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 BELGIUM
Quick-which European capital is known for its broad boulevards, shady avenues,
hundreds of local beers, dozens of flamboyant art-nouveau buildings and the most
coveted chocolates in the world? Although you might have be tempted to answer
Paris, you'd be closer to the mark if you responded...Brussels.
Contrary to its rather quiet image, Belgium is blessed with some of the best
food and drink on the continent-and some of Europe's nicest buildings and
prettiest pastoral scenery. It's also more diverse than many expect,
encompassing both the idyllic farmlands and cool coastal resorts in the
north-the region known as Flanders-and hilly forests in the south-the area known
as Walloon.
There's more to the country's duality than scenery, however. In wealthy, more
populous Flanders, the residents speak a Dutch dialect and are known as Flemish.
In economically depressed Wallonia, the tongue is French. To further confuse
things, there's also a small German-speaking minority living in the eastern part
of the country. These cultural differences have created some tensions, but they
remain mostly mild and peaceful. Travelers are likely to find Belgium a tranquil
and enjoyable part of the Continent.
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HISTORY
The country's history has contributed to its rich diversity: The Romans, Celts,
Spanish, Austrians, French and Dutch all occupied Belgium at one time or
another, and each culture left its mark. This mix has led to another, less
fortunate, distinction: It is said that the "Low Countries" (as Belgium and the
Netherlands are called) have hosted more wars than any other area in the world.
Just about every European country has fought some kind of battle there, the most
recent examples being the two World Wars.
A constitutional monarchy, Belgium endured some tribulation surrounding King
Leopold III following World War II. He was blamed for the country's quick
surrender to the Nazis in 1940 and was first barred from the country, then
forced to turn the throne over to his son in 1951. Further discord came in the
1960s as political struggles between the French and Flemish populations brought
down several governments. The ensuing decades have been more tranquil, however.
As the headquarters for the European Union as well as NATO, Belgium is something
of a model for getting along.
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PERSONAL SAFETY
In general, Belgium is a very safe country. In Antwerp, there are some places,
such as the area around the central train station, that should be avoided if
possible, and in Brussels, there is some street crime, such as pickpocketing, on
crowded public transportation and in areas around the city's train and metro
stations. However, common sense should prevent any incidents.
For the latest advisories, call the U.S. Department of State Overseas Citizens
Services (202-647-5225), the Canadian Travel Advisory Line (800-267-6788 in
Canada or 613-944-6788 outside Canada), the British Foreign and Commonwealth
Office (171-238-4503) or the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
Consular Operations Section (2-6261-3305).
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SNAPSHOT
History, Brussels, architecture, diamonds, caves, castles, cathedrals, camping,
beer, friendly people, fishing, sand yachting and sailing, Rubens, casinos,
chocolate bonbons (called pralines), Bruges, golfing, hiking, canoeing, museums,
churches, Spa, colorful processions and pageants, art and ancient manuscripts
are Belgium's chief attractions.
This is a particularly nice destination for those who have a good sense of
history, who appreciate fine architecture and good food, and who want to see a
wide variety of attractions without packing up and moving every other day (the
country can be seen on a series of day trips from a central base). Those looking
for dramatic scenery or deluxe, full-service resorts will be happier in other
parts of Europe.
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GEOSTATS
Official Name: Kingdom of Belgium.
Passport/Visa Requirements: Passport only needed by Australian, U.K.,
U.S. and Canadian citizens. Reconfirm travel document requirements with carrier
before departure.
Health Certificates: None currently required. Contact health authorities for latest information
Capital: Brussels.
Currency: Euro. 100 cents = 1 euro.
Population: 10,174,922.
Area: 11,781 sq mi/30,513 sq km.
Languages: Flemish, French, German (all official).
Economy: Agriculture, industry.
Predominant Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant.
Government: Constitutional monarchy.
Weather: Cool, temperate and rainy, without extreme temperatures.
Voltage Requirements: 220 volts
Telephone Codes: 32, country code; 2, city code for Brussels; 3, city code for Antwerp.
Airport Departure Tax: None.
Time Zone: 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+1 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed April-October
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WHAT TO DO THERE ???
