1. Geography
Flanders In the Middle Ages, Flanders was a separate country ruled by the Counts of Flanders. Now Flanders is the Dutch (Flemish) speaking region of Belgium with an area of 13,500 square kilometers in northern Belgium. Flanders is the most dynamic and prosperous region of Belgium. The Flemish now make up approximately 60% of the Belgian population.
The landscape of Flanders is primarily flat. The southern most portion exhibits soft rolling hills that expand from the hills of Western Flanders to the Flemish Ardennes in Eastern-Flanders. It has a temperate climate that makes it ideal for tourism.
Wallonia is the French speaking region of Belgium situated to the south of Brussels. It is conveniently located between the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France. It is 6,600 square miles and covers 55% of the territory of Belgium. It is the home to nearly 3.2 million inhabitants.
Wallonia has been called the Window to Europe. It is worthy of this title due to its central location at the center of Europe. It is the headquarters of the European Union with a zone of financial, economic, and commercial activities.
PLACES TO VISIT
IN BELGIUM
2. History
The history of Belgium did
not legitimately begin until 1830, the year the State of Belgium was founded.
Prior to this date, the history of this small country was meshed with its
neighboring Netherlands. In many cases, history of the region is spoken
of in terms of the Netherlands, when it is more generally referring to Belgium,
the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
The year of 1568 is of particular importance for understanding the history of the region. It is in this year that the War of Independence against Spain began. The Netherlands fought against Spain, yet the region now referred to as Belgium supported the Spanish.
In the course of history, Belgium have been ruled by the Romans, French, Spanish, Austirans, Dutch, English, and Germans. Belgium has been the location of many prominent battles from WWI to Waterloo. During WWII, this area witnessed the initial Nazi blitzkrieg and Hitler's final attempts in the Ardennes, more commonly known as the Battle of the Bulge.
3. PoliticsAfter WWII, Belgium abandoned its neutral international stance and joined the European Economic Community (EEC) and NATO. Since this time, there has been marked disputes between the Flemings and the Walloons. The disputes have generally revolved around the issue of linguistics, but have also included disagreements on social and cultural grounds. These internal differences between the two regions continues to create political distress.
Today Belgium is a federal kingdom with over 10 million inhabitants. Belgium is a federation of the three Communities (the Flemish, the French, and the German communities). The federal government is responsible for common matters to include Foreign Affairs, Economic and Financial Policy, and National Defense.
In the international realm, Brussels is the headquarters of the European Union. It is now considered the capital of Europe. European politics and decision making are centered in Brussels at the European Commission and the European Council.
4. CultureAn important cultural note when traveling in Belgium is the issue of language. There are three national languages in Belgium: French, spoken primarily in Wallonia (south); Flemish/Dutch, spoken in Flanders (north); and German, spoken in a small eastern area of Oostende. You will find that most people in Belgium understand and are able to communicate in English. Even if your French is perfect, it is not appropriate to speak French in Flanders. Speak English, or brush up on your Flemish.
On another note, Belgium is known for some fabulous products that you will not want to miss out on while there. Does Belgian chocolate sound familiar? You can not skimp when you are in Belgium. Endulge yourself in the wonderful streetside candy stores. Sample the delictable chocolate covered cherries and deep chocolate hazelnut morsels! Try Godiva, Neuhaus, or Leonidas chocolates which are all available at the widely scattered cady shops. Just a tip: Neuhaus is the tastiest, Godiva is the best known, and Neuhaus is the best value.
Belgium also prides itself on handmade lace.
Be aware, however, that all of the lace you see in the windows are not handmade
in Belgium. Be sure to ask the sales person the origin of the lace to be
assured that it was not made in Asia. Nevertheless, Belgian lace is dainty
and pristine with its delicate design. La Maison F. Rubbrecht in
the Grand' Place sells authentic Belgian lace.
Beer in Beglium is equivalent
to wine in France. No other country in the world can offer the selection
of nationally brewed beers as Belgium. Over 100 breweries produce 500 distinctly
Belgian beers. Each beer is served in a special glass specific to its type.
