New York City 7.25 hrs

Miami 10 hrs

Philadelphia 8 hrs

Boston 6.75 hrs

Los Angeles 10.75 hrs

Chicago 8 hrs

Dallas-Fort Worth 9.75 hrs

San Francisco 11 hrs

Brussels is dominated by a cityscape of boulevards that follow the perimeter of the city's medieval walls. The greater part of the center is occupied by the Lower Town, of which the Grand Place, perhaps the best-preserved city square in Europe, is the unquestionable focus. The Upper Town is full of impressive buildings lining wide, classical boulevards and squares.

You're likely to do a lot of walking in Bruges, which is small and relatively flat. The streets are mostly cobbled, but flatter paving stones are also prevalant. Many canal bridges and moorings are reached by stairs, and climbing the Grote Markt's belfry can be strenuous.

Belgium's climate is moderate, so you will rarely encounter temperature extremes in any season. Rain is common year-round, however, with light showers outnumbering the less common downpours. Winter temperatures average 42°, and summers average 73°.

The popular tourist season runs from May through September, peaking in July and August when the weather is at its best. Belgium is also great during the shoulder season in April and October, when there are significantly smaller crowds yet plenty of cultural events taking place.

Fantastic Food: Food in Belgium, and in partuclular Brussels, is beyond compare, from the classiest restaurants to the sidewalk waffle vendors. Brussles and Bruges each have a smell and taste that will stay with you always. Begin the day with a warm, thick Belgian waffle, have a cone of frites as a midday snack, and in the evening head to Brussels' Rue des Bouchers for a taste of fine Belgian seafood and traditional fare. Wash it all down with a pint of local beer, and don't forget to grab some Belgian chocolate along the way.

Vivid History: Centuries of art and architecture, from Gothic cathedrals to art nouveau mansions, opulent palaces, and first-class museums are found throughout the country. Belgium is a federal parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch, and the royal residence is in Brussels. Everywhere you turn, in Brussels and in Bruges, there are monuments to the past, relics of times gone by, and memorials to the wars that shook the continent.

The Capital of Europe: Brussels is the capital of the European Union, a pleasant city with a laid-back atmosphere and a diverse population representing the six continents. Brussels is doubly important on the world field as the headquarters of Nato. Heads of State, diplomats, royalty, and important international figures regularly come to Brussels for summits and meetings.

Brussels

Grand Place: Bound by Baroque guild houses and a Gothic town hall, this square is the most beautiful in all the world. Archduchess Isabella, daughter of Felipe II of Spain, wrote about her 1599 visit, "Never have I seen something so beautiful and exquisite as the town square -- the decoration of the houses is most remarkable." There is a daily flower market, a Sunday bird market, and frequent musical performances.

Cathédrale St. Michel et Ste Gudule: The city's principal church, built atop a hill, is a 13th-century structure named after the city's patron saints. It took more than 300 years to complete, which led to a mixture of styles that can be seen in its Gothic towers and Renaissance stained glass. The crypts and funerary monuments are masterpieces in their own right.

Manneken-Pis: At the corner of the Rue de l'Etuve and the Rue du Chene, stands the whimsical fountain statue of a little boy…relieving himself. This statue has long been a beloved figure in Brussels and kings, presidents, and celebrities have given him costumes. The statue now has a wardrobe of more than 250 outfits, housed in the Musée Communal. A more recent statue is the Jeanneke Pis. This female version of the Manneken-Pis can be found sqautting at the end of a dead alley off Rue des Bouchers.

Royal Palace: The palace is built on the site of the former Palace of the Dukes of Brabant, which dated from the 11th century and was considered the most beautiful royal residence in Medieval Europe. Unfortunately, a fire burned it to the ground in 1731 while under Austrian rule. William of Orange built this new palace in 1820, and it was redone by Leopold II at the start of the 20th century in the style of Louis XIV.

