.firsteuroflathotel.be Schuman

Radisson Blu EU 

322 

Rue d’Idalie 35 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 626 81 11 info.brusselseu@radissonblu.com www.radissonblu.com Trône

Avenue Lambermont 322 - 1030 Bru T +32 2 242 55 95 info@lambermonthotels.com www.lambermonthotels.com Schuman

149 ROOMS

45 ROOMS

Aloft Brussels Schuman 

262 ROOMS

147 ROOMS

Rue du Parnasse 19 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 505 29 29 renaissance.brussels@ renaissancehotels.com www.renaissancehotels.com Trône

Place Jean Rey - 1040 Bru T +32 2 800 08 88 reservations.brussels@ starwoodhotels.com www.aloftbrussels.be Schuman

Silken Berlaymont Brussels 

Aspria Royal La Rasante 

100 ROOMS

Boulevard Charlemagne 80 1000 Bru T +32 2 230 85 55 mcp@martinshotels.com www.martinscentralpark.com Schuman

214 ROOMS

Bd. Charlemagne 11-19 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 231 09 09 hotel.berlaymont@hoteles-silken.com www.hotelsilkenberlaymont.com Schuman

New Hotel Charlemagne 

Thon Hotel EU 

Leopold  111 ROOMS

Rue du Luxembourg 35 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 511 18 28 reservations@hotel-leopold.be www.hotel-leopold.be Trône

Martin’s Central Park 

32 ROOMS

Place Anneessens 25 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 511 27 95 hotel.barry@skynet.be www.hotelbarry.com Gare du Midi

133 ROOMS

Renaissance 

New Prince De Liège 

32 ROOMS

Chaussée de Ninove 664 - 1070 Bru T +32 2 522 16 00 hotel@onpl.be www.onpl.be Gare de l’Ouest

First Euroflat 

66 ROOMS

Bd. Charlemagne 25-27 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 230 21 35 brusselscharlemagne@new-hotel.be www.new-hotel.be Schuman

405 ROOMS

Rue de la Loi 75 - 1040 Bru T +32 2 204 39 22 eu@thonhotels.be www.thonhotels.be Maelbeek

19 ROOMS

Rue Sombre 56 - 1200 Bru T +32 2 609 19 02 (Airport) info@royallarasante.be www.royallarasante.be Montgomery, Tomberg

Chelton  53 ROOMS

Rue Véronèse 48 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 735 20 32 info@chelton.be www.chelton.be Schuman

HEYSEL Holiday Inn Brussels-Schuman  47 ROOMS

Rue Breydel 20 - 1040 Bru T +32 2 280 40 00 hotel@holiday-inn-brusselsschuman.com www.holiday-inn.com/ brusselsschuman Schuman

Lambeau  24 ROOMS

Avenue Lambeau 150 - 1200 Bru T +32 2 732 51 70 info@hotellambeau.com www.hotellambeau.com Montgomery

Alliance Hotel Brussels Expo 

Ibis Brussels Expo-Atomium 

79 ROOMS

81 ROOMS

Av. de l’Impératrice Charlotte 6 1020 Bru T +32 2 478 70 80 ahbrussels@alliance-hospitality.com www.alliance-hotel-brusselsexpo.com Heysel

Chée. Romaine 572 1853 Strombeek-Bever T +32 2 461 00 21 H2846@accor.com www.ibishotel.com Heysel

Best Western Hotel Expo 

Le Centenaire 

Monty Small Design  18 ROOMS

Ramada Brussels Woluwe  165 ROOMS

Avenue des Pléiades 67 - 1200 Bru T +32 2 775 31 80 (Airport) info@ramadabrusselswoluwe.be www.ramadabrusselswoluwe.be Roodebeek

Auberge Du Souverain  6 ROOMS

Av. de la Fauconnerie 1-3 - 1170 Bru T +32 2 672 16 01 info@souverain.be www.souverain.be Herrmann-Debroux

Bd. Brand Whitlock 101 - 1200 Bru T +32 2 734 56 36 info@monty-hotel.be www.monty-hotel.be Montgomery

Plasky Hotel  30 ROOMS

Avenue Eugène Plasky 212 1030 Bru T +32 2 733 75 30 info@hotelplasky.be www.hotelplasky.be

49 ROOMS

Av. Houba de Strooper 598/600 1020 Bru T +32 2 476 15 14 info@bestwesternhotelexpo.be www.bestwesternhotelexpo.be Roi Baudouin

15 ROOMS

Av. Jean Sobieski 84-86 - 1020 Bru T +32 2 479 56 00 info@lecentenaire.be www.lecentenaire.be Roi Baudouin

Frederiksborg  30 ROOMS

Avenue Broustin 118 - 1083 Bru T +32 2 425 14 22 (Basilique) lefrederiksborg@skynet.be www.frederiksborg.be Simonis

Derby  27 ROOMS

Avenue de Tervueren 24 - 1040 Bru T +32 2 733 75 81 hotel.derby@belgacom.net www.hotel-derby.be Merode

