Staying at Sofitel near Parc Leopold ?

Can we get some information reguarding staying at the Sofitel near the Parc Leopold. It seems to be a very nice hotel and we can get a great rate but I am afraid that it is to far from the city center (spontantionus wandering) and I have read that it is a somewhat run down neighborhood. We will arrive in Brussels May 3rd (Thrus) depart May 6th (Sun). Thank you for any advise in advance.

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The hotel is quite nice though the area is better located if you have to work in the EU quarter rather than be a tourist.

The good news is that you are close to public transportation and you are not ridiculously far from the main tourist attractions. The neighborhood is undergoing a gentrification and is fine. You are also located at Place Jourdan which has the best French Fries in the world at Maison Antoine.

From your hotel ask the clerk for directions how to walk to the Parc Cinqentenaire. The neighborhoods through there are safe and you will run across an area with many bistros that is not as touristy as the Grand Place area. Also ask for directions to the nearest metro stop and look on the map in the station for metro exits for Toison D%26#39;Or (shopping), the Bourse and De Broucker (near the Grand Place). These exits will put you within walking distance of the major tourist attractions. Buy your ticket for one day and you can use the buses, trams and metro line on that ticket.

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I was thinking of staying there for my trip last Christmas, mainly because of the nice and modern design it boasts. Although, i wouldn%26#39;t say it%26#39;s the cheapest hotel, as we have found similar properties(Sofitel Toison, Sofitel Astoria, Renaissance, Marriott etc) for about the same price. The neighbourhood is ok, especially if you want to be close to the EU institutions.

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I think the reference to %26quot;run-down neighbourhood%26quot; may relate to a block of buildings on rue Belliard/rue Froissart that was demolished about a month ago after having been left to deteriorate for a while. Building work is in progress but you have a clinic and the Commission%26#39;s conference centre between you and the building site so although it may affect which sidewalk you can use on your way to and from the metro station, I don%26#39;t think you should hear it.

The Sofitel is aimed at delegates to EU meetings at the conference centre next door, so hotel prices plummet at weekends. Although it is true that it isn%26#39;t in a prime tourist location, it%26#39;s only 3 blocks downhill from Schuman metro station (line 1) and close to a bus-stop for the no. 80 bus to Porte de Namur. This also stops at Trône, which is not only (like Porte de Namur) on metro line 2 but also a good place to change onto dozens of different bus lines.

On Sunday morning you have a small produce etc. market in the Place Jourdan. The nearby Parc Léopold isn%26#39;t especially interesting (though you can take a path from there that goes via the European Parliament buildings to the Place du Luxembourg) but your spontaneous wandering should take you down rue Archimède - where the airport bus stops by the Berlaymont - at the end of which you will find Square Ambiorix, with some art nouveau houses. There are also plenty of restaurants in the area.

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It%26#39;s not far from the city centre. Just walk 5 minutes to Schuman metro station and you will be in the city centre in no time.

As regards the neighbourhood, it is basically in the heart of the EU district, so it is far from rundown. Although I wouldn%26#39;t wander south of Place Jourdan, where the hotel is situated. It%26#39;s not exactly rundown there, but it wouldn%26#39;t be as safe as the EU area.

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Thank you all for taking the time to post with your help. I appreciate it. We are looking forward to our trip.

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Removed on: 1:24 am, August 30, 2009

eurostar from Brussels to London

Anybody know there is a passport check during the journey from Brussels to London by eurostar? I have the visa for UK enter and get the exception for the Belgium immigration office. But when pass France, I would like to know I shoul apply for transit visa for France.

Thanks you in advance for your advice.

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Hi,

There is indeed a passport check before you board the train in Belgium.

I hope this helps.

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Thanks so much for your useful information. Do you have any idea whether the visa for France is necessary if my destination is London, not to drop in France.

:)

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Sorry for being curious but which countries passport are you carrying and which sort of visa do you have?

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The only passport check is in Brussels. They don%26#39;t check again in France unless you leave the train there and re-board a different train. Your visa for the UK entry should be fine if your ticket has the destination listed as the UK.

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Many thanks for ur advice, Lofa. I do appreciate that!!!

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Sorry, but while Iofa%26#39;s information is correct as far as it goes, it fails to mention the situation on the way back and I think you DO have a problem. On departure from Brussels you go through first Belgian exit passport controls then UK entry passport controls (with security checks in between the two now). On the way back at Waterloo International, you go through first UK exit controls then FRENCH entry controls, i.e. French passport officials carry out controls in that direction for the entire Schengen area, which includes Belgium.

To enter Belgium in the first place, you should have had either a specific Belgian visa or, if coming here as a tourist, a Schengen visa, which would be valid for France as well. If you had a Schengen visa which has expired, you can only enter other Schengen countries if you have a Belgian residence card (carte de séjour). Unless %26quot;exception for the Belgium (sic) immigration office%26quot; means that your Schengen visa has been extended, my guess is that you are awaiting regularisation of your residence situation and in that case, YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO TRAVEL (I have a non-EU friend in exactly this situation) unless you obtain a specific authorisation from the commune.

In any case, I would strongly advise you to check your situation with the French Embassy in Belgium; even if the Belgian officials allow you to leave Belgium without commenting on your expired entry visa (if this is your situation) this does not mean that they, or the French officials who will be checking your passport in London, will allow you back into Schengen, if you have neither a valid entry visa nor a Belgian residence card. In any case, you really CANNOT rely on information given by TA members when it comes to serious issues like visas! Only the proper authorities can give you accurate and up-to-date information on this subject.

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gaminari, I will contact the French authorities asap since it sounds very serious refereing to your suggestion . Thanks many...

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Removed on: 3:15 pm, August 29, 2009

Stag Weekend in Ghent

There is a group of 10 visiting Ghent for a stag weekend.

Can you recommend places to go, things to see and the best bars in town.

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Big groups are best in the %26quot;Dulle Griet%26quot; bar at the Vrijdagmarkt in the city center. You can taste almoust every kind of Belgian and foreign beer. Try the Kwak beer ( but wear clean socks). I am serious about that last one. I warned you !

http://www.dullegriet.be/index.htm

For an alternative : De %26quot;Vooruit%26quot; in the Sint Pietersnieuwstraat ( university area ). But in the evening it can be very crowded.

http://www.dullegriet.be/index.htm

For restaurants : follow your nose. But do not eat at the restaurants in the Jan Breydelstraat (which links the Castle with the old harbour). A nice street with nice looking restaurants but low quality food). Try the old Patershol area at night ( next to the castle ) or the neighbouring Oudburg for cheap but nice Turkish food. The old harbour restaurants are also advisable .

If you do not have a map of Ghent and are looking for nice places : one trick : follow the water.

Young people appreciate the university area for going out. A chaotic part of town but there is always something to do during weekdays.

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Have a look at www.hotelghent.be... it can help. (site still unter construction) Have a nice stay !

Kind regards,

Luc

www.horenbecca.com

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Hi there

Just like to recommend two more bars

Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant (Groentenmarkt 9)

is a fantastic bar, in a fantastic location (overlooking the canal) with a fantastic beer menu but it does get really busy so go early or be prepared to stand

Café den Turk at Botermarkt 3 is also a great bar - a smaller beer selection than other places (but still pretty good), great atmosphere and a good mix of people, ages etc..

As for things to do the Gravensteen is well worth a visit - clambouring around the battlements is great, if you are a Monty Python fan you may find yourself shouting lines from the French Taunter !- and I%26#39;d really recommend Huis van Alijn - a kind of social/cultural history or “Museum of Things that Never Pass” . Very evocative and very interesting.

