Advice needed for family trip to Belgium and Germany
Oct 2nd, 2017, 02:00 AM
#21
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"What is the cheapest and best way to come from Brussels to any point in Germany and then make our way to a place in Mosel/Rhine or go directly to Berlin using the regional or ICE tickets as the other trains Thalys are quite expensive."
AND... you are talking about Munich and Garmisch, possibly Nuremberg (without the gun store) so this trip of yours is a wide-ranging one that takes you all around the country.
The best and the cheapest are usually very different things (welcome to the real world.) Don't expect both.
Buses are cheap but trains IMO are almost always better than buses. First class is a little better than 2nd class but probably not worth the extra cost if you care about cheap.
Regional trains are cheap (if you use day passes) and fine for most short trips. But they are much slower than ICE trains, stop more often, and do not travel as far. A trip between Cochem on the Mosel and Berlin, for example, would take 11+ hours on 6-8 different trains. If you use the fastest trains where they are possible, you can make the same trip with just 2-3 trains in less than 7 hours. So for long trips like this one, the cheap regional trains do not make a lot of sense. You'll need to use the EC/IC/ICE trains for some journeys.
The Thalys might be expensive but normal trains are too. For one trip from Cochem on the Mosel to Berlin, for example, your group of 4 will pay nearly €600 in 2nd class if you just walk up to the window or the ticket machine to get tickets on the day of travel!!
So I think if I told you that for €670 total, 4 adults could travel on 5 separate days from Brussels to Germany and all around Germany on any trains they like, that would probably sound pretty good... right? Check into the German Rail pass from DB; One second-class twin pass (flexi version) covers 2 adults for 5 days for €335:
https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/...ail-pass.shtml
The German rail pass covers certain trains from Brussels to Germany as well as all domestic journeys.
The alternative to the rail pass is to price out your individual travel legs at the DB website and buy SAVER FARE (Sparpreis) tickets for every journey you plan to make well in advance - that means 6 months in advance, if possible, for the best prices on domestic journeys. That might be cheaper than the rail pass, but you will have to lock in your exact travel times and dates in order to get the best prices:
https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/...ver-fare.shtml
AND... you are talking about Munich and Garmisch, possibly Nuremberg (without the gun store) so this trip of yours is a wide-ranging one that takes you all around the country.
The best and the cheapest are usually very different things (welcome to the real world.) Don't expect both.
Buses are cheap but trains IMO are almost always better than buses. First class is a little better than 2nd class but probably not worth the extra cost if you care about cheap.
Regional trains are cheap (if you use day passes) and fine for most short trips. But they are much slower than ICE trains, stop more often, and do not travel as far. A trip between Cochem on the Mosel and Berlin, for example, would take 11+ hours on 6-8 different trains. If you use the fastest trains where they are possible, you can make the same trip with just 2-3 trains in less than 7 hours. So for long trips like this one, the cheap regional trains do not make a lot of sense. You'll need to use the EC/IC/ICE trains for some journeys.
The Thalys might be expensive but normal trains are too. For one trip from Cochem on the Mosel to Berlin, for example, your group of 4 will pay nearly €600 in 2nd class if you just walk up to the window or the ticket machine to get tickets on the day of travel!!
So I think if I told you that for €670 total, 4 adults could travel on 5 separate days from Brussels to Germany and all around Germany on any trains they like, that would probably sound pretty good... right? Check into the German Rail pass from DB; One second-class twin pass (flexi version) covers 2 adults for 5 days for €335:
https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/...ail-pass.shtml
The German rail pass covers certain trains from Brussels to Germany as well as all domestic journeys.
The alternative to the rail pass is to price out your individual travel legs at the DB website and buy SAVER FARE (Sparpreis) tickets for every journey you plan to make well in advance - that means 6 months in advance, if possible, for the best prices on domestic journeys. That might be cheaper than the rail pass, but you will have to lock in your exact travel times and dates in order to get the best prices:
https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/...ver-fare.shtml
Oct 2nd, 2017, 02:36 AM
#22
" Which brands make this beer and where is it available? Any info? "
Belgians take their beer very seriously and you will often find a "beer list" like a wine list in restaurants. You can google lambic beers but really just go into the pub you like and ask.
Belgians take their beer very seriously and you will often find a "beer list" like a wine list in restaurants. You can google lambic beers but really just go into the pub you like and ask.
