Exploring | Pantone Hotel

Brussels Green City-Enjoy The Parks Of Brussels

Brussels is well known for being a green city. Literally green, as the city is filled with beautiful parks and on every border of the city you’ll find huge parks and even woods. So when that sun comes out, Brussels is the city to enjoy nature. Therefore, let us guide you through the best parks that are worth a “pit stop” during your stay at our Hotel in Brussels!

Bois de la Cambre

Bois de La Cambre is located at the end of Avenue Louise. If you and your family are in search of a total immersion in Nature during your stay in Brussels, this is the spot to check out. The Bois de la Cambre park is a great solution for your kids as it also has a large playground.

This gigantic park is in fact a preserved part of the Sonian forest right at the end of Avenue Louise. The park was created in 1861 and Queens and Kings regularly visited this park. Nowadays, the main road running through the park is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, during spring and summer time

Hallepoort park

Another spot within walking distance from the hotel is the great Porte de Halle. After visiting this historic monument we assure you that a break in this well kept and big park in the middle of Brussels will be very enjoyable! Locals often spend some time there eating, playing and enjoying their spare time during week-ends.

Parc du Roi and Ixelles pond

In the neighbouring hood of Ixelles you will be able to enjoy the Parc du Roi and the Ixelles pond. Located on the roundabout of Avenue Louise it is easy to find. The Ixelles Ponds are imposing in size, at 700 per 50 metres and were originally an extension of the gardens of the Abbey de La Cambre. The sight of this pond in the heart of Ixelles is great and refreshing!

Egmont park

The Egmont park is certainly one of the most beautiful parks of Brussels. Enter it through Rue du Grand Cerf and enjoy a magnificent view on the palace of Egmont surrounded by a lush green… The calm, the beauty of its Castle, and the nice pieces of art installed here will provide you with an unforgettable picture.

Petit Sablon

After your walk through the beautiful Egmont park, you can easily drop by the little park of Petit Sablon. It is just few meters away. You will find this nice park on the left of the Egmont castle. It has a beautiful fountain; an amazing fence decorated with statues!

Garden of the Mont des Arts

The Garden of the Mont des Arts is located on a small hill and is a few meters away from the great Place Royale. You will enjoy a nice view in this well located and nice park. By night it gets even better: the park is illuminated and becomes a place of colours, art and light! Enjoy your panoramic day visit and your colorific night visit to this park!

Parc de Bruxelles / Warandepark

Probably the park with the best combination of nature, location, culture and historical importance: the Parc de Bruxelles! This amazing park is located right in front of the Palace of the King in the heart of Brussels and was designed with talent as you will see by yourself during your visit! Created during the 18th century this park hosts art, thanks to the Vauxhall building, culture, thanks to the beautiful Theatre, beauty, thanks to its nature, its fountains and its ponds, an ideal location, as it is in the heart of Brussels and a historical value, as it lived and was marked by the historical events of past centuries such as the consequences of the French Revolution and the Belgian war of independence. This park is a must see for anyone visiting Brussels!

Enjoy the parks of Brussels during springtime!

Feel Like Having A Glass Of Wine

With the temperatures slowly rising and spring on the horizon, there is nothing more relaxing than a glass of wine after a busy day in Brussels. The city offers a wide range of wine bars. From very classy establishments to rustic and homely feeling bars, we have put together a selection of our favourite wine bars you should visit while staying ourBoutique Hotel in Brussels.

Piola Libri

http://www.piolalibri.be/
66-68 rue Franklin, Brussels

Piola Libri is an authentic Italian wine bar located at rue Franklin 68. The owners, Italians, will offer you the top quality wines from their homeland… and yes, you can trust them… Moreover they serve delicious Italian snacks to savour while sipping your delightful glass of wine. The atmosphere is very relaxed, perfect if you are looking for a place to blow off some steam after a hectic day.

