Belgium in Brief: Jumpin' Jack Flash roams the streets of Brussels

Belgium in Brief: Jumpin' Jack Flash roams the streets of Brussels

Though warmer weather will tempt many to the calm of the countryside or cool of the coast, there's nothing like a Sunday stroll around town. Not a top tourist destination for its natural scenery, Belgium does boast some of Europe's prettiest cities, with an array of architecture and no shortage of bars and restaurants ensuring that there is something for all tastes.

With their canals and classic Gothic façades, the postcard cityscapes of Bruges and Ghent are tourist favourites for city breaks. But though Brussels does have a few architectural howlers, the capital is nonetheless a great place to amble aimlessly, with many of the city's best bits in close proximity.

But don't just take my word for it. Yesterday Mick Jagger seemed to have a rather nice time exploring the streets by foot. The rock icon and Rolling Stones frontman posted pictures on Twitter of him taking in several of the city's attractions, apparently unnoticed by others who were out and about.

Though perhaps no longer in their heyday, the Stones keep rolling, now celebrating their sixtieth year with an international tour that sees them play in Brussels' King Baudouin stadium tonight. So if you missed Mick on the pavement, you can still see your (dad's) rock idols this evening – tickets are still on sale but don't come cheap.

Who have you come across on a walk about town? Let @Orlando_tbt know.

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1. Mick Jagger visits Brussels tourist attractions before performance tonight

Mick Jagger, the singer and frontman of The Rolling Stones, visited several locations in the centre of Brussels on Sunday, before the band’s show at the King Baudouin stadium on Monday evening. Read more.

2. More Ryanair strikes in Belgium and France on 23 and 24 July

Ryanair pilots will once again hold a strike at the end of this month as negotiations between unions and the budget airline’s management on improving working conditions make no further headway. Read more.

3. Nine arrested during incident in Anneessens neighbourhood

On Sunday night, various objects were set on fire during an incident in the Anneessens neighbourhood in Brussels, resulting in numerous arrests on the spot. Read more.

4. Five places to enjoy an original ice cream in Brussels

With the sun shining on Belgium and temperatures rising, eating ice cream becomes an activity in its own right for many Belgians. In Brussels, there are several outlets offering rather singular concepts. Read more.

5. Cars caught speeding on Belgian motorways at 129km/h will always be fined from end of August

After a pilot project on Flemish motorways was deemed a success, anyone driving at 129km/h or more will therefore always be fined, and by the end of August this will be rolled out across Belgium. Read more.

6. ‘At a loss’: AB InBev asks Ukrainian staff to leave accommodation

At the start of May, the mood among Ukrainian staff of international brewing giant AB InBev in Belgium was extremely buoyant. At a press event to launch the production of Ukrainian beer Chernigivske, Ukrainian staff members and their families were treated to free lunches and beers in front of the gathered press. Read more.

7. Hidden Belgium: Rail Bikes

The old single-track railway line along the Molignée valley in the Ardennes closed down many years ago, but the line is far from dead. Read more.


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