Oct 2nd, 2017, 06:07 AM
#23
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The Germany-Benelux railpass is 20% off now if book by some date - not sure - and can use in 2018. compare vs German Pass only (which does cover German ICE trains Brussels to Germany) and both vs ordinary tickets and yes the beauty of a pass is you can hop any train anytime not lock yourself into stone as fussgaenger says several months out.
anyway either a pass or discounted tickets and regional passes are better than buying full fare walk-up tickets.
anyway either a pass or discounted tickets and regional passes are better than buying full fare walk-up tickets.
Oct 2nd, 2017, 06:19 AM
#24
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Hi again,
What exactly interests your son about the American Gun Store? If he's interested in an Army surplus type store, there is an Army surplus shop in Munich, where he may be able to get his fix.
http://army-shop-muenchen.blogspot.de/
My nephew recently visited me in Garmisch, and he was keen to visit a surplus store to look for a German Army fatigue jacket. So, I found one in Munich, and he enjoyed looking around -- he eventually bought a peacoat.
Have fun!
s
What exactly interests your son about the American Gun Store? If he's interested in an Army surplus type store, there is an Army surplus shop in Munich, where he may be able to get his fix.
http://army-shop-muenchen.blogspot.de/
My nephew recently visited me in Garmisch, and he was keen to visit a surplus store to look for a German Army fatigue jacket. So, I found one in Munich, and he enjoyed looking around -- he eventually bought a peacoat.
Have fun!
s
Oct 2nd, 2017, 01:08 PM
#25
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An estaminet is one of the traditional bars in Brussels that also serves food. Beer is more important than wine in Belgium.
Where to stay in Brussels? There are quite a few good areas but for maximum access to the trains I would stay near Bruxelles-Central Station. The other stations are less desirable, and the trains to Bruges and Ghent will go through Central. Otherwise anywhere in the centre is quite good also (ease of access to the sights in the centre), but you will have less access to the trains. Restaurants easily accessible from there.
A must eat in Belgium is waterzooi, a creamy chicken stew; other traditional things you might find on a menu are tomates crevettes (a tomato stuffed with little grey North Sea prawns (shrimp), stoemp (potato mashed with vegetables), blood sausage, filet americain (raw mince mixed with egg yolk and spices), carbonnades (a kind of stewed beef), and dishes with chicory (witloof), a kind of vegetable similar to a bitter lettuce, which is often cooked with ham. Also mussels with frites, but only get these if they are in season ('r' months).
Where to stay in Brussels? There are quite a few good areas but for maximum access to the trains I would stay near Bruxelles-Central Station. The other stations are less desirable, and the trains to Bruges and Ghent will go through Central. Otherwise anywhere in the centre is quite good also (ease of access to the sights in the centre), but you will have less access to the trains. Restaurants easily accessible from there.
A must eat in Belgium is waterzooi, a creamy chicken stew; other traditional things you might find on a menu are tomates crevettes (a tomato stuffed with little grey North Sea prawns (shrimp), stoemp (potato mashed with vegetables), blood sausage, filet americain (raw mince mixed with egg yolk and spices), carbonnades (a kind of stewed beef), and dishes with chicory (witloof), a kind of vegetable similar to a bitter lettuce, which is often cooked with ham. Also mussels with frites, but only get these if they are in season ('r' months).
Oct 2nd, 2017, 01:54 PM
#26
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We would like to do a day trip to Amsterdam to see the Keukenhof Gardens.>
Two different creatures - Keukenhof ain't in or really near Amsterdam but about an hour from it by train/bus (train to Leiden from Belgium or Amsterdam then shuttle bus to gardens)-point is can't do both in one day.
Amsterdam is one of the world's most beautiful cities and also has a surfeit of famous and neat sights - be sure IMO to spend a few days in this amazing city - also is lively at night for whatever turns one on.
Two different creatures - Keukenhof ain't in or really near Amsterdam but about an hour from it by train/bus (train to Leiden from Belgium or Amsterdam then shuttle bus to gardens)-point is can't do both in one day.
Amsterdam is one of the world's most beautiful cities and also has a surfeit of famous and neat sights - be sure IMO to spend a few days in this amazing city - also is lively at night for whatever turns one on.
Oct 3rd, 2017, 09:43 PM
#27
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Thank you all for the wonderful insights.
We are not planning to go to Nuremberg.
In fact if it too much of a hassle will skip Amsterdam and Keukenhof gardens. Had not planned to do both on the same day.
What are the railway websites for each country - Belgium and Netherlands.
What are the must sees in Brussels - not interested in museums with paintings prefer seeing ornately decorated palaces and scenic beauty.
