Europe Outlook - Brussels Business Travel Guide

BusinessTravel Guide

Brussels www.emeoutlookmag.com

Europe’s hub on a backdrop of pubs

B R U S S E L S

Belgium’s capital may be the de facto capital of the European Union, but complements its continental and political significance with some of Europe’s most refined dining experiences and architectural splendour Writer: Matthew Staff

Brussels russels may not be the largest but is certainly one of the most significant capital cities in Europe, presenting a central hub for visitors bridging business, political and tourist agendas.

As the major centre and ‘de facto’ capital of the European Union, its positioning as such automatically makes Belgium’s biggest city an enigmatic array of multicultural, multilingual and multi-faceted influences, with the extent of international visitors higher than most other continental cities all year round.

As the secretariat of the Benelux and NATO’s HQ as well, you could be forgiven for thinking that Brussels is subsequently separated from the kind

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of cultural surroundings familiar to the businessperson - as opposed to the politician - but as you explore its 19 municipalities, a host of quaint side streets, some of the best food and drink outlets in Europe, and seemingly endless outstanding architecture awaits.

Primarily a French speaking region - although Flemish is becoming more prevalent - it comes as no surprise that the assigned centre of the European Union is prepared for the arrival of most nationalities from the surrounding continent, making it not only an appropriate location to host such high profile political events, but also to grace the most laid back foreign tourist; or indeed, the most curious business traveller.

...as you explore its 19 municipalities, a host of quaint side streets, some of the best food and drink outlets in Europe, and seemingly endless outstanding architecture awaits

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Transport links Facts and figures

Brussels

Compared to some of its neighbouring capital cities including the likes of London and Paris - travelling to Brussels is relatively cheap, but the lure of its intercity connections derives from charm, efficiency and uniqueness rather than simply cost.

Utilising the metro and rail, much like in London, is an experience in itself, and the initial journey to the city is no less relaxing either.

Arguably Brussels’ greatest appeal as a central hub and meeting point for continental travellers is its links to the rest of Europe. Brussels Airport and the Port of Brussels are complemented by three main train stations which, in turn, also then

Country: Belgium Languages: French, Flemish Area: 161 square kilometres Population (2012): 1.2 million Currency: Euro Time zone: UTC+1 Dialling code: +32 Internet TLD: .be Climate: Oceanic Highest recorded temperature: 38.8 °C Website: be.brussels

act as an additional link to the likes of London, Amsterdam, Paris, Cologne and Frankfurt.

As the core of the European Union, prices between such locations are subsequently and dramatically reduced in order to leave plenty left over to indulge in the city’s accommodations and hotspots.

When moving from place to place within the city, its metro system is supported by an easy-to-use hopon-hop-off bus system which is once again generous from a price point of view, while vital when realising that the roads you’re ultimately avoiding are actually among the most congested across both Europe and North America.

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The business end

Unsurprisingly as the centre of administration for the continent, Brussels’ driving industrial sectors are service-oriented, while its demographic of workers is already multinational before short-term visitors are added to the equation.

Combining this with the natural economy generated by being the largest city in its country, and the result is a GDP-per capita nearly twice as much as the rest of Belgium as a whole. Most analysts attribute this financial success to one key aspect though: the number of commuters and business travellers from neighbouring countries and regions. Essentially, the city thrives off visitors, and the visitors are given a city to thrive within.

“Business travel is one of the priorities within Brussels tourism.

There are many conferences, European summits, exhibitions, meetings, fairs...

Approximately 14 million business men and women come to Brussels every year,” explains Brussels.be.

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As such, the city has turned business hospitality into somewhat of a sub-strand of business in recent years, building services around the continuous influx arriving at the city’s airport, stations and harbour.

The reception of business travellers at Brussels Airport has been honed to make arrivals more bespoke to

“Unsurprisingly, as the centre of administration for the continent, Brussels’ driving industrial sectors are service-oriented”

business clientele, and Business Booking Desk acts as the central point for pre-booking hotel rooms for delegations, conferences, meetings or even conventions. Even the most formulaic of Brussels service operator can be transformed into a business domain when the need arises.

The accommodations themselves follow a similar theme to the transport trend, with variation and affordability the keywords to keep in mind. As a compact city with the main city centre and tourist attractions in the same vicinity, accessibility is another added perk too.

Availability shouldn’t be an issue either with more than 32,000 beds thought to be on offer across the full range of star hotels. For the more lavish executive, there are numerous apartments and luxury hotels on offer too, ensuring that everyone’s where they want to be, and everyone’s in a prime position to enjoy the unending gems of Brussels easily over the course of their stay.

An international Jazz Club…

In the very heart of Brussels a few meters away from the legendary Grand’Place

“Jazz is not just music, it’s a way of life, it’s a way of being, a way of thinking...”