ANTWERP
The home of Rubens and the world's diamond capital, Antwerp (pop. 500,000) is a
joy to visit. The wide squares and the narrow cobbled streets of the old town
are perfect for strolling-they're lined with shops and cafes, which make the
walk even more pleasant. The city is still shining from the face-lift it
received after it was designated the Cultural Capital of Europe several years
ago. The Cathedral of Our Lady (which holds Rubens' humbling Descent From the
Cross) was scrubbed and restored; the long-closed Bouria Theater was
reopened as a performance space for contemporary works; and the former Church of
St. Augustine was turned into a concert hall for medieval and baroque music.
Besides these new favorites, old ones remain: Chief among them is the Rubens
House and studio, a shrine to Antwerp's most famous native son. Other museums
include the Ridder Smidt van Gelder (excellent porcelain), the 400-year-old
Plantin-Moretus (with old prints, books and printing equipment from the 16th
century) and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (don't miss this one if you're
interested in works by the Flemish masters-Van Eyck, Memling, Bruegel, Van Dyck
and, of course, Rubens). The Middelheim Open-Air Museum has sculpture by Rodin
and Henry Moore, among others. (You can get to Middelheim by bus from Antwerp's
central train station.) Nautical buffs will want to visit the Steen, a
12th-century castle now used as the National Maritime Museum. Shutter-bugs
should check out the History of Photography Museum, which exhibits the work of
contemporary photographers as well as historic equipment. Plus, it's free.
Antwerp is also one of the world's largest diamond centers. To see diamond
cutters at work, go to the Pelikaanstraat area (try Diamond Land at 33a
Appelmansstraat or Veiligheidsmuseum at 28-30 Jezusstraat). The Diamant Museum
is at 31-33 deKeyserlei. Other city sights include the zoo, Brabo Fountain and
the Grote Markt. The market area also includes the Stadhuis (the 16th-century
town hall) and many interesting guild houses. After seeing those sites, enjoy
the twittering at the Bird Market (open 8:30 am-1 pm) in the Oude Vaartplaats
Square flea market. Possible day trips from Antwerp would be to Lier (10
mi/16 km southeast), which is known for its tower and astronomical clock and to
Turnhout (25 mi/40 km northeast), which has a fascinating Playing Card
Museum.
Note: Antwerp is one of the largest seaports in the world, which gives it
both an international flair and a touch of seediness. You might happen upon
scantily clad women displaying their wares in picture windows along
Schipperstraat. Avoid the following areas, especially at night: Borgerhout and
streets behind the Central Railway Station (Statiesstraat, Breydelstraat and
Deconinck Plein). Antwerp is 25 mi/40 km by road north of Brussels.
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ARLON
Set amid beautiful woodlands, this ancient city was a Roman crossroads. Today
the remnants of the era can be found in the archaeological museum and in a
still-standing Roman tower. The Church of St. Donat abuts a castle that Richard
the Lionhearted used during the Crusades. 120 mi/195 km southeast of
Brussels.
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BASTOGNE
The site of the Battle of the Bulge and a subsequent memorial, Bastogne can be
seen on a day trip from Brussels. A large star-shaped memorial and the Nuts!
museum commemorate U.S. Gen. Anthony McAuliffe's pithy reply to the suggestion
that he surrender to encircling German forces. The town itself is
uninteresting-plan on going elsewhere once you have seen the memorial. 95
mi/155 km by road southeast of Brussels.
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BINCHE
Founded nearly a thousand years ago, this interesting market town still has some
of its original fortified walls. Binche is known for its annual Shrove Tuesday
Carnival, when some 1,500 revelers, known as the "Gilles" weave through the
streets while thousands more look on. In their bizarre costumes, the Gillles
create quite a show (it ends with a spectacular shower of fireworks). 40
mi/70 km south of Brussels.
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BOUILLON
In the Ardennes Forest near the French border, Bouillon offers the Duke of
Bouillon Castle, one of the most beautiful medieval fortresses in the country.
The ridge above the river Semois makes for a fine view. 95 mi/155 km
southeast of Brussels.
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BRUGES
We really think this Venice of the North, set on the banks of the Zwin River, is
a must-see. During the 12th and 13th centuries, Bruges (pronounced
broozh) was a center of trade and textile manufacturing, as well as the
largest city in Belgium. When the Zwin silted up in the late 1400s, the
merchants and traders abandoned the city for Antwerp. Economic decline allowed
the city to remain unchanged for centuries, which is why it is one of the best
preserved medieval cities in Europe.