Royal Park: On the grounds of the Medieval Court of Brabant, where the modern Royal Palace now stands, was a warande, the forest park of the palace. The original was indeed a forest in the city, with hills and little valleys where wild game lived. Under Austrian rule, Empress Maria-Theresia agreed to turn the forest into a classical park of manicured gardens, statues, and geometric lines for the enjoyment of the upper classes.

Musée d'Art Moderne: Housed in an innovative subterranean feat of architecture, the collection is mostly that of 19th and 20th century Belgian and French artists like Gauguin, Seurat, and the surrealist Magritte. Picasso and Dali works are also on display.

Cinquantenaire Park: In 1880, Belgium celebrated its 50th year of Independence, prompting King Leopold II to celebrate and show the world how Belgium was prospering, willing and able to take its place among the important nations of Europe. This park resulted, full of monuments including those of 8 women representing each province of the small nation.

The Bread House: In the Grand Place, amid many other impressive buildings, stands the remarkable Broodhuis (Bread House), later known as the Maison du Roi (King's House). On this site in the 13th century stood a wooden house where bakers sold their bread, replaced in the 15th century by a stone house. When they began selling door to door, the Duke of Brabant took it over for administrative purposes. In 1515, Emperor Charles V rebuilt the "house" in flamboyant Gothic style. It now houses the City Museum.

Shopping: Belgians began producing high quality goods in the Middle Ages, and continue to do so to this day. Don't look for bargains, because you won't find any -- if you're looking for excellent products, you're in for a thrill ride. Visit the Galeries St. Hubert, which opened in 1846 as the first glass-ceilinged arcade (the birth of the shopping mall) in the world. Elegance is everywhere, from the architecture to the shops to the cafés to the clientele.

Bruges

The Burg: This town square is a prime photo opportunity, with fantastic examples of architectural styles ranging from the 12th century onward. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is one of the square's oldest buildings and houses artifacts from the Crusades, including the Relic of the Holy Blood (the centerpiece of the annual Procession of the Holy Blood, one of Belgium's biggest festivals). Also located on the Burg is the 14th-century town hall, which has an intricately decorated exterior and a remarkably preserved Gothic meeting room with a high-arching ceiling and vivid murals on the walls.

Church of Our Lady: Most famous for its 1504 Madonna & Child marble sculpture by Michelangelo, this church was constructed over a period of 200 years beginning in the 13th century and today houses many art treasures, including paintings by Flemish artists. Also in the church is the tomb of Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, and his daughter, Mary of Burgundy. Underneath the sculpted tomb is a window, through which you can peer into the graves of 13th- and 14th-century priests.

Folklore Museum (Stedelijk Museum voor Volkskunde): In a city famous for its ancient streets and buildings, the Folklore Museum aims to preserve the everyday life of long ago with depictions of once-common trades, including a cooper's workshop and a medieval general store, along with traditional household scenes. The museum has recreated an old inn, too, which is especially appealing for its genuine beers and pub games.

De Gouden Boom Brewery: One of Bruges' major brewers, De Gouden Boom can trace its roots back to 1587. An old malt house serves as a museum, exhibiting the brewing history of the city (more than 30 breweries were in operation in Bruges at the turn of the 20th century). The brewery offers guided tours, which must be booked in advance. They are an excellent opportunity to see the beers being brought to life and, of course, to taste them!

Groeninge Museum: Located just off the Grote Markt, this museum houses some of Flanders' most important paintings from its best-known artists, including Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, and Hans Memling.

Grote Markt (Market Square): Make this 13th-century square your first stop!. It's lined with typically Flemish guild houses that have ornate facades and cafes on the ground level with open-air seating during good weather. The belfry houses a famous 47-bell carillon, and performances are held on Sundays. TIP: You can get superb views of the square and the rest of the city from the top of the belfry, however, take note that the climb is somewhat strenuous.

Gruuthuse Museum: This ornate Gothic mansion was the home of Flemish noblemanLodewijk van Gruuthuse, who was a successful 15th-century herb merchant and counselor to the Dukes of Burgundy. The museum now has a large collection of period furnishings, paintings, tapestries, glassware, and weapons.