Nina Simone Rue des Pierres 50 Steenstraat, 1000 Brussels - BE T : +32 513 13 45 E : booking@themusicvillage.com www.themusicvillage.com

B R U S S E L S

Outlook recommends: “Brussels people love good food, good beers and a relaxing atmosphere (preferably outdoors).” - www.brussels.info RETAIL

RESTAURANTS Cremerie De Linkebeek Saint-Boniface L’Ogenblik

Place du Chatelain Market

BARS AND PUBS Chez Moeder Lambic

Pierre Marcolini Place du Jeu-de-Balle Flea Market

Brasserie de la Renaissance Cafe Belg

TOURS

ENTERTAINMENT Mirano Continental

Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop

Theatre Royal de Toone Maison de la Bellone

CAFES Le Cirio Falstaff Comptoir Florian

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Small-Group Brussels Beer Tasting Tour Brussels Night Walking Tour: Gourmet Belgian Food

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Need a taxi?

Call +32 (0)2 5 123 123

Taxis Autolux: travel first class

FREE APP

Order your taxi easily and quickly, discover our free Autolux app.

Autolux is a taxi service of high quality. We are active in and around Brussels . For transfers between Zaventem and Brussels-Capital Region , we provide an economical formula.

Our strengths? Stylish drivers, prestigious cars and a flawless organization. All at a fair price.

• Correct prices

• Well maintained cars

• Well-trained drivers

• Personal service

• Safe cabs with black box

• Bill on demand

Mail taxi reservation: dispatching@taxisautolux.be Mail administration: secretary@taxisautolux.be

Book a tour now!

Drink like a local We are locals who can show you the nicest bars and the best beers. With our help, you can find Brussels’ hidden treasure and get the most out of your visit. www.localbrusselsbeertours.com

MANOS HOTEL BRUSSELS Discover The Manos Premier, a long standing Brussels establishement with luxurious guestrooms and suites, function rooms, spa, fine dining restaurant and one of the top location in Brussels.

Manos Premier Hotel Chaussée de Charleroi 100-106 1060 Brussels - Belgium Tel: 32 (0)2 5379682 fax: 32 (0)2 5393655 Email: stay@manospremier.com

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Moeder Lambic Fontainas

The brewery serves almost 50 artisanal beers and offers visitors a perfect glimpse into the city’s love of the beverage. Alongside chocolate, it is the unofficial local delicacy, and this brewery is a perfect contemporary introduction prior to the pubs you’re bound to discover later.

Grand Place

“The first place you will normally be taken to see in the city. A small but delicately sculpted 15th century town square erected over centuries to become this modern day representation of Brussels’ history,” Brussels.info enthuses. “Almost all of the buildings have a historical significance and the Hotel de Ville (the Town Hall) is still used today!

“Located in Brussels city centre, just down from Brussels Centrale, this ancient market place is the starting point for tourists.”

Parlamentarium

To take a glimpse at the driving force behind Brussels’ continental power, the Parlamentarium sits as the visitor’s centre of the European Parliament, located in the Parliament’s Espace Leopold complex. Despite only being open for five years, it has immediately become a fascination for visitors and tourists who are able to not only soak in the atmosphere and grandeur of the surroundings, but can also be taken on tours delivered in 24 different languages to learn about the wider complex’s functionality.

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Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula

Continuing along the architectural trail, this cathedral listed as such since the mid 1900s has been popular for centuries and remains one of the city’s mustsee attractions to this day. It’s not uncommon for visitors and travellers to take in the building as part of a day tour which also takes them past Notre Dame du Sablon, the Royal Palace, Place Ste. Catherine and Justice Palace.

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THE MAIN EVENTS Culinaria

“The Culinaria event at Tour & Taxis in Brussels invites the public to taste food prepared by Belgium’s greatest chefs. With thousands of visitors each year, Culinaria is a huge success with gourmets, eager to discover new flavours. Conferences and workshops make up the programme at this event which is intended for all those who enjoy fine food.” visitbrussels.be

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Brussels Summer Festival 2016

“The Brussels Summer Festival is entering new territory by embracing drama, street theatre, and children’s events. Music still remains at the core of this popular festival, however, with stages in a variety of venues across the city, from concert halls to trendy urban neighbourhoods. A festival to celebrate the city! visitbrussels.be

Venue: Tour & Taxis Website: www.culinariasquare.com

Brussels Danst

“As is customary, Flanders Day on 11 July is celebrated in style in Brussels.

This is the third edition of ‘Brussels dances’. A wonderful - and free festival that takes the capital city as its backdrop, where everyone welcomes the arrival of summer at their own pace.” visitbrussels.be Date: 11 July, 2016 Venue: The city centre Website: www.brusseldanst.be

Date: 5-14 August, 2016 Venue: Across Brussels Website: www.bsf.be

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BusinessTravel Guide ENQUIRIES jake.aldridge@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 669

joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 676