Brussels, The French and The Flemish
- January 8th, 2010
- By Jaap
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City guide Brussels
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Ladies and Gentlemen,
It’s time for another great city trip to…Europe’s Capital: Brussels. Layers of history, including contemporary design of the highest order, are an integral part of Brussels. When we look at the city’s diversity than for sure the title ” Capital” is justified. What started as a mixture of the French and the Flemish culture became an international melting pot of people originating from all over the world. The result of this melting pot is a diversity of of different venues that offer a wide variety of styles, price ranges and locations. So pack your bags and book the next plane to Brussels International for another great hospitality guide!
Arrived in Brussels? Drop your bags in Brussels most contemporary design hotel: The Dominican Hotel (Rue Léopold 9). The Dominican was “curated“ and designed by the Dutch designers FGStijl, winner of the prestigious Prix Villégiature-Paris for Best Interior Design in 2005.
The hotel was build on the foundations of a 15th century abbey. All 150 guestrooms and suites are individually designed which makes every visit to this hotel unique. The rooms are located around a central courtyard, which provides the ‘intimate’ part of the equation, reinforced by a rich combination of contemporary design and luxurious textiles. A combination of intimate repose and modern grandeur ensures that great Xperience you are looking for. Have a drink at the Lounge Bar before we continue to the real work.
You might wonder: what’s next? Maybe the ” Grote Markt” ? Resist the temptation to have a drink here since the venues located in here in the center of Brussels are not worth it to say the least. Overpriced drinks and service below our standards…
Instead, stroll around in the small alleys of the Center of Brussels and stop at Place de Saint-Géry, a small square that offers 3 bars that have been established by local legend Fred Nicolay. His first three venues are right here on Place St Géry: Zebra, Mappa Mundo and Roi des Belges.The most unconventional venue is Zebra! All three bars share the same facilities: uncomfortable wooden garden chairs, slack service and… the hippest of clientele. In addition, the belgium beers, club d’ Halle and multilingual hubbub create an extraordinary atmosphere, especially in summer time!
Our next visit is Delirium (Impasse de la Fidélité 4): also this venue is renowned for its international clientele, most of them students. For us, the only reason to visit Delirium is this: 2000 different kinds of beers are served! Slam some pitchers and make sure to try the campus beers! Don’t we love Belgium! A nice detail/photo opportunity is that you will find ” vrouwke pis” (the sister of the famous ” manneke pis”) across from the entrance door of Delirium.
After those lovely ’pintjes’ it is time to rock the dancefloor!! This is what Brussels lives for. Most of the venues are located
within walking distance from each other. First, head to Mirano(Chaussée de Louvain 38). Mirano = trendy Brussels! For another thrilling Xperience, make sure to find yourself in Mirano’s VIP area overlooking the rotating dancefloor. Glaze at the charming, elegant cocktail consuming crowd while enjoying your champagne…done? Time to show your moves…
Finally, the icing on the cake…no more control…rock them bars!! Final destination: Fuse (Havenlaan 86C). This is Mekka for every Techno lover! At Fuse, the best Techno DJ’s of the world perform on a weekly basis among whom the one and only…DAVE CLARKE!! Do not expect anything fancy here…no LED lights, no comfortable sofas but…exhilarating sounds, a whimsical atmosphere and a thrilling dancefloor!
. Paris is not only worth visiting by night but also during the daytime so for once get out of your beds early in order to take that early flight to Charles de Gaulle airport. Start your day with the standard tourist sightseeing so you that you can always tell your family back home what kind of great sights you have seen. Of course we know better, you’re not only here for the sights…ready? go! 
As the Dutch say “Klein maar fijn”. It is the perfect description of the Dutch Capital. The Netherlands is a small European country but has a record as a big player in the international community. Amsterdam is a reflection of the Dutch mindset: the land of possibility. A wide diversity ranging from the red light district to coffeeshops to historical buildings, Amsterdam has it all. The point is: book those tickets and visit this city! 
OK,so you’re going to London. as you most likely already know, no sun, no beaches, a lot of rain but….this is F*ckin’ London Baby!! Love it!! 