The Lace Center (Kantcentrum): The intricate art of lace making has been a Belgian tradition for centuries. The Lace Center aims to preserve lace making by continuing the lace education begun by the Sisters Apostle in 1717. The center offers demonstrations and courses, and for the casual visitor there is a museum and shop. Admission to the museum includes entry to the adjacent Jerusalem Church.

Memling Museum: This museum's namesake is German-born artist Hans Memling, who arrived in Bruges in 1465 and became one of the city's most prominent residents. A large collection of his paintings adorns the walls of what was once a hospital ward. Period furnishings help create an authentic 17th-century ambience.

Holy Savior Cathedral: A Gothic landmark with an imposing 325-foot belfry, this cathedral houses 15th-century carved wooden choir stalls and an impressive altar. The cathedral is not open for casual viewing during services, but the museum is open weekdays, as well as Sunday afternoons, and displays paintings, a collection of gold and silver religious vessels, and other artifacts.

Other Cities

Day Trip to Antwerp: With the demise of Bruges in the 15th and 16th centuries, Antwerp emerged as Europe's most important trading port. Arriving by train, you are greeted by the city's magnificent train station, affectionately called the "Railway Cathedral". Ornate baroque mansions recall the city's thriving merchants, who commissioned tapestries, paintings, silverware, and sculptures. The Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady houses 2 masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, Belgium's favorite son. Be sure to visit his Flemish Renaissance house and other attractions like the printing plant that houses priceless bibles, the Museum of Modern Sculpture, and the Diamond Museum. Antwerp is the center of the diamond industry, with more than 70% of the world's diamonds cut, polished, and traded here. A famous opera house, concerts, ballets, and theaters entertain the culturally hungry. For fun with the locals, join a group of pub crawlers and sample a few of the 400 kinds of beers! The name Antwerp refers to the tossing of a hand, Ant (hand) and Twerp (toss).

Day Trip to Ghent: Around the year 867, Baldwin Iron Arm, the first Count of Flanders, built a castle at the meeting of the Lieve and Leie rivers to thwart raiding Norsemen. A town soon grew up around the castle and by the 12th century it was a prosperous city. The cloth trade flourished and Ghent became an industrial city with the largest population in Europe. By the late 15th century, the cloth trade had begun to wane, though Ghent remained prosperous by shifting its economy to the shipping trade along the Leie and Scheldt rivers. Its historic center includes the intact medieval districts, many fine churches, and the imposing castle of the Counts of Flanders. The Cathedral of Saint Bavo, a work of art itself, contains the masterpiece entitled "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb," by the brothers Van Eyck.

Day Trip to Luxembourg: Luxembourg, the capital city of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is an intriguing old town sunk in a valley and protected by one of Europe's most impressive citadels. The city expanded outward, and the newer parts occupy the steep cliffs that overlook the old center. It is a small-scale city, easy to navigate on foot, and makes for a pleasant day trip from Brussels. The headquarters of the European Court of Justice and of the European Investment Bank are here, as is one branch of the European Parliament, making Luxembourg an important city in modern Europe. Its main attractions, however, are its gothic cathedral, royal palace, and the citadel, which you can go inside to explore its dark passages, caverns, and spiral stone staircases.

Traveling by Train from Brussels: (Estimates)

Going To: -- Journey Time: -- Train Departures:

Amsterdam -- 3 Hours -- Every Hour

Antwerp -- 1 Hour -- Every ½ Hour

Bruges -- 1 Hour -- Every ½ Hour

Ghent -- ½ Hour -- Every ½ Hour

Luxembourg -- 3 Hours -- Every Hour

Paris -- 1½ Hours -- Every Hour

NOTE: You will need your passport to travel to Amsterdam, Luxembourg, and Paris.

