Brussels in general

Advantages: Stunning architecture and lots of lovely different beers and chocolates
Disadvantages: Not a huge amount of well known attractions

Although Brussels is the capital of Europe, it's often overlooked as a city break location due to it being sandwiched between its more famous neighbours, Paris and Amsterdam. Having lived and worked in Brussels for a year as a student, I have a rather fond regard for the place. I'll freely admit that it has not got as many well known attractions nor the je ne sais quoi of Paris. Indeed, neither has it got the same canal like prettiness or red light ...
...they speak French). Although Brussels is technically in Flanders, it is dominated by French speakers. There is also a tiny German speaking section to the north-east of Belgium. We call it Brussels, the French call is Bruxelles and it's Brussel in Flemish, so you'd think this city would be suffering from an identity crisis. Not at all, Brussels is a truly multi-lingual city. All the street signs and most other signage are in French and Flemish (with ... Read review

Advantages: Short journey times. THE BEER! Good eating out!
Disadvantages: Not bursting with worthy sights like Paris or Amsterdam

Brussels wouldn’t necessarily be most people’s first choice for a European city weekend break, with Amsterdam and Paris somewhat higher on the list, I suspect. However, it does have one major advantage if you live in or around London – it’s one of the two direct destinations served by the Eurostar train, the other being Paris, and of the two end destinations, it’s the nearer (in fact it’s only about as far as Liverpool is from London). So having ...
...boarding the 6.15 departure for Brussels from Waterloo. Two seconds after the doors locked, the group in the next seats realised they wanted Paris! Oops! Still, never mind, they got off at Lille, waited for the train behind, and everyone was happy. (* There are other offers, including the saving of coupons from the “Daily Torygraph” – oh well, I suppose I could always keep the crosswords and put the rest on the nail in the outside toilet! – in the ... Read review

Advantages: Architecture, friendly city, lots of beer!
Disadvantages: Not too lively for a capital

Well to be brutally honest Brussels was never a place I thought " Ooo I must visit there someday " . In fact my visit came about largely by chance: a few free days in September and extremely cheap flights provided by Ryanair. Why not? Well I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by the city I knew very little about. My prior knowledge consisted of 1/ There will be lots of beer there and 2/ European Parliament meets here Admitedly, this is ...
...to the north but Brussels to me typifies my view of what a European city is, somewhere with a bit of character and history to it. As Belgium is famed for it chocolates and beer it is not surprising that these are easily found in just about every part of Brussels. It really is the city of indulgence where you can spoil yourself on these treats. I did not come across a street that didnt have either a chocolate or beer shop so it would take a lot of ... Read review

Advantages: Cheap travel, delicious food and BEER!
Disadvantages: If you find a comfy bar, you may not leave...

Brussels is a delightful city which is often forgotten about as a tourist destination. Situated between its more popular cousins Paris, Amsterdam and London you can see why, but if you take the effort to really find out what's what you'll find a city with plenty of culture, delicious food, amazing architecture and, of course, great beer. Brussels is the head of the European Union and despite the city's relatively brief history, has become one of ...
...Brussels with Paris and London has definitely had a positive effect and with so many cheap flights into Brussels it makes getting there so easy. We flew with Ryan Air from Liverpool to Charleroi, about 30 kms from Brussels centre. Even with the taxi ride into brussels (at breakneck speed I may add) the total cost was less you'd pay for a cab ride across London on a Friday evening. Our accommodation was at the Novotel Brussels Off Grand'Place. Situated ... Read review

Advantages: Some beautiful parts, nice food and easy to get to.
Disadvantages: Not much to do for a capital city

My Dad was working in Brussels last summer so when he offered me his flat for a week for a little break I agreed straightaway. Come on, I was skint and the offer of a very cheap holiday doesn't come along too often. So myself and my boyfriend headed off to Brussels thanks to National Express for the sum of £55 all the way from Birmingham. Pretty good deal, I think. Brussels, in case you didn't know, is the capital of Belgium. There are parts of the ...
...centre of town. Brussels has all the usual chain stores such as H+M (Hennes), which is massive over there, and lots of very expensive designer shops. They also have an abundance of markets selling all kinds of things from gifts to antiques to food. We visited the markets and they sold some great gifts such as jewellery and candles. If you are visiting Brussels, find out which markets are on which day as you shouldn't go there and miss out on them. ... Read review