Chez Quentin

http://www.seetiz.be/en/bars/brussels/139-chez_quentin_pain_et_vin
7 rue du Page, Ixelles, Brussels

In the heart of the popular and trendy Chatelain area, steps away from Avenue Louise, you will find Chez Quentin. It is also called Junkfood Deluxe by Quentin, as it serves culinary style hamburgers. It’s unique combination, combining a good glass of wine with a mouth watering burger. Additionally, every Thursday, the owner organizes an aperitif Champagne Disco combining appetizers and four different types of champagnes.

Oeno TK

http://www.oenotk.be/
29-31 rue Africaine, Brussels

Located behind the beautiful Trinity Church, at a cork’s distance from Place du Chatelain, Oeno TK is a microcosm dedicated to the world of wine. This bar is good for every budget. The welcoming atmosphere will delight you and their choice of wines and champagnes is very wide and of high quality.

The decoration is modern and original, creating a nice ambiance to enjoy a glass of godly fruit juice. And when the sun is out you can work on your tan on their lovely terrace.

Le petit canon

http://www.spottedbylocals.com/brussels/le-petit-canon/
91 Rue Lesbroussart, Ixelles, Brussels

Le Petit Canon is a small and cozy bar near Place Flagey in Ixelles. At night it becomes a hot spot for young and hip people who like to enjoy delicious wines and snacks at reasonable prices. This is a bar for all budgets. Here you’ll find mostly locals. This will give you an enjoyable authentic experience of Brussels!

Winery

http://www.winery.be/winery.php
18 Place G. Brugmann, Brussels

Looking for a place offering quality French wine? Winery is a great option for you! Located near the church of Place Brugmann, Winery reveals a friendly atmosphere that makes you willing to spend some time enjoying a glass of wine. This can be accompanied by a plate of cured meats, soup or one of the nice surprises of the day which will make your wine experience even more enjoyable!

Le Delecta

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g188644-d1972247-Reviews-Le_Delecta-Brussels.html
2 rue Lannoy, Ixelles, Brussels

Le Delecta is a nice and simple wine bar characterized by a very enjoyable authentic atmosphere! Their choice of wines and snacks is good. Moreover, it is very well known by locals for its unpredictable and fun nights! Le Delecta definitely worth a stop!

La Piola

http://www.lapiola.be/
2 rue du Page, Ixelles, Brussels

La Piola is the king of Spritz in Brussels (Typical Italian Aperol and Prosecco Spumante). Every day until 8 pm, Antipasti are available to eat while enjoying a great glass of wine or Spritz. You are in for a nice glass of wine in the traditional Italian way or you are looking for a place to spend a great diner? La Piola located about 15 minutes from our Hotel is definitively your choice!

Pepete & Ronron

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g188644-d3381893-Reviews-Pepete_ET_Ronron-Brussels.html
53 Leon Lepage, Brussels

Pepete & Ronron = Wine & Tapas. This trendy and well located wine bar has its strength in the atmosphere: a really particular combination of Belgian and Latin cultural traditions. This is a perfect place to take a break and enjoy a tapa with a nice glass of wine, while visiting the centre Brussels!

We hope you enjoyed our tips! We wish you great glasses of wine in Brussels!

The most Colourful Souvenirs from Brussels

Looking for an original souvenir to take home from your next trip to Brussels? At the Pantone Hotel in Brussels we have the best selection of the colorific world of Pantone. At our concierge you can choose from a wide selection of gifts in our trademark colors, ranging from mugs and cups to IPhone and IPad covers, pure Pantone style…

Pantone Tableware, a colorific way to enjoy your breaks!

Mugs, cups, plates, and even teapots are available to colour up your breaks and to bring the Pantone Universe in the heart of your day! At our Hotel you will be able to pick up some amazing Pantone espresso cups with saucer for only 10€ per unit! But that’s not all…Pantone espresso cups gift sets are also available: the 2 cup gift set for only 27€ and the 4 cups gift set for 58€!

What about your tea break or your daily milk break? Wouldn’t it be better with a Pantone Mug: 15€ per unit, only! You want to make your collection complete? You can buy a Teapot for 56€ or plates for only 12€ per unit!

Pantone Notebooks, the best way to drag Pantone with you everywhere!

