Belgium Country Information Belgium Car Hire Belgium Campervan Hire Belgium River Cruising

It may be a little country, but it is a lovely one, so it is sad that Belgium is often overlooked when travellers plan a trip to Europe. Tucked between the desirable and obvious destinations of London, Paris and Amsterdam, Belgium is usually treated as a stepping stone to the English Channel, or, at most, a quick stop-over for a look-see in the capital, Brussels.

Beyond the city of Brussels with its historic Gothic buildings and tall European Union office blocks, is a treasure-trove of undiscovered lazy seaside towns, and the inland wooded gorges of the splendid Ardennes, sprinkled with medieval castles and steeped in folklore. The medieval city of Bruges has character and charm galore with a rich architectural heritage, graceful canals, winding waterways and cobbled streets, and is a favourite with visitors. Belgium is a country that has inspired many artists and writers with the charm of its Gothic cathedrals, town halls, gabled guildhouses and rich museums.

After a busy day exploring it all, evenings are best spent experiencing Belgium's fantastic cuisine and delighting in the country's variety of 300-odd brews of beer. Belgians have a reputation for their gracious hospitality, no doubt due in part to the country's location, which has created an international crossroads for commerce and culture. Despite this, Belgium and its distinct regions of Flemish Flanders (north) and French Wallonia (south) has proudly preserved its traditions and identity.

Essentials:

Time:GMT +1 (GMT +2 from March to October). Belgium is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.

Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs can be used.

Language: The Flemish, in the north, speak Dutch (60% of the population); the Walloons in the south speak French (40%). Brussels is bilingual, the majority of citizens speaking French. In the east there is a small German-speaking community. English is also spoken.

Communications: The international access code for Belgium is +32. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City codes are required for all calls within Belgium; the area code for Brussels is (0)2. Mobile phones operate on GSM and 3G networks. Public phones take coins or phone cards. Internet cafes are widely available.

Belgium Climate :The climate of Belgium is temperate with marked seasons. Belgium experiences pleasant warm summer weather between May and September, and fairly cold winters with snowfalls commonplace

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Grand Place (Central Square)
The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels and has been since the Middle Ages. One of Europe's more beautiful squares, it lies in the centre of a confusion of small cobbled streets, and is surrounded by richly decorated 17th century Baroque Guildhouses, various Neo-Gothic buildings and museums. It is, however, the town hall, a magnificent Gothic building that dominates the square. Markets, flower stalls and various events are held here and this is the place to get to grips with the essence of Brussels, perhaps over a local delicacy at a pavement café.

Mannekin-Pis
The distinctive statue has been described as the Eiffel Tower of Brussels and tourists throng the streets in search of the tiny urinating urchin. The bronze Mannekin is thought to represent the 'irreverent spirit' of Brussels, but there are numerous tales about its beginnings. Started by Louis XV of France many years ago, it has been the custom of foreign countries, companies, visiting dignitaries or charities to donate an outfit to the Mannekis-Pis and the little boy is usually decked out in the latest costume; previous costumes are displayed in the City of Brussels Museum.

EVENTS IN BRUSSELS

Europalia Festival
The first Europalia (from the Roman 'Opalia', meaning 'rich harvest') was conceived in Brussels in 1969, and the festival has been held annually ever since to showcase the visual and performing arts of different designated guest countries each year. Numerous exhibits, concerts, film screenings and other events are held in and around Brussels between October and early February of the following year. The latest country to be featured was Russia, and next will be Europe. It will be the first time in the history of Europalia International that several countries participate together in the festival. Contact the Europalia International Foundation at info@europalia.be for more information.

Venue: Various around Brussels; Date: 3 October 2007 to 3 February 2008; Website: www.europalia.be

Art Brussels
Tens of thousands of art experts and art lovers from all over the world eagerly await ArtBrussels, Belgium’s premier art festival, renowned for its high standard. The Belgian Association of Contemporary Art Galleries instituted ArtBrussels in 1968 and today the work on view, selected by an international committee, represents more than 150 international galleries.

Venue: Brussels Expo; Date: 18-21 April 2008; Time: 11am to 7pm (until 10pm on Monday); Website: www.artbrussels.be

Brussels Beach
Not just a beach, but a real seaside resort in the heart of Brussels on the edge of the canal, Brussels Beach, or Bruxelles Les Bains, offers half a mile (1km) of fine sand, coconut palms and waterfalls, and plenty of sport, relaxation and cultural activities. Sports like beach volleyball, pétanque and ultimate frisbee are available, or for the less actively inclined a Thai pagoda houses several professional masseurs for complete relaxation. Two stages provide entertainment in the form of live music, DJs and shows, and food stalls and beach bars afford the chance to savour flavours from around the world. Children are well catered for with activities and entertainment that includes sandcastles, clowns and water games.

