Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

In the diary

From brandy tasting in Budapest to wine tasting in Geneva, May starts here

Text Deborah Hatch
Image Hungarian National Tourist Office

All month

Brussels
Symbolism in Belgium

Head to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts to see the first major exhibition about the symbolist movement in Belgium, with works from leading figures including Rops, Delville and Khnopff. If you’re an art lover and bargain hunter, a joint ticket allows you to enjoy two exhibitions at a reduced price. www.fine-arts-museum.be

Until 30

Copenhagen
Open Doors at the Amalienborg

As spring turns to summer, and after several years of renovation and refurbishment, the doors to Frederik VIII’s Palace at the Amalienborg are being thrown open to visitors. See the future private residence of the Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark before they move into their new home in June. www.ses.dk

6-9

Budapest
Pálinka Festival

Enter the world of pálinka, where more than 300 types of the traditional Hungarian fruit brandy are showcased and traditional savoury bites are served. There’ll also be numerous new and established Hungarian performers livening up the event. www.budapestipalinkafesztival.hu

7-16

Madrid
Madrid Open

The Mutua Madrileña Madrid Open returns to the stunning Caja Mágica (Magic Box). Feast your eyes on outstanding tennis from some of the world’s top-ranked players while taking in the venue’s impressive and versatile design and sustainable ecological footprint. www.madrid-open.com

9

London
Affordable Vintage Fair

Featuring over 40 stalls, this fair is the perfect playground for fashion-savvy shoppers. With prices up to 75% lower than those on the high street, it’s a must-visit for any vintage enthusiast. The shopping frenzy is from 12-5pm, but an early arrival is strongly recommended. www.vintagefair.co.uk

13-17

Turin
Salone Internazionale del Libro

Referred to as ‘the Salone’, Italy’s biggest bookshop returns to the famous Fiat factory at Lingotto. With over 1,400 exhibitors visiting last year’s event, you can browse seemingly endless displays of bestsellers, curiosities, unfindable volumes and the latest publications. www.en.fieralibro.it/salone

22

Berlin
European Motocross Championships

If you’re into extreme sports and looking for some action then you should head to Berlin this month – you can watch from the sidelines as the motocross competitors race and jump through the mud, gaining points for style and form to claim the championship title. www.dirtbikerider.co.uk

22

Gothenburg
GöteborgsVarvet

Experience the fast pulse of the city’s annual half-marathon running event. Over 58,000 runners will set out on the 21km route this year, so join in the festivities and cheer on the runners from the sidelines along with thousands of other spectators. www.goteborgsvarvet.com

29

Vienna
Eugene Onegin

This passionate tale is a classic of Russian literature. Based on AS Pushkin’s famous novel and performed at the imposing Vienna State Opera House, this opera will transport you to pre-revolutionary Russia, where you’ll follow the work’s namesake in his quest for love. www.wiener-staatsoper.at

29

Geneva
Open House Day at Genevese cellars

Known as the ‘Caves Ouvertes’, this is the one day of the year where around 100 Genevese wine cellars open their doors to the public. Take advantage of the free shuttle bus service between villages as you sample the previous autumn’s vintage along with some tasty canapés. www.opage.ch

Book your tickets

Forthcoming events

23 June Marseille Bob Dylan, Le Dome (www.worldticketshop.com)
1 July Prague Aerosmith, O2 Arena (www.o2arena.cz)
12 August Hannover, U2, AWD Arena (www.awd-arena.de)
19 September Rome Elton John, Parco Della Musica (www.auditorium.com)

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