Eager to color up your notes? Willing to drag the Pantone Universe everywhere you go? Need some colorific inspiration while writing down your ideas and notes? Go for the Pantone Notebooks!

The small Pantone Notebook for great ideas on an easily and colorific transportable notebook is available for 14€ per unit. Its big version, for great minds needing more space, is available for only 19€.

Enhance your Apple products!

Are you eager to colour up your Apple products? Are you an appleholic? You are looking for a modern and cool way to bring the Pantone Universe to your personal or professional Apple tools? Ask at our reception of the Pantone covers. iPhone 5 covers are available for 35€, giving a classy and modern look to your favourite phone!

You want to spicy your IPad? Color it up with the amazing Pantone Ipad cases! Various colours are available at the Pantone Hotel. You will easily find your favourite colour. Amazing and colorific Ipad standing book cases are available for 70€. Cool Ipad mini covers for 50€.

Bring the colours to the heart of your home…

Let the Pantone Universe products literally bring the light into your home!

A wide range of candles is available with various colours! Small Candles are available for 16.50€ per unit, Medium Candles for 30€ per unit and amazing big candles are available for 119€. Chose your colour and bring a smooth candle light back home …

Colorific Cufflinks

Need to be classy and trendy at the same time? Try out the Pantone cufflinks! Chose from a selection of colours the one that will fit your shirt or skirt and make be the one who stands out!

Cufflinks are available at 45€. Their reversible version is available for 49€. The only thing you need to think about now is which one will fit you the most and give you that extra touch needed to avoid being average.

Pantone products, a step closer to living colours!

Pantone Hotel also has various other articles that will bring colours to your daily life… Have a look at the Pantone folding chairs available for 59€ per unit! Imagine inviting you friends for a small party and have them sitting on a “Pantone chair”? At the same time you may show them a cool way of living colours through wearing the Pantone shirt with your favourite colour for 39€ per shirt.

You need a present for a friend? Your little niece or your grown up artist friend may enjoy the Pantone colour pencils for 15€!

At this point you’ll need a place to arrange some of these colorific Pantone products… through the Pantone metal box available for only 21€ in various colours!

So next time you are going to Brussels and want to bring back home some original and colourful souvenirs, you must come stay at the Pantone Hotel!

European Seafood Exposition 2013 Brussels

The annual European Seafood Exposition is back again! It is a must go to event for professionals from the sea food industry! If you are looking for quality and reliable suppliers for any kind of seafood, this is a great opportunity with more than 25.000 attendees and exhibitors. This year’s fair is scheduled from the 23rd to the 25th of April, 2013. And while in town why not stay at our boutique Hotel in Brussels!

The Global Sea Food industry in one area

Many countries, regions and companies from across the world will be present at this year’s fair! Exhibitors include associations like Food Export Northeast USA exporting lobsters and various North American fishes to Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers trading the famous Panga fish whose sales kept increasing last years, shrimps and many other products.

You will find anything you could need related to the seafood industry you need, whether you are looking for new suppliers or machinery. The will also be forums and seminars on innovative business processes and sustainability.

When and Where

The 2013 edition of the European Seafood Exposition will take place at the Brussels Exhibition and Conference centre which is located in the North of Brussels.

Tuesday April 23 – 10h00 to 18h00
Wednesday April 24 – 10h00 to 18h00
Thursday April 25 – 10h00 to 16h00

Full direction:

Brussels Exhibition & Conference Centre
Place de Belgique 1, Brussels, 1020, Belgium

For more information visit:
http://www.euroseafood.com/

If you are in the seafood business, there is no way you can miss out on this amazing event

And while in Brussels you should check out our boutique hotel located in the culinary heart of Brussels. The Pantone Hotel, near the avenue Louise in the Saint-Gilles neighbourhood, is surrounded by some of the best restaurants and bars will Brussels has to offer. You will be able to enjoy a nice break after your day at the trade fair.

Top 6 Restaurants Near The Pantone Hotel

Are you looking to find those fantastic secret dinner spots during your stay at our Hotel close to Avenue Louise? Those perfect places almost only known to locals? Let us provide you with some local knowledge. Here are a few suggestions of nice restaurants for all moods and tastes within a close range and easily accessible by foot! Are you ready for some great food and atmosphere, follow our tips by locals!

