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 Europe's premier cities. The introduction of the Euro Star, connecting 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 at the heart of old Brussels between the railway station and the Grand'Place. All mod-cons such as air-con, TV, separate WC, Modem access etc... and close to Metro, train, convention centre, museums and shops. We found that walking the streets of brussels was a great way to see the city and work up an appetite, or to walk off the beer...
There isn't actually that much to see in Brussels compared to Paris and London, but what they have got is spectacular. The Grand'Place, arguably the most beautiful city square in the world is a medieval spleandour of 17th Century architecture. On all four sides of the famous cobbled square you have shops and restaurants, mini-breweries and bars. The Manneken Pis (a couple of minutes from the Grand'Place down a narrow street), Brussel's oldest citizen is a bronze statue of a little boy taking a leak. The statue has been vandalized and stolen several times throughout it's history which dates back to the 8th century. It gathers big crowds. I'd heard about the Horta Museum and wanted to go as architecture is one of my things. I wasn't dissapointed by Victor Horta's self-built house. Dating back to around 1890, it is a classic example of Art/Nouveau at its best.
Take a fifteen minute train ride out to Exhibition Park, site of the 1958 World Trade Fair, and see the Atonium, a 335ft high replica of the iron molecule. A famous icon of a modernising city and well worth a look.
Food and beer is important to me, so Brussels is a delight to behold. Forget the frites and mayo, head to the fish market a five minute walk from the Grand'Place and choose one of the many restaurants serving up fresh fish and seafood. There's too many to name one, just take your pick. The same can be said for the beers. A local publican told me there were over eight hundred different beers to be sampled in Belgium, and over half were available in Brussels. Try to find a bar called Le Morte Sorbie and sit at the tables made from coffins and drink from mugs in the shape of skulls. Certainly different...
Shopping is mainly south of the main square. I found it difficult to navigate the streets at first and kept going around in circles but eventually got my bearings. My strategy was to remember the bars in the vicinity and work it from there. There was plenty of shopping to do, but don't expect bargains. Similar to London prices but if that doesn't bother you then you'll love it.
We spent three full days and two nights in Brussels and saw and tasted many delights. My feet ached but the beds were comfy and a good hearty breakfast of waffles sets you up for the day ahead.
I'll go back again some day, after all there's another seven hundred and sixty two beers to try...
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