Brussels Travel Blog
The Brussels Travel Blog provides relevant travel information about things to do in the Capital of Europe. Subscribe to our RSS Feed so you can experience the beauty and explore the history of Brussels, Belgium for yourself.
Grand Place Guide :: 20% Discount Available for 3 More Days!
This guide features stories about the most beautiful square in Europe including the history of the Grand Place, what to do, where to shop, where to enjoy Belgian specialties like waffles, chocolate, beer, frites and more. The Grand Place Guide also features directories of more than 600 hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, waffle stands, chocolate shops, souvenir shops and much more - all organized by street name and category.
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Take A Memory Home From the Grand Place
On nice days you can often find artists selling their paintings and drawings of all things Brussels on the Grand Place. It’s a great place to pick up a unique souvenir of your time in Brussels. Artistic renditions range from the Grand Place and the bi-annual Flower Carpet to the Mannekin Pis and the Royal Palace to other well-known sites. Your only challenge is to choose a favorite!
Get Your 20% Discount Off the Brussels Grand Place Guide!
We're pleased to announce that on September 1, we're going to release the first edition of the Brussels Grand Place Guide. If you register your e-mail address below, we'll e-mail you excerpts from the guide, more information about it and give you a 20% introductory discount off the list price.
This guide features stories about the most beautiful square in Europe including the history of the Grand Place, what to do, where to shop, where to enjoy Belgian specialties like waffles, chocolate, beer, frites and more. The Grand Place Guide also features directories of more than 600 hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, waffle stands, chocolate shops, souvenir shops and much more - all organized by street name and category.
Click the link to register your e-mail address and to receive more information about the guide as well as your 20% introductory discount.
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See Our 2014 Brussels Flower Carpet Photos
We have our own photographer down on the Grand Place during the 2014 Brussels Flower Carpet. He's taking all kinds of photos for us. Click on our Facebook page and experience the beauty of the magical Brussels flower carpet!
Brussels Grand Place Guide Will Be Released September 1
We're pleased to announce that on September 1, we're going to release the first edition of the Brussels Grand Place Guide, containing feature stories about the most beautiful square in Europe plus directories of more than 600 hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, waffle stands, chocolate shops, souvenir shops and much more - all organized by street name and category. Be the first to know by registering your e-mail with us.
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Today's A Day For Water :: Slip, Slide & Swim at Oceade!
Oceade offers eleven slides, fun water attractions, a solarium, saunas, and a gigantic swimming pool. But the enormous tube slides are what sets Oceade apart.More info by clicking the link.
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Today's A Day For Iced Tea!
The Crystal Lounge Bar at the Brussels Sofitel has been working to bring new and refreshing non-alcoholic drinks to their summer menu. They've invented some amazing iced teas guaranteed to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. Click the link for more information.
Fun Facts About the Grand Place ...
...That write Victor Hugo once lived in a building on the Grand Place?...That the gold you see adorning Grand Place buildings is 24 carat?...That common criminals were hanged outside the city but esteemed citizens & aristocrats were once beheaded on the Grand Place?
All this and more in the upcoming Brussels Grand Place Guide to be released this summer. Find out how you can be the first to know when the guide is released by clicking the link.
Tourist Tip ::
For tourist info about the Grand Place and Brussels, go to the Grand Place, find the Hotel de Ville (the building with the spire on top) and walk to the right of the building. You’ll see people coming in and out of a tourist bureau. Here, you’ll find plenty of free brochures about events, shops, things to do, etc. not only in the Grand Place area but in Brussels as well.More info by clicking the link.
Brussels Travel Tip ::
Traveling by train can be a great way to see the country. On the official website of the Belgian train system you can book a ticket to Brugges, Antwerp, Ghent or even Amsterdam, Paris or London...all in English. Click the link for more information.
Museum Recommendation: Halle Gate
This 600-year old fairytale structure just west of Avenue Louise tells the tale of Brussels' medieval past. Contains permanent and temporary exhibitions. Click the link for more information.