The city is known for its beautiful walks, scenic canals, ancient squares and
some of the best lace in Belgium (at the lace center, local women volunteer
their time to demonstrate the ancient practice of making lace by hand). The
town's 13th-century Grote Markt (Market Square) has a belfry that's 272 ft/83 m
tall and a 47-bell carillon that's world famous. It's a strenuous climb to the
top, but the belfry provides a great view of the city. Carillon concerts are
held on Sundays. Burg Square has several attractions: the 12th-century Holy
Blood Basilica (which houses the Relic of the Holy Blood and other artifacts
from the Crusades, displayed daily); the 14th-century town hall (beautiful
statues and bas-reliefs), where wedding couples in all their finery gather on
Fridays for civil ceremonies; and the 18th-century, 245-room Palace of Justice.
Farther down the canal is the Church of Our Lady, which houses Michelangelo's
Madonna and Child. If you want to visit a medieval house with all its
furnishings, drop in on the Gruuthuse Museum.
Other city sights include the 13th-century Beguinage, the medieval guild houses
and the 12th-century Medieval Hospital of St. John (now called the Memling
Museum, it contains the works of Hans Memling and others). If you're interested
in Flemish art, don't miss the Groeninge Museum, which has works by Memling, Van
Eyck, Hieronymous Bosch, Roger Van der Weyden and other Flemish painters. If all
the art and history gets to be overwhelming, one of the many outdoor cafes
serving Belgian beers on the t'Zand Plaza can provide respite and plenty of
people-watching opportunities. Be sure to take one of the leisurely boat rides
on Bruges' canals. In May, the town hosts the annual Procession of Holy Blood, a
solemn feast during which costumed bands reenact stories from the Bible.
Day trips can be made to Kortrijk, 40 mi/65 km south, a town known for
its linens (it also has a nice town hall and belfry), and Zeebrugge, a
nearby seaside resort with a fishing harbor and scenic promenade. (You can also
catch a ferry for England from Zeebrugge.) On a sunny day, a bike ride along the
Damme canal to the nearby medieval village of Damme, about 2 mi/5 km north of
Bruges, is well worth the time. 55 mi/90 km northwest of Brussels.
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BRUSSELS
Since it became the "Capital of Europe," a lot of attention has been focused on
Brussels. And, frankly, we have mixed feelings about that. We've always enjoyed
its Grand Place, its outstanding restaurants, its green parks, woods and
gardens-and we've had them, if not exactly to ourselves, at least with plenty of
elbow room. But, now that the city is headquarters for NATO and the nucleus of
the European Union, the pace has picked up. There's sometimes a bit of a wait at
our previously "undiscovered" restaurant; there are more people wandering
through the city's fine museums, markets and palaces; and we have to remind
ourselves to make hotel reservations further in advance.
No one would deny that Brussels deserves the economic benefits that increased
commerce has brought. The glamour that distinguished the city at the end of the
19th century is returning. Sprinkled with parks, gardens and elegant town
houses, Brussels is greener than most other European capitals and has many
hidden charms beyond its famous Grand Place. Besides its fine museums and
churches, Brussels offers charming cobbled streets, a profusion of markets, art
nouveau in abundance and splendid beer.
You'll need a minimum of three days in Brussels to get a feeling for the city.
Begin your sightseeing at the ornate, 12th-century Grand Place, one of the most
perfectly preserved of all market squares in Europe. A short walk away on the
Rue de l'Etuve is the famous Manneken-Pis-the little statue is regarded by
Belgians with the reverence usually reserved for religious icons. Close by is
the Sablon District: Take some time to explore the Grand Sablon and Petit Sablon
Squares.
Because Belgium has a long history in comic-strip art, we recommend touring the
Comic Strip Centre or, at a minimum, following the Comic Strip Route to admire
the art of that genre around the city. Brussels is home to other wonderful art
museums, too, including the must-visit Museum of Ancient Art, Museum of Modern
Art and Constantin Meunier Museum. In fact, a ride on Brussels' Metro and tram
system can be a cultural experience: Many of the stations contain works of art
by Belgium's leading contemporary artists. A special Art in the Metro
brochure is available from the Tourist Information Brussels (TIB) office. To get
your fill of art-nouveau architecture, be sure to see the Horta Museum and the
recently opened Musical Instruments Museum.
History buffs will want to visit the Waterloo battlesite and the nearby
Wellington Museum. (If you're not a history buff, you can still enjoy the view
of Brussels from the Butte du Lion.) The National Botanical Gardens are at
Meise, far enough away to merit taking the bus. For those desiring a taste of
Belgium not soon to be forgotten, head to the Gueuze Museum in Anderlecht-it
still houses a working brewery.
