Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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Belgium : Brussels - May 2008

Country Code: Dial for Belgium

Events in the Belgian capital take a musical turn this May. The 13th Brussels Jazz Festival will be swinging into action, turning the city into one huge party for a whole month. This year, more than 450 musicians are set to perform in several of the city’s main squares. Alternatively, if jazz isn’t your thing, you can attend the world-renowned Queen Elizabeth International Music Competition. The event oscillates on an annual basis between violin, piano and voice, and 2008’s competition celebrates the voice. Sheridan Becker sings the city’s praises

Getting around

Brussels Airport

Bus: The No 12 bus runs every 30 minutes between the airport and Rond-Point Schuman. The journey takes about 30 minutes. A oneway ticket costs €3.
Train: Trains from the airport run every 20 minutes at peak times. The journey takes 15 minutes and trains go to Brussels’ three mainline stations. Tickets cost approximately €2,80
Taxi: A taxi from the airport to the city centre will cost around €25-35. The journey should take about 25 minutes.
Tourist information: The main tourist office can be found on Grand’Place in the city centre (tel. , www.brussels.

GRAND’PLACE

Cited as “one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe, if not in the world”, Grand’Place is the city’s great showcase and a favourite meeting place of visitors and locals alike.

Sleep soundly – The Dominican is the latest edition to Design Hotel’s impressive international roll call of sought-after bolt holes. Housed in a former abbey, the sweeping archways and central courtyard have remained intact. Other than that, not much remains of the hotel’s previous incarnation. Instead it’s all ultra-deluxe accommodation and polished service. Alternatively, Le White Room is situated a five-minute walk from the Grand’Place. With the exception of those staying in the bedroom, guests here share one oversized loft, as cool and contemporary a space as any you’ll find in the city. If you have reservations about communal living, this place might just change your mind. Luxurious breakfasts, a well-stocked fridge and fluffy towels and bathrobes are all just part of the service here.

Culture vultures – Located at the heart of the city, the Grand’Place is a Flemish masterpiece. As its name suggests, the Musee de la Ville de Bruxelles (Grand’Place) explores the history of the city and, more particularly, the Grand’Place. There are paintings, prints and photos on display, but the big draw here has got to be the super-cute selection of outfits for Manneken-Pis. Donned by the little statue on special occasions, they include a leprechaun’s outfit and an Elvis costume.

SABLON/PLACE ROYALE

Considered by many to be the most charming quarter in town, this district is also home to the Nôtre Dame au Sablon, a recently renovated Gothic church built over the course of the 15th and 16th centuries and easily the most beautiful cathedral in the city.

Sleep soundly – Book a weekend rate at the four-star Jolly Hotel. The location is hard to beat – it’s right on one of the most beautiful squares in Brussels and breakfasts are free at weekends.

Culture vultures – A must for any visitor in town – especially this month – the Musical Instruments Museum (2 Rue Montagne de la Cour) is housed in a restored 1898 art nouveau glass and iron building. Headsets are included in the price of your admission ticket, so you can listen to the instruments on display. This is currently the only museum of its kind in the world and it really is a unique experience. Be sure to end your visit at the roof-top restaurant before sunset – it offers the best panorama of the city, but it tends to get rather crowded on warm, sunny days.

Must drink – Le Beau Soleil (25-27 Rue de Rollebeek, just off the Sablon) is a non-smoking atelier (workshop) where you can enjoy a glass of wine while observing an artist at work, watching them either build a violin from scratch or play it. It also holds 20-minute concerts at weekends.

Shop til you drop – If you’re planning to flex your credit card, head straight for Place du Grand Sablon, which is filled with up-market art galleries, furniture shops, tobaconnists, chocolate shops and designer clothing stores. And every weekend an antiques and craft market is held in the middle of the square – just don’t expect to find any bargains.

CHATELAIN

Place du Châtelain is simply known by locals as Châtelain. Renowned for the bustling outdoor market that’s held every Wednesday afternoon, there are also lots of restaurants here. Whether you’re after a romantic meal for two, authentic local cuisine or refined dining, you’ll find something here.

Culture vultures – A few steps off the beaten track of Châtelain, Galerie Xavier Hufkens (6-8 Rue Saint-Georges) is well worth a visit. Artists who’ve shown here include Hans Op de Beeck, Cy Twombly and Louise Bourgeois. Otherwise, you could explore the work of one of art nouveau’s founding fathers at the Victor Horta Museum (25 Rue Américaine).

Must eat – La Piola (2-4 Rue du Page, tel. ) is a fashionable Italian restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. And if you come here at aperitif time, there is a free pasta buffet. If it’s not raining, do your best to bag a seat in the garden, the best spot in the house. There are plenty of other choices along Châtelain’s restaurant strip, many of which have outdoor spaces – perfect as the weather heats up. If you’re here on a Wednesday, change all your plans and take advantage of the Châtelain market (Place du Châtelain), where you can pick up some delicious local food for an impromptu picnic.

Must drink – On Wednesdays, when the Châtelain market is on, hands-down the best bar to hang out at is Le Châtelain (17 Place du Châtelain), which sits conveniently across the street from the market. The crowd of locals and young Eurocrats tends to spill on to the street.

UCCLE

It may be hard to believe, but at the turn of the 20th century, Uccle was considered part of the Belgian countryside. Today, this neighbourhood is generally regarded as the most well-to-do part of town – the immaculately coiffured mothers running about with their children in tow and Brussels’ steepest rental rates attest to this.

Must eat – Les Brasseries Georges (259 Avenue Winston Churchill, tel. ) is a Parisian-style brasserie that does classic French dishes. The seafood is especially good here. Frequented by a polished European crowd, the restaurant’s prices are high, but it really is worth it – an absolute must-visit if you’re in the area. For the best pizzas in the city, try Brusehetteria (1134 Chaussée de Waterloo, tel. ).

Dance the night away – This venue may have been around for over 20 years, but the folks at Jeux d’Hiver (1 Chemin du Croquet) still know how to throw a good party. Things start to heat up here after 11pm – think dancing on the bar, loud music and eye candy galore – and carry on until 6am.

Shop til you drop – Head down the Chaussée de Waterloo for the ultimate in one-stop shopping. If you’re looking for stylish womenswear, most of the stores you’ll need are nestled together on one corner. There’s Vert Chausser (1071 Chaussée de Waterloo), Berenice (968 Chaussée de Waterloo) and La Belle & la Bete (970 Chaussée de Waterloo), as well as trend-setting favourites such as Stella Forest (1093 Chaussée de Waterloo), Maje (950 Chaussée de Waterloo) and Essential (950 Chaussée de Waterloo).

Compiled by Sheridan Becker