Brussels

Belgium

Things to do in Brussels:

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Brussels Restaurants

Cheap (51)

El Vergel

This caf� is popular with workers at the government ministries close by for its tasty Latin American and Mediterranean lunches and takeaways. The plat du jour, served in seriously large portions,... read more
Affordable (53)

Ma Folle de Soeur

A cosy restaurant with a range of European cuisine prepared to very high standards. Try the tapas finger food or the entrec�te � la Toscana infused with the flavours of rocket and sun-dried... read more
Good quality (46)

Jacques

One of Brussels' top fish restaurants is set in Ste. Catherine on the old quays of the former port of Brussels,�just a few minutes from the Grand Place. The simple interior, with tables set by... read more

Brussels Nightlife

Chilled (45)

Cirio

Full of character - and characters - this bar, with its gilt chandeliers, comfortable velvet armchairs, white-aproned waiters and long mahogany bar, has been a popular local for over a hundred... read more
Live Music (36)

Botanique

This cultural centre, set in the former Botanical Gardens, is a great venue to catch all the latest groups in the Belgian capital as well as big European bands. All tastes from electro to house and... read more
Clubbing (36)

You

This centrally located club gets packed most nights with the young of the city dancing to house music until late. Make sure you look cool to get in. Sunday night is gay night. read more

This Month in Brussels:

Shopping: One of the classiest and most-respected pastry makers and chocolatiers of Belgium is Wittamer. In the cosy shop, with its caf� above, you can take your time over the most delicious creations, including both edible and very drinkable smooth dark chocolate, before choosing the perfect gift to take home (12 Place du Grand Sablon).

Sightseeing: The Queen Elizabeth International Musical festival, Belgium's prestigious international competition for top young classical musicians, takes place at a variety of locations throughout the Belgian capital (cmireb.be, 30 April - 26 May).

Key areas: Wander around the Sablon area of central Brussels, which has an incredible range of art galleries, restaurants and antique shops all within a short distance of each other in a series of pretty squares and narrow cobbled streets.

Day trips: At Ronqui�res, the inclined plane is an extraordinary feat of engineering. It replaced an arduous, 14-lock, 70m climb on the Brussels-Charleroi canal with a 1.5km railway carrying large caissons mounted on wheels that lift two 1,000-tonne barges at a time. Boat trips and organised tours are available, but book in advance (45 minutes by train to Braine-le- Comte, one hour by bus, one hour by cycle along the towpath from Halle. For boat trips, phone 078 05 9059, voiesdeau.hainaut.be).

Brussels News & Gossip

Water World

BRUSSELS

If you haven't seen the post-modern theatrics of Argentinian troupe Fuerzabruta, with their overhead water performance, prepare to be dazzled. The next date on their tour takes them to Hangar 29 at Waagnatie in Antwerp, less than an hour's drive from Brussels, from 3-27 November. Beware: audience participation is demanded. fuerzabruta.net

Brussels Trivia

May: The imposing Royal Palace of Brussels, built in a similar neoclassical style to that of Buckingham Palace, has a fa�ade 50 per cent longer than its British equivalent.
April: Belgium is the country that grants the most new citizenships per capita in the world after Canada. http://www.eupedia.com/belgium/trivia.shtml
March: Belgium produces 220,000 tons of chocolate per year, an average of 22kg per inhabitant. The world's biggest point of sale for the dark, sweet stuff is Brussels Airport at Zaventem.