The selection ranges from white beers to cherry beers to wheat beers and
wild beers. What ever your liking, there is a beer for you to sample in
Belgium. Beer is served in cafes which have very little in common
with cafes in the normal sense. Cafes meeting places where customers
partake in billards, chatting, and of course, enjoying a beer. Try Kriek
beer while traveling through Belgium. The light cherry taste and deep red
color is a truly unique experience!
5. TransportationGetting There:
Brussels National Airport is the only airport available for international air travel. There are numerous flights daily to Brussels from Great Britain. Bristish Airways flies from Gatwick Airport in London. Salena, British Airways, and British Midland fly from London Heathrow, and Air UK accomodates flights from London Standsted Airport. American and Canadian travelers can fly directly to Brussels from New York, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, and Montreal on Sabena, American, Delta, TWA, and United.
The Brussels National Airport is 9 miles north-east of the city center at Zaventem. There is regular train service from the airport to the Gare du Nord (North Station) and the Gare Centrale (Central Station) which leaves every 20 minutes. The trip takes 16 minutes and costs BF1440. A traveler can purchase tickets at the train station.
For Additional Information on Air Travel, Check Out These Sites:
There is a direct high speed train (EuroStar) between London-Waterloo International and Brussels-Midi/Zuid (3 hours and 15 minutes). Once at Midi/Zuid, there are numerous connecting services to the rest of Belgium.
Eurail Packages Eurail Youth Pass (under 26) 15 days--$365 / 21 days--$475
1 month--$578 / 2 months--$832
Eurail Youth Flexipass (under 26) 10 days in 2 months--$421
15 days in 2 months--$522
First Class Eurail Pass 15 days--$522 / 21 days--$678
1 month--$838
First Class Flexipass 10 days in 2 months--$616
15 days in 2 months--$812
EuroStar, London-Waterloo International Station, (0345) 881881 EuroLines, Victoria, London, (01582)404511
Eurail: e-mail (edtrav@execpc.com) tele (1-800-747-5551)
Getting Around in Belgium
Belgium is well equipped with clean and efficient public trasnportation. Metro, trams, and buses all are part of the same system at the same cost of BF50 for a single ticket. The best buy is a 10-trip tickt for BF310 or a one day pass for BF120. You will need to stamp your ticket on the bus or tram at the designated machine. When using the metro, your ticket will be automatically marked as you proceed through the gate of the metro. Tickets can be purchased at the metro station, and single tickets can be purchased on the bus. A detailed map can be obtained at most metro station and the Brussels touris office in the Grand' Place (tele: 02/513/89/40).
Distances of Cities From Brussels
Antwerp = 29 miles Oostende =71 miles Arlon = 116 miles Tournai =52 miles Bruges = 60 miles Amsterdam = 123 miles Bastogre = 93 miles Koln =126 miles Ghent = 35 miles London = 219 miles Liege = 61 miles Luxembourg = 134 miles Namur = 39 miles Paris = 184 miles
Biking is very popular in Belgium. There are designated bike lanes which must be used when biking in Belgium. The bicycle land will be the lane closest to the street when there are two lanes. The other lane, the one nearest the store fronts, is the pedestrian walking lane.
Bikes can be rented from Belgian railways at 48 stations throughout Belgium. Train travelers recieve a reduced rate, so be sure to bring your ticket stubs along with you. Mountain bikes can be rented at bike shops in most tourist centers.
First and Second class train tickets can be bought up to five days in advance. Tickets can be purchased at the train station. Information about discounted rail tickets are listed below.
Children kids up to age 6 travel free, and there is a 50% discount for children between the ages of 6-12 B-Tourail allows you to travel troughout the entire Belgian railway for five days within a fixed period of seventeen days. There is no age requirement on this package. TTB Permits the same travel as the B-Tourail and includes buses, trams, and underground trains. Benelux Tourail If travel is going to be limited to the Benelux countries, this package is ideal. It is valid for 5 days in a period of 17 days on all railway networks of Benelux countries. GO-PASS A pass for youth between the ages of 12-25. The pass allows ten trips within Belgium at an inexpensive rate.
