Your essential guide to what to do, see, eat and where to sleep in the Belgian capital during April
09:00 Beat the crowds and head early to the annual open house at the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken (Avenue du Park Royale, tel. (0)2 551 2020, see monarchie.be for details), on the grounds of the Belgian royal family’s second residence. Built for King Leopold II in the late 19th century, the 11 interconnected greenhouses offer a feast for the senses. Don’t miss the winter garden and its tall palm trees. The tour includes the former Royal Stables, featuring grand carriages of yesteryear. From there it’s a short walk to the Atomium (tel. (0)2 475 4777, atomium. be), built for the 1958 World’s Fair and reopened in 2006 following a massive renovation. One of Europe’s oddest pieces of architecture, the nine-sphere building represents an iron molecule magnified 160 billion times. On weekends from 10am–1pm, breakfast at the chichi The Kitchen connected to the Flamant home furnishings store (36 Place du Grand Sablon, tel. (0)2 514 4717); the €12.50 ‘Breakfast Royale’, including fresh juice, a hot beverage, bread and jam, scrambled eggs, cheese, yogurt, smoked salmon and celeriac salad, will satisfy the heartiest of appetites.
12:00 For lunch, it’s hard to find a place more charming than Le Passiflore (97 Rue du Bailli, tel. (0)2 538 4210) in the lovely Châtelain neighbourhood; the corner place serves up hearty salads, sandwiches and decadent desserts in an elegant Oriental-style setting. If dining solo, there are plenty of periodicals and newspapers to leaf through; the window-side tables overlooking the Parvis de la Trinité are also perfect for watching the world go by.
14:00 Gain new insight into the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci at an exhibition, opening 9 April, at the Koekelberg basilica, one of
Europe’s largest. Spanning some 3,000 square feet, ‘Leonardo da Vinci: European Genius’ is part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Community. Featuring original documents, scale models, notebooks and several of Leonardo’s inventions, this much-awaited exhibition will run through November. Modern-art enthusiasts should not miss Art Brussels (20–23 April), a showcase of works from more than 150 galleries from some 20 countries. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, this event claims to be more international than any other art fair in Europe (Brussels Expo, Halls 11–12, Place de Belgique, artbrussels.be). Alternatively, pretend you’re Hercule Poirot at ‘Murder in the Museum’, a fascinating multimedia event at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (29 Rue Vautier, tel. (0)2 627 4211, naturalsciences.be), where visitors must determine who ‘killed’ the museum’s director based on several types of evidence; there are tailor-made activities for youngsters as well.
18:00 Kick off the evening with a drink at À la Morte Subite (7 Rue Montagne-aux-Herbes-Potagères, tel. (0)2 513 1318, www.alamortesubite.be), which has several kinds of Belgian brews on tap in a classic old-world setting; sometimes surly service is part of the charm at this Brussels institution, run by the Vossen family for four generations.
20:00 Dine among artsy trendsetters in the mellow, loft-like surroundings of Yoma (13 Rue de l’Eclipse, tel. (0)2 514 6442), named after the young Thai-Belgian couple who own it (Yoth and Manon). Guided by the philosophy that the best food comes from good ingredients and love, chef Yoth Ondara creates exciting fusion cuisine that draws inspiration from France, Asia and the Mediterranean; try the creamy risotto of mushrooms, scallops and Madagascar shrimp (about €100 for two, including wine; €35 per person for four-course menu, excluding drinks). Off the beaten path, l’Alchimiste (30 Avenue de la Visé, tel. (0)2 674 3026), is a cosy little bistro that serves up classic French dishes with a modern twist. The wine list is small and without any vintages, but spans old and new worlds (about €120 for two, including wine: three-course menu available for €35, four-course menu €49, excluding drinks).
22:00 Fans of horror, science fiction and animé films are in for a real treat at the Brussels International Festival of Fantastic Film (5–17 April), which enjoys a cult following. The 25th edition of this unique event includes screenings of some 150 films – including a handful that are suitable for children – along with concerts, a body-painting competition and the ever-popular Vampire’s Ball on 14 April (www.bifff.org). Or take it easy and turn in early at the Brussels Marriott Hotel (3–7 Rue A. Orts/Grand Place, tel. (0)2 516 9090), a huge luxury hotel – completely non-smoking – within walking distance of Brussels’ main sights (double rooms starting at €159, excluding breakfast; junior executive room for €218, depending on availability).
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