QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | City Guides

Clear -7 °C / 19 °F 08:03 17:51	Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue
	Mostly Sunny -3°C / 27°F -11°C / 12°F	Partly Sunny -1°C / 30°F -5°C / 23°F	Chance of Rain 3°C / 37°F 0°C / 32°F	Chance of Rain 5°C / 41°F 0°C / 32°F

Seat of the European Parliament, this inland capital city of Belgium is at the very heart of European administration and justice - symbolic of this exciting age of European cooperation and union. Bordered by The Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France, Belgium's multilingual and multicultural identity is encapsulated in this buzzing and historic city, pull up a chair and join the locals as they sit back and enjoy the city’s relaxed atmosphere.

With little over a million inhabitants; Brussels offers a fantastic quality of life. Having the honour to be the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2000 enabled the city to breathe new life into their historic buildings and streets. Since then the city has had a new lease of life that has never disappeared. Brussels is a city of fine food, the home of the Surrealist art movement, Art Nouveau architecture; and its medieval streets are just waiting to be explored.


GO THERE FOR

Chocolate - Well known for its chocolate, Brussels will give you the finest chocolate available. World renowned chocolate master, Pierre Marcolini, will make you melt for his chocolate made with the finest ingredients.
“Everyone knows that few pleasures are as sensual as the experience of eating superior quality chocolate. Whether it is sweet or sour, acid or smooth, the unique character of good origin chocolate resounds on our taste buds like a clear and joyous note. But if we go one step further and create harmonious chords using exceptional products, then the term symphony is the most appropriate description,” Pierre Marcolini.

Beer - Famous for its beer, Brussels will make you taste the rarest and most unique beers in the world like Pils, Blanche, Blonde Forte, Ambrée, Trappiste, Abbaye, Rouge-brune, Lambic-gueuze, Kriek and fruit flavoured. To enjoy these wonderful aromas, we recommend going on to the Grand-Place to the Roy d’Espagne.

Cuisine - In order to delight your taste buds, the finest tables await you. Comme Chez Soi, holder of a Michelin star, offers the finest French cuisine, whilst Aux Armes de Bruxelles serves traditional Belgian food in the Sacred Island.

Architecture - Victor Horta, Belgian born architect, revolutionised architecture and interior design by being instrumental in the Art Nouveau movement. You can see his beautiful works all over Brussels. Four of Horta’s projects have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

People - This cosmopolitan city attracts people from everywhere. You can walk into a venue and hear French, Dutch, English, Spanish… Brussels will always surprise you. Whether it’s by day or night you will always find something to do.


DON'T MISS

Grand- Place - Brussels wouldn’t be Brussels without its wonderful Grand-Place. In this square, you will find authentic taverns and restaurants. When walking around and looking down the small streets, time will fly by.

Aux Armes de Bruxelles – The best place to just sit back, enjoy a meal and escape from the rush and crowds in Rue des Bouchers is the traditional Belgian restaurant Aux Armes de Bruxelles.

Place St Géry – One of the best places to enjoy a bar terrace on a sunny day, Place St Géry has lots of bars that are perfect for relaxing with a fresh Belgian beer, enjoying the sun and watching the world go by.

The Atomium - Was built for the Brussels World Fair of 1958 and has since become one of the symbols of Brussels.

Place du Grand Sablon - Is not to be missed, perfect for a cup of coffee, chocolate tasting at Pierre Marcolini or an antique hunt.


BASICS

Quintessentially Brussels
179, Avenue Louise, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Telephone: +32 2 626 00 41
Email: qbenelux@quintessentially.com

Telephone Country Code: + 32
Telephone City Code: 2
Emergency Telephone Numbers: Fire and Ambulance – 100, Police – 101.
EU-Wide Emergency Number – 112
Directory Enquiries: 1304
Electricity: 220V. Plugs are 2 pin.
Official Languages: Dutch, French, German.
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Exchange Rate: 1 GBP = EUR 1.18, EUR 1 = 0.84 GBP
Time: CET (UTC +1), Last Sunday March – Last Sunday October CEST (UTC +2)
Brussels Airport
General Enquiries: +32 2 753 77 53 (from abroad), 0900/700 00 (from Belgium)
Brussels Airport, BE-1930 Zaventem
www.brusselsairport.be