I have the option to arrive in Amsterdam or Brussels. If it works out, we may arrive into Amsterdam, and then move to Brussels. Have been reading conflicting views about Bruges and Ghent - may just do one place as a day trip. What are the must sees and must eats and drinks in Amsterdam? Any day trips besides Keukenhof gardens? Would you recommend doing 4 nights in each place? If we add Amsterdam, then We might skip Berlin as then we would be doing too many big cities. Am confused what to add and drop.
Swandav - which are the other scenic spots in Bavaria or elsewhere? Something similar to Garmisch. Not too small a place.
Please let me have your valuable inputs so that I can slowly start firming up.
Thanks once again.
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
Please could I have the details of the army surplus store in Munich.
We are not planning to go to Nuremberg.
In fact if it too much of a hassle will skip Amsterdam and Keukenhof gardens. Had not planned to do both on the same day.
What are the railway websites for each country - Belgium and Netherlands.
What are the must sees in Brussels - not interested in museums with paintings prefer seeing ornately decorated palaces and scenic beauty.
I have the option to arrive in Amsterdam or Brussels. If it works out, we may arrive into Amsterdam, and then move to Brussels. Have been reading conflicting views about Bruges and Ghent - may just do one place as a day trip. What are the must sees and must eats and drinks in Amsterdam? Any day trips besides Keukenhof gardens? Would you recommend doing 4 nights in each place? If we add Amsterdam, then We might skip Berlin as then we would be doing too many big cities. Am confused what to add and drop.
Swandav - which are the other scenic spots in Bavaria or elsewhere? Something similar to Garmisch. Not too small a place.
Please let me have your valuable inputs so that I can slowly start firming up.
Thanks once again.
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
Please could I have the details of the army surplus store in Munich.
Oct 3rd, 2017, 10:03 PM
#28
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Hi again,
What details do you want about the Army surplus store? If you click on the link I posted, you'll get to their website, with the address & opening hours & photos of the shop. I'm not sure what else I can tell you about it. The folks were very friendly, and they switched to English quickly.
There are tons of scenic spots in Bavaria -- Mittenwald is a very popular spot. It has a population of around 7,500, so it is small (compare with Garmisch-Partenkirchen, with a population of around 25,000-26,000). Füssen is an amazingly lovely town -- most folks rush through it to see the hyped palaces -- but it's worth a wander. Its pedestrian zone is larger and more interesting than the one in Garmisch, and it has a lovely river at the edge of town and a beautiful lake outside of town. Füssen has a population of around 14,000.
I also like the town of Murnau, which is important for the artists who lived there. It's pretty, and the countryside outside is pretty, and it also sits on a lake. But Murnau is a little far from the mountains, so imo it's not quite as pretty as the others.
You could also think about Berchtesgaden, but I haven't been there since the 1990s, so I'll refrain from any comments. Friends of mine love it there. The population is about 7,600.
Have fun!
s
What details do you want about the Army surplus store? If you click on the link I posted, you'll get to their website, with the address & opening hours & photos of the shop. I'm not sure what else I can tell you about it. The folks were very friendly, and they switched to English quickly.
There are tons of scenic spots in Bavaria -- Mittenwald is a very popular spot. It has a population of around 7,500, so it is small (compare with Garmisch-Partenkirchen, with a population of around 25,000-26,000). Füssen is an amazingly lovely town -- most folks rush through it to see the hyped palaces -- but it's worth a wander. Its pedestrian zone is larger and more interesting than the one in Garmisch, and it has a lovely river at the edge of town and a beautiful lake outside of town. Füssen has a population of around 14,000.
I also like the town of Murnau, which is important for the artists who lived there. It's pretty, and the countryside outside is pretty, and it also sits on a lake. But Murnau is a little far from the mountains, so imo it's not quite as pretty as the others.
You could also think about Berchtesgaden, but I haven't been there since the 1990s, so I'll refrain from any comments. Friends of mine love it there. The population is about 7,600.
Have fun!
s
Oct 3rd, 2017, 11:43 PM
#29
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In Brussels:
the Grand' Place (amazing architecture)
the Sablon (Grand / Petit) (chocolate shops and beautiful architecture)
the Galeries St Hubert (elegant shops in the world's first shopping arcade)
the Manneken Pis (who is entirely underwhelming but he is a symbol of the city nevertheless)
Coudenberg (archaeological remains of the old palace)
an Art Nouveau walk of the city (see tourist bureau)
the Horta Museum (architect Victor Horta's house in an unparalleled example of Art Nouveau, inside and out)
the Museum of Musical Instruments (in an ornate Art Nouveau building saved from the wrecking ball, with an interesting architectural history)
No 'scenic' beauty in Brussels but there are a number of nice parks. Parc du Cinquantenaire has two good museums, Autoworld and the military museum. There is also a big park on the edge of the city, Bois de la Cambre.
