Belgium and Brussels
Brussels: A city to visit
A brief insight in the history of Brussels
Brussels has known a serious boost during the middle ages as it was one of flanders independent cities. It was not as large and well known as Bruges or Antwerp but during the ages Brussels became more and more important. Finally it became when Belgium declared itself independent the capital of Belgium and now it has even become more important as the capital of Europe. As Belgium is a bilingual country, Brussels is as a capital of course bilingual aswell. You will find evidence of this wherever you walk in Brussels. All street names in Brussels will be shown in French aswell as in Dutch. Sadly enough many of the historic buildings have been destroyed when Brussels became the capital of Belgium. Apparantly most of the original and historic buildings had to make room for new ministries, schools, palaces, army barracks,... . Only the most inner centre remained ( The reknown Grand Place and 4 or 5 streets leading towards the market square ) and shows the rich historic past of Brussels.
Visit the capital Brussels
A hugh amount of visitors stay in Brussels every year, most of them are tourists visiting the major landmarks of Belgium. The most important landmarks in Belgium are of course the historic cities Bruges, Antwerp and Brussels. Most tourists choose Brussel as a base to visit Bruges, Antwerpen and Leuven as it is centrally located between the three cities. Although the hotels Bruges have far more to offer in charm than the hotels Brussels many tourists still choose a hotel in Brussels as prices are often much lower in those hotels ( certainly in the weekends ). One can often book a 5 star hotel in Brussels for less than 80 € ( breakfast excluded is that but still...)
Grand Place in Brussels
Undoubtebly the most important landmark of Brussels. The Old main market square reflects the rich past of this city, the city hall is one of the finest in Belgium and at nights it has a wonderful lumination, quite a spectacle to see. All other houses on the market square are at least 300 years old and remind of the times that Brussels was a major player in the European history of the low countries .
Manneken Pis
Just a few yards away from the Grand Place you can find the famous 'little' statue of Manneken Pis. Too many legends go around concerning the birth of this statue, certain is that is has played a role during the entire history of this city. Traditionaly the statue is dressed every so often and has such a collection of cloths that would make any women instantly jealous.
Jubelpark
"Het Jubelpark" or Parc du Cinquantenaire is where you can find the arc de triomphe. The parc is situated in the east side of the town. While you are there you can visit the free museum "Royal Musuem of the armed forces and history".
The Atomium
The atomium was built for the world exposition of 1958 it represents a magnification of an iron crystal. ( 165 billion times). It is as far as i am concerned a little bit overrated because it is not that high. From the top sphere you can enjoy a wonderfull view over the city of Brussels. There are many expositions hosted inside the atomium, so it is always worth a visit.
Museums
As the Belgian capital Brussels has a vast amount of museums. Inform yourself well when you plan your trip to Brussels so you can visit exactly what interests you. The amounts of historic museums is not as extensive as paris or amsterdam but there is still a lot of wonderful to visit
Hotels in Brussels
Hotels in Brussels
Brussels hotels has a hugh amount of hotels. thus choosing a good hotel in Brussels is not that easy. First you should have a good look where you want to be in Brussels and what you need to do while you are in town before choosing a hotel Brussel. Getting from one side of town to the other can be quite problematic some hours of the day. There are 4 major parts with hotels in Brussels.
Hotels in the city centre
Located in the heart of brussels city centre and only 450 meters from the famous grand-place, you will find the Bedford Hotel & Congress Centre. The hotel is close to the midi and central trainstation (eurostar and thalys) and easily accessible from all major areas in Brussels, the bedford hotel and congres centre includes 326 modern rooms and suites equipped with the latest facilities, a gastronomic restaurant, a piano bar, a cyber corner, a fitness centre with a panoramic view, a covered parking suitable for 200 cars and 18 natural lighted and air conditioned meeting rooms. The Bedford Hotel and Congres Centre is a pleasant heaven inside the busy centre.
Le Meridien Brussels, a curving structure with a palatial façade, the hotel Le Meridien is a tribute to Belgium’s rich and gloriefull history. The Grand-Place of Brussels, the central square of the city, is only minutes away walking from the hotel, the market square is flanked by the gothic-era City Hall. The Le Meridien hotel brussels offers 224 elegant guest rooms and suites and is a place of luxurious sanctuary and unmatched comfort.
The Centrale Hotel in Brussels is a charming establishment of 47 rooms ideally located in the historic centre of the city. Built in 2001, this boutique hotel Centrale Brussel has a warm decor, a modern equipment and a personalized attention. with the business client in mind, the hotel Centrale provides a fully equipped business center and meeting rooms. The hotel is perfectly located in the historic centre of Brussels, at only 5 minutes walk from the famous Grand Place.
Hotels near the Avenue Louise and the EU Quarter
Hotels near the Avenue Louise
Located in the most prestigious area of Brussels, the Avenue Louise, the hotel Bristol Stephanie offers 142 rooms considered as the most spacious in Brussels all decorated in an elegant and cosy style. The hotel Brisol Stephanie is part of Thon hotels hotelchain. There are 10 fully-equipped conference rooms for a maximum capacity of 350 people in Hotel Bristol Stephanie. Stefany’s bar, and Le Chalet d’Odin restaurant which serves a refined and innovative French cuisine will add to your stay in Brussels. You will also find a fitness centre with sauna and jacuzzi in this beautiful 5-sterren hotel in Brussel.
