Flight to Brussels (BRU)

Flying to Brussels: tips and information for your trip

As the home of the European Parliament, one of the most striking things about Brussels is how multicultural, dynamic and open the city is.

The Belgian capital is full of life, and you’ll find lots of things to do, no matter your interests. From the history and art that fill its many museums, to the beer and bars that make its nightlife famous, the city has an energy and atmosphere that makes it the perfect weekend getaway destination.

Book your flights with Brussels Airlines today to explore the capital of Europe!

What to do in Brussels?

1. Visit the Grand Place. This iconic square is full of gold-gilt buildings and awe-inspiring architecture, making it one of the city’s top attractions. Located in the heart of the city centre, it’s always full of people relaxing, enjoying a drink, or watching one of the many street performances that take place there.
   
   
2. Go to the Delirium café. If you want to see Brussels’ nightlife at its best, this huge collection of bars and nightclubs is the place to be. Sprawling along an entire alley, this basement bar is the perfect place to try one of 2000 or more beers, whilst a visit to the tequila bar will have you dancing all night.
   
   
3. Visit one of Brussels’ many parks. The city enjoys great weather in the summer, so where better to relax than in one of the huge green spaces in the heart of the city? The Parc de Bruxelles, Parc Leopold or Parc de Cinquantenaire offer beautiful views and peaceful surroundings.
4. Manneken Pis, or the ‘Lil’ Piddler’, is one of the most iconic images of Brussels. The fountain, which shows a young boy urinating, is said to pay testament to the light-hearted and independent spirit of the Brussels population.
   
   
5. See the Atomium, an impressive structure made up of nine huge, stainless steel spheres. As well as seeing the building itself, you can also visit the exhibit halls and galleries inside, or take in the sights of Mini-Europe, the park of miniature European landmarks that sits at its foot.
   
   
6. Head to the European Quarter to see the beating heart of the European Union, including landmarks such as the Parliament and Commission buildings. It’s also a great opportunity to brush up on your European knowledge with a visit to the Parlamentarium and other European museums.
   
   
7. Take a day trip to Bruges or Ghent. Just a short train journey from the Bruxelles-Midi train station, Bruges and Ghent offer a different, more historic side to Belgium that should not be missed.
   
   

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flights land at Brussels Airport (BRU), not to be confused with Brussels South Charleroi airport (CRL), which is actually further away from Brussels! The city centre can be reached easily and quickly by bus, train or taxi. Make sure to use a licensed taxi at the airport.
• Currency: Euro. Cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available throughout the city.
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: Dialling code is +32. Free Wi-Fi is offered by many cafés, restaurants and bars.
• Electric sockets: These have a standard voltage of 220 V. If you use American or British plugs, you will need an adaptor.
• Travel information: Belgium is part of the EU and Schengen zone. Therefore, EU citizens only need a valid passport or ID card to enter. Nationals of other countries may need to apply for a visa.

Dos and Don’ts in Brussels

• Make the most of the metro. The map is easy to read and the lines simple to navigate, which means getting around the city is a breeze. Buying a ticket for 5 or 10 journeys on a MOBIB card can save money opposed to a single trip card.
• Have a wander around. Though public transport is great, one way to see the city at its best is to walk around the streets of Brussels. It’s a compact place, and you’ll be rewarded with the sights and smells of fresh waffles and cute shop windows.
• Don’t be surprised to hear many different languages. As well as French, Dutch and German (the three official languages of Belgium), other European and non-European languages can often be heard on the streets of the city.
• Don’t forget to check out the shops. Brussels is known for its style and has a great shopping scene. Take back a souvenir or treat yourself to a designer outfit, or some Belgian comic books.