Visiting The Brussels Grand Place Soon?
In a few weeks, we're going to release the first edition of the Brussels Grand Place Guide, containing feature stories about the most beautiful square in Europe plus directories of more than 600 hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, waffle stands, chocolate shops, souvenir shops and much more - all organized by street name and category.
To be the first to know when the guide is released, click the link here to register your e-mail address!
Brussels Best :: Musical Instrument Museum
This music lovers paradise features 1,500 instruments on four floors: one of the largest collections of musical instruments in the world. Displaying original and traditional pieces, from all periods of time and continents, the Musical Instruments Museum is located near the Grand Place in a magnificent Art Nouveau building. An infrared audio-headset system allows visitors to hear the sound of each instrument on display at their own pace.
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Vacation Getaway :: Camping de la Semois
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a few days, we recommend Camping de la Semois in the Ardennes - just outside of St. Cecile. About a two-hour drive from Brussels, the campground is family-oriented with playground equipment, kayaking on the Semois, a small cafe and restaurant (with free wi-fi) and a nice, quiet family-friendly atmosphere.
Brussels Airport Offers New Cheap Flights
Looking for budget flights from Brussels to European destinations? Check out this page on the Brussels Airport website:
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Quote of the Day
"Tourists don't know where they've been, travelers don't know where they're going." -Paul Theroux
Waterloo Battlefield to Celebrate Bicentennial
The 200th anniversary of the battle of Waterloo will be celebrated in 2015. Organizers unveiled their plans in a recent press conference. More here in The Bulletin:
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Step Back In Time at Villers-la-Ville
You can step back in time - almost 1,000 years - when you visit the Villers-la-Ville Abbey south of Brussels. Wander the time-worn paths, marvel as you stand in the ancient cathedral and enjoy the quiet serenity of this beautiful piece of history.
'Venture Travelist' Gives Kudos To Brussels
Thanks to Regan Clem of the blog 'Venture Travelist' for a great blog posting on #Brusselstravel ...
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Looking For a Good English Read?
If you're in town and looking for something to read in English, be sure and check out Waterstone's on Boulevard Adolph Max. Just a 10-minute walk from the Grand Place, Waterstone's stocks a great selection of magazines, popular fiction and non-fiction books and even some familiar British snacks.
Brussels Metro Offers Free E-Pub on Metro Art
If you've ever ridden the Brussels metro you've no doubt noticed the art in the many stations. STIB, which is responsible for the metro, has made a pdf available to share photos and information about the Metro Art called 'Art in Brussels Begins in the Metro'. You can download the document for free here:
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Tune In To the Grand Place Webcam!
Ever wonder what's happening on the Grand Place but you're not able to get down there? Here's a link to a webcam that gives you a bird's-eye view of the Place. Plus, you can control the camera (somewhat) for 30 seconds. http://www.brussels.be/artdet.cfm/4664
Flower Carpet Returns to Grand Place in August
Mark your calendars! The bi-annual Flower Carpet returns to the Brussels Grand Place August 14-17 this summer! More info here: http://www.flowercarpet.be/
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Grand Place Guide Release This Month!
Our 'Brussels Grand Place Guide' E-Book will be released this month.
The guide offers a brief history of the Grand Place, and feature stories on special events, things to do, and our favorite shops. Plus stories about restaurants, frites, Belgian waffles, Belgian chocolate, the Speculoos cookie and Belgian beer.
Includes a section on random things you might need while visiting the Place, sites you should see in addition to the Grand Place, and a recommended reading list.
PLUS: a directory of 600 shops offered in two formats: shops by street and shops by catgory.
Be the first to know when the Guide is released AND to be able to purchase it at a special introductory price by registering your e-mail address here: https://brussels-belgium-travel-guide.com/GrandPlaceGuide.html
THE SOUTH OF FRANCE COMES TO BRUSSELS!