Spot 1: Italian food!

In the mood for Italian food? Try out the Sale, Pepe & Rosmarino restaurant! 100 meters away from our hotel (from Rue Berckmans, turn left and walk on for 2 minutes) you will find this amazing Italian restaurant. The menu is quite small but be sure that every dish is fresh and prepared with love. They also have some great Italian wines.

Our tip: go for handmade pasta and freshly made Zabaione.

Address: Rue Berckmans 98, Saint-Gillis, 1060, Brussels.
More info: Click Here

Spot 2: Burgers, burgers and special burgers

Are you craving a quality burger? Try out the Cool Bun restaurant! Offering tasty and quality burgers, the meal here will bring you a moment of joy. To go there, when leaving the hotel go left onto Berckmans street. Turn towards your right, walk for a few meters and cross the road when you see the restaurant. The homemade Burger is, of course, flame grilled organic burger!

Our tip: Apple jack burger. Onglet, lettuce, oven dried tomatoes, Cheddar, onion rings, BBQ sauce. Not the typical burger you’ll find in any burger place.

Address: Rue Berckmans 34 1060 Brussels +32 2 537 80 02
More info: http://www.cool-bun.be/#menu-item-2671

Spot 3: Go Oriental without moving from Saint Gilles!

Is exotic food your thing? Or simply curious of what Moroccan food has to offer? Try out the Bab Dar restaurant in Saint-Gilles! While walking out of the hotel, go right to the Bronstraat on which you’ll walk until Chaussée de Charleroi. Go left on the Chaussée de Charleroi and you will find this classy oriental restaurant there. The inside is nicely decorated and announces a promise: to guide you to real Moroccan cuisine. Its offers go from great tajines to traditional high class Moroccan meals. Enjoy your discovery of Moroccan cuisine!

Our tip: Surprise yourself with the Monkfish (Lotte) Chermoula.

Address: 85, Chaussée de Charleroi 1060 Saint-Gillis (Brussels)
More info: http://www.babdar.be/en

Spot 4: Belgian food!

You are looking for more traditional Belgian food? Follow us to a part of Berckmans street where you will find a local treasure.
While leaving the hotel walk to the Berckmans street, go right then straight to the large crossroad with Chaussée Charleroi. Cross the road to stay on the Berckmans Street and after a few meters you will find the restaurant Le Malte. This Belgian restaurant offers a wide selection of European/Belgian meals built to please anyone. This restaurant has accessible prices and offers great quality; it also has lunch specials. A great spot to take a break during your day.

Our tip: try out the meals made “Malte” way, they are original and great!

Address: Rue Berckmans 30, Saint-Gilles, Brussels.
More info: http://www.lemalte.be/malte/menu/menu.html

Spot 5: Could “The Cuisine” be missing?

Looking for French cuisine? Try out Flâneries Gourmandes then. It is a little further down the street then Le Malte, and its French modern cuisine is delightful. Even though the menu is slightly higher priced, the dishes are truly delicious and tasteful! Its short menu changes regularly, so whenever you are in Brussels you can re-visit this restaurant over and over again, and still be pleasantly surprised by their meals!

Our tip: let yourself be surprised by the creativity of the chef using season products in its menus!

Address: Rue berckmans 2, Ixelles, Brussels.
More info: http://sites.resto.com/flaneriesgourmandes/

Spot 6: You can’t pick just 1 nationality…We give you 2 at once!

You enjoy eating outside but are slightly tired of the usual, traditional European cuisine? Inada is the perfect place for you! This restaurant managed very successfully to create a fusion of Japanese cuisine and French gastronomy! Any gourmet or food lover has to try this; it would even be worth the trip to Brussels alone. Prices may again be slightly higher, the quality of the cuisine and products there is off the hook. To get there go to your right while leaving the Hotel and walk straight to the crossroads. Immediately on your right, on this crossroad, you will find Inada. You’re in for a treat, guaranteed!