Have a great time in Gent!

Louise

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Removed on: 10:20 pm, August 29, 2009

Goodwill ambassador traveling to Belgium

We have a daughter that will be traveling to Belgium in the upcoming months for a one year stay somewhere in Belgium. We are from the US and she is excited about learning another culture and meeting new people. Not being a world traveler myself I%26#39;m quite nervous as a mother. Are there any particular areas within Belgium that are a must to experience and others to avoid? Very excited to have children that want to know the world without preconceived ideas about one country or another, one person or another but concerned about safety anywhere she goes...as well here in the US (the only difference is I can hop in a car and go get her here). Any comments from those in Belgium?

Thank you...Cusky

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Offcourse i can unterstand that you are nervous. It will not go away with a few words. But i can tell you, that Belgium is verry safe. I%26#39;ve traveled allready to so many country%26#39;s like China - venezuela- peru - laos - vietnam - indonesia- romenia....and a lot more. One advice... try to get to know somebody in Belgium via www.myspace.com. It can be verry interesting to learn about a country with local people.

The city Ghent is a place you HAVE to see as a young person. There are a lot of students and during summertime there are streetfestivals. hotel ghent you can find it on www.hotelghent.be. This site gives you more info, links,maps and different ways of transport.

Try to go south of ghent... there you find %26quot;The Flemish Ardennes%26quot;.

It%26#39;s a rural area where you can spend the day for bycicling. That%26#39;s the place where i live. I have a hotel in the village Horebeke south of Ghent.

Look for more info at www.horenbecca.com

Kind regards,

Luc

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Luc, thanks so much for the insight to Ghent. It sounds lovely.

Good advise about my space as well. Thank you.

She is excited to travel the world and I hope it%26#39;s everything she dreams and more.

Belgium sounds like a great place to start.

Thanks

Cusky

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Removed on: 10:17 pm, August 29, 2009

Brussels Airport Taxi Question

Hello,

I will be arriving at Zaventem with my family (4 total) and a fair amount of luggage. In some locales it is difficult to find a taxi that can accommodate more than 3 passengers, 3-4 larger bags, and a number of smaller items.

I was thinking of hiring a private car but before I do, I was wondering if anyone was aware of whether the types taxis at the airport include either mini-vans or station wagons?

Thank you for your help.

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Once in 20 years I was sent a %26quot;people carrier%26quot; to take me to the airport, and once I got one by chance at the airport, but usually every single taxi in the line outside the arrivals terminal is a normal sedan: you should be OK for passengers with 3 in the back, but possibly not for bags. I would therefore suggest you reserve one with a taxi company, which will pick you up at the airport: http://www.taxisverts.be/en/en_aeroport.html

Incidentally a normal price for a taxi to the city centre would be €30-35, so another option might be to simply take 2 taxis, if a big enough vehicle can%26#39;t be found in the line!

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Thank you gaminari. I appreciate the assistance.

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Removed on: 6:15 pm, August 29, 2009

walking from train station to Hotel Ter Brughe

can someone please give us walking directions from the train station to the Hotel Ter Brughe.

I wonder if we can walk with a rolling small suitcase? or how much is the city bus?

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Sorry, I do not know the location of your hotel but I will say that we walked from the train station to our hotel in Brugge last summer(with our rolling suitcase and another bag)and it was not easy with the cobblestone streets and narrow sidewalks. Do get me wrong- its a great city!!!- but not easy to wheel a heavy suitcase for a great length!

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www.hotelterbrughe.com/EN/Howtofindus.htm and scroll down to %26quot;from the railway station%26quot;.....

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Removed on: 1:25 am, August 30, 2009

visiting Begium

Hi!

I%26#39;m a student from Greece and i%26#39;going to visit Belgium in July. Is it a good idea? My holidays will last 2 weeks. what do you reccomment me to visit? I heard there are three communities in Belgium, three language communities, the Flemishh, the French and the German Speaking Community. which of them is the best destination? where do you recommend me to go??are there any differences (not only the languare) in these Communities? ???

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You asked an identical question on Virtual Tourist nearly 2 weeks ago, and both respondents effectively recommended you consider the country as a whole and not by %26quot;language community%26quot;, and pointed to ways in which you could research what there is to see and do in Belgium.

As you are in the Brugge forum, if you look in the list on the left you will see %26quot;Brugge attractions%26quot;, listing what there is to see in Brugge, from which - together with previous questions/comments in this specific forum - you can work out for yourself whether it is worth visiting FOR YOU. The same applies if you go to the forum for Belgium (click on %26quot;Belgium forums%26quot; just above the question box), where you will find %26quot;Belgium Overview%26quot; and %26quot;Belgium attractions%26quot;. The most recommended destinations for Belgium both on VT and TA tend to be, in this order, 1) Brugge, in Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region; and 2) Brussels which, as I explained on VT, is officially bilingual French/Dutch so it does not make much sense to consider it in terms of visiting one or the other language community.

As for differences between the Regions (which as I also explained don%26#39;t entirely correspond to %26quot;language communities%26quot;) yes of course these exist, if only because of their geographical location: Wallonia is inland so if you want to go to the seaside you would have to go to Flanders! Whereas the Ardennes is in the South-East of the country so if you want to see some hilly countryside and the valley of the Meuse you would have to go to Wallonia. In addition, Wallonia is saddled with declining industries e.g. around Charleroi, whereas Flanders is booming economically - apart from anything else, it has all the country%26#39;s ports and the main airport! But I am not sure how these factors would influence your decision as to where to go.

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Removed on: 2:20 am, August 30, 2009

Sofitel Europe or Radisson SAS EU???

Hello

We are hoping to go to Brussels at the beginning of May and we can%26#39;t make up our minds about which hotel to stay in. We narrowed it down to either the Sofitel Europe or the Radisson SAS EU. For both, we can get good deals although the Radisson is much cheaper if we don%26#39;t take breakfast. Both hotels have reasonably good reviews on TA which makes it difficult to decide. The Sofitel is newer but both look nice. I realise that both hotels are in simiar locations but from the reviews on TA I understand that the Sofitel is located better. Am I right? Is there much difference between the two in terms of location and standards?

We should be arriving at Brussels airport at about 22:30 so I am a bit worried that it is going to be difficult to get to the Radisson so late since I am not sure the Bus no. 12 (or 11) operates so late.

Many thanks for any advice given!

Roni

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As you would normally also get to the Sofitel Europe on the airport bus (at weekends no. 11 terminates at Schuman, while on weekdays no. 12 stops at Schuman and terminates in Pl. du Luxembourg), this is a factor for both hotels, not just the Radisson EU. As it happens the last no. 11 is at 23.10, the last no. 12 at 23.15, see: …irisnet.be/TimeTables/…9600F.htm

If you are later than this and want to take the airport train rather than a taxi, the last trains on a weekday are at 23:52 (arr. Gare centrale at 00:08) and 00:26 (arr. 00:44); in the first case you could still reach the Radisson on the no. 60 bus, which continues until around 00.30, in the second you could still reach the Sofitel by metro which continues in that direction until almost 1 a.m.

In terms of reaching them by public transport, the Radisson is better located if you will be arriving/leaving on a weekday, because the airport bus stops very close to it; and even on a weekend, when you would have to take the train to Gare centrale and change to the no. 60 bus direction Vivier d%26#39;Oie, the %26quot;Luxembourg%26quot; stop is very close to the Radisson so still the best choice to avoid a bit of a walk. However, if you don%26#39;t mind the 10 minute walk, the Sofitel is better located, in terms of taking a single means of transport from the airport, if you are coming on a weekend, when the bus terminates at Schuman.