Local phrases & essential vocabulary

There are two official languages in Brussels: Dutch and French. However, you’re most likely to hear French rather than Dutch. Lots of other languages, including English, are also widely spoken because of its international importance, but it’s always good to learn a few key phrases:

• Hello – Bonjour - Hallo
• Goodbye – Au revoir – Tot ziens
• Thank you – Merci –Dank u
• Please – S’il vous plaît – Alstublieft
• Yes/no – Oui/Non – Ja/Nee
• Do you speak English? – Parlez-vous anglais? – Spreekt u Engels?
• I would like – Je voudrais – Ik wil graag
• Excuse me – Excusez-moi – Excuseer
• Sorry – Désolé - Sorry

Cultural events

There are lots of cultural and seasonal events to enjoy in the city:

• Christmas market – If you visit Brussels in late November or December, be sure to visit Winter Wonders near Place de la Monnaie. It has over 200 stalls, as well as ice-skating, fairground rides and much more.
• Brussels Summer Festival takes place every August, and involves 10 days of cultural activities, concerts and events around the city centre.
• For something a little different, visit Brussels at Easter to see Hopla!, a celebration of circus performance that takes place in the form of street performances throughout the capital.

When to go to Brussels?

The weather in Brussels is usually warmest in summer, with average temperatures usually above 20 °C from the end of May to September. If you’re looking for sunshine, this is the best time to go to Brussels. The city is also a popular winter destination, thanks to its Christmas markets and festive charm.

Don't forget to eat this

Belgium is famous for its many delicacies, so make sure to try as many as you can:

• Beer – Renowned worldwide. Relax in the evenings with a cold Belgian beer.
• Waffles – Topped with fruit, ice cream, chocolate, and anything else you can imagine, this sweet treat cannot be missed.
• Frites – An indulgent snack. Many places claim to do the best fries in Brussels, but Maison Antoine is definitely near the top of the list.
• Belgian chocolate – Not only is the chocolate delicious, but making it is a true art worth admiring in the many chocolate shops.

Belgium? It's the entire world on just 31,000 km²

Belgium has it all: the sea and mountains (well, they are actually hills), exquisite gastronomy and fantastic fries, Congolese rhythms and Belgian dance music, medieval art and revolutionary architecture. And what is truly unique is that all these wonderful things are located less than an hour's travel of one another!

Antwerp, the capital of cool

Antwerp is a city of trendsetters - as it has always been. You'll find the city's style reflected in its architecture (check out the railway station and the Port House!), its museums (oh, the MAS with its 360° panoramic views, and the stylish art at Museum Mayer van den Bergh!) and even in the food on your plate. Where else would a Michelin-starred chef open a deluxe fries stand? That's right, in the beautiful city on the river Scheldt.

Creativity has always been an inherent part of Antwerp. In the 16th and 17th century, Antwerp was home to great masters such as Rubens and Anthony Van Dyck. In the 20th and 21st century, the city has been an inspiration to famous fashion designers such as Dries Van Noten and Walter van Beirendonck. Aside from the cultural agenda, the city is well worth a visit for its excellent restaurants, bars and clubs. And of course for shopping: retail stores are also open on each first Sunday of the month. Much like Antwerp diamonds, the city sparkles with an impressive range of architecture from medieval buildings to Art Nouveau townhouses and the beautiful contemporary MAS or "Museum Aan de Stroom" ("Museum at the river").

Our suggestions:

• EAT While at De Koninck city brewery, visit one of the on-site establishments. Chocolatier Jitsk makes sweet creations that are appreciated the world over. Cheese ripeners Van Tricht have a shop there and meatlovers will enjoy the Butcher's Store. Add a bakery, a bike store and a place to enjoy a freshly tapped 'Bolleke' and you have all you need.
• SHOP In Belgium's most sartorial city, fashion stores are everywhere. To find the best of Antwerp fashion, start at the Nationalestraat and move your way towards Het Zuid (South district).
• LATER Well-heeled creatives make a beeline for the café-bar Vitrin (Marnixplaats 14), located on a key square in the trendy Zuid (South) district. Or go to Bar Palmier (Volksstraat 16) for raw wines, craft beers and stylish cocktails.

Ghent, Belgium's hipster capital

What makes Ghent so special? That's easy: the unique combination of respectable old and rebellious new! You can exit the medieval Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen) head straight into a museum of contemporary art (SMAK), or stroll through experimental graffiti street to stately St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) that houses the Ghent Altarpiece (except for that one stolen panel, of course). Here, you can tuck into some trendy haute dogs and finish off with a few authentic, sweet Ghent neuzekes, a cone shaped candy also called cuberdons. According to Lonely Planet, Ghent is 'Europe's best-kept secret' - we couldn't agree more!