THE SOUTH OF FRANCE COMES TO BRUSSELS! The first annual 'Provence Prestige' is happening at St. Catherine's Square Fish Market in Brussels today and tomorrow. The market features 30 exhibitors from Provence specializing in 'art de vivre', gastronomy and tourism. Workshops, tastings and more are featured throughout today and tomorrow. Open today through 21:00 and tomorrow from 10:00-18:00 More info here: http://www.provenceprestige.be
Like Our Facebook Page and Keep Up With Brussels Travel News!
The Brussels Belgium Travel Guide is now on Facebook. More than 2,000 Facebook fans have liked our page and receive regular updates about things to do, see, taste and enjoy in Europe's capital city. Visit our page now and join the fun by liking it!
Brussels Grand Place Guide To Be Published Soon!
In the next few weeks, we're publishing our first e-book, 'The Brussels Grand Place Guide'. Chock full of feature stories about the most beautiful square in Europe PLUS a directory of 600 shops, restaurants, bars, hotels and more - categorized in two ways: Shps by Street (40 plus streets) and Shops by Category (40+ categories). Click the link and register to be the first to know when the book is released on Kindle, Nook and I-Books!
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How To Travel Europe By Train
Traveling Europe by train is a great way to see the continent. In this article, USA Today offers 10 Tips for European train travel.
New World War II Museum Opens in Bastogne!
A new WWII Museum opened in Bastogne on March 22. The Bastogne War Museum guides visitors through three major phases of World War II and tells the storiesof four different people involved in the war - soldiers as well as civilians. More info in the USA Today Article by Susan Barnes.
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Brussels made this list in USA Today!
Brussels holds a unique place on this list as a city that is very expensive ... some of the time...But when the business travelers aren't in town, hotel prices drop and it becomes a more affordable destination for leisure travelers.
Ice Sculpture Festival in Brussels tip February 9
Following a successful stop in Paris, the International Festival of Ice Sculptures - ‘Ice Magic’ - is visiting Brussels until February 9 at the Place des Palais. More info and ticket info here at this link.
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Feeling Blue? Brighten Your Day with The Smurfs!
Belgian Trivia: The Smurfs were created by Belgian comic artist Peyo (pen name of Pierre Culliford) in 1958. The familiar little blue creations have since become a worldwide sensation through advertising, movies, TV series, ice capades, video games, theme parks, and dolls. But to Belgians, they'll always be treasured as national comic book characters.
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Salon du Chocolat Coming to Brusels!
The Salon du Chocolate is coming to #Brussels Feb. 7-9! Website available in French or Nederlandais. But the language of chocolate is universal! More info here:
Travel Apps That Make Great Gifts All Year Long
This article features the top 10 travel apps that make great holiday gifts. But why stop giving on December 25? Give yourself - or a friend - one more or more of these apps before boarding a plane, train or automobile on your next travel adventure. These apps are a great way to make your trip more memorable and enjoyable.
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Belgian Holocaust Museum Nominated For European Museum of the Year
The Kazerne Dossin Memorial, Museum and Documentation Centre on Holocaust and Human Rights, which opened in November 2012, has been nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA) for 2014.
Five Reasons To Visit Belgium
In Matt Long's blog 'Landlopers' he gives Brussels a big thumbs up - especially when it comes to celebrating Christmas Brussels - style in Reason #3. See his brief posting on Brussels and great photos!
Christmas Is Back in Belgium!
We've updated our Christmas page, hitting the highlights of Christmas in Brussels. Click here for info about Christmas on the Grand Place, the Christmas market and more!
Grand Place Guide Book Features Little-Known Facts
Did you know that an IRA bomb went off in the Grand Place in 1979? It's true....in August 1979, the Duke of Edinborough''s Royal Regiment Band performed on the Grand Place. The musicians had just left the band stand in order to change into their uniforms when an IRA bomb went off, injuring 4 musicians and 11 bystanders. It was not quite the fireworks we were expecting for the commemoration of the millennium of the city!