Our tip: try out the eel filet caramelized Japanese style!

Address: 73 rue de la Source, 1060, Saint-Gilles, Brussels.
More info: http://www.inada-restaurant.be/

We hope you enjoyed our tips foody!

The Most Colorful Markets In Brussels

Sunday’s are perfect for a refreshing walk in the morning… With spring knocking at the door (or almost) I would like to share with you some of Brussels colorful markets. I hope you will enjoy visiting these unique places while staying at our hotel near Avenue Louise.

Grand-Place Market of flowers

Early on summer mornings, every day from 8 am till 6 pm, Brussels’ Grand-Place is turned into a giant flower market. All sorts of plants and exotic flowers create a unique picture that will allow for a great photo to share with your smart-phone on your FaceBook or Twitter page (don’t forget to tag @PantoneHotel). The Grote Markt, as the Grand Place is called in Flemish, with so many beautiful colors will certainly surprise you, and make your day!

Boulevard du Midi

The market at Brussels-Midi station is one of Brussels’ mainmulticultural markets. Every Sunday, between 8 am and 1 pm, you’ll have the chance to find food, clothes and plants from all over the world. At only a few minutes away from our hotel you can buy Greek, Turkish and Italian products, and lot more of course.

All nationalities are represented at the Midi Market. Baskets full of fresh olives, dried fish, Greek pastries and all kinds of herbs and spices make this large and lively market one of the most colorful places for food-shopping in Brussels.

You should definitely take the time and spend some hours there!

Brussels Vintage Market

Retro is in style again! This very special market was launched in October 2010, and takes place in Halles ST Géry from 7 to 7 pm every first Sunday of the month.

What will you find there? All the typical Vintage objects brought here from some of the best sellers in town. Just imagine vintage paradise with second hand shoes, clothes and bags but also jewelry, coats, accessories, belts, hats, knitwear, boots, uniforms, necklaces, berets, wigs, ties and buttons…

They even sell old music records and some delicious (fresh) cupcakes in case you get hungry for a snack.

The BVM is also a nice and original place to get drinks or brunch with your friends after a fantastic and crazy morning of Vintage shopping. If you are a vintage lover you don’t want to miss this incredible market!

Check the official Facebook page for the upcoming market dates…

You will not be in Brussels those dates? Don’t worry, you can find the best Vintage shops in Brussels by clicking here.

Comic book market

Brussels is considered to be the European capital of comics. Every first Sunday of the month, on the Place Saint-Géry in the summer and in the Halles Saint-Géry in the winter comic fans flood out to get their hands on missing items in their collection. You will be able to find good deals on new and second-hand comic strips, and some people even simply exchange comic-books without. And then there is always the opportunity to meet artists and participate in contests …

Definitely a must go for Comics lovers!

More info: http://goo.gl/cW38t

Enjoy the most colorful markets of Brussels!

Brussels Best Bars For Live Music Close To The Pantone Hotel

If you find yourself at our hotel just off Avenue Louise and you don’t know what to do in the early evening? Live music will take your mind off of business and will allow you to relax in a cool atmosphere. This time you’ll find our top picks of Brussels live music bars. Here are some of the venues where locals go to enjoy live music while enjoying a drink. By the way, these spots are not only open during the weekend.

Our Brussels insider tips are for business and leisure travelers, and always up-to-date!

Michael Collins -Irish pub

The number one of our list is a great Irish pub close to the Pantone Hotel. Located in Rue du Bailli 1, it is a 10 minute walk from our hotel. If you are with a big group people you might want to make yourreservation at +32 2 644 61 21

If you are looking for live music this is undoubtedly one ofthe better places at walking distance from our Hotel in Brussels. Not every weekday you’ll find live music, but this could well be your best choice for the weekend. Aside from the music you’ll appreciate the very particular wooden interior with stylish decoration. Once you grab your Guinness, you’ll be immerged in a friendly and open atmosphere. It seems like everybody knows everybody and no one will ignore you if start a conversation. The staff is particularly friendly. This is, without a doubt, the most homely place in the area surrounding avenue Louise. Along with a very large beer selection they have good food and quality wines.