"Here's a secret within a secret: Ghent might just be the best European city you've never thought of visiting, in a country that continues to be criminally overlooked." - Lonely Planet. If you're the type who prefers exploring away from the tourist hordes, funky Ghent is definitely the place to go. Ghent is praised for its brilliant mix of a rich history and a vibrant present. Here hides one of Europe's finest panoramas of water, spires and centuries-old grand houses. But this is no place to simply kick back. It's also Flanders' biggest university town, which means linger-as-long-as-you-like cafés, well-priced restaurants and a laid-back atmosphere. Under the watchful eye of Gravensteen Castle (a.k.a. Castle of the Counts), the city boasts an Opera House, 18 museums, 100 churches and over 400 historical buildings. The most visited site in Ghent is the famous polyptych, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, also known as the Ghent Altarpiece, painted by the brothers Jan and Hubert van Eyck in 1432. It still shines in its original location, the St. Bavo Cathedral. The locals, while intensely proud of their city, are very modest and would never brag about its merits. That might be one of the reasons why it has taken so long for the rest of the world to discover this unique gem.

Our suggestions:

• EAT Enjoy gastronomy in a 16th century chapel at Holy Food Market (Beverhoutplein 15). Stop by for delicious street food; there are plenty of vegetarian options in the veggie capital of Europe!
• SHOP Looking for unique vintage finds? Around the Vrijdagmarkt you'll find plenty of little shops, each with their own retro vibe.
• LATER Sip inventive cocktails at the timeless cocktail bar Jigger’s (Oudburg 16). Allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised with a mix of local and homemade products.

Bruges, the capital of heritage

The heart of Bruges, surrounded by an almost continuous ring of canals, is the best preserved example of medieval Flanders. The city centre is so picture perfect, that it is nigh on impossible to take a bad photograph. All the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city can be easily explored on foot, by boat ride along quiet canals, or by horse-drawn carriage over cobblestone streets. Although Bruges is a small city, it will easily take more than one day to explore all of its architectural and artistic treasures, folklore, chocolate shops, lace boutiques, and local restaurants.

The historic centre of Bruges is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is teeming with places of interest. Bruges is so magical that it's akin to a film set. This seems appropriate given that the 2008 film In Bruges was filmed on location in the city. This film, starring Ralph Fiennes and Colin Farrell, features two hit men holing up in the city after a difficult job. During Bruges’ Golden Age, the 15th century, the fine arts prevailed. In the wake of the prestigious Burgundian dynasty, the great Flemish Primitives made a name for themselves. The world-renowned works of Jan Van Eyck, Hans Memling and those of other prominent Flemish Masters can be admired at the Groeninge Museum, St John’s Hospital, St Saviour’s Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady.

Our suggestions:

• EAT Bistro Bruut (Meestraat 9) has had a radical facelift; its dining room now combines vintage industrial-style lampshades and reclaimed-wood tabletops. The honest Franco-Belgian cuisine at Assiette Blanche (Philipstockstraat 23-25, ) is a hit with the chic local crowd.
• SHOP Family-run chocolatier Dumon (Eiermarkt 6) occupies a dollhouse-like shop near Markt Square, while BbyB (Sint Amandstraat 39) features chocolates from top chef Bart Desmidt in minimal Pantone-style packaging. There is no accounting for taste, but at Goûts et Couleurs (Ezelstraat 5), they know their stuff. Furniture by Hay, accessories with a Scandinavian or Belgian twist, quality retro designs and mini gadgets you can treat yourself or others to. Optiek Hoet (Vlamingstraat 19): No trendy look, whether it's that of a designer, advertiser or woman in the media, is complete without Hoet glasses. This is the place for Hoet’s own design classics. Fashion for trendsetters. Popular the world over, but with its cradle in Bruges. 
• LATER Venerated 't Brugs Beertje (Kemelstraat 5) offers 300 different beers, including Brugse Zot ('the fool'), the city's only official home brew. Comptoir des Arts (Vlamingstraat 53) is a hip and atmospheric cellar jazz bar with a roaring fire. The latest hype in Bruges is called Groot Vlaenderen (Vlamingstraat 94), a wonderful and particularly elegant cocktail bar where every cocktail is prepared right in front of you in an expert fashion.

