We will have a short stayover in Brussels on our way to Italy. Please share your thoughts on highlights in Brussels. We enjoy experiencing local culture, music, food, etc. and what ever else make a place distinctive.

We all answered this question about 2 weeks ago.
Click on my name and then scroll down to the post " 2 DAYS IN BRUSSELS/Looking for insider tips."

All the answers you are looking for are here.

The Victor Horta museum and other Art nouveau buildings.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...57622960216715 and subsequent pictures

for the Brussels photo album:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca...960216715/show

click on "Show info" to identify pictures.

Yes, I echo the Horta Museum, which is a little out of the centre of town; also the Museum of Musical Instruments.

There is a city walk you can do which follows cartoon murals around town, which is a bit of fun.

I myself like markets; there is an antiques market on weekends at Place du Grand Sablon, a flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle every day until 2pm, and an interesting, huge market with Middle Eastern flair Sunday mornings just outside Gare du Midi. Or the farmer's market at Place Flagey, which is like a little village in the middle of Brussels with ponds and ducks; that runs every morning except Mondays.

Lavandula

Read King Leopold's Ghost and then search out all the places in Brussels that venerate him. He's known as The Builder King, so it may take more than your two days.

Thanks to all for the great ideas. We appreciate your responses.