Despite the wonderful transportation options, don't forget to explore Belgium by foot. Self guided walking tours are inexpensive alternatives for those travelers who are watching their purses. In addition, creating your own tour allows you to experience what intrigues you most!
6. Lodging
While in Belgium, consider spending a night or two in a hostel. You are guarnteed to meet a diverse group of people while saving money! Rember, however, that in a hostel, ammenities are sparse. Often times showers and restrooms are co-ed, and rooms are shared with other travelers. Before committing to a hostel, make sure that these arrangements are suitable to your needs. If you can live with the community atmosphere, hosteling is a great way to save your money for more interesting attractions.
For additional hostel information contact:
Vlaamse Jeugdherbergcentrale, Stralenstraat 40
B-20060 Antwerpen; tel (03)232 72 18
Centralle Wallonne des Auberges de la Jeunesse, Rue van Oost 52
B-1030 Buxelles/Brussells; tel (02) 215 31 00
Hotels reservations should be booked well ahead of time when traveling in Belgium. It is very difficult to secure hotel reservations during peak times when the EU and NATO are in session. Reservations can be made free of charge for hotels throughout Belgium through the Belgium Tourist Reservation Office:
B-1000 Brussels/Bruxelles
Tel. (02) 513 74 84; fax (02) 513 92 77
Alfa Congress 800-843-3311 Carlton 800-344-1212 Sofitel 800-221-4542
Acacia 800-528-1234 Ibis Center 800-221-4542 Novotel Zuid 800-221-4542
Alfa Chelton 800-843-3311 Archimede 800-448-8355 Bedford 800-448-8355 County House 800-528-1234 Ibis Grand' Place 800-221-4542
7. Restaurants
Belgium is a food lover's paradise! Cafes and pubs line the streets offering an exceptional display of options. The narrow streets that surround the Grand' Place are filled with wonderful resturaunts, cafes and pubs. When you are in Belgium, make sure you sample Brussel's speciality--mussels.
| Brussels: |
 |
Aux Armes de Bruxelles
This resturaunt will rescue you from the "tourist-trap" cafes. Three little rooms create a cozy atmosphere for you to enjoy their signature chicken stew and mussels. Rue des bouchers 13, Reservations are advised: (tel) 02/511-21-18
Au Vieux Saint Martin
You will always be resturaunt in Au Vieux Saint Martin whether you are ordering a full meal or only a cup of coffee. Bright paintings cover the walls creating a cheerful presence. The menu is a short list of traditional Belgian dishes. The portions are very large and delicious. Grand Sablon 38. No reservations needed. (tel) 02/ 512-64-76.
La Pain Quotidien
This down-home bakery is perfect for students and those who are ready for a quick and creative meal. Sandwiches are prepared on hearty breads with toppings such as walnuts, brie, and basil. No reservations needed. place du Grand Sablon 11, (tel) 02/502-70-73.
| Antwerp |
 |
Neuze Neuze
Five tiny houses are combined to create this wonderful find. Warm salmon served in a white beer sauce is a perfect meal. Reservations are advised. Wijngaardstraat 19. (tel) 03/232-57-83.
Jan Zonder Vrees
Once a brothel, this resturaunt is far from lacking atmosphere. Specialties include waterzooi and rabbit beer. Reservations are accepted but not required. Krabbenstraat 2. (tel) 03/232-90-80.
Pelgrom
This resturaunt offers a wide variety of Flemish dishes at very reasonable prices. Open every day from noon to midnight: Pelgrimstraat 15, (tel) 03.234-08-09.
Straffe Hendrik
This tap room is part of a home run brewery. It serves a lunch buffet and Flemish beer soup. Walpein, (tel) 050/33-26-97. Credit cards are not accepted.
Taverne Curiosa
Meander down a flight of steps off of the main street, and you will find yourself in a medieval cellar. Smoked salmon is always on the menu as well as other Flemish specialties. Vlamingstraat 22, (tel) 050/34-23-34. Closed in July.