Leuven, the capital of ideas

Leuven is a versatile city - offering both age-old heritage and fresh innovation. The 15th-century late-Gothic town hall is truly an architectural gem, as are the many Gothic and Baroque churches. The university and the Botanic Garden are the oldest in the country. And then there's the Stella Artois brewery, which tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship. On the other hand, the university brings a young crowd and buzzy vibe to the city, especially visible on the Oude Markt, the beating heart of the nightlife and bar district.

Whether you're looking to quench your thirst for knowledge or just your thirst, Leuven is the ideal place. This youthful town, less than half an hour by train from Brussels, is home to one of Europe's oldest universities (KU Leuven). You'll find a bit of history in every street corner. A few lucky students even have the privilege of living in a piece of that heritage: the 13th century stone beguinage (Groot Begijnhof) selected as a world heritage site by UNESCO. And where there are students... there is beer! Leuven is Belgium's reigning brewing capital – no small feat in a country that produces hundreds of delicious varieties. Leuven is the headquarters of AB Inbev, the largest brewery in the world, famous for Stella Artois beer. The university, one of the oldest and most important in Europe, has its roots in the centre of Leuven, and its historic college buildings dominate many of the squares and streets. The university and its 40,000 students and professors have a special tie with Leuven, ever since the university's founding in 1425. Leuven is a great place for the curious traveler with time to explore. It is an intimate city; any spot can be easily reached on foot or by bicycle.

Our suggestions:

• EAT Located at the heart of Leuven's culinary scene, Essenciel (Muntstraat 23) is run by a top young Flemish chef.
• SHOP Parijsstraat, Mechelsestraat and the Vismarkt: the 'place to shop' for those who favour different and fashionable. With lovely boutiques, restaurants and culinary shops.
• LATER Sample Con Domus and Nostra Domus beers at home brewery Domus (Tiensestraat 8).

Mechelen, the capital of diversity

Mechelen is on everybody’s doorstep, located in the heart of Flanders, midway between Brussels and Antwerp. Brussels Airport to Mechelen is a mere 11 minutes by train. The whole city is within walking distance, so you can stroll from one landmark to the next highlight. You’ll stumble upon historic buildings, a treasure of arts and heritage and some exceptional experiences. And the people of Mechelen are more than happy to give you a warm welcome!

Picturesque Mechelen is small in size, but big on charm and history. It's probably best known for its carillon school. Students from all over the world come to Mechelen to learn to play church bells. Go and sit on a terrace, with a local beer, listening to the delightful bell music dropping down from the sky. It truly is one of the most pleasant experiences to have in Mechelen. Mechelen is a city thriving with quaint shops, car-free areas and amazingly pleasant little squares, brimful of heritage. It has more than 336 listed buildings and monuments and is featured on the UNESCO World Heritage list no less than five times. As from March 2018 the new museum Hof van Busleyden invites you to discover life during the Burgundian era and 14th to 16th century art. Mechelen is a city for all ages. Youngsters can actively enjoy themselves in the Toy Museum, Technopolis or Planckendael, whereas the young at heart can entertain themselves at the Anker, one of the oldest operating breweries in Belgium.

Our suggestions:

• EAT Brasserie Het Anker (Guido Gezellelaan 49) serves classic dishes prepared with beer and at Lam'eau (Van Beethovenstraat 8), you can enjoy classic French-Belgian cuisine in a former brewery next to the Dyle.
• SHOP Kaashandel Schockaert (IJzerenleen 28) is a shop selling almost 300 cheeses and is particularly famous for its Gouden Carolus Brouwerskaas, which is made with local beer.
• LATER Unwined (Steenweg 22) with a glass or two of grape at this unpretentious bodega. The sommelier has removed the snobbery associated with choosing wine by creating a selection chart based on country of origin and occasion.