I can%26#39;t comment on standards as I live here and so have never entered either hotel. As for location, it depends on what you want to do and where you want to go: both hotels are near office areas that are deserted at weekends although this isn%26#39;t true of either Place Jourdan (Sofitel) or Place du Luxembourg (Radisson) themselves. Both are not on, but near, metro lines: the Sofitel near Schuman on line 1, the Radisson near Trône on line 2 and not too far from Maelbeek on line 1. Place Jourdan (Sofitel) s also served by the no. 80 bus to Porte de Namur in one direction and Mérode (Cinquantenaire museums..) and Montgomery in the other; while the Place du Luxembourg (Radisson) has numerous buses, e.g. 60 to Gare centrale, 95/96 to Bourse (for Grand%26#39; Place) and 27 to Place Royale (museums), Sablon and Gare du Midi in one direction and Mérode (museums) and Montgomery in the other - as well as the railway station, should you happen to be going to, say, Walibi (formerly Six Flags), Luxembourg or Strasbourg.

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Thanks very much for the detailed reply! We will actually be arriving on a Friday night so I guess this is still considered to be a weekday?

We are still debating but I suspect we will go for the Radisson since it is not so complicated to get to and is cheaper.

Thanks!

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The no. 12 bus timetable for which I gave you the URL is headed %26quot;du lundi au vendredi%26quot; which means %26quot;from Monday to Friday%26quot;.

For the full STIB network map see http://www.stib.irisnet.be/FR/34000F.htm and click on the middle square which contains %26quot;Luxembourg%26quot; (incidentally the B in an oval is the sign for Belgian Railways, i.e. railway station).

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Removed on: 1:19 pm, August 22, 2009

A few Brussels-related questions

Any information on the following would be greatly appreciated:

1. Is is better to take a taxi or the train from the airport to the Novotel hotel?

2. Where can you get the train schedules from the Gare Central to (a) Leuven and (b) Bruges? We need to know cost and times (after a few Safirs, we don%26#39;t want to miss a train).

Thanks!

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1. It depends on how much luggage you have and which Novotel you are staying at. Novotel Brussels Off Grand Place in rue du Marché aux Herbes is only 5 minutes walk down the hill from Gare centrale. Novotel Brussels Centre in rue de la Vierge Noire would require a change to the metro from Gare centrale or tram from Gare du Nord/Gare du Midi. I would suggest you google for a website showing location of your hotel.

2. http://www.b-rail.be/main/E/ indicating (from) Bruxelles-central and (to) Leuven or Brugge - the system will ask you to confirm the latter because there is another station in Brugge but this is the one you want.

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Thanks for your quick response!

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Removed on: 12:24 am, August 28, 2009

Hotels with transfers to the Airport (Zaventem)

Hi everybody! I%26#39;ll spend one day in Brussels but have to take a plane to Amsterdam very early in the morning (departure: 06:00 AM) and need a hotel close to the Airport with easy access to it (by taxi or free shuttle). Suggestions??

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Some hotels that come on my mind:

Sofitel Brussels Airport

Mercure Brussels Airport

Sheraton brussels Airport

Best Western Premier Sodehotel la Woluve.

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There is only one hotel right at the airport, for which you will not need any form of transport because it is right across the road from the departure terminal, which is the Brussels Airport Sheraton.

If your departure is at 6 a.m. and you need to be at the airport by 4.30, I very much doubt that shuttles would be operating at that time from any of the %26quot;airport%26quot; hotels in Diegem and Zaventem. Other hotels on that side of the city and from which you could therefore travel to the airport in about 10 minutes by taxi, include the Courtyard Marriott and the Gresham-Belson. But at that time of the morning it wouldn%26#39;t take more than about 20 minutes to the airport even from city centre hotels anyway (cost €30-35).

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Thanks everybody!!!!

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Removed on: 4:28 am, August 30, 2009

Brussels weekend May 11-13 2007

I%26#39;m visiting Brussels weekend of May 11-13 2007 - can anyone help with the following:

- sat 12 may is eurovision night. are there any big parties planned in brussels?

- sat 12 may is also the anderlecht v brussels football derby. I can%26#39;t get tickets via the official site but is there any chance of getting tickets on the day?

Any tips much appreciated

Thanks

Steve

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1) Not really - Eurovision has nothing to do with Brussels, the organisation is based in Geneva although it has an office here. However, they will probably be showing it in Irish pubs like The Old Oak in rue Franklin near Schuman.

2) You might like to ask this question again on www.xpats.com/cgi-bin/interactive/qa.cgi where you will find more Brussels residents who would know this sort of thing.

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Removed on: 4:16 am, August 29, 2009

advice for one day in Brussels in June

We were looking for a daytrip from London and when we found out we could get to Brussels for less than we could get to York, it was an easy decision. So now we have one day in Brussels, about which we know nothing. The London forum has been extremely helpful in making our London plans. Whatever tips, must-misses or suggestions you may have about how best to use our 10 hours would be gratefully received.

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Here are my top picks.

Very near one another:

Grand Place

Halles St Gery

Rue Neuve for shopping

St Hubert for a cafe or shopping if it is raining

Very near one another:

Place du Grand Sablon

Les Marolles Market

Palais Justice

And of course waffles and chocolate!

You could probably walk to all of these in one day but a slower pace would be more enjoyable. Very easy to navigate and easy to use train from airport.

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Thanks PlainJane. I was a little surprised at so few responses but it did make yours especially helpful. It%26#39;s printed off and stuck in the tickets folder.

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Removed on: 1:24 am, August 30, 2009

Train Travel In Belgium - Rail Pass questions.

We will be staying in Brugge for 14 days in October . For 8-10 days of this period we want to do the following - several trips to Brussels and Antwerp + Ghent + other areas yet to be decided.

Now the Euro Domino Pass (which looked extremely good value for Belgium) has been replaced by the new streamlined version of the Interrail Pass (at 229 euros each looks extremely poor value as we only want to travel around Belgium), can anybody advise on how to get the best value out of the Belgian Rail system for the above itinerary?

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I thought Eurail offered a Benelux pass, but the main Belgian one is (assuming you are over 26) Railpass, cost €69 for 10 single journeys anywhere in Belgium - i.e. each single journey would cost €6.90 irrespective of destination - valid for one year, see www.b-rail.be/nat/E/tarifs/passes/rail/

The best solution would probably be to buy a Railpass each but not use it for weekend trips to Brussels and Antwerp and for ANY trips to Ghent, where you would be better off paying the normal/weekend fare as this is less than the €13.80 return it would cost using your Railpass:

Brugge to Brussels €24 return, weekend return €12.80

Brugge to Antwerp €25.20 return, weekend return €13.40

Brugge to Ghent €11 return, weekend return €6.20

This is assuming that %26quot;several%26quot; trips to the same destination will not mean as many as 5, in which case there is also a Railflex card available for 5 journeys on the same route, cost varies according to the destination of course.

There is also a %26quot;Net Railcard%26quot; which costs €75 for one week on the entire Belgian network, if you can limit your travel to 7 out of the 14 days rather than spreading it out over 10 (or, do the more expensive trips during that week and then, depending on how many journeys you would be doing over the other 3 days, buy a railpass or just normal tickets).

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Many thanks, Gaminari for all the information. This looks a much better option and I note your comments about weekend travel.

