Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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Belgium : Brussels - October 2008

Country Code: Dial for Belgium

Brussels’ creative fl air comes to the fore in October. Visitors can see the workshops of Belgium’s greatest fashion labels during the Designer Trail weekend (24-26 October), indulge in nocturnal art at the late evening openings of the Brussels museums (until 18 December), or catch the fi nal celebrations of Expo 58 at the Atomium, before fi nishing off with beer and mussels in a candlelit cellar bar. Nina Lamparski tries to pack everything in

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.

ILOT SACRÉ

Sometimes it’s worth venturing into the heart of tourist central. L’Ilot Sacré (which translates as ‘sacred islet’), just seconds off the Grand’Place, is without doubt the most picturesque area downtown. Get lost in a cobblestoned labyrinth of tiny alleys, strange bars and beautifully preserved historical buildings…

Sleep soundly – October marks the one-year anniversary of glam boutique hotel The Dominican. Widely publicised since its grand opening, this elegant gem remains one of the top addresses in the city and well worth the splurge.

Culture vultures – There’s a cluster of plush, old fashioned cinemas hidden around the Grand’Place, perfect for watching classics, independent films or an occasional Hollywood blockbuster on a rainy October afternoon. The Actor’s Studio (16 Petite Rue des Bouchers) and Arenberg-Galeries (26 Galerie de la Reine) are two of the best. Or check out the Museum Belvue (7 Place des Palais), the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate (9-11 Rue de la Tête d’Or), and the Belgian Comic Strip Centre (20 Rue des Sables) for different slices of Brussels life.

Must eat – It’s best to avoid the overpriced restaurant strips straight off the Grand’Place, even though waiters will try their best to pull you inside. Instead join locals at Le Cap (28 Place de la Vieille-Halle-aux-Blés, tel ). Once a very late-night joint for a dubious late-night crowd. Since it changed ownership, the place is now a refined neighbourhood incontournable (a must visit). Come here for superb steaks and a huge variety of delectable mussel dishes.

Must drink – Drink yourself through 2000 beers at the Delirium Café (4a Impasse de la Fidelité). From monks’ brew to honey-infused concoctions, there’s something for every palate here. Or head to Hemisphères (65 Rue de l’Ecuyer) and sip exotic cocktails in a candlelit setting.

Shop til you drop – Your skinny wallet’s in the mood for cheap, fake and cheerful? Visit the colourful medley of stores inside the Galeries Agora on the Grand’Place (enter via Rue des Collines) for leather jackets and silver jewellery.

PLACE STÉPHANIE TO PLACE DU CHÂTELAIN

These two squares, only minutes apart from each other, are the commercial and culinary epicentres of Brussels. If you’ve got money to burn and people to impress, then take them to this neighbourhood. With its designer boutiques, exclusive spas, plush wine bars and slick nightspots, it’s a safe choice for business lunches, afternoon shopping as well as latenight extravaganzas.

Sleep soundly – Spend the night in style at the White Hotel. Every room’s unique interior has been created by young Belgian designers.

Must eat – Prepare to be blown away by the gorgeous and otherworldly décor of Les Salons de l’Atalaïde (89 Chaussée de Charleroi, tel. ), although service can be a bit of a hit-and-miss affair here. O-Chinoise-riz (94 Rue de l’Aqueduc, tel. ) serves fantastic Chinese food, while Chez Oki (62 Rue Lesbroussart, tel. ) is considered the best Japanese restaurant in town. For this reason, booking is essential here.

Must drink – Chelsea (85 Chaussée de Charleroi) has wonderful French wines as well as an outstanding cigar selection. Set inside a former sculptor’s studio, L’Amadeus (13 Rue Veydt) serves up wine and oysters in a breathtaking setting with black walls and white Roman statues. The newest kid on the block is Oeno tk (29-31 Rue Africaine) which offers a modern take on wine tasting.

Dance the night away – The ‘it’ place of the moment, Louise Gallery Nightclub (Galerie Louise Level 1) is a beehive of young and beautiful socialites. Don’t arrive after midnight or you’ll have to queue for at least half an hour. Latenight vagabonds can sing their drunken hearts out at tacky but fun karaoke joint Snap (22-24 Rue de l’Amazone).

Shop til you drop – Shoe aficionados will find Gucci and Miu Miu heels for bargain prices at Chez Degriff (47 Rue Simonis), where hundreds of pairs are stacked up high in white boxes. Don’t come here on a Saturday afternoon unless you want to lose your sanity, though. Belgian label Mais il est où le soleil (38 Place du Châtelain) is currently one of the hottest on the market. What Else? (83 Rue du Bailli) stocks gorgeous lingerie.

RIVE GAUCHE

Often compared to Berlin, the canal area is one of Brussels’ most interesting districts, linking the extremely stylish Rue Antoine Dansaert with the much more down-toearth Molenbeek neighbourhood. Major property developments have turned this once-neglected industrial district into an expensive quarter with converted warehouses and huge lofts. The energy remains raw and exciting as chic designer boutiques clash with avant-garde arts spaces. See it before it becomes too gentrified.

Sleep soundly – Relax and recharge at the gorgeous Hotel Café Pacific. Serenity comes at a price here but you’re guaranteed an unforgettable stay.

Culture vultures – Visit the International House of Literatures, known as Passa Porta (46 Rue Antoine Dansaert), for an afternoon of book browsing and art exhibitions. Or catch the metro to Clemenceau station in Anderlecht and visit the fourth edition of the infamous Bodyworlds exhibition at the impressive Cureghem Cellars (24 Rue Ropsy Chaudron). The show, on display until 11 January 2009, features perfectly preserved human bodies.

Must drink – Sip local beers and watch the world hurry by at the cool and understated Café Walvis (209 Rue Antoine Dansaert).

Shop til you drop – From interior designers to Brazilian samba troupes, everyone buys their fabrics at Les Tissus du Chien Vert (2 Rue du Chien Vert), a fascinating space that features a pirate ship and water bridges. Cross to the other side of the canal and visit Nong Cha (4 Rue Antoine Dansaert), a beautiful little Chinese tea shop. Quirky kitsch is king at the Wasko gift store (126 Rue Antoine Dansaert).

GENVAL

If you’re spending a weekend in Brussels, hop on a train and head to the lovely village of Genval, famous for its beautiful forest, lake and five-star castle hotel. A mere 30 minutes from the city, this poetic spot is perfect for a romantic autumn getaway.

Sleep soundly – People travel from all over the world to stay at. Book before 31 December and pay €155 per person for the Duo Break, which includes a onenight stay, a buffet breakfast and a deluxe package for two in the recently opened Martin’s Spa.

Culture vultures – Wrap up warm and take a long afternoon stroll around the beautiful Lake Genval, where you can admire the stunning houses from the Belle Epoque that surround the lake, as well as the scenery. Alternatively, travel back in time at the world’s first Water and Fountain Museum (63 Avenue Hoover).

Must eat – Whether you’re a hotel guest or simply a day-tripper, it’s worth dining at the sumptuous Les Bains (87 Avenue du Lac, tel. ), the castle hotel’s restaurant located right on the banks of Lake Genval.

Compiled by Nina Lamparski