Tips for your business trip to Brussels!
Brussels is characterized by its international character, its medieval past and modern present, its delicious beers and, of course, as the home of the European Union! This vibrant Belgian city is also a popular destination among many international business travelers, to which the city is well catered. For example, Brussels' business district is unmissable because of the skyscrapers that tower high above the city (this is where the financial heart of Brussels is located, including the WTC) and near Zaventem airport you will find the business center 'The Corporate Village'.
Are you planning a business trip to Brussels and looking for tips and inspiration for nice (business) hotels, must do's next to your business appointments, local delicacies and transport to and in Brussels? Then read on for all the tips and tricks for your business trip to Brussels!
Transportation to and location of Brussels
By plane
KLM operates a daily direct flight from Amsterdam to Brussels Airport, also known as Brussels Airport - Zaventem. Brussels Airport is the largest airport in Belgium and is located 15 kilometers northeast of the center of Brussels. This means you can reach the center by car within 20 to 30 minutes.
The center is also easily accessible by public transportation from the airport. From the train station at Brussels Airport, trains depart six times an hour to Brussels-North, Brussels-Central and Brussels-South stations. It takes 17 minutes to get to Brussels-Central station.
By Train
The Thalys takes you from Amsterdam CS directly to Brussels-Midi (Brussels South) within 2 hours. There is also a direct connection from Rotterdam CS and after a journey of a little over an hour, you will arrive at Brussels-Midi station. From Brussels-Midi you can continue to the center by metro (lines 2 and 6). There are also several streetcar and bus lines connecting Brussels-Midi with the center of Brussels. Besides the Thalys, there are also several IC trains from the Netherlands to Brussels.
By car
Brussels is of course also easily accessible by car. Plan your route using the ANWB route planner, for example. Note: the entire Brussels Capital Region is an environmental / low emission zone (LEZ). This means that several cars are no longer allowed in this area. Always check in advance if your car belongs to this zone, before you might risk a fine.
Stay comfortable during your business trip to Brussels
Brussels has a wide variety of hotels, some of which we would like to highlight to you for your business trip to Brussels!
Jam Hotel ***
This hip boutique hotel is located in trendy Saint-Gilles, in the center of Brussels a 20-minute drive from the financial business district. The hotel is a former art academy that has been modernized into a hotel including rooftop, pool, restaurant and bright rooms. Unique: this hotel offers a Japanese sento experience (public bathing). A public bathing experience? Yes! This unique spa experience purifies the body and mind and has become one of Brussels' most prominent hotspots. All in all, this hotel is a wonderful place to stay during your business trip to Brussels!
Source: Jam Hotel.
Hilton Brussels Grand Place ****
Stay in the heart of the historic center of Brussels during your business trip to Brussels. This luxurious, recently renovated hotel is located next to the central train station and between the Grand Place and the Square convention center. The hotel has a true hotel chic allure and is the perfect base after a long day!
Source: Hilton Brussels Grand Place.
NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon ****
Beautifully located on the most beautiful square in Brussels, 400 meters from the central station and right in the center of Brussels you will find the NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon. A hotel that has generous rooms, fine fitness room, beautiful restaurant and not least: a Green Key certificate for its commitment to the environment!
Source: NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon.
Steigenberger Wiltcher's *****
This luxury hotel is located on Avenue Louise, the shopping street in downtown Brussels. For a delicious (business) lunch or dinner, this is also the right place to be. The restaurant is praised as the Mecca for foodies! After a long day in the city, enjoy the high level of service, the stylish rooms, the lovely spa or at the cozy bar.
Source: Steigenberger Wiltcher's.
The 3,4 and 5 star hotels all have opportunities for parking at or near the hotel, free of charge or for a fee.
Brussels specialties
- Crispy fries: Belgium is known for its fries: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, double fried with different sauces. Locations where real Brussels fries can be eaten include Frit Flagey and Maison Antoine. At Fritland on the Grand Place, you can enjoy a Mitraillette: half a baguette topped with meat (sausage or hamburger), fries and sauce of your choice.
- Sweet tooth: For the sweet tooth among us, there is the Brussels Waffle! Available on just about every street corner. The Brussels waffle is square in shape and knows no bounds when it comes to sauces, fruit and decorations. A sweet treat!
- People's Court: Stoemp is a real Brussels folk dish, originated in the kitchen of the poor people and probably originated in the Netherlands. The basic ingredient of Stoemp is the bintje (potato) and has many variations; with/without raw or cooked vegetables, sausage or fish and even caviar, lobster and foie gras. Stoemp symbolizes cozy dining and sharing, which includes a delicious Belgian beer.
Brussels sights
Perhaps you have some free time to spare besides business appointments? But what should you absolutely not miss in Brussels?
- Manneken Pis: The most famous inhabitant of Brussels located at the corner of Rue du Oak and Rue du Stoof. The statue has a history dating back to the fourteenth century. For many travelers visiting Brussels, this little man is a must see!
- The Atomium: Designed for the 1958 World's Fair, this extraordinary structure can be called the symbol of Brussels. Located in the Heysel Park, a 20-minute drive from Brussels center, this huge monument offers the opportunity to enjoy a drink or snack at high altitude in the panoramic restaurant.
- The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula: A magnificent cathedral dating from the 13e century, where concerts and exhibitions are now regularly held. It has also been the venue for quite a few royal funerals and weddings.
- The Grand Place: Since the 11e century, the Grand Place is the most central place in Brussels. Today you will find everything in terms of shopping, terraces, restaurants, hotels, nightlife and culture here. Pure conviviality!
- The Brussels Comic Route: A number of cartoon characters have been on display as murals throughout the city since 1993. The route goes along 31 walls throughout the city.
Tips on business culture in Belgium
- Contact or contract: The Netherlands and Belgium are close to each other, yet there are differences in manners. The Netherlands is a contract country and Belgium is a contact country. In Belgium, building a relationship of trust is important. Pay attention to your business network.
- Formality: Belgians are more formal and polite than the Dutch. They greatly appreciate politeness. Do not tutoy until the business partner suggests it. Initially, keep it to "you" or "vous," even if first names are used.
- (Not) Straight to the point: Getting straight to the point with a Belgian business partner is not always wise. Exercise restraint and, above all, listen to what a business partner has to say.
- Patience: In Belgium, negotiations often take place in a more formal way than in our country. Partly because of this, it can take some time before the deal is closed. So don't jump to conclusions from a conversation, but be patient.