Venue: Bassin Béco, Port de Bruxelles; Date: 13 July to 12 August 2007; Time: 11am to 10pm (except Mondays); Website: www.bruxelleslesbains.be

Brussels Flower Carpet
For a few days every two years, the beautiful Grand Place in the centre of Brussels is transformed into a gigantic carpet of fresh begonias, intricately worked into a themed pattern. In 2006 the tapestry was inspired by the Middle Ages, with the flowers arranged on rotating platforms to form a giant kaleidoscope of 'rose windows'. Past designs have included scenes from Belgium folklore and mythology, the Brussels Coat of Arms, and Turkish rugs. Work begins a year in advance with scale models and detailed plans, and the multi-coloured end result is well worth it. The multi-coloured carpet can best be viewed from the balcony of the City Hall. Contact the Brussels Tourist Information on +32 (0)2 513 8940 for more information.

Venue: Grand Place; Date: August 2008, TBC; Time: 9am to 11pm; Website: www.flowercarpet.be

Brussels Flower Show
The magnificent and unique Basilica of the Sacred Heart in the Brussels suburb of Koekelberg is the venue for the city's annual flower show. Each year in October the grounds of this massive Art Deco edifice are transformed into an Eden, spread with flowers, water features and plants arranged by nearly 100 florists. Visitors can delight in the flower show in addition to marvelling at the Basilica itself, the largest neo-Gothic church in the world, its interior decorated in 1930s style. A climb to the dome is rewarded with a beautiful panorama across the city and surrounds. For more information contact the Basilica on +32 (0)2 425 8822.

Venue: Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Koekelberg; Date: 1-10 October 2007; Time: 10am to 6pm, (Sat 8pm to 10pm)

CONTACTS:
Lastly and I hope you don't need it, but should you require consular help - here are the details
Belgian Tourist and Information Office, Brussels: +32 (0)2 504 0390 or www.belgium-tourism.net
Embassy of Belgium, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 333 6900.
Embassy of Belgium, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7470 3700.
Embassy of Belgium, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 7267.
Embassy of Belgium, Canberra Tel: +61 (0)2 6273 2501.
Belgium Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 440 3201/2.
Embassy of Belgium, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 205 7100.
Consulate of Belgium, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 499 8933.
Embassy of the United States of America, Brussels: +32 (0)2 508 2111.
British Embassy, Brussels: +32 (0)2 287 6211.
Canadian Embassy, Brussels: +32 (0)2 741 0611.
Australian Embassy, Brussels: +32 (0)2 286 0500.
South African Embassy, Brussels: +32 (0)2 285 4400.
Embassy of Ireland, Brussels: +32 (0)2 235 6676.
New Zealand Embassy, Brussels: +32 (0)2 512 1040.
Emergencies: 112

AIRPORTS:
Brussels International Airport (BRU)
Location: The airport is located eight miles (13km) northeast of the city centre. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from March to October). Contacts: Tel: +32 (0)2 753 7753. Transfer to the city: The train station is located on the lower level (1st Floor). There is a train shuttle service from the airport to the North, South and Central stations of Brussels. The shuttle runs every 15-20 minutes and the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. It operates between 5.30am and 12.20am from the airport. There are also buses that serve Brussels, Antwerp and Eindhoven; the bus station is below the Arrivals hall. An airport bus link also operates between the Brussels-Luxembourg railway station and the airport. There are metered taxis available outside the Arrivals hall; the 30-minute journey to Brussels costs around €30. Car rental: Major car hire companies are represented at the airport, including Avis, Budget and Hertz; their desks are in the Arrivals hall. Facilities: Airport facilities include ATMs and bureau de change, a post office, duty-free shops, cafes/restaurants, a beauty shop, a Communications Centre with Internet access, religious services, train information and reservation, travel agency, and luggage lockers. There is also a mobile phone rental office and Wireless LAN hotspot service. Parking: Both long- and short-term parking are available 24 hours. NV Interparking SA operates parking facilities for more than 9,000 vehicles next to the terminal. Car Hotel provides long-term parking facilities close to the E19, and a free shuttle service to the passenger terminal every 10 minutes. Departure tax: None. Website: www.brusselsairport.be

Antwerp International Airport (ANR)
Location: The airport is located one mile (2km) east of Antwerp. Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from March to October). Contacts: Tel: +32 (0)3 285 6500. Transfer to the city: Bus 14 leaves for Antwerp Central Station regularly. Taxis are available outside arrivals. Car rental: Avis and Hertz operate from the airport. Facilities: Airport facilities include a bank, restaurant, duty-free and a business centre. Departure tax: None. Website: www.antwerpairport.be