If you love the performing arts, Brussels will satisfy you: Internationally
acclaimed performers turn up with great frequency in this city, and it's worth
looking out for the top local ensembles-particularly if you're a fan of early
music or contemporary classical music. (Artists of all disciplines, however,
complain that the language divide between Flemish and French speakers hampers
funding for multicultural projects.) The Palais des Beaux-Arts hosts the
world-class Queen Elizabeth music competition every spring. The Theatre Royal de
la Monnaie/DeMunt is a renowned venue for opera, music recitals and dance
performances. The season runs September-June.
In addition, three important annual cultural festivals take place over a period
of many months in a series of Belgian cities and towns, including Brussels: the
Brussels Festival, Festival de Wallonie and the Festival of Flanders.
Brussels nightlife has a deserved reputation as being accessible to the
initiated only: It may seem that everyone but you knows where to go. Your best
bet is to try to get a recommendation from a resident. Whether you want a
relaxing drink or a blistering disco inferno, there's plenty going on, even more
now that the influx of foreign residents has led to the establishment of some
transparently expat hangouts (noticeably the dozen-odd Irish pubs).
To a Belgian, a cafe is where you go to sit for hours nursing a strong
Belgian beer or a cup of espresso. In summer, the sidewalk cafes around the
Sablon are crowded late into the night. You'll often see street performers. Jazz
is popular, and at the Latino-American bars, salsa and rumba are danced well
into the morning. Other lively areas in Brussels are around the Rue du Marche au
Charbon, Rue du Lombard and, of course, the Grand Place. The trendier side of
Brussels' nightlife can be sampled in the Saint-Gery/Rue Antoine Dansaert
district.
Generally nightclubs open late (10 or 11 pm) and remain open until the early
morning hours. Opening hours for bars can be haphazard and may well depend on
the number of patrons at any one time. Bars in the city center are likely to be
open most of the day.
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DINANT
The hometown of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, Dinant features the
onion-domed Church of Notre Dame and the fascinating La Merveilleuse Grotto
(with its impressive white stalactites). A citadel sits on top of the Rocher
Bayard, a 130-ft/40-m rock pillar. A cable car eases the ascent to the top.
50 mi/80 km southeast of Brussels.
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EUPEN
Eupen is an ancient city located in a small German-speaking pocket in the
eastern part of the country. It has many churches. Out of town, enjoy
countryside walks through the Hertogenwald Forest and the Hautes Fagnes Nature
Reserve (pine forests, alpine vegetation and highland moors-type scenery). 90
mi/145 km east of Brussels.
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GHENT
Ghent (pop. 237,000) is set on the banks of three rivers-the Lys, Lieve and
Scheldt. Once a flourishing medieval city, Ghent is often compared unfavorably
to its perfectly preserved neighbor Bruges. Nevertheless, with a university and
thriving commerce, it offers a nice combination of ancient and contemporary
Belgium.
The old section of town should be seen on foot. Start at St. Michael's Bridge to
get an overview, then walk to the belfry (note the copper dragons on top), the
town hall (part Renaissance and part Gothic in design), Gothic St. Nicholas
Church and the impressive 12th-to-17th-century guild houses on the Graslei quay.
For a grisly display of torture instruments, stop by the 100-ft/305-m walled
Castle of the Counts of Flanders or the Castle of Geraard de Duvel-Gerald the
Devil. A nicer side of human nature is shown at St. Bavo's Cathedral, which has
a magnificent art collection, including Van Eyck's The Adoration of the
Mystic Lamb and Rubens' The Vocation of St. Bavo (the church closes
rather early, so be sure to get there in time to see it). For a different view
of the town, take the 30-minute boat ride along the canals (not all boat tours
are offered in English year round). There are many other museums, castles and
abbeys in the city and surrounding area.
The nearby town of Lochristi holds a begonia festival in late August. If
you're driving via Aalst, stop to see its early-15th-century belfry,
which looks as if it would be right at home in Bavaria. A day trip can also be
made to Sint-Niklaas, about 20 mi/30 km northeast, which has a museum
containing the personal and professional belongings of Gerard Mercator (the
great map maker, 1512-1589). Sint-Niklaas also has the biggest market square in
the country (and that's saying a lot in Belgium!). Ghent is also a good place
for student-travelers to relax and mingle with peers in the city's many pubs. If
you're not staying overnight, we recommend at least half a day for sightseeing
in Ghent. 35 mi/55 km west of Brussels.
