Brussels Essentials

Brussels Essentials & Tourist Information

Currency	Euro
Exchange Rate	Aprox £1 = €1.32
Journey Time	Aprox 2H via Eurostar
Time Zone	GMT = +1 hour
Language	French, Flemish
Voltage	230 V (European two-pin plugs)

National Holidays In Brussels

January 1st -	New Years Day
January 6th -	Epiphany
April 2nd (2010)	Good Friday
April 5th (2010)	Easter Monday
May 1st -	Labour Day
May 12th -	Whit Monday
July 21st -	Independence Day
Aug 15th (2010)	Assumption
November 1st -	All Saints' Day
November 11th -	Rememberance Day
December 25th	Christmas Day

Brussels Tourist Attractions
Museums and attractions are open daily usually from 10am until 6pm with a small number closed to the public on Mondays. Average costs range from €3-10 and there are several inclusive tourist passes which can be used for those looking for history and culture. The Brussels Card for example offers free entry into numerous attractions such as the inspiring Museum of Modern Art and includes free local transport for €20 per day.

 Search for Brussels City Breaks

Brussels Opening Hours
Shops in central Brussels are open daily from 10am until 5 or 6pm with later hours of service in arcades and malls. There are a number of interesting speciality markets particularly at weekends that open early at 8am and last until mid afternoon. Most banks open weekdays from 9am to 4.30pm with a small number operating on Saturdays.

Brussels Food & Drink
Tucked in between France and Holland, Belgian cuisine has been influenced by both countries, yet Brussels traditional food is distinctive and unique. Popular main courses include waterzooi – chicken stew in cream, white wine and vegetables and Lapin à la flamande, which is young tender rabbit in prunes and brandy. Appetizers of soups and pates feature heavily on restaurant menus and utilise a wide range of meats, seafood and vegetables. For dessert lovers, waffles in syrup and chocolate will be hard to resist during a Brussels city break and visitors should certainly indulge in some French fries and mayonnaise during an afternoon stroll.

Tipping & Etiquette In Brussels
Most locals rarely give tips in cafes and restaurants in Brussels as a service charge will already be added to the bill. Of course if a dining experience deserves an extra gratuity then it will be much appreciated. In Brussels it is normal to slightly round up taxi fares to provide a small tip.

 

 French Phrases For Tourists  

Hello	Bonjour		Do you speak English?	Parlez vous Anglais?
Goodbye	Au revoir		Excuse me	Excusez moi
Good Evening	Bonsoir		How much is it?	Ça coûte combien?
Yes	Oui		Where is...?	Ou est …?
No	Non		Hotel	L'hotel
Please	S'il vous plait		The bill pease	L’addition s’il vous plait
Thank you very much	Merci beaucoup		Beer	Une Biere
How are you?	Comment allez vous?		Coffee	Un café

                                               

Brussels Useful Numbers
• Calling the UK from Brussels – 0044 + area code minus zero + number
• Police – 112
• Ambulance – 112
• Fire - 112

Disabled Access In Brussels
A city break in Brussels does present some obstacles to the wheelchair user with many cobbled and uneven surfaces and due to the sheer age of some of its most impressive buildings. Most museums however have disabled facilities and offer reduced tariffs and special group tours. There is a wide variety of adapted hotel accommodation in Brussels in every hotel class.

Belgium Embassies
• GB Embassy - Rue d'Arlon 85 Aarlenstraat 1040 Brussels Tel: +32 (0)2 287 6211
• Belgian Embassy - 17 Grosvenor Crescent London SW1X 7EE Tel: 020 7470 3700

Brussels City Breaks  Getting Around Brussels

Things To Do In Brussels  Brussels Weather