BrusselsTraveller.info

Brussels City Guide

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:04:11 +0000

Belgium’s cosmopolitan capital is the perfect holiday destination for travellers craving a dose of upscale European culture as it boasts a profusion of superb architecture, over 70 museums and countless restaurants and entertainment venues. Home to the European Parliament and located within close proximity of the Netherlands, France, Germany and Luxembourg, Brussels is often referred to as the ‘Capital of Europe’, with a multi-cultural population that includes over 20,000 ‘Eurocrats’.
Populated by almost 1,000,000 people and divided into 19 separate districts, Brussels’ residents are a mix of Flemish locals and Walloons or Freanch Latin Belgians with the balance made up by foreign expatriates. Though the city is located in Belgium’s Flemish northern reaches, Brussels is an exception to the surrounding towns and cities, with stronger ties to french culture and language.

Brussels is divided into the lower and upper towns, with both sections easily navigable on foot. The beating heart of the city is the Grand-Place, located in the Lower Town and once home to all of Brussels’ food markets. The Grand-Place has functioned as Brussels’ social and commercial centre for hundreds of years and it still buzzes with activity and atmosphere. Perched on the hill above is the aesthetically pleasing Upper Town, featuring much of the city’s grander architecture, mingled with attractive spaces of green parkland.

Belgium’s capital is positively brimming with magnificent museums and art galleries, offering endless hours of entertainment for culture vultures. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts, located in the Upper Town and made up of the Musée d’Art Ancien and the Musée d’Art Moderne, is arguably the city’s most distinguished cultural venue, closely rivalled by both the Museum of Musical Instruments and the Art Nouveau Horta Museum. Brussels also boasts a wide selection of impressive architecture from ornate Gothic churches and classical palaces to stylish Art Nouveau structures.

Kaat Tilley

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:21:33 +0000

This popular Belgian designer has become a household name since debuting in 1985. Thanks to an affinity for light silks and chiffon, her fashions for women are described as “floaty” and “fairy-like.” In addition to a ready-to-wear collection and daytime knits, Kaat Tilley offers bridal wear and evening wear. Her newest line is designed for children. Although garments are available at boutiques around the world, the largest selection of Kaat Tilley is found at this headquarters shop in Brussels.

Galeries Saint-Hubert

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:20:46 +0000

This Italian Neo-Renaissance arcade is considered one of Europe’s oldest “malls.” Charged by King Leopold I with its construction in 1837, young architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaars converted the entire Rue Saint-Hubert into the airy arcade that visitors see today. Three levels – the King’s gallery, the Queen’s gallery, and the Prince’s gallery – are home to boutiques, cafes, newsstands, and even a cinema. Musicians stroll the arcade, hoping for an appreciative Euro or two. Shop and restaurant hours vary, as do accepted credit cards, but the gallery itself is open daily around the clock, so you can appreciate the architecture any time of day or night.

Boutique de Tintin

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:19:17 +0000

A comic memento is a unique, fitting way to remember a trip to Brussels, and no character is more closely associated with Belgium than Tintin. Luckily, this shop offers plenty of merchandise, including Tintin clothes, rugs, toys, prints, and school supplies. You can even purchase Tintin comics translated into 50 languages.

Avenue Louise

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:18:23 +0000

It makes sense that the fashionable enclave of Ixelles is home to shopping hotspot Avenue Louise. Inno, the city’s most well-rounded department store, offers everything from clothing to housewares and has a branch here; however, upscale boutiques are more common. Bonpoint is a local favorite for children’s clothes, while Natan provides duds for their mommies. Though a toy store, Serneel’s often captivates adults as well as children. To sample Belgian fashion, try Oliver Strelli, a local talent many compare to Armani, or the Shine department store, which exclusively stocks Belgian designers. The area is also home to several excellent bookstores and galleries, not to mention numerous cafes. Hours and credit card acceptance vary by store.

400 Bieres Artisanales / Beer Mania

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:17:42 +0000

This shop is a destination for beer connoisseurs traveling in Brussels. Visitors award consistently high marks for the broad selection – over 400 Belgian beers – and the helpful husband-wife owners. Beer Mania is the small “pub” counter in the back of the store where you can sample many in-stock brews before you buy. The owners are also happy to provide guidance on the proper type of glass to serve beer in, especially since more than 100 officially sanctioned shapes and sizes are available.

In ‘t Spinnekopke

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:16:08 +0000

Authentic Belgian beer cuisine is the specialty at this classic cafe, which was originally a stagecoach inn built in the mid-1700s. The simple tiled floor and plain tables suit the country cuisine. Rabbit stewed in beer and a sausage hotpot are among the house specialties. More than 100 artisanal beers are available – the owner can help you choose a few to suit your palate and complement your meal. Casual to smart-casual attire. Reservations accepted.

Falstaff

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:15:07 +0000

This spot has been a citywide favorite since it opened in the early 1900s. The dramatic Art Nouveau decor – including stained-glass scenes depicting Shakespeare’s famous character, Falstaff – remains virtually unchanged. Drop in for a lunch of piping-hot French onion soup, a crispy croque monsieur, a slice of vegetarian quiche, or a fresh omelet. Falstaff also serves affordable light suppers, including hearty Nicoise salads, rabbit stewed in beer, or the national dish, moules et frites (mussels and fries.) Homemade chocolate mousse and fruit tartes are the perfect way to top off a meal. Casual to smart-casual attire. Reservations accepted.

De l’Ogenblik

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:13:46 +0000

Located in beautiful Galeries Royales St-Hubert, this traditional French bistro has ambiance to spare. Cozy, marble-topped tables are nestled close, and the floor is freshly sanded each morning. The food is a bit more sophisticated. Grilled sweetbreads are served with zucchini gratin, and scallop and prawn stew is topped with a spicy sauce. Budget-conscious diners should consider the always-excellent plat du jour, which is significantly less expensive than ordering an entire meal à la carte. Though the wine list is extensive, the restaurant specializes in beaujolais varietals. Smart-casual to stylish attire. Reservations accepted.

Comme Chez Soi

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:13:07 +0000

Reserve a table two or three months in advance if you hope to dine at Brussels’ most famous French restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night. If time’s tight, consider a lunchtime reservation, when the restaurant is less busy. Chef-owner Pierre Wynants takes great pride in his restaurant’s three-star Michelin rating. He maintains it with culinary surprises like sautï¿½ed lobster with truffles or memorable roasted lamb. Only one item is always available – Wynants’s house special, filet of sole with white wine mousse and shrimp. Meals may be ordered as set courses or ï¿½ la carte. Reservations essential. Dressy attire.