Hosting a variety of conferences and exhibitions each year, Brussels is well known as the capital of the European Union. With over 14 million businessmen and women travelling here each year, the city provides modern facilities set against a rich cultural backdrop of world-class restaurants and historic sites.
Getting there
With links to the UK by air, rail and sea, Brussels is now easier than ever to each. Eurostar runs ten services daily from London St Pancras to Brussels Midi station, eight miles north of the city centre. Catching the Eurostar from Ebbsfleet or Ashford can cut your journey time even further and there are regular tram services from Brussels Midi station to the city centre once you arrive. Alternatively, Brussels Airlines flies direct to Brussels from Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle. British Airways flies from Heathrow and EasyJet runs the service from Gatwick.
Where to stay
The Hotel – Centrally located in the heart of Brussels with great access to public transport links and restaurants, The Hotel has been voted the best for business travellers in Brussels for the last two years. Offering modern bedrooms, large meeting rooms and a good-sized gym, this hotel lends itself to the needs of those travelling on business. Rooms start at £119 per night and the hotel is only a few minutes’ walk away from the impressive Grand Place, Brussels’ central square.
The Dominican – Housed in a 17th Century building and offering comfortable, modern rooms, The Dominican offers a twist on your usual business accommodation. Just a few steps from the hotel sits Ricotta & Parmesan, a highly recommended Italian restaurant where you can relax before making your way back to the hotel’s stylish bar for a night cap. Rooms start at £122 per night and excellent customer service from the hotel’s staff will leave you hoping to return find out.
A bite to eat
Comme Chez Soi – Brussels’ most famous French restaurant, Comme Chez Soi, is a must for those looking for a taste of luxury. Pierre Wynants takes great pride in his restaurant’s 3 Michelin star status and his menu is sure to impress your chosen dinner guest. The menu changes regularly, with the only staple dish being Wynants’ house special – fillet of sole with white wine mousse and shrimp. Weekends can be hectic so be prepared to book a few weeks in advance, with lunch reservations much easier to come by.
Falstaff – Since it opened in the early 20th century, Falstaff has been a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike. Its dramatic decor and hearty menu combine to provide a dining experience you won’t forget in a hurry. Try their delicious French onion soup or grab a classic croque monsieur to satisfy your taste buds while dashing between meetings. Falstaff also serves affordable light suppers with the national dish, moules et frites (mussels and fries), a must-try!
Down time
In case you have time between meetings, here are the top activities we suggest you make time for in Brussels:
- La Grande Place – Visit Brussels’ central square and relax with a coffee in one of its many bars and restaurants while taking in the incredible architecture.
- Bois de la Cambre and Foret de Soignes – Take a stroll in the summer sunshine at Brussels’ gorgeous gardens or warm up with a hot chocolate and rent a bike to get around in cooler conditions.
- St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral – Experience the beauty of this cathedral with its incredible stained glass. With free entry and photography permitted, you’ll be able to document your visit to this stunning building.
