Activities

o       Grote Market/ Grand Palace- This eclectic marketplace has earned the reputation of being one of the best marketplaces in Europe. The architecture is amazing, with tall, gabled, Flemish Renaissance buildings that are simply dripping with ornamentation and statues enclosing its esplanade. It’s open daily, selling an assortment of interesting items and beautiful flowers. Sundays, it hosts a bird market. Its beauty in the light of day, however, is surpassed by its splendor at night, with golden floodlights glowing bright. During the spring and summer months, a spectacular light show is performed.

o       Audi Jazz Festival- The Audi Jazz Festival is a celebration of Jazz music featuring over 70 concerts. The festival offers an eclectic variety ofJazz music in venues all over the city. Some of the international artists featured are the Universal Language Quartet, the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, the hot act Roots Manuva, legend Herbie Hancock, and the amazing talent of Maceo Parker. Most of the concerts take place around 8pm in the evening and are held in and around the city of Brussels. Admission prices vary with each event.

o       ARS Musica- This event has earned a reputation around Europe as a “must-attend event.” Also known as “the spring of contemporary music,” this event brings together numerous famous composers, conductors, and performers who turn each concert into an evening worth remembering. World premiers are not uncommon at this event. Tickets are available at the concert locations. Ask about discounts for groups, seniors, children, and the unemployed.

o       Centre Sportif de la Woluwe- This 2300 square metered sports center was opened in 1981 and has been an incredibly successful business. Some of the sports that can be played here are squash, tennis, badminton, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, indoor football, martial arts, dance, and yoga. There are also 88 outdoor, lighted sports fields and a climbing wall for the adventurer. The sports center is open from 8am to 11pm.

o       Belgisch Centrumvan het Beeldverhaal- This stunningly beautiful warehouse brings together two of Belgium’s specialties: Art Nouveau and comics. It was built in 1903 by Victor Horta, a local businessman, and features comics from over 650 artists in permanent exhibitions. There are also temporary displays to see. Belgisch also features a comic strip shop, Slumberland, and a library of comic strips. Admission is EUR 5.00 for adults, EUR 4.00 for groups, and EUR 2.50 for children under 12. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.

o       Brussels International Film Festival- Films from around the world are previewed at this event and some are sent off to the Cesars, the Oscars, or the Golden Globes. Visit the website at www.bifff.org for schedules and ticket prices.

o       Museum van Cacoa en Chocolade- Chocolate-lovers everywhere will appreciate this museum dedicated solely to the production and history of cocoa and chocolate. Since the average Belgian consumes about 8.3 kg of chocolate a year, the location of this museum seems obvious. Demonstrations by chocolate masters will give you the opportunity to taste and see what goes on behind the scenes in the world of chocolate. These demonstrations are held Tuesday through Friday between 10 am and 3 pm. The museum also sells chocolate and can be rented out for parties. Admission is EUR 5.00 for adults, EUR 4.00 for seniors and groups. Children under 12 are free. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.