The Brussels Capital Hotel is situated in the beautiful surroundings of the elegant Avenue Louise. The Avenue Louise is home of the most fashionable shops and companies in Brussels and connects the very heart of the old romantic Brussels to the biggest park and the green vein of Brussels: "het Ter Kameren Bos", with its delightful promenades. The Capital Hotel Brussels was built in 1991 with a passion for good service, quality and genuine attention to details and an untiring attentiveness of the staff to the hotelguests needs. The Brussels Capital Hotel is very easily accessible and a very good choice for a nice visit to the city of Brussels.
Hotels in the European Quarter
Silken Berlaymont Brussels is a modern and trendy 4* hotel in the heart of the European Quarter. The hotel Silken Berlaymont is surrounded by several restaurants, bars and pubs. There is easy and direct access to the historical city centre, only 4 metro stops to the “Grand Place” and the famous shopping streets. The hotel Silken Berlaymont is a unique combination of art, culture and comfort. With its modern & impressive architecture, the fabulous design and the integration of the 21st century art, the photography, the hotel is far beyond others.
Hotel MAS Residence Brussels offers a warm and personal atmosphere in Brussels. All Suites and Apartments of our "Maison de Maître" are tastefully equipped with moder furniture to ensure a pleasant stay in Brussels: comfortable bedroom, a completely modern bathroom, a large living room with office space, telephone, high speed internet access and TV, as well as an entirely equipped kitchenette. Hotel MAS Residence is a cosy, comfortable, functional and luxury hotel in Brussels.
Hotels close to the business district
Hotels near the business district
Hotel Husa President Park Brussels is centrally located in the new Business District, between the Brussels Harbour, the multi-cultural site of Tour & Taxis and the Northern Railway Station of Brussels, the hotel President Park offers a completely renovated 4 star-hotel in Brussels. The spacious rooms with heavenly beds upgrade each stay in Brussels to an unforgettable experience! An enormous private garden stands for the oasis of silence within lively Brussels. This hotel is perfect if you are in Brussels for business.
The Sheraton hotel Brussels rises high above the Brussels skyline. The Sheraton Brussels hotel is a four-star hotel in the heart of the city’s business district. The hotel is situated a short stroll from Brussels’ main shopping area as well as the Grand Place. Brussels North station is only a mere five-minute walk away from the Sheraton hotel in Brussels, This hotel is a good choice for business or pleasure in the European capital city.
Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre is perfectly located in the heart of Brussels. the hotel Brussels city centre is situated in close proximity of the new business district, next to the World Trade Centre. The Belgian government area and the EU district are easy accesible aswell. The well-known Main Market of Brussels and the cultural centre of the city are only a 10-minute walk away. Due to very low pricing the Thon Hotels Brussels city centre is a terrific choice for visiting Brussels.
Visit bruges, leuven, antwerp
From Brussels to where ... ?
Brussels is centrally located in the country so visits from Brussels to other parts of Belgium are quite easy and fastly achieved.
Leuven
Leuven has been a catholic university since the middle ages and still honours that name. The catholic university of Leuven is the largest university campus of Belgium. The entire town is one big students paradise. Places of interest in this city are the famous city hall which is believed to be more beautiful than Brussels and of course the Oude Markt, the beating heart of Leuven's students' life. There are not so many hotels in Leuven ( Theater hotel, De Klimop, Hotel Industrie, Hotel Binnenhof) so it is a good idea to remain in Brussels during your stay and visit Leuven by train ( 25 min from Brussels.)
Antwerp
Antwerp is another city known all over the world. Is is the word centre for diamond and is a very important harbour in Europe. More than 70% of all diamands come from Antwerp. This city also finds its roots in the late middle ages when in took over the leading rol of Bruges in the late 15th century before Amsterdam became the leading power. The main market square and the many churches and historic sites remind of this flourishing periode of the city's life. You could travel from Brussels and stay one night in a hotel in Antwerp to visit the city. Antwerp has quite some hotels in Antwerpen to offer and they are much cheaper than the hotels in Brussel.
Bruges
Of course there is the most famous city of them all: Bruges or in flemish "Brugge". This city is a must while you are visiting Belgium. It is like this ciy has never changed since the year 1400. As it is over one hour in train to reach Bruges it is quite a good idea to spend the night in Bruges. There are over 80 hotels in Bruges, so the choice of a good hotel is not so difficult. Many hotels in Bruges are small family owned hotels with enormous charm. There are a few expensive boutique and design hotels in Bruges which offer extreme luxury in a medieval package. For example: The pand hotel in Bruges, Relais Bourgondisch Cruyse were you actually stay in a 16th century building. Hotel Die Swaene, a very romantic hotel in Bruges.
|