GETTING AROUND

From The Airport...
Zaventem Brussels Airport is situated 14 km from Brussels. Allow 20 to 30 minutes to get there by car depending on traffic. A taxi will cost EUR 35 to EUR 45 from the airport to Brussels centre. The train will take 15 to 25 minutes and the ticket will cost EUR 2.80 (single).The Airport Line bus number 12 from Monday to Saturday and bus number 11 on Saturday and Sunday, a single trip is EUR 3 will take 30 minutes to the centre of town.

Around Town...
Brussels can offer you a fantastic metro serving the whole city. All tourist sites have their own metro or bus stop. Fares are based on a one day travel card (EUR 4) or hour cards (EUR 1.50).
Taxis
The two most reliable Taxi companies are Taxis Bleus and Taxis Verts.

WHEN TO GO

In winter Brussels has beautiful lighting, joyful sounds and the Christmas Market, which will make for a wonderful little escapade with your family or your loved one. It is really a time when Brussels is at its most attractive. Due to its northern position within Europe, Belgium witness’s mild but very seasonal temperatures (lows in winter of -1˚C and highs in the summer of 23˚C). The summer is lovely when all the terraces are open and the fair weather makes it ideal for a casual wander around town and a few enjoyable drinks with friends. However, although July is Brussels’ warmest month it is also the month that sees the highest amount of rainfall, with an average of 9mm.

Public Holidays in Brussels:
1st January – New Year’s Day
Variable – Easter
Variable – Easter Monday
1st May – Labour Day
Variable – Ascension
Variable – Pentecost
Variable – Pentecost Monday
21st July – National Holiday
15th August – Assumption of Mary
1st November – All Saints
11th November – Armistice Day
25th December – Christmas Day

WHERE TO STAY

Conrad Hotel (Q Member’s Benefits)
171, Avenue Louise, 1050 Brussels
A place where elegance and luxury meet, the Conrad Brussels is one of the most beautiful and contemporary luxury hotels in the capital. Having won a Condé Nast Traveller UK Award, a Five Star Diamond Award and its location on the famous Avenue Louise, the hotel offers its guests the perfect base from which to visit the most elegant shops in the city. The Conrad Hotel boasts 269 magnificent rooms and suites, the Loui Lounge and Bar, the restaurant Cafe Wiltcher’s and a traditional Lobby Lounge, all of which are imbued with authenticity and character. In addition to this, away from the hustle and bustle of Avenue Louise there is the Terrasse Rouge which has access to the internal courtyard. Ideal for all business meetings and conferences, the hotel provides a 1,200sqm area perfectly suited for this purpose. The hotel’s guests also have direct access to Aspria Avenue Louise, a private health and beauty club offering a privileged access rate to the Conrad Brussels guests above 16 years old.

Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo (Q Member’s Benefits)
1-3, Rue de l’Amigo, 1000 Brussels
Superbly located in the very heart of Brussels, adjacent to the beautiful Grand Place, Hotel Amigo provides a stylish and central base from which to explore the city. Each one of the bedrooms and suites at this five-star hotel are individual in style, spacious and luxurious. All of the rooms are equipped with the latest technology and facilities for both business and leisure. Bocconi, Hotel Amigo's Italian restaurant serves creative Italian and Mediterranean cuisine within a relaxing, comfortable and contemporary atmosphere; while the Amigo Bar, with its broad selection of cocktails, is ideal for an aperitif. The hotel also offers a new fitness centre equipped with the latest exercise machines.

Royal Windsor Hotel Grand-Place (Q Member’s Benefits)
5, Rue Duquesnoy, 1000 Brussels
Royal Windsor Hotel Grand-Place offers luxurious Fashion Rooms designed by well known Belgian designers. In contrast to their position in a traditional hotel, these modern rooms will change the way you see the Royal Windsor Hotel Grand-Place.

