Belgium Unlocked

How to spend a day in Bruges (in pictures)

Join The Brussels Times on a trip to Bruges: the shining jewel of West Flanders:

Saturday, 18 March 2023

A toast to Brussels: The capital's most iconic bars

When it comes to bars, you're spoilt for choice in Brussels. But do you ever wonder if you're missing the best spots? Look no further...

Friday, 17 March 2023

What to do in Brussels this weekend: 17 – 19 March

From exploring a festival of water to an early edition of Belgium's largest Latin American event, find out what's on this weekend in Brussels.

Friday, 17 March 2023

Twenty untranslatable expressions that will instantly make you sound more Belgian

Our hope is that this list will help you refrain in future from having to bite on one's chewing gum — even if you don't have all the fries in one bag.

Friday, 10 March 2023

What to do in Brussels this weekend: 10 – 12 March

From Brussels' first Rum Festival to an international design fair and a film festival against racism, here's what is on in the capital this weekend.

Friday, 10 March 2023

Today in History: Suicide of the Belgian Colonial Governor in Congo

On this day, 9 March 1904, the Vice Governor-General of Congo Free State, Paul Costermans, committed suicide after being accused of participating in the colonial atrocities.

Thursday, 9 March 2023

Subterranean Belgium: Exploring the country’s caves and caverns

Belgium is home to some of the world's most beautiful and fascinating cave systems.

Tuesday, 7 March 2023

What to do in Brussels this weekend: 3 - 5 March

From a music festival for little ears to an event that will see several stars of the flamenco world travel to the Brussels, here's what's on this weekend.

Saturday, 4 March 2023

Today in History: Karl Marx expelled from Belgium

On this day in 1848, Karl Marx was arrested and ordered to leave Belgium. Yet his time in Belgium is not so well-known, nor was the reason for his expulsion.

Saturday, 4 March 2023

An introduction to Belgium's best rappers

While French or Dutch rap is more associated with Paris or Amsterdam, Brussels and Belgium have a healthy rap scene. Find out the best artists for your Belgian rap playlist.

Friday, 3 March 2023

What changes in Belgium on 1 March?

From tougher integration tests in Flanders to an extended use of eco-cheques and more expensive driving tests, here's what changes today.

Wednesday, 1 March 2023

Today in History: Death of Belgian poet and playwright Liliane Wouters

On this day, 28 February 2016, the famous Belgian poet and playwright Liliane Wouters died at the age of 86 in the Brussels municipality of Ixelles.

Tuesday, 28 February 2023

Passa Porta Festival: Everything English

This year's Passa Porta literary festival centres on the theme of REFUGE. English speakers will find many events that consider the world of exiled authors.

Tuesday, 28 February 2023

Interest rate on State bonds rises to 3%: Here's what you should know

State bonds with a ten-year maturity will in March have an interest rate of 3% – the highest since 2012. Here's what they are and how you could benefit.

Monday, 27 February 2023

Today in History: First international telephone line between Brussels and Paris is opened

On this day, 24 February 1887, the first-ever international telephone line in Europe was opened to the public between Brussels and Paris.

Friday, 24 February 2023

What to do in Brussels this weekend: 24 – 26 February

From immersive experiences devoted to Vincent Van Gogh and the history of Brussels to English-language comedy, here's what to do this weekend.

Friday, 24 February 2023

One year on Friday since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: What's happening in Brussels?

On 24 February 2022, Russia launched its full-scale of invasion of Ukraine. Friday marks one year since that day. How is Brussels marking the sombre occasion?

Wednesday, 22 February 2023

Carnival extravaganza: A guide to Belgium's folklore celebrations

With Binche Carnival marking the first of many fantastic folklore events, there is much to discover in Belgium. Here are a few carnival season highlights.

Saturday, 18 February 2023

Today in History: Belgium's King Albert I dies after falling off a cliff

Belgium's King Albert I was a skilled climber, and his untimely death led to a lot of speculation – especially as there were no witnesses to his fall.

Friday, 17 February 2023

What to do in Brussels this weekend: 17 - 19 February

From being immersed in animated movie screenings to admiring an illuminated city centre and admiring sculptures in the beautiful Gare Maritime, find out what to do in Brussels this weekend.

Friday, 17 February 2023