87

AROUND BRUSSELS

AIRPORT Courtyard By Marriott Brussels 

Holiday Inn Brussels Airport 

Avenue des Olympiades 6 - 1140 Bru T +32 2 337 08 08 courtyard.brussels@courtyard.com www.courtyardbrussels.com

Holidaystraat 7 - 1831 Diegem T +32 2 720 58 65 info@hibrusselsairport.com www.holidayinn.com

Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport 

NH Brussels Airport 

191 ROOMS

315 ROOMS

Da Vincilaan 4 - 1831 Diegem T +32 2 416 33 33 cpbrusselsairport@whgeu.com www.ichotelsgroup.com/ crowneplaza

Golden Tulip Brussels Airport  125 ROOMS

Bessenveldstraat 15 1831 Diegem T +32 2 713 66 66 info@goldentulipbrusselsairport.be www.goldentulipbrusselsairport.be

310 ROOMS

234 ROOMS

De Kleetlaan 14 - 1831 Diegem T +32 2 203 92 52 nhbrusselsairport@nh-hotels.com www.nh-hotels.com

135 ROOMS

Chaussée de Louvain 805 - 1140 Bru T +32 2 708 31 00 resa@gresham-belsonhotel.com www.greshambelsonhotel.com Montgomery

Gosset 

Berkenlaan 5 - 1831 Diegem T +32 2 725 33 80 expressbruxelles@alliancehospitality.com www.holidayinn-brussels.com/ airport

Avenue du Lac 87 - 1332 Genval T +32 2 655 71 11 cdl@martinshotels.com www.martins-hotels.com

Gossetlaan 52 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden T +32 2 466 21 30 info@gosset.be www.gosset.be

Mercure Brussels Airport  120 ROOMS

Avenue Jules Bordet 74 - 1140 Bru T +32 2 726 73 35 H0958@accor.com www.mercure.com

122 ROOMS

48 ROOMS

Dolce La Hulpe Brussels 

Ibis Brussels Waterloo 

264 ROOMS

100 ROOMS

Chaussée de Bruxelles 135 1310 La Hulpe T +32 2 290 98 00 info-lahulpe@dolce.com www.dolcelahulpebrussels.com

Boulevard Henri Rolin 5a 1410 Waterloo T +32 2 351 00 30 info@ibiswaterloo.be www.ibishotel.com

Novotel Brussels Airport  209 ROOMS

Martin’s Grand Hotel 

Kasteel Gravenhof 

79 ROOMS

26 ROOMS

Brussels Airport - 1930 Zaventem T +32 2 710 80 00 reservations.brussels@sheraton.com www.sheratonbrusselsairport.com

Da Vincilaan 25 - 1831 Diegem T +32 2 725 30 50 H0467@accor.com www.novotel.com

Chaussée de Tervueren 198 1410 Waterloo T +32 2 352 18 15 mgh@martinshotels.com www.martins-hotels.com

Alsembergsestw. 676 1653 Dworp T +32 2 380 44 99 info@gravenhof.be www.gravenhof.be

Van Der Valk Brussels Airport 

Thon Hotel Brussels Airport 

La Vignette 

Culliganlaan 4b - 1831 Diegem T +32 2 277 20 00 brussels@valk.com www.hotelbrusselsairport.com

Berkenlaan 4 - 1831 Diegem T +32 2 721 77 77 brusselsairport@thonhotels.be www.thonhotels.be

Best Western Hotel Brussels 

Campanile Brussels Airport 

Ibis Brussels Airport 

294 ROOMS

59 ROOMS

Excelsiorlaan 2 - 1930 Zaventem T +32 2 720 98 62 brusselsairport@campanile.com www.campanile.com

visitbrussels

Château Du Lac 

87 ROOMS

Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel 

184 ROOMS

Gresham Belson Hotel Brussels 

Express by Holiday Inn 

100 ROOMS

16 ROOMS

E40 Brussels-Ostend 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden T +32 2 466 68 80 hotel-gr-bijgaarden@autogrill.net www.bestwestern.be

Leuvensesteenweg 12 1970 Wezembeek-Oppem (Tervueren) T +32 2 767 83 56 info@lavignette.be www.lavignette.be

Erasme Hotel 

Leonard Hotel Wavre 

Route de Lennik 790 - 1070 Bru T +32 2 523 62 82 info@hotelerasme.be www.hotelerasme.be Erasme

Rue de la Wastinne 45 1301 Wavre T +32 10 41 13 63 info.wavre@leonardo-hotels.com www.leonardo-hotels.com

39 ROOMS

98 ROOMS

Bessenveldstraat 17 b 1831 Diegem T +32 2 725 43 21 H1090@accor.com www.ibishotel.com

74 ROOMS

102 ROOMS

YOUTH HOSTELS Martin’s Lido  27 ROOMS

Auberge de Jeunesse Jacques Brel

Centre Vincent van Gogh (CHAB)

Rue du Limalsart 20 1330 Rixensart T +32 2 634 34 34 lelido@martinshotels.com www.martins-hotels.com

Rue de la Sablonnière 30 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 218 01 87 brussels.brel@laj.be www.laj.be www.gitesdetape.be

Rue Traversière 8 - 1210 Bru T +32 2 217 01 58 info@chab.be www.chab.be

GUESTHOUSE ROOMS Bed & Brussels Rue Goffart 78 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 646 07 37 info@bnb-brussels.be www.bnb-brussels.be

CAMPING Bruxelles Europe A ciel ouvert Chaussée de Wavre 205 - 1050 Bru T +32 2 640 79 67 A camping site for tents only, only in July and August.

