Conference Venue — Flights — Getting There — General Information
The Brussels-Capital Region covers 162 km ² and has 19 municipalities and hosts 1.142.000 inhabitants. The city is one of the world's most cosmopolitan and one of the greenest cities in Europe with 8,000 hectares of green space.
The capital is known for its authentic architectural heritage. Evidenced by the Grand Place, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, many churches and old houses. The city also hosts the greatest chocolatiers in the country. Among them, Neuhaus who invented the famous small praline box and Pierre Marcolini, Godiva, Corné or Mary Chocolatier. The rich heritage of Brussels, whether architectural, historical, musical, gastronomic is witnessed by its many museums. Brussels is also a lively and festive city. It offers a range of activities for young and old. Bars and cafes happily serve the many Belgian beers in a friendly atmosphere. For clubbers, the capital of Belgium has dozens of nightclubs, discos and other nightlife venues such as “Fuse” or “Wood”, for example.
In short, Brussels is a welcoming and dynamic city.
Taxi Taxis with a taximeter are permanently available in front of the arrivals hall at Brussels Airport. The fare from the airport to the Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre is normally around € 45 depending on the traffic. Licensed taxis have a number plate that contains the letters "TX"
Train & Metro The Airport Train Station is located below the terminal (basement level -1). Up to 4 trains per hour offer connections from the airport to Brussels North station. The hotel is located within walking distance (2 minutes) from Brussels North Station.
Arriving at Brussels Midi station From Brussels Midi Station take the underground tram line 3 or 4 (direction North Station) until Rogier Metro Station, which is only 50 meters away from the Thon Hotel Brussels.
Insurance The conference organisers do not take responsibility for individual, medical, travel or personal insurance. Participants are advised to get their own travel insurance policies.
Currency The official Belgian currency is the Euro.
Telephone Codes The country code for Belgium is 32. The area code for Brussels is 02. You need to dial the 02 area code from everywhere in Belgium.
Emergencies For police assistance, dial 101. For an ambulance or the fire department, dial 100. From a mobile phone dial 112
Electricity Electricity is 230 V, 50 Hz. Outlets are CEE7/5 (protruding male earth pin) and accept either CEE 7/5 (Grounded), CEE 7/7 (Grounded) or CEE 7/16 (non-grounded) plugs.
Climate Belgium has a temperate climate from the coastal regions inland to about Brussels-Antwerp. The average daily temperature ranges between 18 to 23 degrees in summer. Belgium has mild winters and cool summers and is rainy, humid and cloudy.
Banks Banks are open from Monday to Friday mostly from 09.00 to 12.00 and from 13.00 to 16.00. ATMs can be found at banks but also in most shopping streets. Many banks have automatic currency exchange machines that also take credit cards. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept major credit cards.
Useful Weblinks For information about Brussels: www.visitbrussels.be For information about Belgium and its regions:
Flanders: www.visitflanders.com Wallonia: www.wallonie-tourisme.be Foreign Affairs of Belgium: www.diplomatie.belgium.be