L’Archiduc

Conveniently located in the fashionable Antoine Dansaert’s Street 6, a stone’s throw away from the Stock Exchange it can be reached vía Metro in around 20 minutes from station Louise.

An Art Deco bar that is home to artists and hosts plenty of concerts, especially during the fall and the winter. Saturday’s “Jazz After Shopping” and Sunday’s “Round About Five”, both from 5-7 pm are must go in Brussels city music life. Opened in 1937, it became a jazz landmark in the 50s and 60s frequented by the likes of Jacques Brel and Nat King Cole. Lew Tabackin, Mal Waldron, Frank Black, Santa MacairoOrkestar, Luc Tuymans, Ann Pierlé are, currently, artists that you can often find here. Beers costs around 5 € (nothing spectacular for being Belgium). You should definitely opt for a cocktail (8,5€ / 9€ cost, but very high quality) or Whiskies (8€/10 € and wide choice). You’ll find a wide choice in the menu.

Upcoming events?On 27th of this month you’ll have the chance to enjoy the Jeanfrançois Prins Trio: Jeanfrançois Prins, Joris Teepe, Gene Jackson. On 3rd of February Riguelle & Hautekiet will exhibit in their very well known show “Un Premier Amour”. More info over upcoming events: http://www.archiduc.net/en/events

The Music Village

Enjoy a niche location at the very heart of Brussels, Rue des Pierres 50. This very stylish night bar offers lives concerts every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Thanks to live concerts with the very best of Belgian and International Jazz Stars (starting at 8:30pm), The Music Village offers any music fan a return to the Golden Age of international Jazz Clubs. Visit the website: http://www.themusicvillage.com/page2en.html

It’s a relaxed setting and offers dinner and drinks during concerts. You can book in advance by phone or online, reservations are recommended. Prices range from €7.50 to €20 depending on the evening. On Friday 1st February this year, Alexandre Cavaliere and his modern gypsy 5tee will be playing here. Click here for more information about the upcoming events:http://www.themusicvillage.com/page2en.html .

I hope you’ll enjoy the music and live shows during your stay in Brussels!

Top 3 Best Vintage Shops In Brussels

If, for you, shopping means sifting through a smorgasbord of ageless fabrics, colors and styles. If, in sum, vintage is your kind of shopping, you landed on the right page. Here you’ll find what you need to know about the best vintage shops in Brussels. Bring home some colored clothes, something strange, something fun, in one word, something…Vintage! Enjoy your stay at our colored hotel nearby avenue Louise.

Here’s a simple fact that clarifies our framework: Vintage Shopping is like treasure hunting. You might not find anything that fits perfectly, but you can be certain that you’ll find something special if you’re willing to put some time in. Read on to find out which are the best Vintage shops to visit…

Click here to see the directions from The Pantone Hotel.

Burlesque

Our first stop is Burlesque, rue du Midi 64. Probably one of the oldest Vintage stores in town! It is small but perfectly formed store where you can find some extremely exciting gems.

Laurence B., the owner, is a one of a kind character. Scottish from origin -not that hard figuring out once you have spotted the picture of the Queen on the wall- has been travelling the world for 30 years before setting base in Brussels. He also owns a club in town. During his career he has been working also as Dj and record producer. This is undoubtedly why, If you are rock’n roll or pin up, this is where you are going to find what you need! A final disclosure: they have a great collection of boots, handbags and hats.

Gabriele Vintage

It’s pity to have to leave the Burlesque store this quickly, but it is already time for a second stop: Gabriele Vintage, rue des Chartreux 27. Here the website.

With its unique style, you’ll feel like you have walked onto a movie set. What an amazing shop. In such a welcoming and dreamy interior, Gabriele offers a superb collection of extraordinary clothing from women’s ball gowns, dresses, blouses and coats, to men’s shirts, jackets, raincoats and tailcoats. No detail is overlooked. To accompany these outfits, Gabriele has collected matching accessories and hand bags. You’ll find tiny pearl-encrusted evening bags intermingled with 1950’s snake-skin bags and brightly colored patent leather examples from the 1970s. You’ll also find an unique collection of jewellery and sandals.

