What's New

We're Back! Brussels Airlines Launches New York-Brussels Route

Beginning June 1, 2012, Brussels Airlines will bring Belgian savoir faire back to North America with a new daily flight connecting New York City's JFK Airport with Brussels. Business class cabins will feature flat bed seats and ergonomic seats in economy along with the latest in personal in-flight entertainment and USB ports at your seat for charging electronic devices. Tickets for this new Brussels – New York JFK route can be purchased on www.brusselsairlines.com.

Celebrate the 2012 Year of Gastronomy!

Your Resource for Belgian Gastronomy's Art de Vivre!

Discover all that Belgian gastronomy has to offer on our NEW website Belgian Bites. Find out about restaurants throughout the country offering traditional dishes like Belgian fries, mussels, strawberries, endives, along with recipes, food events and slow food in Belgium. Check back regularly for updated information and videos that are sure to make your stomach growl!

Brussels' Tram Experience Has Begun!

One of the highlights of the 2012 Year of Gastronomy is undoubtedly the Tram Experience. Discover Brussels while enjoying a three-course menu from one of 7 star-rated Belgian chefs. Traditional Belgian dishes are prepared with a modern twist highlighting each chef's restaurant. Beginning at the Place Poelaert, the tram can carry 34 passengers. Be sure to book well in advance of your trip, because it is selling out quickly.

Your Next VIP Dining Experience in Brussels

The first of the Year of Gastronomy's Themed Dinners is coming soon on Saturday April 14, 2012, at the Tram Museum in Brussels. With eight theme diners in all, each will focus on a theme specific to Brussels such as the 150th anniversary of Les Misérables, which was written in Brussels, the Ommegang Pageant and the 90 birthday of Belgian Jazz musician Toots Thielemans to name a few.

Take a Seat & Discover Your Plate

“A Table!: From the field to the plate” is a fascinating exhibition, open through June 3rd at the Tour & Taxi in Brussels, devoted to food in all its facets. The exhibit will explore questions like “why eat?”, “Where will we stand in 2050?”, “Which food for which culture?” This exhibition coincides with the 2012 Year of Gastronomy in Brussels and French-speaking Belgium.

Enjoy a Sky-high Dinner in Brussels

Dinner in the Sky takes flight in 4 different sites in Brussels offering guests spetacular views from very special and historic locations. From June 4th to July 1st these sites will host seven of the most renowned chefs of Brussels. THe DInner in the Sky program arrives in Brussels after previous editions in cities like Sydney, Toronto, Rio and Monaco.

Insider Scoop

Best Terraces in Brussels

Bye bye cold and coats, spring is coming in Brussels! Begin the day with breakfast in the sun at PP Café. After a walk in the city, grab lunch at Le Soleil, a bar & restaurant near the Grand’Place. Four o’clock means it's time for a sweet treat at Wittamer Cafe on the Grand Sablon, an area of Brussels known for its antique shops. Finally, end your day with a meal on the terrace at Restaurant Jaloa.

The Annual Doudou in Mons

Each year at the beginning of June, Mons goes back to the 14 century. This year on Sunday June 3, the Doudou and Procession of the Golden Carriage carrying the relics of St. George sets off from the Collegiate Church and crosses the streets of Mons. When it arrives at the Grand Place, crowds gather to watch St George, on horseback, slay the dragon. This reenactment symbolizes the triumph of Good over Evil.

New Hotel Le Berger Gives A Tip of the Hat to Tradition

The newly renovated Hotel Le Berger has reopened its doors! Located near the Porte of Namur in Brussels, the hotel once housed many clandestine meetings for business, love and lust when it first opened in 1933. Le Berger has been completely renovated while keeping its 1930s décor. The atmosphere is emblematic of its history as a ‘rendez-vous’ hotel. Today, the Hotel Le Berger combines its mysterious past with the comforts of modern amenities.

Coming Soon

The Royal Greenhouses and Palace Open to the Public

This year the Greenhouses of the Royal Palace at Laeken willopen to the public from April, 14 to May, 6. Initially conceived as an orangery, the spectacular 19th century Winter Garden is a gem of Art Nouveau style and celebrated as one of the greatest greenhouses in the world. Besides its architectural merits, it features an astonishing collection of tropical plants. The Royal Palace in Brussels will also open from July until September for visitors.

Liege Kicks Off the 2012 Tour de France

Festivities for the 99th annual Tour de France cycling competition will start from the center of Liege on Saturday June 30, 2012. The first stage of the race will go from Liege to Seraing on July, 1 and the second stage from Vise to Tournai on July, 2. Wallonia offers a diversity of landscapes perfectly adapted to competition cycling. Passes are available for select stages of the race, including stage 1 in Liege, from Discover France.

The Flower Carpet Returns to Brussels

The Grand Place in Brussels will once again be transformed into a beautiful and colorful flower carpet this summer. From August 15 through 19, come admire this remarkable tapis des fleur from the balcony of the City Hall. The flower carpet, created using a million begonias, has come to Brussels in mid-August on even numbered years since 1971.

The Belgian Formula 1 Grand Prix

The Belgian Formula One Grand Prix of Spa-Francorchamps, beginning August 31 through September 2, is the marquis sporting event of the year for locals and international visitors alike. Discover the track known as the most beautiful in the Grand Prix circuit and watch the best F1 drivers compete for the top spot!

Belgium In The News

Travel Picks: Top 10 Best Non-Art Museums

From Reuters on Friday, March 16, 2012

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Press Contact:

Katie Papadopoulos

212.758.8130 x11