Brussels

If you did nothing but eat during your visit to Brussels no one would blame you, least of all the Bruxellois who are passionate about their food. There are more Michelin-star restaurants per capita in Brussels than anywhere else in the world, but you don't need to spend a great deal to eat well, and having a bad meal is actually somewhat impossible. Near the Grand Place are two streets that should be on your dining route, the Rue des Bouchers and its offspring, the Petiterue des Bouchers, which host a bunch of small ethnic eateries serving delectable specialties for next to nothing prices. If possible, splurge on at least one budget-breaking restaurant for a dining experience that will feed your spirit as well as your body. Traditional favorites like rabbit cooked in gueuze beer or steaming pots of Zeeland mussels feature on most upscale menus. For the local experience, grab a cone of fries dressed in mayonnaise from a friture (French fries stand), something of a cult activity in Belgium where the misnamed "French fries" were actually invented. Warm Belgian waffles are the other claim to culinary creation, and chocolate, while not invented here, was most certainly perfected. As soon as you arrive, go to the tourist office and pick up a copy of their great dining directory Gourmet.

Gourmet

Bistro du Mail is a Baroque restaurant owned by chef Pascal Devalkeneer, who learned to prepare stunningly delicious meals from top Belgian chef Roger Souveryns. Taste anything, like the turbot with Italian white truffles and puréed potatoes or the oxtail soup with celery and celery root, and you'll think the Michelin people must be dining at the next table, except they aren't - the food is always exquisite. 81 Rue du Mail

Comme Chez Soi: Master chef Pierre Wynants prepares exquisite French cuisine to standards high enough for the most rigorous of taste buds, earning Comme Chez Soi the maximum three Michelin stars. Like nothing you will have had before, peruse the menu for such entrees as sautéed lobster with truffles and chanterelles, and roast saddle of lamb soaked in a rich and creamy house sauce. Desserts are equally as impressive, with the soufflé of preserved oranges in Mandarine Napoléon liqueur being a standout. Reservations are a must to ensure a table at this beloved Belgian institution. Place Rouppe 23

Highly Recommended

Aux Armes de Bruxelles invented the local custom of presenting steamed mussels in individual casseroles and, according to competing chefs, offers the city's quintessential brasserie experience. Founded in the early 1920s, Aux Armes serves some of Brussels' most authentic Belgian cooking, like eel in green sauce, and waterzooi, a traditional chicken stew made with poached turbot, potatoes, carrots, leeks, and lots of cream. The room to the right of the entrance has chairs by Art Nouveau master Victor Horta. 3 Rue des Bouchers

La Truite d'Argent: This restaurant serves the freshest, most delicious seafood in the city. Not a large venue, and hardly a private setting, the emphasis is clearly on the preparation and presentation of the fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. Dine al fresco on a sidewalk terrace on the Fish Market to experience the true ambiance of this typically Belgian street restaurant. Authentic Belgian seafood at its best. Quai aux Bois-à-Brûler 23

Local Flair

Le Pain Quotidien has branches all over Belgium and even in New York, but nothing compares to settling in with a newspaper and a soup-n-sandwich combo at the original venue. It was here that the idea was born to combine a bakery with an informal restaurant where strangers are tossed together at a single, huge, rustic wood table. Enjoy a simple but hearty and tasty meal taken to the rhythm of daily life in Brussels. 16 Rue Antoine Dansaert

In 't Spinnekopke: Occupying a 1762 stagecoach inn, In 't Spinnekopke is just far enough off the beaten track to be frequented mainly by locals in the know. Guests dine at plain tables on a tilting floor, all squeezed into a tight place. Very traditional, the menu lists hardy standbys of regional Belgian cuisine in the old Bruxellois dialect. Try the stoemp mi sossisse (hotchpotch with sausage), and toung ave mei (sole), and have a pint of Belgian beer as you make merry with the friendly locals. Place du Jardin-aux-Fleurs 1

Romantic

Lola's is a trendy, yet romantic, hangout with a twinkling nighttime view of the leafy Place du Grand Sablon. The patrons are mostly a well-heeled fashion and art crowd who come to Lola's as much for the clean-cut atmosphere as for the food, which is a savory collection of inventive dishes like smoked-salmon and goat-cheese rolls, and duck with cabbage and caramelized onions. 33 Place du Grand Sablon