The soul of this store is of course Gabriele. Gabriele Wolf, the owner, comes from Germany and originally arrived in Brussels as a costume designer… Her enthusiasm for vintage clothes led her to open this sprawling showroom. This was our second tip!

Ramon & Valy Vintage Shop

Third and last stop for today…The incredible Ramon & Valy Vintage Shop in Rue des Teinturiers 19. Guess which is the owners name?

This Spanish / Belgian couple, Ramon and Valy, are pioneers of the Brussels vintage scene. They own a very beautiful boutique with unique and beautiful vintage clothes. If you are searching for a very special dress then this is the place to go. Here you will not only find regular vintage clothes, if regular vintage clothing exists that is. Here you’ll find unique pieces by Chanel and Dior. Do not expect these pieces to come cheap, but be sure that you will find an extraordinary piece and get a chance to make a good deal.

I hope you’ll enjoy a great afternoon of shopping in the best Vintage stores in Brussels!

Visit St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, Brussels

The St. Michael and the St. Gudula Cathedral is an impressive cathedral that we think you must visit during your stay at our hotel near by Avenue Louise. Located at twenty minute walk from the Pantone hotel, this cathedral will not only offer you a great visit to this important Belgian monument but also a welcome excuse to get some fresh air in the city center of Brussels which, is already glowing because of the numerous Christmas markets and the Christmas decorations throughout Brussels city center.

The St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church at the Treurenberg Hill in Brussels. It is the seat of the Roman Catholic diocese of Malines-Brussels, the national church of Belgium and it is here that royal weddings and funerals take place. In French, it is called Cathédrale Saints-Michel-et-Gudule and in Dutch Sint-Michiels- en Sint-Goedelekathedraal, usually shortened to “Sint-Goedele”. Click here to see how to get there from our hotel.

Victor Hugo described this gothic marvel as the “purest flowering of the Gothic style”. Upon entering the church, you’ll understand why. The interior of the Cathedral is not as decorated as you might expect of a Gothic Cathedral. The simplicity of the decoration, however, allows you to appreciate the beauty of Gothic architecture. Your attention will immediately be drawn to the building’s stunning columns and arches.

The origin of the name of this church dates back to 1047, when Lambert II, Count of Leuven founded a chapter in this church and organized the transportation of the relics of Saint Gudula. Originally the relics housed in Saint Gaugericus Church on Saint-Géry Island. In the thirteenth century, the cathedral was renovated and received its Gothic style. The choir was constructed between 1226 and 1276. The façade was completed in the mid-fifteenth century. A thorough restoration of the cathedral was carried out between 1983 and November 1999. Remains of a Romanesque church were discovered, as well as a Romanesque crypt under the choir.

The patron saints of the church, Archangel St. Michael and the martyr St. Gudula, are also the patron saints of the city of Brussels.

We also shortly would like to virtually walk you through the church. Right above the West Front you’ll find the impressive judgment window, donated by Empire Charles V in the fifteenth century. The brightness of the colors of these glasses will amaze you. Moving to the end of the cathedral you’ll find the beautiful 18th century Baroque Pulpit, sculptured in wood by Henri-Francois Verbruggen.

This obviously is only a brief description of this incredible cathedral. Below you’ll find all the information need to visit.

Cathedral

Opening times:

Monday to Friday: 7 am to 6 pm
Saturday: 8.00 am to 6 pm (visits from 8.00 am to 3.30 pm only)
Sunday: 8.00 am to 6 pm (visits from 2 pm only)

Entrance fee: free

Romanesque remains

Opening times:

Open every day from 8 am to 6 pm

Entrance fee: 1 euro (groups: 0,75 euro per person)

Romanesque crypt

Opening times:

Open on request only via A.C.T./C.D.T.B. Tel & fax: 02/219.68.34
Visits in small groups (max 10 pers.)
Entrance fee: 2,50 euros

The Cathedral Treasure

Opening times:

Monday to Friday: 10 am – 12.30 pm and 2 pm – 5 pm
Saturday: 10 am -> 3.00 pm
Sunday: 2 pm – 5 pm

Entrance fee:

Adults: 1 euro (children: free)
Schools: 5 euros
Groups: 10 euros (min 10 pers.)

