11/02/2017
Journey of Brussels City from Tram (Capital of Belgium and European Union)
Videolink : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5AhbJOwISk
The Brussels tram (or streetcar) system is the 16th largest tram system in the world by route length. As of 2013, there are 19 tram routes, totalling 138.9 kilometres and serving most parts of the city. Almost all trams are double-ended and all are double-sided and while some stub termini remain (T4, T51, T97), most have loops. The city has four heavy metro lines and three stretches of premetro or underground tram.
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and one of the three administrative regions within the country, together with Flanders and Wallonia. It is also an internationally important city, hosting numerous international institutions and the core institutions of the European Union. Due to that, it is sometimes referred to informally as the capital of the EU.
Brussels blends the heritage of a medieval Flemish town with the grandiose projects initiated after it became the capital of what was then a French-speaking country, as well as some impressive modern architecture erected in a large part to house the aforementioned institutions. Brussels is now bi-lingual hosting and officially recognizing both the Dutch and Frenchspeaking communities of Belgium.
When Brussels became the capital city of a new country in the 19th century, the old town was destroyed to make way for brand new city. Only a small historic centre (one square and four adjacent streets) was preserved.
Brussels operates as a bilingual city where both French (85% of the population) and Dutch (Flemish) (15% of the population) are official languages. English is also widely understood, but not always widely spoken.
English has become a common spoken language because of the international institutions based in Brussels, such as the European Commission, the European Parliament and NATO.
One can expect public announcements in train stations to at least be said in French and Dutch, while larger train stations (such as Zuidstation/Gare Du Midi) typically include English and German. English is also used on metros, trams and buses, announced last for information such as line transfers and terminal stops.
Historical Buildings in Brussel
1) Grand Place-Grote Market : Surrounded by the city tower and a range of beautiful 300 year old buildings. In the evening, surrounded by bright lumination, it is simply ravishing. Some evenings a music and light show is provided with the buildings serving as a canvas.
2) Atomium : The Atomium is located in the Northern part of the city of Brussels, a 5 minute walk from the Heysel / Heizel metro station (line 6) and right opposite Mini-Europe. Unavoidable icon of Brussels and Belgium, important place for international tourism, unique creation in the history of architecture and emblematic vestige of the World.
3) Royal Museums of Art and History is group of museums. This museum has an important collection of art objects from different civilizations from all over the world. The museum was founded in 1835 and was located in the Hallepoort/Porte de Hal, one of the last remaining medieval city gates of Brussels.
Brussels encompasses many charming and beautiful attractions, with deeply ornate buildings on the Grand Place/Grote Markt, and a fish-and-crustacean overdose of St. Catherine's Square.
Weather in Brussel
In the summer, average daily maximum temperatures rarely exceed 22°C. The summer visitor should always be prepared for rain in Brussels. After October, temperatures drop off quite rapidly and winter months are humid and chilly. Snowfall is rare and starts to melts fairly quickly.
Brussels' main airport is Brussels Airport. It has connections to all European capitals and many other major cities.
The STIB/MIVB Company runs the public transport services in Brussels, with an integrated network of trams, metro and buses.
STIB (in French) MIVB (in Dutch)
The bus, tram and metro service runs from 05:30 onwards with shorter hours on Sundays and public holidays. Night buses run on Fridays until approximately 3:00 from the centre of Brussels to just beyond the university area and cost one and a half times the price of a single ticket.
Buses, trams and trains run at different times and reduced frequency during school holidays.
Single tickets allow passengers an unlimited number of changes for one hour and can be bought on buses and trams. It is possible to buy a booklet of five or ten single tickets valid for three years which works out cheaper than a single ticket. These are only available from sales outlets and not on board.
Tram and bus stops are indicated by red and white signs respectively. The route number and destination are displayed on the front of the vehicle and all stops are request stops. Passengers get on at the front of buses and off at the rear. Brussels' bright yellow and blue trams serve the city centre and suburbs.
JUMP tickets (available for one, five or 10 trips lasting up to an hour including changes, a same-day return trip, or unlimited travel for one or three days) and MOBIB smart cards (which allow you to travel at a discount) are valid on all STIB public transport in Brussels. You can buy JUMP tickets and charge up MOBIB cards at metro stations, bus and tram stops, or at metro station kiosks, BOOTIK agencies, supermarkets and newsagents. JUMP tickets can also be bought on buses and overground trams at a slightly higher price. MOBIB cards can be topped up
JUMP Tickets are available discount by number of trips purchased once (not valid on the Airport Line)
• 1 trip : 2,10 €
• 5 trips : 8 €
• 10 trips : 14 € online.
The Brussels Card, which gives you unlimited travel plus other discounts for 24, 48 or 72 hours, is sold at BOOTIK agencies, tourist information offices, hotels and museums. A one-day group ticket gives unlimited travel for a party of up to five travelling together. Brussels cards and group tickets are not valid on the NATO-Airport route.
Single Price, regardless of the Distance travelled.
The Brussels region applies the one hour tariff: you can go anywhere in Brussels for the same price by changing vehicle (metro, tram, bus, train) if necessary. Children under 7 years old can travel free.
Metro in Brussel
The metro in Brussels is clean and safe compared to most metro systems. Metro entrances are marked by big "M" signs in blue and white, with the station name underneath. All announcements are made in Dutch, French and English. There are 6 metro lines.
Explorer City by Bike
Villo runs a bike sharing network that has over 2,500 bicycles available at over 200 bike stations throughout the city. Users can take a bike from any station and return it to a different station. Membership fees are €1.60/day or €7.65 per week, payable by using a credit card with a smart chip at the automated kiosks attached to every station.
Hiring Bike is one way to reach out and explore the city a sporty, relaxed and economical way. You can place your bike in any Villo station of the city.
Bicycles can be taken onto metros and new, low floor trams. Only two bicycles per tram are allowed.
The Brussels tram (or streetcar) system is the 16th largest tram system in the world by route length. As of 2013, there are 19 tram routes, totalling 138.9 k...
