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Brussels Festivals Guide:
Feb 6,7,8, the Carnival of Binche. An ancient and famously kaleidoscopic event with costumes and masks. Binche is 54kms [34 miles] from Brussels.
May 22, the Battle of Lumecon & The Procession of the Golden Chariot, Mons. A George and the Dragon battle and religious procession in this pretty city [40 mins by train].
May-November, Festival of Flanders. Superb classical music in magnificent locations, such as cathedrals, all over Flanders [just north a bit].
Last Thurs of June, the Ommegang Pageant, Brussels. A wildly colourful ‘folkloric’ procession and games since 1549.
July 21, National Day and start of Brussels Fair [1 month].
Dec 6-Jan 2, European Christmas Market, Brussels, Bruges and more. Icy, festive fun, all lit up, and that’s before the head banging beer kicks in.
Time difference between Brussels and all other cities
Sights Guide:
Brussels centre is divided into the Lower Town and the Upper Town [known collectively as the 'petit ring'] and the obvious starting point for any tourist is between the two at the Grand-Place. This spectacular square [pictured above] is the hub of the city, enclosed by superb 18th century guildhouses, the gothic Hotel de Ville, and is always buzzing with life.
A few yards south sprays the little pisser, aka Manneken Pis, eternally surrounded by admirers. Further south leads to Quartier Marolles, the place for good value eats and shopping at the daily flea market.
Steeply upwards and eastwards from Grand-Place the roads travel into stately Upper Town, the posh sector, where boulevards and buildings are on a royal scale and mere mortals feel small.
The Royal Palace, open free to the public in summer months, and the House of Parliament are two of the more significant structures. Near that grand pair is Place du Grand Sablon, a zone of pricey restaurants and shops, and a clutch of the city’s best museums and galleries.
East of the petit ring is the European Union complex of modern concrete and glass, including the EU Parliament that offers free tours, with guide, at limited times.