Be Manos (Q Member’s Benefits)
Boulevard de Waterloo 30, 1000 Brussels
Ranked amongst the 65 most luxurious and trendy hotels in the world by Condé Nast, the Be Manos Hotel is just a five minute walk from the Thalys/Eurostar terminal. The Poulgouras family are known for transforming old city residences into fabulous hotels and the Be Manos is a beautiful example of this. Here, at this sophisticated boutique hotel, you will experience luxury and design like no other and have the chance to explore Brussels from this prime location. Start your day with a wholesome, complimentary breakfast buffet in the wonderful breakfast room and then go on to enjoy this impressive capital city. After a pleasant day out and about, you can relax with some facial and body treatments, massages, manicures or pedicures and a sauna. For your evening meal, try the delicious, healthy food and delightful Belgian specialities in the stylish restaurant. The lounge completes the experience by providing a tranquil environment and the cosy bar serves fresh fruit cocktails.


WHERE TO EAT

Comme Chez Soi (Q Member’s Benefits)
23, Place Rouppe, 1000 Brussels
For 80 years, one family has assured the continued success of Comme chez Soi; Laurence Rigolet and Marie-Thérèse Wynants welcome diners with warmth, elegance and peerless service, attendant to even the smallest requests. The main dining room exudes warmth, but when intimacy, calm and discretion are required, the restaurant's private rooms are also available. Their historic décor is contrasted by the modern cooking, a feast for the eyes and the palate. The chef Lionel Rigolet, son-in-law to his predecessor, has received two Michelin stars for this restaurant’s food.

Villa Lorraine (Q Member’s Benefits)
75, Avenue du Vivier D’Oie, 1000 Brussels
For generations, the Villa Lorraine has been a meeting place for gourmet excellence and the epitome of a warm welcome. Jan De Craemer, who perfected his skill alongside Henri Van Ranst, reigns over the dining room with a flawless professionalism and friendliness, while Freddy Vandecasserie happily continues his pursuit of a cuisine that cleverly combines creativeness with tradition.

La Truffe Noire
12, Boulevard de la Cambre, 1000 Brussels
With respect for tradition and one star from the Michelin Guide, La Truffe Noire welcomes the finest gourmet. Head chef Luigi Ciciriello has a healthy obsession for truffles and incorporates them into most of the dishes served at this friendly restaurant.

Aux Armes De Bruxelles (Q Member’s Benefits)
13, Rue des Bouchers, 1000 Brussels
Right in the heart of Old Brussels, just a stone's throw from the Grand-Place and numerous hotels, Aux Armes de Bruxelles has become a household name in the historic quarter of l'Ilot Sacre. The banqueting room, which can seat between 15 to 160 people, is ideal for receptions and business dinners. The tasteful décor, long established tradition of Belgian cuisine and high quality service have, since 1921, helped make the Armes one of the more exclusive restaurants of Brussels.

Cospaia (Q Member’s Benefits)
1, Rue Capitaine Crespel, 1050 Brussels
Designed by the internationally renowned designer Marcel Wolterinck, the Cospaia kitchen is a sophisticated mix of tastes, ingredients, cultures and dishes. The bar evokes a sense of conviviality and the restaurant exudes languid glamour. Best of all, on the roof terrace you can enjoy dinner with unparalleled views of the beautiful cityscape.

Belga Queen Brussels (Q Member’s Benefits)
32, Rue Fossé aux Loups, 1000 Brussels
Housed in former bank from the 19th century, this restaurant is awash with temptation. If the long cocktail bar doesn't get you, then the oyster bar on the left will and the arched stained- glass ceiling is almost as enticing as the contemporary cuisine. At Belga Queen traditional Belgian fare is adapted to today's tastes. The wines come from Belgian producers and all of the ingredients used in preparing the meals are high-quality products chosen with care from Belgian artisans who still have respect for the soil. Then - to give the restaurant’s signature dishes a very national touch - they have added delicious Belgian beer to a number of the recipes.

