ECRTS 2025 will be held in Brussels, Beligum.
Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the administrative centre of the European Union, is often referred to as the Capital of Europe. The city is shaped by the coexistence of French and Flemish cultures and is now home to people from all over the world, giving it a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere. Its charm is further enhanced by picturesque mediaeval streets, lively squares, wide boulevards, impressive monuments, expansive parks, cosy cafés, diverse restaurants, and a thriving cultural scene.
Located about 10 km from the city centre, Brussels Airport is a major international hub. It hosts around 260 companies and offers excellent connections to key European cities as well as global destinations. With 58 airlines serving 175 direct destinations the airport provides convenient access to Brussels for international travellers.
🚨 Important Notice: Do not confuse Brussels Airport (BRU) with Charleroi Airport (CRL), sometimes misleadingly called “Brussels South Charleroi Airport”. Charleroi Airport is located about 60 km from Brussels, requiring a longer and less convenient transfer. If you are flying to CRL, be sure to check your transportation options in advance.
Conference place
The conference will take place at “The Hotel”, a striking landmark overlooking Avenue Louise in Brussels’ fashionable district. Situated on Boulevard de Waterloo, it offers easy access by public transport and car. Guests can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city, as well as a range of premium amenities, including a fitness centre, spa, and fine dining options.
Workshops place
The workshops will take place at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) campus (www.vub.be), located approximately 30 minutes from The Hotel and the city centre by public transport. The campus offers a dynamic academic environment and is easily accessible via tram, bus, and train connections. The workshops will take place in the “U-Residentie” building at VUB, located right in front of the ”VUB” tram stop, served by lines 25 and 7.
Brussels Highlights: Must-See Attractions
Brussels is synonymous with the Grand-Place, warm waffles, chocolates with all sorts of fillings, the Manneken-Pis, tasty beers, and precious lace! But the city also has many other wonderful must-see sights, which contribute to its charm and history. From the paintings of the Flemish Primitives to the world’s most beautiful collection of musical instruments, from the remains of Emperor Charles V’s palace to the Art Deco or Art Nouveau designs of Victor Horta, the list is long! Fortunately, many of the kingdom’s greatest art treasures are concentrated around the Mont des Arts, close to the city’s royal district. So this time, make sure you don’t miss the unmissable!
Source: visit.brussels
Less than 1 kilometer from “The Hotel”
- Grand’ Place: often hailed as “one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe, if not in the world,“ the Grand’ Place is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ornate guildhalls and the impressive Town Hall. Visitors throughout history have admired its beauty; Archduchess Isabella, daughter of Philip II of Spain, remarked during her visit on September 5, 1599: “Never have I seen something so beautiful and exquisite as the town square of the city where the town hall rises up into the sky. The decoration of the houses is most remarkable“. brussels.be
- Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: This extensive museum complex comprises several institutions, including the Oldmasters Museum and the Magritte Museum. Their collections feature a wide range of paintings, sculptures, and fine arts from the late 14th century to the present day. Visitors can admire masterpieces by artists such as Bruegel the Elder, Rubens, Memling, Bosch, and Van Dyck, as well as works by Delvaux, Wouters, Ensor, Khnopff, and Permeke. fine-arts-museum.be
- Magritte Museum: Dedicated to the renowned Belgian Surrealist painter René Magritte, this museum houses the world’s largest collection of his works, with around 200 exceptional pieces. Situated in the elegant Hôtel Altenloh, the Magritte Museum offers an in-depth look into the artist’s life and creations. musee-magritte-museum.be
- Musical Instruments Museum (MIM): Located in the former Old England department store, an Art Nouveau masterpiece designed by architect Paul Saintenoy and completed in 1899, the MIM boasts one of the largest collections of musical instruments in the world. With approximately 1,200 instruments on permanent display, visitors can embark on a musical journey from Ancient Greece to the 20th century. The museum provides infrared headphones that allow guests to hear nearly 200 musical excerpts corresponding to the instruments on display. mim.be
Beyond the City: Day Trips from Brussels
If you have extra time, there are plenty of exciting destinations just a short trip from Brussels:
- Atomium & Mini-Europe: The Atomium, a striking remnant of the 1958 World Expo, offers panoramic views of the city from its top sphere. Right next to it, Mini-Europe showcases miniature versions of famous European landmarks, making it a great visit for both adults and children. More info
- Waterloo Battlefield: Just 30 minutes from Brussels, this historic site marks the location of Napoleon’s final defeat in 1815. The Memorial 1815 museum, the Lion’s Mound, and interactive exhibits bring history to life. waterloo1815.be
- Ghent & Bruges: These two charming medieval cities, reachable within an hour, are famous for their canals, historic buildings, and vibrant cultural scenes. Bruges, often called the “Venice of the North,” is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Pairi Daiza: One of Europe’s most impressive zoos, Pairi Daiza is a must-visit for families. Located about an hour from Brussels, this award-winning park is home to giant pandas, elephants, tigers, and a beautifully designed environment inspired by different world cultures. It’s an unforgettable experience for both kids and adults. pairidaiza.eu