I shall return later for ideas to fill in the missing days but in the meantime any suggestions on cities/towns to visit in addition to the above.

We love Art Galleries (especially Modern Art), Museums, Churches and shopping!

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You have already covered the main cities for art and churches (Antwerp%26#39;s OLV cathedral is the biggest church in the Benelux) but you could visit Ostende for its Museum of Modern Art: take a bus to Zeebrugge and then the coastal tram. Tournai and Mechelen have interesting cathedrals. Liège has another good Museum of Modern Art, see http://www.mamac.be/spip.php?article1. Not far from Antwerp is Lier, it%26#39;s a sweet little town with a pretty béguinage.

Dinant and Namur have interesting citadels looking down over the Meuse, I prefer the one in Dinant but Namur is better for shopping.

I would suggest you click on %26quot;Belgium forums%26quot; above the question box on this page and then look in the list on the left for Belgium Overview and Belgium Attractions: you can then go to the pages for individual cities and look up what there is to see there.

If you have time, you might also consider Maastricht in the Netherlands (via Brussels, line goes through Liège), it has good shopping and lots of churches. There are special Benelux weekend return fares but the only one I know is €42 from Brussels to Amsterdam.

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Thanks for the info! I%26#39;ll take a closer a look at those places,

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Removed on: 7:21 am, August 30, 2009

Vegetarian restaurants / cafes

I%26#39;ll have a city break there in May. Any good place to go for a vegetarian?

When I went to Berlin last year, 2 out of 4 vegetarian restaurants recommended in a guide book had been closed down. I%26#39;m a bit cautious this time:-)

Thanks!

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Well, none of the vegetarian restaurants that come up when you put the word vegetarian into the search box within the Brussels forum has closed down. I was at Tsampa today and L%26#39;Elément Terre last week.

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Removed on: 5:23 am, August 30, 2009

Brussels hotel--is the Pacific Sleeping Hotel still open?

does anyone know if the Pacific Sleeping Hotel on Rue Antoine Dansaert is still open? I read that it may have closed in 2004.

thanks

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I would guess that this new one has replaced it (and I know this one is open!):

tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g188644-d645973…

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thank you!

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Removed on: 5:24 am, August 30, 2009

Taxi from Brussels Airport to Louvain-La-Neuve

how much does it cost a taxi from Brussels Airport to Louvain-La-Neuve and how long does the trip take?

thanks

Nina

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Up to €60 and just over 30 minutes. You could phone Artgens, taxi and limousine service, on: +32 10 452222 or +32 496 262222 for a quote.

Or, you can take the train from below the airport, changing at Bruxelles-Nord (train stops at Ottignies, from which you could also take a taxi to Louvain-la-Neuve for about €12), there are at least 2 trains an hour and they take about 30 minutes from Bruxelles-Nord

See also (after reconstituting URL): wallonie-en-ligne.net/2005_EuMPI/Information…

htm#2.1.1.%20You%20arrive%20in%20Brussels%20by%20plane%20(Zaventem%20airport)

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Removed on: 8:19 am, August 24, 2009

Day trips from Brugge?

My husband and I are planning to spend a relaxing vacation in Bruges (for about a week), but I anticipate that we will want to take some day trips out of the town. Apart from Brussels (we will go there for a day or two), are there other quaint towns that we could see? We don%26#39;t want to go to Amsterdam on this trip, but places that are an hour or two away by rail would be great.

Should Ghent be on our list? Is the coast pretty? any small towns in France nearby worth a trip? Thanks in advance for any advice you have.

PS I have been to Bruges %26amp; Brussels (awhile back), but my husband has never been--he loves the quaint, medieval, small towns though.

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Take the short train ride train to Ostend...stroll the seaside promenade and ride the tram around the coast.

De Haan is a very cute little town...

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The coastal tram only costs a few euros for a day pass, greeat value for money.

Ghent is worth a visit, a very interesting city.

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Look at www.hotelghent.be for info about Ghent and the Flemish Ardennes with the historic city Oudenaarde and the lovely small villages on the countryside ....it%26#39;s in the south of Ghent.

Look also at these links for more info and transport.

http://www.gentsefeesten.be/english/index.htm

http://www.visitgent.be/

http://www.hotelghent.be/en/transport.hb

Kind regards and have a pleasant stay in Belgium !

Luc

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Thanks for your replies.

As I am looking through this Bruges forum, I see some recent posts discussing the incredible crowds in Bruges. I know that it is gorgeous there, but it has been over 10 years since I last visited and these posts are making me wonder if I ought to have another Belgian town as a home base (and just visit Bruge). I am still in the planning phase of this trip, so any opinions/suggestions would be appreciated.

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I can advice you Horebeke as a homebase from where you can visit brugge- ghent - brussels.It%26#39;s only 30 min. driving from Ghent.

It%26#39;s only an idea...look at www.horenbecca.com.

I%26#39;m the owner ;-)

Kind regards,

Luc

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I enjoyed a day trip to Diksmuide a couple of summers ago, a nice town and I seem to recall it was only maybe 30-40 minutes from Brugge by train.

http://www.trabel.com/diksmuide/diksmuide.htm

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Removed on: 8:19 am, August 30, 2009

How many in Bruges? Brussels?

My buddy and I are coming to Belgium in late August and are wondering how many days to spend in each city.

We are thinking of staying in brussels on the 24th and 25th, then bruges the 25th and 26th.

Then on the 27th train it to Amsterdam from Bruges. What would be the best way to do that?

And is that long enough for 2 young men to get through each of those cities?

Thanks

-D

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I%26#39;ve visited Brugge twice. I think it%26#39;s a nice town for a visit, but really you can see most of the main attractions in a day trip from Brussels, it%26#39;s only an hour on the train.

Having said that, someone on another thread pointed out what a nice time they had in the evening after the tourists had all fled back to Brussels or elsewhere, and I didn%26#39;t have that experience so maybe it%26#39;s worth an overnight...

I%26#39;m also not a train expert, so someone can correct me, but I think the train from Brugge to Amsterdam would go back through Brussels anyway? In which case it would make sense just to pick it up there instead of the extra time and expense of getting to Amsterdam from Brugge.

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The connection from Brugge to Amsterdam is Gent, not Brussels. Gent s a wonderful town to visit, btw.

It is all a matter of personal taste, of course, but given limited time, I would much rather spend the time in Brugge (or Gent or Antwerp) than in Brussels. Brussles clomes close to shutting down on teh weekends when you will be there. Of course, if you don%26#39;t like crowds, that makdes it better than Brugge (which is a very popular weekend holiday spot). Pay your money, take your choice. :)

Paul

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%26quot;Brussles clomes close to shutting down on teh weekends when you will be there. Of course, if you don%26#39;t like crowds, that makdes it better than Brugge (which is a very popular weekend holiday spot).%26quot;

I%26#39;ve spent 3 weekends in Brussels in the past 2 years and didn%26#39;t have that experience. What did you find %26quot;shut down%26quot; about it?

I found plenty of dining, entertainment, shopping and cultural options Friday-Sunday.

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I, too, don%26#39;t understand what Ab0si means by %26quot;Brussles (=Brussels, note spelling!) comes close to shutting down on the weekends when you will be there%26quot;. We often go on a Sunday and I always find it pretty lively, except when the weather is really bad.

There is something to say for spending the night in Brugge. It is indeed different after the daytrippers have gone. You will get to know the quiet and peaceful Brugge. If you want to go out at night (I mean, discotheques or clubs), you will have more choice in either Gent, Brussel or Antwerpen.

