VENUE OF THE MEETING

The meeting will take place at The Hotel, a tall building situated on Boulevard de Waterloo, in Brussel’s central fashion district, easy to reach by public transport and car.

Contact information:

Bd de Waterloo 38, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

https://maps.app.goo.gl/q5HjH9ce4h3Kq8Nt5

+32 2 504 11 11

For individual bookings: book@thehotel.be

For meetings & group bookings: meet@thehotel.be

BRUSSELS

AN INTRODUCTION TO BRUSSELS

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is a vibrant cosmopolitan hub known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and culinary delights. Situated in the heart of Europe, Brussels offers visitors a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The city serves as the de facto capital of the European Union and hosts various international institutions, making it a melting pot of cultures and influences.

Brussels's 2024 population is now estimated at 2,132,178.

The city lies just a few miles north of the invisible “language boundary” separating Belgium’s Flemish-speaking region of Flanders in the north from the southern, French-speaking Walloon Region. Brussels is thus surrounded by Flemish territory. Although historically it was a predominantly Flemish-speaking city, at present the majority of residents in the Brussels agglomeration speak French, which is also the preferred language of the city’s growing international labor force.

The city is bilingual, and in all spheres of public life Flemish and French are used side by side. Nevertheless, in the 20th century Brussels became the principal venue for political and cultural clashes between Flemings and Walloons. Partly because of these conflicts, the Belgian parliament reorganized the country’s structure on the basis of the Flemish, Walloon, and Brussels-Capital regions. Although the Brussels-Capital Region maintains a separate political identity, the city of Brussels also functions as the capital of the Flemish Region and as the capital of the country’s French- and Flemish-language communities.

In terms of the weather, its relative proximity to the North Sea gives Brussels a mild maritime climate, with summer daytime temperatures usually between 68 and 77 °F (20 and 25 °C) and winter temperatures rarely dipping below 32 °F (0 °C). With rain falling on more than half the days of the year on average, Brussels experiences a high mean annual precipitation (more than 32 inches [810 mm]) and has no discernible dry season. Snowfall rarely occurs more than two or three times a year. As Brussels is distinctly automobile friendly, noise and air pollution are notable problems.

For more information:

Brussels | Belgium, History, Population, Climate, & Facts | Britannica

Exploring Brussels: A Cultural and Traditions Guide (overyourplace.com)

VISITING BRUSSELS: CURRENCY AND TRANSPORT

Currency:

As in most European countries, the currency of Belgium is the Euro.

Other currencies are normally not accepted, so be sure to change dollars, etc. at one of the many currency exchange offices located throughout the city. Many shops and restaurants in Brussels accept credit cards, but not all. It is, therefore, recommended that you either ask before you order or ensure you have enough in cash to cover the bill. Most shops and restaurants do not accept €200 or €500 notes.

Travelling:

For your convenience, to travel from the airport to The Hotel you can take a taxi (25min aprox). However, there are some options available for public transport, too.

Option 1 - Taxi

Use taxis with a taximeter. You can find them in front of the arrival’s hall. Stay safe and only use licensed taxis, they are recognizable by their blue and yellow logo.

You can also schedule a private transfer via Direct Way. They provide cars, mini vans, coaches, and shuttles. You can also schedule tours with them.

Option 2 – Public transport

Go to the basement level -1 of the airport. There’s a train to Brussels Midi station every 15 minutes.

From there you can take the Metro Line 2 or 6 (direction ELISABETH. Get off at the LOUIZA metro stop. From here it’s only a 300-meter walk to The Hotel.

An alternative is to use ‘The Airport Line’ by the public transport company STIB. It’s only a 30-minute ride. You can take 2 lines:

• Line 12: Take this shuttle to the ‘LUXEMBOURG’ bus stop. .

Hop over on bus 64 and get off the bus at ‘PORTE DE NAMUR’. We are a 400-meter walk from there.

Please note: only operated from Monday to Friday until 8.00 PM

• Line 21: take this shuttle to the “LUXEMBOURG” bus stop.

Hop over on bus 64 and get off the bus at ’ PORTE DE NAMUR. We are a 400-meter walk from there.

Please note: only operated during the week after 8 PM, on Saturday Sunday and Holidays.

To travel around Brussels and explore the city, we recommend walking and/or using the public transport (metro, trams and buses).

The STIB/MIVB runs almost all of the public transport in Brussels and it’s easy to get across the city, although the further from the centre you go, the more difficult it gets. You’ll find ticket vending machines in the metro and main tram or bus stations. If you only need a single-ride ticket, contactless payment is available. Look for the grey validator as you enter a station or a vehicle, tap your card or your smartphone, and you’re on your way.

Most of the tourist attractions (except the Atomium) are within a small area and can be explored on foot, so you won't really need a day pass unless you decide to visit different neighborhoods on the same day.

More information: 11 things to know before going to Brussels - Lonely Planet

To get an overview of the price of public transport, please visit Price of public transport in Brussels - Tickets and fares (introducingbrussels.com)

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Check out 13 best things to do in Brussels The 13 Best Things to Do in Brussels, Belgium - Kirstie Will Travel

Check out tours here The BEST Brussels Tours 2024 - FREE Cancellation | GetYourGuide

TIPS & TRICKS

Language: Belgium has three official languages (French, German, and Dutch). However, most people in Brussels are fluent in French. Fortunately for English-speakers, many service industry workers are conversational in English. As with most major cities, the further you get from touristy areas, the less likely it is that people speak fluent English..

Payment methods: credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, except from smaller shops or restaurants.

Tipping: tipping is not necessary as restaurants include services charges in the bill. Generally, it’s recommended to leave a couple of euros when possible.

Airports: Brussels has the Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). This last one is generally cheaper, but it doesn’t have a train station of its own so traveling to the city center is more complicated (options: shuttle bus or private transfer).

Transport tickets: Brussels is very walkable. However, you can buy different tickets for your conveniences. For instance, in all stations and trams and buses you’ll find grey validating machines allowing contactless payment. The amount of €2.10, which is the price of a single fare, will be debited from your bank account. The daily debit will be capped at €7.5, which is the price of a 1-day ticket. For more information, visit https://www.stib-mivb.be/simple-multiple.html?l=en

What to eat: some typical food includes moules frites (mussels with fries), Belgium fries, waffles, chocolate, Waterzooi (Belgian Stew). See more suggestions https://fooddrinkdestinations.com/brussels-food-guide/