Brussels (Belgium)

Advantages: Close, friendly and not too expensive.
Disadvantages: Not far enough south to guarantee good weather...and it's not THAT cheap.

...taken aback. After all, the Brussels Sprout was invented by Belgians as the regular cabbage was considered too big to carry around. They like things little fer gawd’s sake. How could one journey across bijou little Brussels take so long? Anyhoo…I found Expo, which is conveniently located in the shade of the wonderful Heisel Stadium, with the Atomium (that amazing depiction of the an atom that crops up in many shots of Brussels) looming large(ish), ...
...and both the natives of Brussels in residence that day. It is a credit to the waiter at the café in which we eventually took refuge that he had the second Leffe Blonde poured before I started to drink the first. Stout fellow! Refreshed, we took stock of our surroundings. The large and rather spectacular square, which is the tourist magnet to end all tourist magnets (not counting the Queen wearing a posh frock) is a must-see…and this from someone ... Read review

Advantages: Cosmopolitan with plenty to see and do
Disadvantages: Ridiculous hotel prices midweek

Some say that Brussels is not the most exciting city in the world, in fact many would say it was downright boring. I say....NON! NON! NON!. While it may not quite compare with say, Paris, New York or Rio, it has a lot going for it. To try and cover all of the sights and attractions of Brussels in one review is impossible. Therefore, I have concentrated on my favourite places in this diverse European capital. ----------------- A Short History ----------------- ...
...Brussels is from the year 977, when the German emperor Otto 2nd gave Low-Lorraine to Carl of France, who built a fortress there. In the middle of the 11th century the first city walls were built. The city thrived although it was controlled by Burgundy, then the Hapsburgian Empire. In 1695 Brussels was attacked by the French king Louis XIV. The result was disastrous: more than 4000 houses and the Grand Place were completely destroyed. The last foreign ... Read review

Advantages: It's close, it's charms are well known
Disadvantages: It's confusing

...Belgium. We had been to Brussels before (a short pre-Christmas trip about five years ago) so heeding the advice of that CIAO sage Proxam we decided to see some more of the country than just the capital. We were also quite curious to experience for ourselves the suggested “Unity of Europe” there at the heart of the Community. Maybe we would be able to divine something of the truth behind all the current political and economical manoeuvrings. After ...
...of navigable rivers and canals. Brussels is also home to N.A.T.O. The countryside is largely flat. The main centres of population (and the areas of most interest to the first time visitor) are Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. We arrived by air and stayed in a recently renovated hotel on the Avenue Louise. This is a resume of our activities. I make no apology for the length of this review. BRUSSELS. The capital of Belgium (and home to its monarchy) ... Read review

Advantages: Beautiful and atmospheric.
Disadvantages: Very busy.

Brussels has to be the most beautiful city I have ever visited. The aspect of Brussels that impressed me the most is that it has been so well looked after. There aren’t any horrible high-rise concrete buildings or tacky fast food restaurants. Everything is in keeping with the Baroque style of most of the buildings. I can’t help but think that if it were in England the atmosphere would be lost to excessive commercialisation as some areas ...
...are stunning. The town hall, Brussels museum, chocolate museum and various restaurants and bars are situated here. I enjoyed sitting outside the bars, listening to the Classical music that is played here every day and relaxing with a drink. The Grand Place is also beautiful at night, the buildings are lit up with different coloured lights. People are still milling around and the bars and restaurants are still open until about 1am. The Manneken Pis, ... Read review

Advantages: easy to get to
Disadvantages: therefore full of Brits

First I'm not going to give you a rundown of all the sights, nor a geography lesson. There's stacks of guides that can do that, and some other excellent Reviews on CIAO What I hope to do is leave you with a taste of the place, so you can decide if its for you Over many years of european travel, I have given Bruxelles a wide berth. Firstly beause when I have passed through it seems dirty, dull and too often raining. Its like France Lite, and there ...
...also remember a family camping holiday when we drove through Charlroi, which isn't far away, and I recall heavy industry and greyness everywhere (PS some airlines go to Bruxelles/Charlroi and you'll face a long hike in a bus) Once I dipped my toe in and whilst waiting for a connecting train, took the short hop to Bruxelles Central (which makes Birmingham New Street look like an architectural gem) and walked down to the Grand Place. Euro souvenier ... Read review