PLUS D’INFOS : Martin’s Lodge  29 ROOMS

Chée. de Tervueren 198 1410 Waterloo T +32 2 352 18 15 mlo@martinshotels.com www.martins-hotels.com

Martin’s Manoir  12 ROOMS

Avenue Hoover 8 - 1332 Genval T +32 2 655 63 11 mdl@martinshotels.com www.martins-hotels.com

Bruegel - IYHF

WWW.HOSTELSINBRUSSELS.BE

Rue du Saint-Esprit 2 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 511 04 36 brussel@vjh.be www.jeugdherbergen.be

Auberge de Jeunesse Génération Europe Rue de l’Eléphant 4 - 1080 Bru T +32 2 410 38 58 brussels.europe@laj.be www.laj.be

Auberge des 3 Fontaines Chaussée de Wavre 2057 1160 Bru T +32 2 663 24 32 contact@auberge3fontaines.be www.auberge3fontaines.be

Sleep Well Espace du Marais Rue du Damier 23 - 1000 Bru T +32 2 218 50 50 info@sleepwell.be www.sleepwell.be

89

For

buses

Parking for tourist coaches

To enable visitors to make the most of the Capital, the Brussels-Capital Region and the City of Brussels, in consultation with the Belgian Federation of Bus and Coach Operators and Travel Organisers (FBAA), organise parking for tourist coaches in Brussels.

Passengers can board and alight at short-stay parking locations (maximum 30 minutes) situated on: Rue Cardinal Mercier and Boulevard du Centenaire.

At the medium-stay parking locations, the parking period is limited to a total of 5 hours a day, enough time for passengers to visit a place of interest, a tourist attraction or an event. They are situated at: Rue Ducale, Bruparck, Boulevard Pacheco, Avenue de Madrid, Quai de Willebroek and Boulevard de l’Abattoir-Poincaré.

Long-stay parking locations for periods of more than 5 hours, where it is possible to stay for one night, are situated at: Avenue de Madrid and Quai de Willebroek.

There is also a supervised car park at the Avant-Port de Bruxelles (10 to 20 places).

MABRU Quai des Usines 22/23 - 1000 Bru OPEN 24h / 24 - 10,00 € a day INFO Tel. : +32 (0)2 215 51 69

Coach hire in Brussels

De Boeck : +32 (0)2 513 77 44 Open Tours : +32 (0)2 466 11 11 Autocars Renard : +32 (0)2 465 55 50 Autocars Dierickx : +32 (0)2 465 67 12 LMB : +32 (0)2 734 92 16 Modern Car : +32 (0)2 420 10 00

VISITBRUSSELS

Brussels’

responsible

commitments • the “eco-dynamic entreprise” seal of approval: which recognises the efforts of businesses that care about the environment; 1, 2 or 3 stars awarded depending on the efforts made www.bruxellesenvironnement.be • adoption of the “Green Key” label, seal of approval of tourist facilities and accommodation www.greenkey-brussels.be • subscribing, without fail, to the recommendations of Agenda 21 to meet our needs today without compromising the well-being of future generations Capital Region : www.agendairis21.be City : www.agenda21.bruxelles.be • Brussels is ranked as the leading sustainable city in Europe for environmental policy in the “European Green Cities Index” or sustainable cities classification • a Sustainable Regional Development Plan is currently being drawn up. www.demainbruxelles.be • www.bruxellesenvironnement.be

Towards more sustainable events A team of professionals at your service to help you organise sustainable events in Brussels. www.visitbrussels.be/sustainablemeetings

91

SUPPORTED BY

Ville de Bruxelles/ Stad Brussel

Commission communautaire franรงaise

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

OUR NETWORKS

UIA

92

Published by VISITBRUSSELS BIP - rue Royale 2-4 - 1000 Brussels Tel. : +32 (0)2 513 89 40 Fax : +32 (0)2 513 83 20 info@visitbrussels.be meetings@visitbrussels.be sales@visitbrussels.be b2b@visitbrussels.be press@visitbrussels.be

Editor Patrick Bontinck CEO, VISITBRUSSELS VISITBRUSSELS cannot be held responsible in the event of involuntary errors and omissions, despite the care taken and the checking carried out when producing this brochure (August 2012).

Concept VCG Edition October 2012, for the year 2013

WWW.VISITBRUSSELS.BE