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Brussels Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Brussels
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Brussels Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Brussels - Ghent is an old medieval city that has long been
overshadowed by Bruges, but holds many attractions for the visitor
and has the advantage of having far fewer tourists. It was once the
heart of the cloth trade and the largest medieval city in Europe
after Paris. Today the old centre has many historic buildings
including St Bavo's Cathedral, the Castle of the Counts, a turreted
castle with a moat, a bell tower for great views, the Town Hall and
the 15th-century Cloth Hall.
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Brussels
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Grand Place (Central Square)
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What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
2. Mannekin-Pis
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What is it? 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.
Hours of Operation:
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Brussels
holidays - Top Events
1. Europalia Festival
From 2007-10-03
To 2008-02-03
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What is it? 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.
Where is it? Various around Brussels |
2. Brussels Flower Show
From 2007-10-01
To 2007-10-10
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What is it? 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.
Where is it? Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Koekelberg |
3. Art Brussels
From 2007-04-20
To 2007-04-23
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What is it? 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.
Where is it? Brussels Expo |
4. Brussels Flower Carpet
From 2008-08-01
To 2008-08-31
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What is it? 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 will be 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.
Where is it? Grand Place |
5. Brussels Beach
From 2007-07-01
To 2007-08-31
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What is it? 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.
Where is it? Bassin Béco, Port de Bruxelles |
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