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Removed on: 10:15 am, August 30, 2009

Tranfer Time in Brussels

Hi,

My parents are transiting through Brussels Airport to Frankfurt from Washington DC.

They arrive at 7:30A on United and their flight to Frankfurt is at 08.50 a.m. Thier luggage will be booked directly.

My Question is how far will they have to walk. They are aged and since this is a mileage ticket there is no flexibility. to change. The airport website shows one building only so do they just have to go upstiars to departure.

Any help in knowing what to expect is appreciated.

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While there is only one building, there are 2 long piers, and your parents will definitely have to change from one to the other. Flights TO the U.S leave from the very end of pier B (non-Schengen), so that they can be the subject of additional security checks, so if they arrive there also, they could well have to walk the entire length of that pier to the main building and then of course as far as required in Pier A (Schengen) to whatever gate it is for the flight to Frankfurt. Unless their flight is delayed, they should have time, though, and there are travelators for much of the way.

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Gaminari,

Thank you. I will prepare them for the walk.

Shooshman

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Removed on: 12:18 pm, August 30, 2009

Gare du Midi - Heysel?

Hi,

I arrive at Gare du Midi and have to rush to Art Brussels (at Place de Belgique at the big Brussels Expo centre) to start working immidiately! I%26#39;d like to be taking the Metro but am worried that this will be a very long journey- does anyone know, approximately, how long this journey would take a) by taxi b) by Metro? Thank you!

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a) It depends on what time you arrive and whether this is during the rush hour or not; it should be possible to do it in 20 minutes but taxi could easily get delayed somewhere.

b) I%26#39;d allow about 45 minutes, taking the underground tram (e.g. no. 3) to De Brouckère, then changing (2-minute walk by travelator) to the metro and from there it%26#39;s about 12 stops, see www.stib.irisnet.be/FR/40000Fre/M/40000F.htm (direction Roi-Baoudouin).

Since it doesn%26#39;t involve changing and takes about the same amount of time, I would prefer, myself, to do it by 81 tram which leaves from %26quot;rue couverte%26quot;, just outside the station, not from the metro level - but you would have to go down to the metro level anyway to buy tickets if you want a multi-trip ticket, as I don%26#39;t think there are any machines by the tram stop. You can buy a ticket in the tram but it will cost you €2 instead of €1.50 from a machine/metro ticket office.

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Thank you! I have found all of your posts in the forum extremely helpful and detailed (I have been looking up restaurants etc)

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Removed on: 4:16 pm, August 29, 2009

Belgium: Brussels, Brugge and...????

My husband and I are coming to Belgium the first week of September. We are going to start in Brussels, then head to Brugge. Should we also try to check out Antwerp or Ghent on our way back to Brussels before we fly out? We should be there about 5 days at most.

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Antwerpen is a nice place to visit and you can easily spend a day or two there (depending on whether you can talk your husband into buying diamonds). Ghent is also nice but more of a half day.

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Mechelen is a nice small town. The tower cathedral there is amazing (if you are mobile). About 600 steps up and 600 down, but breathtaking views of the city. Plus, there are many small gardens and places to view.

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Removed on: 9:17 pm, August 29, 2009

Where to go in Belgium!!!

My buddy and I ( ages 20 ) will be traveling to Prague for studying in the Fall. We want to fly into Belgium first. We will arrive in Belgium on the 23rd of August. And we are training it to Amsterdam on the 27th of August.

What do you recommend doing from the 23rd thru the 26th?

We are thinking brussels, brugge, and ghent....

Please set up an itinerary??

-D

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Two days in Brugge may not be enough. We could have done three. Plan on one day by bike. It is an amazing city.

Brussels is a two or three day visit as well. There%26#39;s lots to see including the main classic and modern art galleries which are veryr much worth a visit.

Antwerp is a good one day trip as well.

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Removed on: 8:19 am, August 30, 2009

Conrad Hotel or Royal Windsor Hotel

I am trying to decide between the Conrad Hotel and the Royal Windsor Hotel in Brussels. Does anyone know which of these hotels is better? The Royal Windsor is relatively cheap compared to the Conrad which makes me kind of suspicious. The price isn%26#39;t an object, I just want the better of the two hotels.

Anyone have any thoughts?

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Location wise, if you have 1-2days in brussels i would say that Royal Windsor is better, as it%26#39;s close to Grand Place. Conrad%26#39;s area is very nice although, upscale with many shopping options nearby. As for the quality of accomodation, Conrad is considered to be one of the best hotels in the city, while Royal Windsor is just a very good one. Conrad was recently renovated and its rooms are more spacious than Royal Windsor%26#39;s. At both hotels, don%26#39;t expect much local charm or caracter; they are chain hotels. A nice option close to Conrad is Manos Premier, in which we have stayed and trully enjoyed it.(you can see our review here) www.manoshotel.com

And in a more central location, i would suggest considering Conrad%26#39;s main competitor, Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo.

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hi.

when we were in brussels we passed by windsor hotel-great location but it is in a narrow street and everything looked compact.

one evening we went to conrad for some drinks and it looked fabulous.no comparison between these two. in my opinion conrad looked much better.

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I have stayed at the Conrad and it was very nice. But it doesn%26#39;t exactly have any Belgian character at all, it could be a hotel anywhere really. But comfortable rooms, a very nice breakfast, ncie staff...

Sorry, have no knowledge of Royal Windsor.

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Removed on: 7:29 am, August 28, 2009

Belgium, best places to cram into 5 days...

My husband and I are heading to Belgium for 5 days or so in September. Is is better to check out Flanders vs. Wallonia? If you had to choose two cities to spend the most time in what would you choose? We like food, beer, architecture, gardens, history, etc.

I know we will start in Brussels...but not sure if one night in Brugge is enough, or if a day trip through Ghent and Antwerp is worth it?

Thanks!

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History and architecture: you will find those in all the Belgian cities, be it in Flanders or Wallonia. The same for food and beer!

Gardens: first of all, we%26#39;re not in England and we don%26#39;t have so many abundant gardens than in England. There are some very nice ones, though. I%26#39;ll name a few:

Nationale Plantentuin van België in Meise

Jardins d%26#39;Annevoie in Annevoie

Rivierenhof in Deurne/Antwerpen

Parc des Topiaires in Durbuy (which is a very pretty little city - the smallest city in Europe I believe) in Wallonia

The park of the Castle in Edingen

Japanese Garden in Hasselt

Arboretum in Kalmthout (which is where I live)

Arboretum in Tervuren

Check the various locations on www.viamichelin.com - you will see that the gardens are scattered all over Belgium.

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Removed on: 12:17 pm, August 30, 2009

ART and alternative areas in Brussels

In London there are many great areas with %26#39;trendy%26#39; restaurants and dozens of art galleries and bars that aren%26#39;t that familiar even to most Londoners and remain sort of alternative and known only to insiders (such as Shoreditch, Bethnal Green etc). I find this a real shame, because a lot of locals miss out on these great areas, and they are even more impossible for tourists to find- I%26#39;m sure most of them never venture into these parts of town.