Villa Lorraine: One of the city's top kitchens, Villa Lorraine is located in a renovated château on the fringes of the Bois de la Cambre (park). You and your loved one will be seated in a comfortable dining room with wicker furniture, flower arrangements, and views of the trees. Sample classic French offerings such as saddle of lamb in a delicate red-wine-and-herb sauce, cold salmon in an herb sauce, partridge cooked with apples, and baked lobster with butter rose. Finish the evening with a rich chocolate pastry dessert, brandy, and a cuddle. Av. du Vivier d'Oie 75

Bruges

There are restaurants on practically every corner in the center of Bruges. They are very popular with tourists, so if you're looking to rub elbows with tourists you'll need to wander a bit off the beaten path. The cuisine is of a high quality and not as expensive as you might expect. Seafood and tasty, succulent meats are the mainstays of mostafternoon meals, with soups, breads, and cheese always on offer, along with plenty of local beers. Blondes and fruit beers are the Belgian specialty. Be sure to try one or two!

Gourmet

De Karmeliet: This restaurant's gourmet status is confirmed by the fact that its Geert Van Hecke in 1996 became the first Flemish chef to be awarded 3 Michelin Stars. Interesting sculptures overlook the main dining area, behind which a conservatory creates additional space with views of the small manicured garden. The meals are fixed-price, multi-course menu options that change seasonally. What makes the cuisine exceptional is Van Hecke's ability to concoct exotic and delicious dishes from humble ingredients, such as pork and potatoes. There's also caviar and shrimp on the menu, a comprehensive cheese board, and a good selection of wines and beers. Langestraat 19, City Center.

Restaurant 't Huidevettershuis: This canal-side restaurant specializes in traditional Flemish cuisine expertly prepared to gourmet standards. The building dates back to the mid-15th century when it was the Tanners' Guildhall. Choose between an intimate dining room on the ground floor and a larger, lighter room upstairs. Lace tablecloths and boxed wooden windows create an authentic medieval ambience. Menu items include rabbit stew, rib of suckling pig with juniper berries, and red potatoes stuffed with smoked mackerel and creamed herbs. Reservations are recommended, though not a necessity. Huidevettersplein 10-11, City Center.

Highly Recommended

Brasserie Forestiere: A short stroll from the Burg and the Grote Markt, this small, cozy restaurant serves delicious pasta-based dishes and a selection of salads (hot and cold). It's rather busy on the weekends, which gives a good indication of its popularity. The menu is inexpensive, and vegetarians find plenty to choose. The house wine is good, too. Academiestraat

Brussels

Neighboring nightlife divas like Paris and Amsterdam make Brussels look like a bit of a wallflower, but it's a false first impression. True, the quantity doesn't equal that of its flashier counterparts, but the quality and diversity of after dark entertainment is just as impressive. Bars range from smoky pool halls, to party pubs, to gentlemen's cigar rooms.

Café theater keeps stage acts on the scene year-round and the big-name theaters present renowned plays. Anything you want, you can find, like cabaret, dinner shows, nightclubs, ballet, opera, and symphony, in addition to things you may not have expected, like a traditional puppet theater. Live music of every style is big in Brussels, and finding it is just a matter of ducking into nearly any club you pass on a weekend night. By even the most objective opinion, Brussels has the best beer in the world. Try local favorites like the gueuze or fruit beers, or one of the "divine" Trappist beers made in an abbey. For current happenings, check out the Tourist Information office in the Town Hall, Grand Place, or buy the weekly English-language magazine The Bulletin.

Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie: This historic 17th-century theater is home to the superb Opéra National, l'Orchestre Symphonique, and the Rosas Ballet company. It's also the birthplace of Belgian independence. Agitated by the aria that begins "Amour sacré de la patrie" (Sacred love of your country), an 1830 audience rushed outside and rioted, instigating the brief and mostly bloodless revolution against the Dutch that established the Belgian nation.