Ypres, the capital of peace

Ypres is a city with a rich and diverse past. It was a flourishing place of commerce during the Middle Ages, when the city was one of the leading textile centres in Flanders. The charming city was reduced to rubble during the First World War (1914-1918). Today Ypres is the centre of The Flanders Fields Country. The Cloth Hall houses the internationally renowned In Flanders Fields Museum and - from the summer of 2018 on - the Yper Museum. At the Menin Gate you can witness the daily, chilling rendition of The Last Post at 8 pm sharp. Several other museums, World War I sites, cemeteries and relics around Ypres tell the history of 100 years ago in order to never forget the past.

Ypres city centre also offers many friendly cafés and splendid restaurants, shops and delightful accommodation options proposing everything you need for an unforgettable stay. The Flanders Fields Country – also known as the Westhoek – is the region where you can remember and honour the memory of the 500,000 victims of WWI in Flanders. It is also a warm and welcoming region, full of beautiful scenery. You can walk through Ypres city centre and discover the surrounding area by bike, scooter, minibus, etc. 2018 is the centenary anniversary of Armistice Day. Visit the temporary exhibition 'To End all Wars? From Final Offensive to Peace from Versailles" in the In Flanders Fields Museum (29/9/18-30/6/19).

Our suggestions:

• Sint-Arnoldus Beer Café: located in the Menin Street, this beer café offers no less than 25 local beers on draught.

Charleroi, the capital of dynamism

Town of a thousand faces, Charleroi is both bourgeois and industrial, offbeat and good-natured, bohemian and trendy, just like its inhabitants and cultural proponents. It is the seedbed for the unusual where alternative culture has found fertile soil. The old industries now become showcases for artists, desolate walls become large-scale canvasses for street artists, slag heaps are scaled, the ring road is photographed and the underground becomes the vehicle of choice for sightseers.

Fashioned on industrial urban landscapes such as Liverpool, Birmingham, Bilbao or Metz, which have opted in favour of urban regeneration and where culture has played a determining role, Charleroi is now undergoing a complete transformation. The changes to come will make the town unmissable.

Eupen, the capital of nature

Eupen is the capital of Ostbelgien, in the Eastern cantons. It is situated at the crossroads of Roman and Germanic cultures. The town is characterised by its multilingualism, and also a rich and varied way of life. Spared during the war, the town of Eupen is home to a stunning built heritage, which dates from the 18th and 19th centuries, and a significant cultural heritage. Encircled by woodland, Eupen is also situated at the entrance to an exceptional marshland site: the Hautes Fagnes (high fens). The “Hertogenwald” (Duke’s wood), the peat bogs of the Hautes Fagnes Nature Reserve and the dam of the Vesdre Valley make Eupen a remarkable place waiting to be explored.

Many museums such as the Chocolate Museum, the IKOB Museum of Contemporary Art, the Historical Museum of Eupen town and so on, await your visit. Hikers and cyclists will find a vast network of walks and well-maintained trails here. The choice is diverse (rambling in Eupen, Ravel…). This town on the Vesdre River, once rich due to the textile industry, abounds in sumptuous Patrician and imposing town houses, churches and fountains. The new town centre, with its welcoming squares and numerous terraces, is a great place for strolling. Gourmets will enjoy the culinary wealth of the region. Make the most of the quality of life the town of Eupen has to offer.

Liège, the capital of pleasure

Just an hour from Brussels by train, Belgium's third most populous city and most touristic city of Wallonia is perfect for a weekend getaway. As your train pulls into Liège, the first thing you'll notice is the hyper-avant-garde Calatrava train station Liège-Guillemins. There are plenty of buildings which have recently undergone extensive renovation such as the famous Opéra Royal de Wallonie, the Théâtre de Liège, the Grand Curtius boasting an awesome collection of artifacts, the splendid La Boverie museum of Art which acts in partnership with Paris’ Louvre, and the Musée de la Vie Wallonne, all showcases of Liège's cultural diversity. Other new emblematic buildings should also be mentioned: the Tour des Finances, La Mediacité designed by Ron Arad, the Design Station of Wallonia, the Passerelle “La Belle Liégeoise” and so forth. They show evidence of a dramatic urban renewal.