My question, then, is: are there any areas like that in Brussels? I have read a couple of guide books but these areas probably wouldn%26#39;t be included (The London ones are never mentioned in London guides). I%26#39;m looking for more %26#39;alternative%26#39; areas, maybe with young art galleries that aren%26#39;t that well-known, or with for example, independent design or fashion boutiques, vinatge shops and so on. I%26#39;d hate to miss out on these places when I go to Brussels- does anyone have any tips? Thank you

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Brussels (pop. 1 million) is less than 1/10 the size of London so the possibility of having interesting areas not mentioned by guidebooks is somewhat reduced! The avant-garde fashion area is around rue Dansaert and there are also some places in the nearby Saint Jacques area, a few blocks bounded by rue Lombard and rue du Midi. But I%26#39;m afraid these are both very well-known.

The rue du Bailli (93/94 tram down Avenue Louise to Lesbroussart, also 54 bus and 81 tram) is perhaps not generally mentioned in guidebooks but offers some quirky shopping and at least one art gallery. However it%26#39;s hardly unknown as there are a lot of restaurants in the nearby Place du Châtelain.

The only vintage shop I know of is in rue de la Paix off ch. d%26#39;Ixelles, near Place St. Boniface (another restaurant area). It%26#39;s about 10 minutes%26#39; walk from Porte de Namur.

An area where few tourists venture but which is very well-known to locals for Sunday shopping is the rue de Brabant behind the North Station but this is for cheap Moroccan and Turkish shops, nothing arty or designerish. If it appeals, it would be best to approach from Place Rogier to the right of the big tower block (by the Hilton Hotel) or else get a tram to Place Liedts and start from that end; rather than going under the railway bridge from the rue du Progrès near the station - it%26#39;s is a bit smelly!

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Removed on: 12:17 pm, August 28, 2009

Radisson SAS EU hotel & some advice please

I%26#39;m staying at the Radisson SAS EU hotel for the weekend in a couple of weeks and looking for some help/advice. I%26#39;ve been looking online but I%26#39;m getting a bit confused with all the information available!!

Is there a tram/bus/metro station near the hotel and if so how near?

Can anyone recommend...

...a good place for breakfast as I%26#39;m not paying 25euros in the hotel?

...some good places for a meal that isn%26#39;t just seafood/mussels and that isn%26#39;t going to break the bank?

...a bar or bars that has a good selection of beers, is a bit traditional but isn%26#39;t going to be jammed with tourists?

...anywhere that we should go apart from the obvious places ie Atomium, Grand Place. Can be a bit out of town. Would be nice to do something a little different to every other tourist.

...any of the parks particularly nicer than the others? Guess this only applies if the weather is good!!

Not asking for much am I! :o)

Any help is greatly appreciated.

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There are two metro stations nearby called Maelbeek and Trone (5 mins walk) as well as numerous bus stops on Place du Luxembourg, which is just a minute from the hotel.

There is a little cafe/restaurant on Place du Luxembourg called Au Tout Bon, which I have heard is quite good and reasonable, although I have never eaten there myself.

The best restaurants and bars are in the city centre. For restaurants, try around the Grand Place, you will be spoiled for choice. For bars, try the St. Gery area which is just behind Place Bourse and not far from the Grand Place. Bars I would recommend are Le Bison, Mezzo and Mapamundos.

If you get a chance, pay a visit to both the Military and Automobile musem in Parc du Cinquantenaire (Metro station Merode)

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1) Neither Trône on line 2 nor Maelbeek on line 1 are all that close, especially if you have luggage, they are both about 10 minutes%26#39; walk from your hotel. If you come on the Eurostar you will arrive at Gare du Midi: your best bet from there is the no. 27 bus which starts from outside the station (follow signs to %26quot;rue couverte%26quot; and once outside, turn left; but you might want to go down to the metro station to buy multi-trip tickets from the machines there as there are none next to the bus-stop - you can buy individual tickets on the bus but for €2 instead of €1.50) and stops in Place du Luxembourg just around the corner from your hotel (stop is called Luxembourg, the stop before it is Meeus and the one before that, Trône). You could also take a train (e.g. to Luxembourg!) which will stop at Gare centrale, Gare du nord, Schuman and then Gare du Luxembourg which is right next to the Radisson SAS EU. Loads of buses stop in Place du Luxembourg but no trams. Here%26#39;s the transport network map: http://www.stib.irisnet.be/FR/34000F.htm

For train timetable you would fill in (from) Bruxelles-Midi and (to) Bruxelles-Luxembourg on here: http://www.b-rail.be/main/E/ ; your ticket to Brussels should be valid to any railway station in Brussels so you wouldn%26#39;t need to pay for this trip.

2) The Place du Luxembourg is full of cafés and restaurants, Le Tout Bon is on the corner of the square and rue du Luxembourg, I also like the Leopold (café belonging to the Hotel Léopold) in rue du Luxembourg. There is also Arthur%26#39;s right opposite your hotel but I am not sure if it is open on weekends.

3) For Belgian beers, although it is now run by an (English-speaking) Pole, I recommend Beermania, not far from your hotel. Coming out of the hotel, walk left to the traffic lights, cross the street (rue de Trône) and walk left again 1 block to L%26#39;Horloge du Sud, then turn right (Ch. de Wavre), follow the street to the right and it is just after the bend, see www.beermania.be.

3) and 4) It depends on what sort of parks you like, but I like the Parc de la Woluwe which also qualifies as being off the beaten tourist track. If you fancy a 3-5 km walk you can take the metro to Stockel (e.g. from Maelbeek), come out of the BACK of the station (up the steps) and follow the trail that lies before you. After 3 km the trail crosses the Avenue de Tervueren, where if you are tired you can take a tram (39/44 from in front of the Tram Museum) back to Montgomery and get back on the metro, or if you cross the Avenue you will be in Parc de la Woluwe (which, therefore, you could also reach directly by tram from Montgomery to a stop called Chien Vert). The trail ends near Demey metro station (turn left at the end and you can%26#39;t miss it) from which you can return to Maelbeek, or wherever.

It is also fun to take the no. 44 tram from Montgomery to Tervuren (it goes through the Forêt de Soignes), where you can visit the Africa Museum or just walk around in its park. You can get to Montgomery on the metro from Maelbeek, direction Stockel.

Another thing a lot of tourists miss is to go up the Cinquantenaire archway (nearest metro, Mérode), which is free. Entrance from inside the Military Museum, which is also free: once inside, turn left and I think the lift is signposted with something not immediately obvious like %26quot;panorama%26quot;. The lift takes you to the 4th floor then there is a staircase. View is not that fantastic but there aren%26#39;t many places in Brussels where you can get that high up.

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Thank you both very much for your suggestions. I shall print them off and take them with me :)

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Removed on: 2:19 am, August 30, 2009

Amusement Parks

Does anyone have any reccomendations around amusement parks for a one or two day trip in Belgium. I looked at the website for Walibi and it looked pretty good. We have two kids aged 9 and 11 and would go in May.

Thanks

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Walibi is the only amusement park readily accessible from Brussels, my favourite ride there is the Radja river (formerly Rivière Sauvage, I think) which is very similar to Pirana at De Efteling - which I presume you know, being in the Netherlands.

I haven%26#39;t been to Plopsaland (most unfortunate name for English speakers!), formerly Meli Park, at De Panne (www.plopsaland.be/main.html; http://english.rides.nl/parken/attracties/Plopsaland), Bellewaerde in Ieper (http://www.plopsaland.be/main.html) or Bobbejaanland in Lichtaart (http://www.bobbejaanland.be/).

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Removed on: 12:20 pm, August 30, 2009

Good Saturday night restaurant

Myself and six friends are visting this weekend, and I have made reservations at In%26#39;t Spinnekopke for Thursday night; Taverne du Passage for Friday night and Aux Arme de Bruxelles for Sunday night.