Théâtre Toone VII: This last of the Toone puppet theaters, dating back to the early 1800s, is very likely the most popular theater in Brussels. Down the tiny alleyway called Impasse Schuddeveld, a small wooden sign marks the entrance to this old world show. Adaptations of such classic tales as The Three Musketeers and Hamlet are staged in many languages though the simplified action is easily followed on its own.

Fuse: This is the premier techno club of Belgium, practically a legend across Europe. It has a reputation for bringing in the best and most innovative DJs on the scene, who rate Fuse as one of their favorite clubs.

Conway's: This fun and noisy Irish bar, New York style, keeps Kilkenny and Guinness on tap along with a wide selection of whiskey and bourbon. There's a popular sports bar upstairs for rubgy and football, daily happy hour, ladies' night on Thursdays, and a staff that keeps the party going even in the slowest hours.

Goupil le Fol: This is a great place to try various fruit wines and listen to old French songs while you sit back sunken into one of the deep sofas.

La Fleur en Papier Doré: Ever since 1846, poets and writers have congregated in this 16th-century house. These days you can catch informal readings by young poets about once a month in this bistro that just flows over with authentic atmosphere and welcomes newcomers like regulars.

Bruges

In the evening hours, as tourists begin to fade, the ensuing calm is perhaps the best time to enjoy the city and its people. There are plenty of pubs to visit and beers to try, and you'll find the locals friendly and the bar staffs helpful with translations. A few venues cater to the club crowd, and some theatrical performances, mostly conducted in Flemish, may be of interest.

B-IN: For the past few years, B-IN has been the venue of choice among Bruges' in-crowd. It combines a restaurant with a nightclub/lounge. Additional seating is by the canal on the small square outside. Dance and chill-out music accompanies pricey drinks and meals. It's busiest during the evening, especially Fridays and Saturdays, but it's also nice to visit during the day when you can relax by the water and enjoy the surroundings. TIP: Although centrally located, and in the shadow of the Church of Our Lady, it can be hard to find. Walk behind the church toward the canal and look for the signature white and yellow chairs on the square. Zonnekemeers, Oud Sint-Jan, City Center.

Brugge anno 1468: In a neo-Gothic Jesuit church, this restaurant feeds you a traditional Flemish meal while jesters, jousters, and minstrels in period costumes entertain with reenactments and acrobatic performances. Tables line the main hall, along the center of which you're likely to see acrobats jumping through hoops of fire, knights dueling with metal swords, and a re-creation of Charles the Bold marrying Margaret of York. Reservations are recommended. Vlamingstraat 86, City Center.

’t Brugs Beertje: This is a great little pub in which to enjoy both the company of locals and the specialty beers of Flanders. It is located on a small road just off the Grote Markt. More than a hundred beers are stocked, many seasonal and most in bottles (though a few are served draught). Something traditional you're sure to notice about Belgian beers is how each is served in its own specially shaped and marked glass. The fruit beers do not taste like "regular" beer and are not to everyone's taste. Some food, mainly simple sandwiches, is available, too. Kemelstraat 5, City Center.

Cactus Muziekcentrum: Bands from across Europe, the UK, and beyond play here, Bruges' main music venue. The calendar usually has 3 or 4 gigs booked each week, so be sure to check out what's happening during your visit. Sint-Sebastiaanstraat 4, City Center.

Ma Rica Rokk: Dance 'til dawn! This dance club is very popular with Bruges' younger crowd, and it stays open very late (6am on the weekends). To find it, take Steenstraat south from the GroteMarkt to 't Zand, and it's just there on your right. Listen for the pounding rave beat. 't Zand 7-8, City Center.

De Vuurmolen: This lively venue puts on a really good dance party, in a town that can claim few big discos. With the lager flowing and the music, mostly dance with some cheese thrown in for good measure, cranked up, it's the type of place where inhibitions are lost and dancing on the tables is commonplace. If you need a break from the 14th-century pace of Bruges, this is it. Kraanplein 5, City Center.