Remnants of the Liège’s history can still be found in the old Citadel offering a panoramic city view and the Archeoforum museum located beneath Place Saint-Lambert. In addition, Liège’s extended shopping area has lots of chic and trendy fashion boutiques, designer stores, cafes and brasserie-restaurants with great typical food for a real great time with amazing Liégeois hospitality! Furthermore, why not benefit from a free half day bike or scooter rental to discover Liège in a different way? Liège's most famous tourist attraction is the long stairway Montagne de Bueren - after taking on the more than 400 steps, you'll be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Definitely a challenge that's worth the effort! The city is located on the banks of the river Meuse, which divides the city into two parts. The Outremeuse (which translates to 'the part beyond the Meuse river') is famed for its more creative vibe and folklore. The most important character in Liège's folklore is Tchantchès, a marionette doll representing the stubborn and rebellious yet good-natured character of Liège. Enjoy the puppet theatre at the Musée de Tchantchès and learn more about Outremeuse's history with the help of Tchantches and his wife Nanesse.

Our suggestions:

• EAT Every bite is an adventure at Mandibule en Roue Libre (rue Souverain-Pont 38), a cosy bistro where chef-owner Fabien Henrard encourages customers to pick up their own orders from the kitchen and play their own vinyl records during meals. For typical and savoury Liégeois cuisine, enjoy the warm atmosphere of Le Bistrot d’en Face (quai de la Goffe 8) and La Maison du Pèkèt (behind City Hall, rue de l’Epée 4).
• SHOP For a genuine Liégeois shopping experience, forget the high street stores and join the foragers at the city's many antique markets. Every Sunday morning on the left bank of the Meuse river, La Batte (Belgium's oldest outdoor market) is a beehive of activity. Alternatively, try the Saint-Pholien junk market every Friday morning on the Boulevard de la Constitution.
• LATER Party until the wee hours in the pubs and nightspots of the Le Carré neighbourhood.

Louvain-la-Neuve, the capital of novelties

Located in the heart of Walloon Brabant, 30 minutes from Brussels, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve is composed of two urban centres. Home to the Catholic University of Leuven, Ottignies district has extended its cultural and tourist treasures with the building of a new town: Louvain-la-Neuve. Harmoniously nestled in the landscape and a true university town, Louvain-la-Neuve was designed from the outset, on the model of medieval Italian towns and with the idea of making it accessible to all. The result is a pedestrian town centre on a human scale, combining all the facilities of a town with an unmatched friendliness and atmosphere. Louvain-la-Neuve is also full of tourist attractions such as the Hergé Museum and the Musée L (University museum – reopening in autumn 2017), works of art on every street corner, parks to stroll through, a 220-hectare wood with a nature reserve and lots of paths, restaurants and cafés.

Louvain-la-Neuve is a unique example of urban creation that combines country charm with all the benefits of a modern town! A major tourist centre, Louvain-la-Neuve is a constantly changing new town whose planning projects deserve exploration.

Mons, the capital of culture

The whole region has been revitalised with numerous cultural infrastructures thanks to Mons being awarded European Capital of Culture in 2015. This transformation has been most notable in Mons itself where the town has since opened no less than 5 museums… Culture is here! During the time that Mons was European Capital of Culture in 2015, 2.2 million people visited the city, so the town acquired an unprecedented cultural expertise, and welcomes you with open arms. From now on, the region of Mons offers a vast array of diverse activities for holidaymakers. Explore right now our world-class tourist attractions and museums or discover our cultural programme, which has a multitude of dance or theatre performances, and not to forget, plenty of concerts!

Immerse yourself in our museums and attractions such as the Artothèque (art library); the Losseau House; the BAM (Museum of Fine Arts); the Belfry; the Mundaneum (archive centre); Mons Memorial Museum; the Doudou Museum; the François Duesberg Museum; the Regional Museum of Natural Science; the SILEX’S (Mons); the site of Grand-Hornu (in Boussu); the Pass (Science Adventure Park located in Frameries); Van Gogh’s houses (in Cuesmes and Wasmes) and the Fair and Memory Museum (in Saint-Ghislain) to name just a few. Finally, regarding architecture and design, there is the Centre of Design (Mons) or major urban projects like the MICX (Convention Centre Mons) designed by the architect Daniel Liebeskind or even the project of Mons’ new railway station designed by Santiago Calatrava.

