My husband and I are going to spend a long weekend in Brussels and are looking for suggestions on what to see, where to eat, and what pubs will give us the most authentic tast of Belgium? Also, my husband does not believe me that jeans are not as acceptable in Europe as they are in the states - is this still true? It was the case when I was in Europe 10 years ago.

Beth,

If you have never been to Belgium before, I would strongly suggest not to stay the full 3 days in Brussels.
Here is what I would do: spend 1 day in Brussels, 1 in Antwerp and one in Bruges.
Catch a train to Bruges (good for a full day trip). I would do this on a Sunday, as most (tourist) shops will be open in Bruges then too. Trains at least once per hour (probably 2x), most convenient from Central Station (5-10 minutes walking from the Grande Place). Bruges is great for strolling along the canals, take a boat trip on the canals or visit the Gruuthuuse or Groeningemuseums. Be sure to ask for the brochure outlining walks at the tourist office.

Brussels - I really don't know where to send you for a whole day, even though I live just 15 km from Brussels. There are plenty of things to see, it's just that none of them are all that special. Here are some places I usually show to foreign visitors:
the Courthouse, Grande Place (which looked nicer before that bank took up a whole side...), Horta-museum if you are into architecture and design, comic strip museum if you are into comics, ... more if you are interested.
As for food in Brussels, we usually go to Louvain (student town 20 km east of Brussels) or Antwerp, but 't Spinnenkopke or 't Kelderke (on Grand Place) are not too bad. Most of the restaurants in the "Beenhouwersstraat - rue des Bouchers" are just tourist traps.

Antwerp - under 1 hour by train from Brussels. Rubens' city. Cathedral, Rubens' house, etc.

Louvain's (Leuven) town hall is decorated with hundreds of statues - impressive. This town is also home to some of my favourite restaurants. Tell me if you want to know more.

If you could tell me what you are interested in, I'll ask my wife (she is a Japanese and tends to know the "touristy" things better than I do).

Thierry Kumps

hello - yes, go to Bruges, you'll love it. For old cities on water, we enjoy it more than Venice.
Regarding jeans, I've worn jeans in certain places at certain times in Europe but generally speaking khakis or skirts are more appropriate. I usually now wear longer dresses during warmer weather. I've noticed most Europeans, while maybe dressed casually, wear more darker and neutral colors. Wear comfortable shoes. I favor aerosoles. Have a great time.

My vote goes to Brugges also. We took a long weekend there over Valentines day - flew to Brussels, walked around and saw the sights and checked out the Sat am antique market, had a marvelous breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien as well as a pastry at the famous Wittamer, and bought chocolate at Galler ( the bakery and chocolatier are worth the trip!), then caught the train (all of this was walking distance from the train station) to Brugges and spent the rest of the weekend there. We loved it so much that we're making a special stop there between the UK and France this summer. It was a lovely sunny winter weekend, and we rode a tandem bike around the city and tried many of the chocolatiers there, as well as the delicious Belgian waffles, and frites from the stands in front of the carillon tower. It is a wonderful romantic medieval city!

Yes Brugge is wonderful and don't forget about Gent too which is equally as wonderful!
Could be done as a very easy excursion from Brussels.

Beth: How about that - you ask about Brussles and all those nice folks tell you about Brugge and Antwerpen... You can spend an unforgetable weekend at Brussles alone. Granted, the other options are just as good (probably you need a longer holiday altogether). While in Brussles, don't miss the weekend antique market on Place Grand Sablon (Saturday and Sunday morning). Lots of places to eat, but try one of the establishments on Place Sainte Catherine. Many seafood restaurants, two with a Michelin star. Another option is Chez Leon near the Grand Place - it is a bit tourist type, but definitely good value and quality and with Brussels atmosphere. All this will even leave some time for Saturday shopping on rue Neuve...