Originally written for Air Belgium

Brussels is a city of two tales. It’s the Belgian capital and home to the headquarters of NATO and the European Union, the centre of Europe’s market, and home to over 1500 international business headquarters. On the other hand, it’s renowned for its exquisite cuisine, enthralling history, beautiful architecture, and rich culture. For South Africans, it’s an essential business hub that offers unbeatable leisure appeal, and with Air Belgium’s new triangular route – Brussels to Johannesburg and onto Cape Town – there’s every reason to visit. This is how to make the best of both worlds.

First-class business hub

“For business travellers, Brussels just makes sense. As a first-class business hub with easy access to all Europe’s cities and regions, it’s perfect combination of convenience, connectivity, and productivity,” says Niky Terzakis, CEO of Air Belgium. “Once the work is done, the city beckons with its rich cuisine and many cultural and historical attractions. It’s the best of both worlds in a single city.”

Belgium’s business culture is internationally revered, and Brussels is its epitome. It’s an ideal location for networking and building business relationships. Take a stroll through the city and you’re as likely to bump into a politician or diplomat as you are a lobbyist or executive. It’s second only to New York in terms of diplomatic presence and there’s hardly a significant EU-wide decision made that doesn’t pass through its borders. The opportunities for partnerships and international connections are almost unrivalled, and there’s a robust start-up ecosystem to tap into.

Brussels also offers a wide range of modern, high-tech meeting facilities, including conference rooms, business centres, and coworking spaces. Many of these venues are located in the city’s central business district, which is easily accessible from most parts of the city, and makes it a favoured conference and events destination. Beyond its many benefits as a strategic location, Brussels boasts an excellent transportation system and has connections to all major European cities. Paris is less than an hour and a half away by train, Amsterdam is even closer. Take to the skies and almost anywhere on the continent is just a few hours away.

Work hard, play hard

“Whether you have just a few hours or a full weekend in Brussels, it’s worth making the most of your downtime,” contends Terzakis. “Despite its small size, it’s a microcosm of Europe and offers all of the appeal of the continent almost within walking distance.” Rather than give you a strict itinerary – everyone’s schedule is different – we’ve considered a few of Brussels top attractions. You can plot your own course between them.

Food and drink

Belgium’s beer culture is legendary, it produces more beer than any other country in the world and in 2016 was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. With over 800 varieties, and a specific glass for each category, it’s impossible not to find something you like. Sip on a dark brew from a Trappist monastery – you’ll have to leave the city if you want it straight from the source – enjoy a wheat beer on a hot day or indulge in something a little different with a fruity lambic beer. There are plenty of bars along the streets and on rooftops across the city, but if you can only visit one we recommend Delirium Café, which holds the Guinness World Record its extensive beer collection which currently sits at over 3000.  

Beer on an empty stomach just won’t do, and thankfully you won’t have look hard or far to find excellent fare. No matter the length of your stay, Belgian waffles are an everyday indulgence that you should never skip. Available from waffle trucks outside various attractions and brick and mortars like Maison Dandoy, you’ll find them dusted in sugar, drowned in chocolate sauce, or topped with something even more decadent. If you’d rather skip the waffle and go straight for the chocolate, look no further than chocolatiers like Wittamer, Pierre Marcolini, and Laurent Gerbaud.

Whether you’re a hardcore foodie or just looking for decent meal, Brussels has something for everyone. Rue De Rollebeek’s Restaurant Le Rabassier is a frontrunner for the city’s best restaurant, no surprise with its two Michelin stars, and is intimate and incomparable. Book well in advance and make sure you have enough time to enjoy it. If you’ve already ticked that one off, try Comme Chez Soi, Bon Bon, or Le Chou de Bruxelles, none will disappoint. If you’re not in the mood for fine dining, dig into Italian fare at Pasta Divina or Ricotta & Parmesan, have a light meal at Fin de Siecle or La Truffe Noire, or go full Belgian at Le Plattesteen.

Landmarks and attractions

Founded in 1830, Belgium’s history runs deep and much of it can been seen in the streets and architecture of Brussels. Although it’s impossible to squeeze it all into one trip, you can see a lot if you travel smart. The Brussels Card, €32 - €49 depending on the length of your stay, gives you free admission to 49 museums, multiple discounts to attractions, tours, shops, restaurants, and bars. Pair that with a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and you’ll see more than most travellers regardless of how long you’re there. If you only have time for a few stops, make sure you visit Grand Place, snap a shot of Mannekin Pis, pop in at Saint-Michel Cathedral, and do some shopping at Royal Gallery Saint-Hubert.

Whatever the length of your stay, Brussels is a city that won’t disappoint. Although, you might have to make a few trips to ensure you properly balance your business endeavours with leisurely pursuits. Thankfully, Air Belgium’s new route makes that a breeze.