Le Chalet de la Forêt (Q Member’s Benefits)
43, Drève de Lorraine, 1180 Brussels
Renowned for its exquisite location at the edge of La Forêt de Soignes, a beautiful décor, seamless service and sumptuous wine list, Le Chalet de la Forêt promises one of the finest dining experiences in Brussels. The flavours of all four seasons are united by the talent of an inventive chef, Pascal Devalkeneer, who delivers stellar cuisine with grace and style. The restaurant has a splendid terrace for fine days, food lovers will feast to their heart’s content. Le Chalet de la Forêt has been rewarded for its efforts with a Michelin star.

Museum Brasserie (Q Member’s Benefits)
3, Place Royal, 1000 Brussels
Intended for visitors with a little more time to spend at the table and those curious to discover the true taste of Belgium, Museum Brasserie is a casual yet elegant eatery.This truly authentic Belgian brasserie will have you feeling immediately at ease, offering revamped Belgian classics created by master-chef Peter Goosens. The trendy décor has been designed by famous interior architect Antoine Pinto, prices are good and the wine list offers great value for money. The culinary philosophy practised is explained as such: "More lightness, more flavour, easily digestible and served on plain white china that flatters the food." One of the star attractions is the Tartare Bar where beef, tuna, crawfish and salmon are freshly prepared in ways best suited to enhance their natural flavours.


BARS, PUBS & NIGHTLIFE

Jeux d’Hivers
1, Chemin du Croquet, 1000 Brussels
The old hunting house of Leopold II, in the Bois de la Cambre, les Jeux d’Hivers is a chic and hip nightclub in Brussels.

Barsey
381-383, Avenue Louise, 1050 Brussels
The Boudoir Louise parties are events that are not to be missed; the beautiful people of Brussels meet up for drinks in this bar.

Le Seigneur
389, Chaussée de Tervuren, 1410 Waterloo
After a great meal, you can enjoy the Bamboo bar and continue to enjoy a great night out.

Les Halles St Géry
Place St Géry, 1000 Brussels
In this hip area, there is a great choice of bars in the centre of Brussels all within a close vicinity of each other.

Carré (Q Member’s Benefits)
2, Koning Léopoldlaan, 2830 Willebroek
Every first Thursday of the month is not to be missed - the Pretty People Party at Carré.

Louise Gallery (Q Member’s Benefits)
Level -1, Gallerie Louise, 1050 Brussels
The Louise Gallery Event Hall, located in the heart of the city, is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This is the biggest club in Brussels where you can enjoy the finest DJ sets the city has to offer.


WHERE TO SHOP

Rue Antoine Daensaert
This trendy, upcoming area is where you will find the best of Belgian designers in Brussels.

Avenue Louise and Boulevard Waterloo
Trendy and haute couture boutiques are established in the Louise area. Versace, Dior, Cartier, Armani can all be found here.

Markets

Antique Markets
Place Du Grand Sablon - every Saturday and Sunday, very famous throughout Brussels.
Place Du Jeux De Bal - every Saturday and Sunday for exclusive pieces.

Food Market
Every Wednesday on Place du Châtelain, this little market provides everything you need.


WHAT TO SEE

Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique
9, Rue du Musée, 1000 Brussels
Founded two centuries ago, the royal Museums of Art of Belgium preserve some twenty thousand paintings, sculptures and drawings. Located in Brussels, they comprise the Museum of Old Art (15th – 18th century), the Museum of Modern Art (19th – 20th century), the Wiertz Museum and the Museum Miller.

Musée de l’Instrument De Musique
2, Montagne de la Cour Hofberg, 1000 Brussels
This superb museum houses one of the largest collections of instruments in the world all housed in a magnificent old Art Nouveau building.

Musée du Chocolat
9-11 Rue de la Tête d'Or, 1000 Brussels
Letting you discover all there is to know about chocolate, from its Aztec origins and the arrival of cocoa in Europe. Here you are able to admire the contributions that cocoa has made to the clothes industry, gaze upon chocolate statues and taste some of the delicious stuff too.

Grand-Place
Built in 1402, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, the Grand-Place is the symbol of Belgium.