When in Brugge, take advantage of the extroidinary street-side bakeries. The employees are very helpful in choosing Flemish specialty meats and cheeses. It is a quick and expensive way to experience Brugge.
8. Musuems and MonumentsBelgium is internationalay renowned for its monuments, museums, and historical sites. It is impossible to detail all of these Belgian wonders, yet here are some things you should not miss while in Belgium.
Brussels
The Grand'Place
You can not miss the Grand'Place. The most ornate
market place in Belgium will catch you eye with its intricate details and
hight towers. There are daily markets in the square filled with flowers,
crafts, and birds. During the biennial Tapis de Feluers (Mid August), the
entire square is covered by a carpet of flowers. At Christmas, the Grand'Place
houses a traditional nativity scene to include real animals. If you don't
happen to be in Brussels during these two festivals, you can still see a
fabulous light an music show inside the square everynight.
The Manneken Pis
On the corner of the rue de l'Etuve and rue de Chene, stands the famous Manneken Pis. The statue of a small chubby boy urinating is decorated seasonally (right: EU attire). The statue was made by Jerome Duqesnoy in 1619, and is know as "Brussels's oldest citizen." You can find a variety of souveniers displaying the Manneken Pis to include bottle openers, steins, shot glasses, napkins, charms, and statues.
**Brussels also houses important political and economic headquarters such as NATO, the European Commission, and the European Council. If you have time, check into taking a tour.
Antwerp
The Cathedral of Our Lady has a 400 ft spire which can be seen throughout the city. The gothic church was just renovated, and is now the largest cathedral in the Low Country. It houses famous art treasures such as four Rubens altarpieces.
Brugges
Brugge is the fairtale that you thought only existed in your mind. The peaceful medieval town is the most romantic city in Belgium. Brugge is a medieval town that is linked to the sea by a series of preserved canals. If you are in Belgium, you cannot miss the opportunity to experience Brugge. It offers romance, history, entertainment, and culture like no other city in Belgium.
Make sure you look into the various tours available in Brugge. A bike tour will provide you the opportunity to see parts of Belgium that are off of the beaten track.
A boat tour through the interlaced canals is a great way to see the humpbacked bridges, weeping willows, and ivy covered buildings
9. Nightlife
Rue de Tabora 11
1000 Bruxelles
(tele) 32 2 511 00 06
chee de Boondael 441
1050 Bruxelles
(tele) 322 2 649 72 41
Rue Montagne-aux-Herbes-Potageres 7
1000 Bruxelles
(tele) 32 2 513 13 18
10. Currency
The unit of currency in Belgium is the Belgian Franc which is made up of 100 centimes. There are bills of 100; 500; 1,000; and 2,000 as well as coins of 1, 5, 20 and 50 francs. The Belgian currency has the same value as the Luxembourgian franc (Lfr), and is accepted as valid currency in Luxembourg.
The exchange rate is subject to change based upon economic indicators, thus a traveler should consult current values prior to travel. Estimated exchange rates as of November 14, 1997 are provided below.
| United States | Dollar | 35.7400 | .027980 |
| British | Pound | 60.5113 | .016526 |
| Canadian | Dollar | 25.2990 | .039527 |
| German | Mark | 20.6351 | .048461 |
| Australian | Dollar | 24.8750 | .040201 |
| Irish | Pound | 53.7708 | .018597 |
| EU | Euro | 40.8150 | .024501 |
Sample
Prices:
a cup of coffee will cost BF45-BF60; a glass of beer BF35-85; a glass of wine BF100, average bus/metro/tram ride BF50; movie tickets BF256; theater tickets BF500
Money
Exchange:
Money can be changed in post offices, banks, Brussels National Airport, or in official exchange offices in large railway stations. You will recieve the best exchange rates with the least service charge at banks. Avoid changing money at hotels and street establishments.
Credit
Cards:
Most major international credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard, Mastercard, and Visa) are accepted by banks, larger hotels, higher class restaurants, and most shops.
Cash
Machines:
ATM machines called "Bancontact" and "Master Cash" can be found easily throughout Belgium. Instructions are provided in four languages.