The Grand Place Guide Book, soon to be released by the Brussels-Belgium-Travel-Guide offers little-known facts like this and more about the most beautiful square in Europe. Find out more about the book by clicking the link here and be the first to know when the book is released by registering your e-mail address with us.
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Explore Brussels Tourism Opportunities with the Brussels Belgium Travel Guide
Explore Brussels tourism opportunities including Brussels Airlines, Brussels attractions and Belgium chocolate with the Brussels Belgium Travel Guide
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Belgians Do Beer Right
This article offers a brief overview of the beers produced by the five Belgian 'Trappist' Monk organizations.
Visiting Belgium soon? Be the first to know when our Grand Place Guide E-Book is released featuring 15,000+ words about all there is to see, do, buy, taste and enjoy at the most beautiful square in Europe. More info here: https://brussels-belgium-travel-guide.com/GrandPlaceGuide.html
Be The First To Know When We Release our Grand Place Guide E-book
We're pleased to announce that in just a few days, we're going to release the first edition of the Grand Place Guide E-Book, containing feature stories about the most beautiful square in Europe plus directories of more than 600 businesses and shops categorized by street name and category.
Continue reading "Be The First To Know When We Release our Grand Place Guide E-book"
Be The First To Know When The Brussels Grand Place Guide is Released
The Grand Place Guide is an e-book about the most beautiful square in Europe. Covers history, special events, things to do, shopping, eating, plus 600+ shops organized by street name and category.
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Belgium's Cote D'Or Makes List of Top Chocolate Factory Tours
Belgium's Cote D'Or factory made the USA Today list of 'Top Chocoalte Factory Tours and Tastings Around the World.' To locate the tour nearest to your part of the world, check this article out!
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Belgium's Cote D'Or Makes List of Top Chocolate Factory Tours
Belgium's Cote D'Or factory made the USA Today list of 'Top Chocoalte Factory Tours and Tastings Around the World.' To locate the tour nearest to your part of the world, check this article out!
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Tattoo Convention Coming To Brussels November
Who knew that there was a convention for Tattoo enthusiasts? Well, there is and it's happening in Brussels November 8-10. More info on the website link attached.
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Neuhaus Outlet Store Lowers Prices
One of Brussels' best kept secrets is the Neuhaus Chocolate 'outlet' store in Linbeek. Here you can buy most products already packaged at regular prices. But you can also get great deals on 1 kilo boxes (2.2 pounds) of various chocolates.
Over the years, their prices have steadily risen. Recently they were as high as 20 euros for a one-kilo box and 50 euros for three boxes.
The current price is 20 euros for a one-kilo boxes and 40 euros for three one-kilo boxes! Not sure if the 50 euro price tag for three boxes was too high or what but what a nice surprise!
Best of all: you can sample many of the chocolates to your heart's - and stomach's - content. Word to the wise: there are so many chocolates to taste that we advise to take small bites and throw the remaining chocolate in the nearby trash cans. I know - you can't imagine throwing chocolate away. But if you eat one of every chocolate in there, you'll be sick. Promise. First-hand experience here :)
Address: Postweg 2, 1602 Vlezenbeek, BelgiumHours: Mon. – Thurs. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Go Antiquing
Looking for a souvenir you probably can't get in a souvenir shop? Check out the Sablon Antique Market! One of the oldest antique markets in Europe, the Sablon Antique Market features 100 antique dealers selling their wares on Saturdays and Sundays from 09:00-14:00. Located on the Place du Grand Sablon, you’re just steps away from Pierre Marcolini and Wittamer where you can enjoy chocolate or pastries after shopping for antiques. The Sablon has a rich history in markets having hosted the horse market, the hay market, a textile market and a vegetable market. None of them lasted as long as the antique market which began in 1960.