Any suggestions for a restaurant for Saturday night? I understand that there are some excellent fish restaurants in the St Catherine area.

Many thanks

Grazer

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I don%26#39;t eat seafood but a friend who does recommends François on the corner of Quai aux Briques and Place Ste. Catherine, across from the Ste. Catherine church, see www.ebru.be/Restaurants/rstfrancois.html

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Removed on: 3:17 pm, August 29, 2009

Amsterdam to Paris via Brussels or Arras / Thalys

Thanks to this site, I am in a position to start implementing my Amsterdam to Paris Trip.

I have 2 questions:

1. I am strongly considering the Amsterdam to Paris via Brussels (spending a few hours in Brussels). I can leave Amsteram no sooner than 10am and must be in Paris by 7pm. The %26quot;sigth see Brussels for 2 hours%26quot; is our current leading choice, Being Canadian, however, causes us to think one more time about Vimy (near Arras). Should we strongly consider this option? What are the timing and logistic challenges? Is there a train? Car rental?

2. The cheapest option for booking the Thalys from Brussels Midi to Paris Nord seems to be via www.thalys.com vs. ww.raileurope.com - which Thalys recommends for people %26quot;in America%26quot;. There is a big price benefit to deal with Thalys though. When I go to book it shows that you must be in Belgium, Netherlands, etc and does not give an option for Canada. Any ideas on this???? How would you handle refunds, etc?

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1. The Brussels forum is not really the place to ask about getting from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Vimy in France. However, a quick check of train timetables shows that you cannot get to Arras from Amsterdam by train in less than 4 hours, and if you can%26#39;t leave till 10.00 it would take SIX hours (dep. 10:26 arr. 16:29), via Antwerp-Berchem and Lille-Flandres.

2. If you book on Thalys from Amsterdam to Paris you cannot stop in Brussels, you would have to book 2 separate tickets, Amsterdam-Brussels and then Brussels-Paris; furthermore, if you qualify for the cheapest tickets (RETURN only) these are not refundable at all, so that problem doesn%26#39;t arise. However, if you tell the system you want the ticket delivered in the Netherlands, it should be possible to select Amsterdam-Centraal as the place of delivery, and pick it up at the station. Or, of course, you could leave buying it till you get there, which I would recommend for the Amsterdam-Brussels leg in any case: if you are breaking your journey in Brussels, you might as well take the InterCity rather than Thalys (on that route they both take 3 hours although this should change in November when high-speed track comes into operation), and you cannot book this in advance, you just turn up and buy it at the station). You may be able to find the price on www.ns.nl but I would expect it to be around €50 single.

There is an InterCity train from Amsterdam-Centraal at 10:26, arr. 13:16 at Bruxelles-CENTRAL, which has the advantage of being only 5 minutes from the Grand%26#39; Place. However, you would then have to get to Gare du Midi (by underground tram from Bourse or by train from Gare centrale) for the Thalys to Paris. On weekdays, these currently leave, for example, at 16:43, arr. 18:05, 17:13 arr. 18:35 and 17:43 arr. 19:05. Again, if you tell the system you want the ticket to be delivered in Belgium it should be possible to pick it up at Gare du Midi (but you must allow plenty of time to collect it!), or you could buy it in Amsterdam the day before. For prices see www.thalys.com. From previous questions on here, I am not sure that dealing with Thalys is necessarily cheaper than dealing with raileurope: it is true that raileurope only mentions the most expensive options (for instance, not giving Intercity options for routes served by Thalys/TGV), but it seems to me that at least between Brussels and Paris, you won%26#39;t qualify for any of the cheaper ones anyway. So check both again, for the Brussels-Paris trip only, assuming that you will buy your Amsterdam-Brussels InterCity ticket on the day.

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Removed on: 4:18 pm, August 29, 2009

Hiking and family vacation in Ardennes

We are looking for any ideas anyone may have for somewhere to go for a long weekend in May/June in the Ardennes for a quiet vacation, some hiking, some good food and an easygoing vacation. We will have two kids along aged 9 and 11.

Thanks

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La Roche en Ardenne would be a good base for hiking, see www.chaletdesardennes.be/index2.php…

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The Hoge Venen (Hautes Fagnes) area at the Belgian/Dutch/German border is nice, too. Botrange is the highest point in Belgium. Check out http://www.natuurparkcentrum.be/

Spa and Malmédy are pretty cities.

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Try www.eastbelgium.com ...

Have a nice stay in East Belgium.

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Removed on: 1:18 pm, August 30, 2009

brussels

have a big trip planned and am going with my friend we sing and want to know were the best place to start off is, and any ideas on a place to eat. lol a five star resturant would be nice. and travelers attractions??? Pleazzz help me out here. Oh and also night life thats top priority. i am 21 and my friend 22. Any ideas. Hot partys?

Cute guys????

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%26quot;Best place to start off%26quot; what, exactly?

3 stars is the highest rating I know of for restaurants (Michelin system) but since Comme Chez Soi lost its 3rd star, you might have to make do with a 2-star in Brussels. Even so you will have to book months in advance for most of them, there is an up-to-date list of all %26quot;starred%26quot; restaurants in Belgium on here http://www.visitbelgium.com/restaurants.htm

There is a list of attractions under %26quot;Brussels attractions%26quot; on the left of this page.

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Removed on: 11:19 am, August 30, 2009

from Brussels to Paris

Is TGV a direct train ride from Brussels to Paris? how do we get the tickets delivered if we live in the US? is it easy to catch a taxi from Paris Nord station? Thanks!

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Yes, the Thalys is the only train between Brussels and Paris and it is direct, doesn%26#39;t stop, takes 1h20. I suggest you look on www.thalys.com regarding ticketing information and prices for the dates you want to travel; I believe there is an option for selecting delivery in Belgium and then picking the ticket up at the station. If not, if you are in Belgium for some time in advance, you could of course buy it here.

There are plenty of taxis at Paris Gare du Nord..

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Removed on: 4:19 pm, August 30, 2009

Transportation from airport to hotel

Hi,

We are coming to Brussels from London late Friday afternoon. Can you tell us how can we get from BRU International Airport to Melia Avenue Louise Boutique Hotel. We would like to take the metro instead of the taxi. Is it the hotel far from the airport? We are going to stay couple days in Brussels and then we are flying out of Brussels South-Charleroi Airport to east Europe. How can we get to the airport from the hotel? We didn%26#39;t book the hotel yet. Do you think we need to stay somewhere closer to the Charleroi Airport or we are OK closer to the center of Brussels? Thanks

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1) The metro doesn%26#39;t serve Brussels Airport, your choices are bus or train plus tram etc. Your hotel is quite far from the airport and as the Louise area is not well-connected to it, will involve a number of changes: the least number of changes would be, train to Gare du Midi, metro to Louise then either walk 10 minutes or take tram 92/93/94 1 stop to Stéphanie then walk 2 blocks to rue Blanche.

2) For Charleroi Airport, the easiest way is by bus from Gare du Midi, which takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic: the timetable is on both Ryanair%26#39;s website (don%26#39;t know about Wizzair if that is who you are travelling with) and that of Charleroi Airport. At Gare du Midi, look first for the Eurostar terminal (platform 1) then go around it to the right following signs for the Air France office. Take the exit next to that office and look for a white (usually!) coach across the road.

3) If you have an early flight from Charleroi Airport, I would advise you to stay at the Ibis next to Charleroi-Sud station, and to take the train to Charleroi instead of the bus, you would then be 10 minutes from the airport by local bus 68. But if you have plenty of time, you are fine staying in Brussels and the Louise area is more convenient for Gare du Midi than it is for Brussels Airport.

