Brussels, Belgium

Key Highlights

Hotels 137
Total Sleeping Rooms 15,940
Largest Exhibit Space 39,489 Sq. Mtr.
Average Hotel Room Rate EUR 166
Average Daily Meal Cost EUR 130
Average Weekly Car Rental EUR 248

Brussels, Belgium Meeting Planning Overview

Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, but also the capital city of the European Union – a rather important and highly regarded profile for a rather small country. Due to this political influence, Brussels has become a central focus in economic development, with many global companies now choosing to operate out of the city. Along with a population of around 1.8 million people, Brussels is a central hub for economic, social and cultural activity for the rest of the country and the continent as a whole – including that of meetings and conferences. In fact, the city hosts over 50,000 registered meetings, congresses and exhibitions each year.

Brussels is geographically positioned in the heart of Europe and boasts several points of access. As such, business associates can leave London and find themselves in a board meeting in the city within just a few hours. Only 25 minutes from downtown, Brussels Airport is a frequent choice for business travelers, welcoming over 18 million passengers each year. Five major train stations also serve the capital region, providing smooth and easy access to and from other European cities such as Paris and Amsterdam.

The city itself is fairly compact, making it easy to explore by foot. A cost-effective public transportation system of metro trains, buses and trams also makes it easy for meeting guests to reach key destinations, such as the Brussels Expo. With over 115,000 square meters of flexible exhibition space, this leading event facility can accommodate up to 2,000 people. Every year, about 60 exhibitions and 90 events are held in one of Brussels Expo's venues, which range from a 1,860-seat auditorium to 13 state-of-the-art conference rooms.

Along with the Expo, Brussels is teeming special event venues. There are over 60 unique locations to hold events of 10 to 10,000 people, whether they be state-of-the-art auditoriums or 19th century masterpieces. Book the Atomium, the self-proclaimed "most astonishing building in the world," for banquets, galas and more. Designed to resemble an aluminum atom, this landmark structure is made up of tubes and steel-clad aluminum spheres, one of which can be booked for special events both during the day and at night.

Museums, concert halls, sports centers, even historic castles aren't off limits when it comes to event planning in Brussels. From Chateau Sainte-Anne to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the city has a setting for any style and size of gathering. Throw a grand reception of up to 1,500 people at the ground floor of Autoworld, where attendees can mingle and drink among and impressive collection of historic automobiles. Add whimsy to formal banquets by hosting them at the Belgian Comic Strip Center, one of the most stunning creations of architect Victor Horta.

Brussels' economy is largely led by the service industry. Financial services provider ING, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Siemens and SONY are among the global names conducting business from Brussels. Over 60 banks have also set up home in Brussels, securing the city's position as the 7th biggest financial market in the world. The city is also home to many well-regarded institutes of higher learning, including the Université Libre de Bruxelles and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

About Brussels, Belgium / Additional Info

With its role as administrative center for the European Union and focal point for the country's economy aside, Brussels is a picturesque and popular tourist destination. This former 10th century fortress town became an independent country in 1830, uniting the Latin and Germanic sides of Europe. Presently, the city's over 1.8 million residents encompass a unique blend of Dutch speakers, French speakers and German speakers, which together welcome guests from around the globe with open and accepting arms.

Though today's Brussels is rather compact, it packs a punch when it comes to attractions. A great place for any visitor to start is Grand-Place, the city's central square. Here, smaller residential structures give way to towering, elegant Guildhalls, telling the tale of the city's economic growth. As one of the city's most popular tourist destinations and undoubtedly one of its most memorable, Grand-Place is full of charming retail vendors, first-class restaurants and attractions including the stately Brussels Town Hall.

The city is also home to over 25 different types of museums, offering a chance to learn something about the country's culture at every turn. For a complete history of the city and its people, stop by the Maison du Roi, where artifacts range from historic city plans to an extensive collection of suits made to adorn the city's iconic Manneken-Pis fountain. Visitors can also enjoy a more light-hearted – and delicious – work of Belgian art at the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate, which features demonstrations by a master chocolatier on how to make authentic pralines. Or, take a piece of Belgian culture home at the Galeries Saint-Hubert, where discerning visitors can find traditional collectables from local designers and artists.

Belgian cuisine is another surefire way of immersing oneself in the culture. During a day of sightseeing, grab a snack at the "friteries," or chip stalls, or enjoy a salty treat from the "caricole" sellers, who offer snails cooked in salty water or peppery bouillon. For a longer meal, guests find mussels, venison, boar and duck to be staples of local restaurant menus. Wine is almost as essential as the food itself, though beer is a popular alternative at cafes and bars. Try the fashionable Bonsoir Clara, masterful Comme Chez Soi or posh Maison du Gygne, all of which guarantee a memorable meal.

Among the historic monuments, museums and dining establishments, visitors to Brussels are happy to find a rather green city. In fact, it's home to 24 city parks and 300 square kilometers of forest. Located at the doorstep of the Royal Palace, the Parc de Bruxelles, with its restored 18th century statues and manicured lawns, remains a fashionable place to take a stroll. The sizable urban park Bois de la Cambre is one of the best in Brussels. Meanwhile, the Forêt De Soignes is a lush getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

 
See a problem with this listing? Report an Issue