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LEUVEN
Leuven is the principal university town in Belgium-it's the home of the
prestigious Catholic University of Leuven, founded in 1425. The city has many
fine old buildings, including the flamboyant stadhuis (town hall), which
has the appearance of a gigantic reliquary. There are many churches and a
"Beguinage," really a town within a town, containing more than 70 buildings now
used to house international graduate students at the university. Although the
thriving party culture that surrounds the university will appeal primarily to
younger travelers (and of course, the young at heart), the stadhuis and
the free tour offered daily are for everyone. 20 mi/30 km east of
Brussels.
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LIEGE
Liege (pop. 200,000), set in the eastern section of Wallonia, is a grimy
industrial town. That said, the city still has enough of interest to merit a
two-night visit. Among its attractions are Market Square (with its 17th-century
Perron Fountain), the Palace of the Prince-Bishops (beautiful courtyards and
columns), Curtius Museum (exhibits from the Gallo-Roman, Renaissance, Baroque
and Frankish periods, including a display of glassware and masterpieces of Mosan
art) and the Museum of Walloon Life (arts and crafts tell the history of the
city during the 19th century). Liege is known for its gunsmiths and crystal, as
well as for being the birthplace of Georges Simenon (creator of Inspector
Maigret). If you climb up to the citadel on Bueren hill, you'll be rewarded with
a panoramic view of the city. Try to plan your visit so it includes a Sunday,
when there's a market on the left bank of the Meuse River. Other excursions can
be made to Huy, 20 mi/30 km southwest (pewter factories, St. Mengold's
Fountain and the ruins of the Abbey of Neufmoustier); Spa, 20 mi/32 km
southeast, which is famous (not surprisingly) for its spas-it was the birthplace
of the modern spa. Liege is 60 mi/100 km east of Brussels.
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NAMUR
Namur (pop. 100,000), the capital of Walloonia, straddles the Meuse and Sambre
Rivers at the gateway to the Ardennes. An impressive castle with 27 towers looms
over the town from a cliff-top site. The castle has a weapons museum,
underground chambers and a scenic (and strategic) view of the surrounding
countryside. The town below has a nice cathedral and a casino. 30 mi/50 km
west of Brussels.
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OSTENDE
This seaside resort, in the middle of Belgium's 40-mi-/65-km-long coastline, is
a landing spot for daily ferries to England. Filled with cafes and souvenir
shops and fronted by a vast sandy beach, Ostende is a good place to take a break
from art-and-history tours. 70 mi/110 km northwest of Brussels.
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TONGEREN
Founded in the 1st century AD, Tongeren is Belgium's oldest town and the site of
the country's largest antique market. The nearby villages of Diest, Zoutleeuw
and St. Truiden (all within a half hour's drive from Tongeren) give a nice
glimpse of rural life in Wallonia. 65 mi/105 km east of Brussels.
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YPRES
Ypres (called "Wipers" by British Tommies) became known throughout the world as
a result of horrific World War I battles. Every night at 8, buglers sound the
Last Post at the Menen Gate to commemorate the 250,000 British, French and
Belgian soldiers who died there. Totally obliterated during World War I, the
town was triumphantly rebuilt afterward-visitors now see an "authentic" medieval
wool-trading center. In May of every year, townsfolk reenact the Festival of the
Cats, the medieval pastime of tossing mousers from the heights of the town
belfry (cloth cats only these days!). 60 mi/100 km west of Brussels.
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SHOPPING
Shop for Belgian lace, diamonds, chocolates, earthenware, ceramics, crystal,
shoes, antiques, linen, both new and antique tapestries, copperware, pewter,
wood carvings, wooden toys and leather goods. In Brussels, the high-quality
shopping is done on Boulevard de Waterloo and Avenue Louise. Wild and
imaginative hats can be found at Elvis Pompilo on Rue du Midi in Brussels,
fabulous fabrics with antique designs at Costermans on the Place du Grand Sablon
and huge handmade marionettes at the store on the ground floor of the Toone
Puppet Theater in the Ilot Sacre.
Shopping Hours
Monday-Saturday 9 am-6 pm. In larger cities, stores may be open until 9 pm on Friday.
Banking Hours
Monday-Friday 9 am-12 pm and 2-4 pm.
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DINING
The food is varied and delicious (some consider it the best in Europe). And
although Belgium is small, you will find regional variations in the cuisine.
