TRAVEL WARNING
Overview Belgium
Current information
On March 22, 2016, there was a terrorist attack at Zaventem International Airport in Brussels. Further explosions occurred on the same day in the Maelbeek metro station in downtown Brussels, Belgium, a country located in Europe according to commit4fitness.
Zaventem Airport is fully operational again. The departure terminal, which was badly damaged by the attacks, was restored and reopened on May 1, 2016. Brussels Airport recommends that its passengers allow more time for security checks. The Maelbeek underground station is back in operation.
The following measures are possible:
- Random checks in the underground stations and train stations
- Military presence at the train stations
- Police presence in the subways and on certain streets
- Access controls at the airports
Travelers to Brussels are asked to move around the city with increased vigilance and vigilance, to avoid large crowds and to follow instructions from the Belgian security forces.
Country-specific safety instructions
Following the recent terrorist attacks, there is an increased presence of police and military across the country. It is recommended to pay attention to official announcements by the authorities and the police and to respect security controls.
Travelers are asked to carry a national identification document (identity card, passport) with them (see also entry requirements for German citizens).
Crime
As a big city, Brussels is increasingly affected by pickpockets and petty crime. The neuralgic points are mainly in the area of the south and north stations with the adjacent Molenbeek district and along the Scheldt / Willebroek canal. However, increased caution and vigilance is also advised in busy squares or in metro stations and near tourist attractions.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
The big cities of Belgium – Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Liège – offer a multitude of entertainment options, from international and domestic theaters or famous operas to cozy cafes, elegant cocktail bars and hip nightclubs.
Brussels in particular has a lively nightlife with numerous restaurants. The city’s ten theaters perform plays in Dutch and French. The Théâtre National and the Théâtre Royal des Galeries are the city’s big stages. The Théâtre Cinq-Quarante and the Théâtre de Poche are known for their experimental theater. The numerous cinemas in Brussels, the countless discos and night cafés are concentrated in two districts: Port Louise in the north and the streets between Place Roger and Place de la Bourse. Among the night and jazz clubs are Le Crazy, Chez Paul, Maxim and Le Grand Escalier the most famous. The jazz club and Bloomdido Jazz Café are also well attended.
Ghent and Bruges are better known for their historic pubs, but there are also a few nightclubs. Antwerp has a lively club scene, including Belgium’s largest club, the Noxx (Internet: www.noxxantwerp.com). There are also numerous cocktail bars and a few jazz bars. In Liège (Luik / Lüttich) the nightlife takes place mainly in Le Carré, which is closed to cars, where there are several bars in addition to the fashion stores. The Walloon Opera in Liège has a good reputation, as does the city’s theater companies.
Leuven, Mons, Kortrijk and Namur have similar evening entertainment. Outside the big cities it is a bit quieter, but you can find a cozy place for a good beer everywhere.
The most famous festival is the Flanders Festival (concerts of classical music). The programs of the individual venues as well as information about the numerous other festivals can be found in the weekly event calendar BBB Agenda, which is available at the tourist information. The Belgian Tourist Office can provide information on festivals outside the capital.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There is a large selection of hotels, guest houses and inns in all price ranges.
Hotel classification: Hotels are divided into the Hotelstars Union star categories from one to five stars.
Camping
Most of the 500 campsites are on the coast or in the Ardennes. Addresses, prices and information are available from the Belgian Tourist Office (see addresses). The local “accommodation tax ” (Verblijftaks / Taxe de Sejour) is usually included in the price of the stand. In the summer season there is a 25% surcharge on the coast. With the permission of the property owner or lessee, you can camp outside of the designated campsites.
Other accommodation options
There are two youth hostel organizations: The Vlaamse Jeugdherbergcentrale (VJHC) (Internet: www.vjh.be) in Flanders and the Centrale Wallonne (CWAJ) (Internet: www.laj.be) in the French-speaking part of Belgium. Flemish youth hostels are spacious and are often visited by school classes and youth groups. The Walloon hostels are smaller and similar to the French ones. A list of youth hostels and other cheap accommodation options is available on request from the Belgian Tourist Office (see addresses) or from the Fédération Infor-Jeunes Wallonie-Bruxelles,Rue Henri Lemaître 25, B-5000 Namur. (Tel: (081) 71 15 90. Internet: www.inforjeunes.be)
On offer in some areas. On the coast and in the Ardennes you can also help with work for a fee. Information and a directory of addresses are available from the Belgian Tourist Office (see addresses). Further information also from: Vlaamse Federatie voor Hoeve- en Plattelandstoerisme, Diestsevest 40, B-3000 Leuven. (Tel: (016) 28 60 35. Internet: www.hoevetoerisme.be) or Office de Promotion du Tourisme Wallonie, 30 Rue Saint-Bernard, B-1060 Brussels. (Tel: (02) 504 03 90. Internet: http://www.belgium-tourism.net))