For free guided tours: please contact A.C.T./C.D.T.B, tel& fax: 02/219.68.34
Secretary: Rue du Bois Sauvage 15 – 1000 Brussels – Tél.: 02/217.83.45 – Fax: 02/219.96.55

Best Art Galleries In Brussels, Belgium

With a display of both classical art and more contemporary pieces, Brussels’ countless art galleries cater to a wide range of interests. Among the many galleries and places for art lovers, in the city we have selected two galleries and an art fair that we consider amongst the very best to visit in Brussels: the Almine Rech Gallery, Therorema, situated close by our hotel just off Avenue Louise, and Art Brussels, a contemporary art fair definitely worth seeing in case you are passing through Brussels in April. For those interested in modern art, there are impressive exhibitions at the Centre of Contemporary Art and Museum of Modern Art.

1. Almine Rech Gallery

Almine Rech is an internationally recognized exhibitor. His gallery in Brussels, just like the one located in Paris, proposes highly regarded exhibitions and participation in many international art fairs contribute to the gallery’s pedigree.

The strength of the gallery lies in its solid roster of artists, which includes both historical mainstays and more cutting edge names like Joseph Kosuth, Anselm Reyle, Katja Strunz, James Turrell, Amelie Von Wulffen, Hedi Slimane and many more. Until mid-November 2012, you’ll be able to find a great exhibition of the works of the American artist Jeffrey Koons. Koons is very well known for his reproductions of banal objects, such as balloon shaped animals produced in stainless steel with mirror finish surfaces. If you’ll come to Brussels before the end of the year or in the beginning of 2013 and you want to visit the Almine Rech Gallery, you’ll find the works of the artist Francesco Vezzoli in an exhibition titled “Olga forever!”. His works often present “Pop Icons” or “Stars” of the big and small screen presented in an original way. Really worth a visit! Follow their news and events on Facebook! The gallery is located in 20 Rue de L’Abbaye/ Abdijstraat 20

2. Art Brussels

Art Brussels has the reputation of being Europe’s leading cutting-edge contemporary art fair. This is a must-see event for every art lover! The next edition is will happen from 18 April to 21 April 2013 at Brussels Expo. This is one of the most prestigious international art fairs and is visited by over 30,000 artists and art fans annually and counts over 180 participating galleries, 80% of which come from abroad. Art Brussels is as international as it gets. The admission of galleries is extremely complicated, since they have to pass through a challenging selection procedure. This does make Art Brussels such an incredible event. Besides the main program of the fair, there is an emphasis on presentations of works by young prospective artists coming from all parts of Europe. Join them on Facebook!

3. THEOREMA Art Gallery

THEOREMA art gallery presents today’s Greek art scene in Brussels in connection with contemporary European artists. It is located around the corner of the hotel, on rue Berckmans 39. After heading out of the Pantone hotel, turn to your right onto Rue Berckmans. After a two minute walk, crossing Rue de Suisse and Rue Capouillet, you’ll hit the gallery. Until the 17th of November 2012 here you’ll find Tassos Mantzavinos’s paintings. His works are a mix of European traditions and contemporary Greek frames combined in a mix ofscholar techniques and authentic popular instinct.

He focuses on a personal surreal humanism. He says: “le peintre est son propre mythe, l’univers de ses pensées, les choix de sa vie, tout cela aboutit sur son tableau.” Freely translated into: “The artist is his own myth, his thoughts are his universe, his choices in life, all lead to his canvas.” In spring 2012 his works were presented at the Benaki Museum in Athens. Here a list of artists who exposed their works at the THEOREMAGallery during 2012: Maria Kelaidi, Nikos Oikonomidis, YiannisStefanakis, therewith setting the bar high for 2013.
Enjoy visiting these galleries in Brussels, Belgium !