Flemish and French are the two basic types, and both include wonderful things
made with meat (beef, lamb and pork), vegetables and fruit (the fresh cherries
and strawberries are excellent when in season). Some dishes we especially enjoy
are the fondue au fromage (cheese and fried parsley), waterzooi (a
stew made of chicken or seafood with vegetables), ecrevisses a la
Liegeoise (crayfish in cream and butter), mokken (a good dessert
found in Ghent) and hochepot (a lamb and pork dish). Carbonnade is
a stew made with beef, rabbit or chicken, usually cooked in beer.
Grand'mere is similar but cooked in red-wine sauce. Don't miss the famous
moules (mussels), served in a variety of ways. Order them steamed, boiled
with tomato and garlic, or in soups or casseroles. In almost any form, they'll
be served with fried potatoes (frites-never say "French" fries in
Belgium). Frites are, simply put, a national obsession: You'll find
frites stands all over the country, serving snack-size portions in paper
cones. (The condiment of choice to accompany frites is a slightly spicy
mayonnaise.) One decidedly un-American dish to be aware of is filet
americaine-raw beef mixed with mayonnaise and capers.
Justly famed Belgian waffles (gaufres) are wonderful, too, and you can
get them covered in anything from fresh whipped cream to melted chocolate sauce.
They are usually sold at street stands or in tea shops, rather than as a
breakfast food. Speculoos are spicy ginger cookies, usually served with
coffee.
The beers are superb. Each of the hundreds of local brands is flavored
differently with spices and fruit (many are brewed in monasteries). Among our
favorites are Gueuze (frothy and tart, with a hint of apples-it's not exported,
so be sure to try it there); Trappist (dark rich ales produced at five
monasteries according to old methods-e.g., Chimay and Duvel); lambic
(naturally fermented with little carbonation and somewhat sour, similar to
Gueuze); and wheat beers (tart, frothy, with a hint of fruit). Most are
unfiltered, so beware-your last swallow may be heavy with sediment.
Last but not least are the Belgian chocolates. Choices abound: Wittamer on Place
du Grand Sablon; Mary's at 180 Rue Royal (a great place for chocolate purists);
Neuhaus at 27 Galerie de la Reine (founded by Jean Neuhaus, the inventor of the
praline, and our personal favorite); and Irsi at 15 Rue du Bailli (voted the
best by several chocolate-tasting societies). The least expensive variety of
authentic Belgian pralines are found at Leonidas, which operates many shops in
every town and city.
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WEATHER
The best time to visit is from mid May to the end of September, when day
temperatures are generally in the 70s-80s F/23-32 C, with nights in the 50s-60s
F/10-22 C. The winter months are cold-in the 30s-40s F/0-10 C during the day and
below freezing at night. It rains a lot year round (though it's usually only a
drizzle), so take a folding umbrella. If you're going strictly for indoor
sightseeing (museums, etc.), October can be very nice. If you want to avoid
crowds, try mid April to mid June or mid September through October. A sweater is
necessary almost year round.
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TRANSPORTATION
Major international airlines serve Brussels National Airport (BRU), which is
about 7 mi/14 km northeast of Brussels. Transport into town is by taxi, bus or
train (there is a convenient train that runs from the airport to the Gare
Central in downtown Brussels). Major car-rental companies maintain branches at
the airport. Excellent intra-Belgium and trans-Europe rail service connects
Belgium with all parts of Europe, and ferries cross the English Channel to Great
Britain. Ferries depart from Ostend, Belgium for Ramsgate and Dover, England.
Another ferry runs between Zeebrugge, Belgium and Hull, England. Driving is on
the right. Trains also connect Brussels to London via the Channel Tunnel,
including the Eurostar, the high-speed "Chunnel" train. Belgium offers a Belgian
Tourrail card (valid for five travel days in a period of 30 days) and several
first- and second-class rail discounts for travel within Belgium. Eurolines and
Hoverspeed operate international bus services to and from Belgium.
Escorted/hosted, fly/drive and specialty tours (such as those for chocolate
lovers) are a few of the ways to see Belgium. You can also rent bicycles at the
train stations in bigger cities. Brussels has an excellent subway system. Cards
good for 10 trips and all-day cards (for use on metro, tram, bus or train) can
be bought from newspaper shops near stations. There are barge trips down rivers
and various one-day (or shorter) boat trips from several ports and towns.
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