Brussels

Antiques Fair: This traditional fair is highly regarded by European collectors for its selection of centuries-old everyday objects and prestigious masterpieces. Exotic pieces are represented through the primitive art and jewels of the Far East and the pre-Columbian Americas. February

Fantasy, Thriller, and Sci-Fi Film Festival: One of the most original festivals in the world, this huge event attracts tens of thousands of fans to preview over 150 films of visionary directors. Genre actors and directors attend and greet fans. Other outrageous events include body-painting and the Vampire Ball. March

Brussels Jazz Marathon: At least 350 musicians stage gigs and informal sessions in more than 50 clubs and pubs, plus leading jazz musicians perform outdoors in the Grand Place and Grand Sablon. One ticket gets you access to all events, plus free shuttles. May

Ommegang: This parade is the grandest in Belgium. It takes place at the prestigious Grand Place, ablaze with light and recalling the 16th-century pomp and ceremony honoring Charles V. Festivities are complete with descendants of the nobility playing the roles of their ancestors in period costume. July

Brussels Summer Festival: From the Palais des Beaux Arts to the Grand Place, the capital's most prestigious venues host concerts like the nightly "Music and Light" show and the event's first performance, the renowned free "La Monnaie/De Munt" concert in the Brussels Park. August

A Visit to the Royal Palace: The Royal Palace, by tradition, opens to the public the day after the national holiday. Visit this imposing, art-filled building, commissioned by Leopold II, for a rare opportunity to stroll through a king's home. September

International Independent Film Festival: Established in 1974 to showcase low budget productions, this festival is more than ever an incubator for innovative filmmakers. November

Bruges

Procession of the Holy Blood: Every May, the Relic of the Holy Blood (an ornate vial brought back to Bruges from Constantinople during the Crusades) is the centerpiece of an extravagant religious parade. This is the city's most famous event, and the procession has been taking place annually for nearly 1,000 years, except for a few periods of Calvinist rule when it was banned. The parade is enormous, with religious floats and people dressed as characters from the Bible, including Jesus. May

Summer tends to be more casual than winter, even for upscale evening activities. Pack your favorite tidy sightseeing clothes, something elegant for the opera or what have you, and a sturdy pair of walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Identification: Belgian law requires you to identification on you at all times.

Alcohol: You must be 16 years of age to drink liquor.

French, Flemish, and German are the official languages of Belgium. Most Belgians speak fluent English.

The current runs on 220 volts AC/50 cycles, with 2-prong round pin plugs, so American appliances will require a transformer and adapter.

We strongly suggest that you verify with a consulate for the most current and complete rendering of the information outlined below.

Entry: All US citizens, even infants, need a valid passport to enter Belgium for stays of up to 90 days. You are not required to have a visa to visit Belgium for pleasure or business trips not exceeding three months.

Belgium Customs: The duty-free allowance for US citizens includes 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, 1 liter of liquor with alcohol content of over 22% (whiskey, cognac, gin, etc) or 2 liters with alcohol of less than 22% (champagne, sherry, aperitifs, etc), 2 liters of wine (non-sparkling), 250ml of eau de toilette or 250ml of eau de parfum or 250ml after-shave, 50 grams of perfume, 1 still camera with 12 rolls of film, and 1 movie camera with 6 rolls of film.

US Customs: Your duty-free exemption is $800 if you are a returning US resident and the items you acquired abroad accompany you. This duty-free exemption may include 100 cigars and 200 cigarettes (Cuban tobacco products are prohibited), and 1 liter of wine, beer, or liquor if you are at least 21 years old.

US Embassy: Regentlaan 27, Boulevard du Régent, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium; phone 32-2-508-2111, fax 32-2-511-2725

Brussels Tourist Office: Townhall of Brussels, Grand Place, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium; phone 32-2-513-8940, fax 32-2-514-4538

Bruges Tourist Office (Toerisme Brugge): Burg 11, B-8000 Brugge, Belgium; phone 32-50-448686, fax 32-50-448600

New York: 780 Third Avenue, Suite 1501, New York, NY 10017; phone 212-758-8130, fax 212-355-7675