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Removed on: 4:20 pm, August 30, 2009

Staying in brussels then on to amsterdam

Hi all.

I shall be going to brussels on the 16th of june flying from london with dirt cheap flights, the flights are to chaleroi airport and i was wondering how far this is from brussels city centre?.

From brussels i shall then be travelling to amsterdam the next day and am not sure what is the best option coach or train? i have checked the coach website and return tickets are 18 euros but can%26#39;t get prices on the train websites? any suggestions or general info.

Any help will be most appreciated thanks.

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1) Charleroi Airport is about 80 km from Brussels, the Ryanair bus takes 45-60 minutes to Brussels Gare du Midi.

2) It depends on what you mean by %26quot;best%26quot;, the cheapest is indeed Eurolines coach from Gare du Nord but it takes 4 1/2 hours. When checking the train timetable I would suggest you look for Intercity (IC) trains not Thalys (THA), cost will still depend on exactly when you are going and when returning, for example you can get a Benelux weekend return ticket for €42 if you are travelling in both directions on a Saturday or Sunday, otherwise the normal single fare is more like €50. The B-Rail site won%26#39;t give prices for international trips unless perhaps you register to buy tickets over the internet, but there is a contact button somewhere on the site and they do give price information by phone or e-mail. Note that you cannot reserve seats on IC trains so you don%26#39;t have to book/buy in advance, but can turn up and buy the ticket on the day, or a few days before if you prefer. Also these leave from Gare du Midi, Gare centrale and Gare du Nord while Thalys leaves only from Gare du Midi.

That said, Thalys sometimes runs special offers and there are some cheap fares if bought well in advance, so check www.thalys.com anyway.

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Removed on: 4:20 pm, August 30, 2009

Places to Stay in Werchter

I am going to the Rock Werchter festival this year between 28th June and 2nd July - I was wondering if anyone knows of any good B and Bs or hotels nearby which might be less well known than the ones which come up through standard web searches?

Thanks.

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Well I wouldn%26#39;t stay in Werchter. Take the bus (15-20mins) every day to Leuven (it%26#39;s free with your festival ticket) and look for a hotel in the city. Much more to see and do in Leuven than in sleepy Werchter.

There are a couple of hotels across from the bus stop. The Oude Markt is a short walk (12 mins) from the Martelarenplein.

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Removed on: 8:15 am, August 30, 2009

Brussels, Bruge or Antwerp for the weekend

Hi, I am flying into Brussels on a Saturday morning and staying until the following Wednesday morning.

I was wondering which of the above cities/towns would be best for the weekend and which would be best for the weekdays. Has anyone any views on this?

Thanks

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Brussels hotel are expensive Mon-Thu and cheap fri-sun

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Thanks for your reply, I was aware of the price change at weekends, but I was also interested to know whether the nightlife in one city of a saturday night would be better than the others.

Thanks

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There%26#39;s no nightlife in Brugge. Plenty (particularly Gay) in Brussels, where there is a good international scene. Antwerp is OK but a bit parochial compared to Brussels - lots of Dutch spend the weekend in Antwerp. Best choice I would have Brussels

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I would pick Brussels for the weekend however I have not been to Antwerp. Bruge was a small, quiet town but touristy as well. I found a ton of good pubs and taverns in Brussels. Particulraly enjoyed the St. Gery Area (younger crowd). Have fun.

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hi.

whenever you decide to visit brussels and brugge are wonderful cities.

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Try the %26quot;parochial%26quot; nightlife in Antwerpen. It%26#39;s great! Antwerpen is the most trendy city in Belgium at this moment. Check out the various articles

www.timeout.com/travel/antwerp/nightlife.html

world66.com/europe/belgium/antwerp/nightlife

frommers.com/destinations/…0106010030.html

concierge.com/destination/antwerp/nightlife

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Bruseels and Bruge were both fun for nightlife. On our two week vacation last year, we spent most of our time having fun, partying, and meeting new people in both of these places. Don%26#39;t you find it doesn%26#39;t matter really what the nightlife is, it%26#39;s what you make of it?

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It all depends what kind of nightlife you like.

I wouldnt stay in Bruges for the nightlife or for the weekend, it is always crowded.

The %26quot;real%26quot; nightlife doesnt really exist, except cafes etc.

Brussels and Antwerp are really different, but I din%26#39;t find Antwerp %26quot;parochial%26quot; as for what concerns nightlife.

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Removed on: 9:18 am, August 30, 2009

Radisson SAS EU Hotel Brussels - airport transfer

How do I get from Brussels Airport to my hotel? We are a group of 8 persons. What do you recommend for transportation? Train, subway, taxi? And what is the cheapest way to get 8 persons from the airport to Radisson SAS EU Hotel?

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I%26#39;ve answered the question about getting to this hotel before, please put Radisson EU in the search box as it is too tiresome to explain all the possibilities again, especially as you haven%26#39;t said what day you are arriving/leaving on which makes a difference for the area where this hotel is located.

A taxi would cost about €30, and depending on how much luggage you have, you would need at least 2. It would probably cost about the same as 2 taxis to book a minibus, e.g. with Taxis Verts.

Otherwise for 8 people the journey would cost:

- €22.40 by train, changing at Gare du Nord for Gare du Luxembourg (= 8 x €2.80): for timetable go to http://www.b-rail.be/main/E/ and fill in Zaventem (airport) and Bruxelles-Luxembourg; or

- €24 by airport bus 12 to Place du Luxembourg, Mon - Fri only (= 8 x €3)

- €33.40/34.40/38.40 by train to Gare centrale then bus 60 direction Vivier d%26#39;Oie to Luxembourg (= €22.40 for the train + €11, €12 or €16 for the bus; individual tickets cost €1.50 if bought in advance, e.g. from machines in the metro station, otherwise €2 from the bus driver, or you can buy a 10-trip card from the machines/ticket booths in metro stations for €11, and punch this 8 times in the orange machine in the bus).

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Removed on: 5:19 pm, August 30, 2009

Hotel T Zand

We are visiting Bruges in December for a friend%26#39;s birthday/Christmas Market and need to know any information you may have on Hotel T Zand ? ie is it within walking distance of the train station ?

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I don%26#39;t know the actual hotel, but t%26#39;Zand is 5 to 10 minutes stroll from the train station.

Just cross the station concourse, over the road, turn left, and walk towards the Concertgebouw (you can%26#39;t miss it, it%26#39;s a huge modern structure)

Have a great time, Brugge is a wonderful city :-)

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Thanks

You seem to have quite a knowledge of Brugge (reading your previous posts) so do you think that Den Dijver would be an appropriate venue for a group of 14 of us celebrating a 50th birthday ? We can be rather noisy at times so don%26#39;t want to spoil the other Diners evening ! Also do you know of any good Jazz pubs around there ?

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We%26#39;ve only ever been to den Dijver once at night, we usually visit for a lunch time treat.

It is a little genteel to be honest with you.

The emphasis is on attentive service, not to mention excellent food, errr and the beer!!!!

I%26#39;m not familiar with any jazz pubs in the area, but if you post a message on the forum, I%26#39;m sure someone will enlighten you.

We are over there again on May 3rd (my birthday treat), so if I come across anything suitable, I%26#39;ll be sure to let you know when we get back.

Feel free to mail me via the website if you want any info that I might be able to help you with :-)

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Removed on: 7:16 pm, August 30, 2009