Brussels offers unprecedented access to nature thanks to the many parks scattered throughout the city as well as the proximity of forests and even the countryside. It also offers sports for any persuasion, top restaurants and all of the famous Belgian gourmet ‘goodies’.
In Brussels a park is never far away. The enormous Forêt de Soignes, which is connected to the Bois de la Cambre, is a mere five-minute tram ride away from the centre of the city, and within easy walking distance (about 20 minutes from the Palace of Justice down Avenue Louise) from most neighbourhoods. It is one of the largest city parks in Europe. Hikers and cyclists consider it a paradise, stretching as it does all the way into the countryside, with 84 km of footpaths and 30 km of bike lanes. There is also ample space for those of the equine persuasion, with 50 km of bridle paths through superb scenery.
Even the centre is dotted with parks. In fact, it is one of the only world capitals in which one can enjoy lunch in a calm, pleasant, green spot. The oldest, the Parc de Bruxelles, is situated between the Parliament and the Royal Palace and is a popular meeting point for Bruxellois and expats alike.
The Parc du Cinquantennaire is in the heart of the European district, a collection of pristine lawns, towering oaks and museums surrounding a giant stone arch. There are many others: the Parc d’Egmont, near the Avenue de la Toison d’Or; the Parc des Sablons, in the heart of the exclusive Sablon district; the Parc du Laeken to the north, where one can find the Atomium, one of the great landmarks of the city built for the 1956 World’s Fair - the list is endless.
The Belgians are passionate about their leisure time and what they do with it; they take exercise very seriously, and as a result, facilities are available for practically every type of physical activity imaginable. There are even clubs and associations that are designed specifically for ex-pats: Irish, British, American, Nordic, German, Iberian, every group has at least some representation in one sport or another.
There are more than sixty golf courses in the country, for the amateur and the committed professional alike. Tennis, in particular, is extremely popular in Brussels (is it any wonder that two of the sport’s present greats, Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters, are Belgian?). More than 900 clubs cater to enthusiasts of the sport, and offer everything from clay to covered courts. There are several field hockey teams that play at a world-class level, most notably the Royal Léopold Club and Rasante. Rugby is also very big in the city, with 50 teams disposing of excellent facilities. Almost every commune (or borough) has its own swimming pool, open to all members of the public (and not only residents of the borough).
There are more than 100 sporting federations in Belgium, more than enough to keep you fit and in shape. If, however, you are more of an armchair sportsperson then you will not feel left out. Anderlecht is one of the top soccer teams in Europe, and has strong competition from its archrivals Club Brugge and Racing Liège.
Brussels can legitimately be said to rival Paris, Milan and Barcelona in culinary terms. Belgian food is superb, ranging from sublime mussels and frites to rich, succulent carbonnades.
The best in world dining is all around you, with restaurants representing the four corners of the globe scattered liberally across the city.
A walk through the capital at dinner time will yield results in no time at all, and wherever you go you will find something to suit your palate. And, no doubt, you will find something to wash it down with - the wine bars and pubs cater to all tastes.
As an ambassador for Belgium, chocolate appears adorned in all its glory in the shop windows of the craftsmen of chocolate-making. Lined up like trophies, the famous ‘pralines’ (individual filled chocolates) can be found in every display window, whether in the form of ‘Manons’, with ‘ganache’ (chocolate cream), praline, marzipan or nougatine filling, or even raised to new heights with pieces of walnut or filled with hazelnuts.
Other craftsmen of confectionery, prepare cakes, truffles and ‘mendiants’ (almonds, dried figs, hazelnuts and raisins) that give exquisite sensations.
To just melt with pleasure, go to the area around the Grand Place and try ‘spéculoos’, traditional, light, crispy biscuits.
Finally, don’t forget to discover and taste the famous Belgian beers. Brown, blond, special or fruity, they’re available everywhere and, like chocolate, are prepared and enjoyed with great expertise.
More information on http://www.brusselslife.be and www.brusselsinternational.be.