Our suggestions:

• EAT Jean-Philippe Watteyne is famous in Mons, thanks to his run on the French TV series Top Chef. He's also the genius behind iCook (Rue des Fripiers 2, ), one of the city's most popular restaurants.
• SHOP The Official Souvenirs Shop visitMons (Grand-Place 22) is ideal place to find a souvenir of Mons and a showcase for local artisans. Many reference books on Mons and its region. A shop with something for all tastes.
• LATER Cuba'R (Rue de Nimy 57) is a cellar bar that has brought Cuban music, Cuban drinks and some great cigars to Mons. 

Namur, the capital of Wallonia

Namur, daughter of the water, is a city full of charm. Its part-pedestrian centre invites you to stroll amongst the shops or along the water's edge. But this city centre with its old quarters is above all places with undeniable character!

Namur is the capital of Wallonia, the southern region of Belgium. Enjoy a stroll through the XVIIIth century centre or the Citadel, one of Europe's most impressive strongholds. If you want to give your feet a rest, you can join one of the many boat trips on the rivers Sambre and Meuse, as the city is neatly tucked in between where both rivers meet, an ideal and romantic way to explore the region. Do you prefer a more challenging way of exploration? Namur is also the gateway to various nature hikes in the Belgian Ardennes, an extensive forest region famed for its gorgeous landscapes and hillsides.

Our suggestions:

• EAT Le Grill des Tanneurs (Rue des Tanneries 13b) Set up on the first floor of the Hôtel des Tanneurs in Namur, the Grill des Tanneurs offers a convivial and generous cuisine. Wood-grilled meats, fish, salads and crudités, specialities from the region… The place has been an unrivalled success for the last 20 years.
• SHOP b.d.Librairie (Rue Saint-Jean 8) has been selling bande dessinée (comic book), that great Belgian art form, for 18 years.
• LATER Exterieur Nuit(Place du Chanoine Descamps 6) is open until 11pm but it's a good place for Belgian beer and French wine.

Tournai, the capital of views

With its 2000 years of history, Tournai is the oldest city in Belgium. Its two most impressive monuments? The belfry and the Cathedral, listed as UNESCO world heritage. But that's not all: the city is also full of many other architectural treasures that can be easily explored by foot: Romanesque, Gothic and Louis XIV houses, the Museum of fine arts in Art Nouveau style with its beautiful collection of Impressionist painters... Its major asset: conviviality linked to its human scale. You can quietly stroll on the renovated waterfront of the Scheldt, follow one of the circuits proposed by the Tourism Office, taste local specialities like real ales, Belgian fries, rabbit à la Tournaisienne, Clovis cake... and why not, party with the locals because there always is an occasion.

Ostend, trendy seaside fun

This ‘City by the Sea’, boasts over five-and-a-half miles of sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing and a refreshing dip in the North Sea. After frolicking in the sun, take a walk down the promenade where you’ll find many fantastic shops, bars and restaurants. As a cosmopolitan city, you’ll find plenty to do across the harbour, yacht-basin, and at incredible year-round activities like the Christmas Market or the phenomenal Theatre by the Sea. One of Ostend's main, though perhaps lesser known, attractions is gastronomy. Where better place to sample the ocean’s delicacies than at the seaside? Choose from high-end restaurants to cosy bistros, but make sure to order specialities such as Dover Sole, shrimp croquettes and tomate crevette (tomatoes filled with shrimps).

Our suggestions:

• EAT Traditionalists eat mussels only from September to April, and the busy De Mosselbeurs (Dwarstraat 10) serves up more than a dozen versions, from basic to Thai-style, spiced with coconut, curry and coriander. Otherwise head down to Ostend Queen (Westhelling 12), where you'll feel like you've stepped aboard a cruise liner that serves excellent seafood.
• SHOP Stock up on local delicacies at the outdoor market on the Wapenplein every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
• LATER Choose from 500 types of beer and 50 kinds of genever (a Belgian juniper-flavoured spirit) at the English pub-style Café Botteltje (Louisastraat 19) or throw shapes on the dancefloor at Tao Bar (Langestraat 24-26).