Must dos: food and drink-centred tourism is a must (I will not recommend a restaurant as last time I was there I didn't go to one but the café at the top of the Museum of Musical Instruments has some traditional meals and splendid views across the city). I would avoid most of the restaurants in the Rue des Bouchers (tourist trap) but nevertheless some restaurants still have a good reputation, like Aux Armes de Bruxelles. There are good cafes in Place St Géry for a nice beer or a thé du menthe.
Other ideas: neighbourhood markets like the one at Place Flagey, Chatelain, the flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle, the big Middle Eastern-flavoured market near Gare du Midi.
For young people: some (like my daughter) get a kick out of the Atomium. It is an interesting and unique structure but some people absolutely hate it. It's on the outskirts of town. Your choice!
For trains in Belgium:
http://www.belgianrail.be
Lavandula
the Grand' Place (amazing architecture)
the Sablon (Grand / Petit) (chocolate shops and beautiful architecture)
the Galeries St Hubert (elegant shops in the world's first shopping arcade)
the Manneken Pis (who is entirely underwhelming but he is a symbol of the city nevertheless)
Coudenberg (archaeological remains of the old palace)
an Art Nouveau walk of the city (see tourist bureau)
the Horta Museum (architect Victor Horta's house in an unparalleled example of Art Nouveau, inside and out)
the Museum of Musical Instruments (in an ornate Art Nouveau building saved from the wrecking ball, with an interesting architectural history)
No 'scenic' beauty in Brussels but there are a number of nice parks. Parc du Cinquantenaire has two good museums, Autoworld and the military museum. There is also a big park on the edge of the city, Bois de la Cambre.
Must dos: food and drink-centred tourism is a must (I will not recommend a restaurant as last time I was there I didn't go to one but the café at the top of the Museum of Musical Instruments has some traditional meals and splendid views across the city). I would avoid most of the restaurants in the Rue des Bouchers (tourist trap) but nevertheless some restaurants still have a good reputation, like Aux Armes de Bruxelles. There are good cafes in Place St Géry for a nice beer or a thé du menthe.
Other ideas: neighbourhood markets like the one at Place Flagey, Chatelain, the flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle, the big Middle Eastern-flavoured market near Gare du Midi.
For young people: some (like my daughter) get a kick out of the Atomium. It is an interesting and unique structure but some people absolutely hate it. It's on the outskirts of town. Your choice!
For trains in Belgium:
http://www.belgianrail.be
Lavandula
Oct 4th, 2017, 01:39 AM
#30
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Thank you all for the wonderful insights.
We are not planning to go to Nuremberg.
In fact if it too much of a hassle will skip Amsterdam and Keukenhof gardens. Had not planned to do both on the same day.
What are the railway websites for each country - Belgium and Netherlands.
What are the must sees in Brussels - not interested in museums with paintings prefer seeing ornately decorated palaces and scenic beauty.
I have the option to arrive in Amsterdam or Brussels. If it works out, we may arrive into Amsterdam, and then move to Brussels. Have been reading conflicting views about Bruges and Ghent - may just do one place as a day trip. What are the must sees and must eats and drinks in Amsterdam? Any day trips besides Keukenhof gardens? Would you recommend doing 4 nights in each place? If we add Amsterdam, then We might skip Berlin as then we would be doing too many big cities. Am confused what to add and drop.
Swandav - which are the other scenic spots in Bavaria or elsewhere? Something similar to Garmisch. Not too small a place.
Please let me have your valuable inputs so that I can slowly start firming up.
Thanks once again.
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
Please could I have the details of the army surplus store in Munich.
We are not planning to go to Nuremberg.
In fact if it too much of a hassle will skip Amsterdam and Keukenhof gardens. Had not planned to do both on the same day.
What are the railway websites for each country - Belgium and Netherlands.
What are the must sees in Brussels - not interested in museums with paintings prefer seeing ornately decorated palaces and scenic beauty.
I have the option to arrive in Amsterdam or Brussels. If it works out, we may arrive into Amsterdam, and then move to Brussels. Have been reading conflicting views about Bruges and Ghent - may just do one place as a day trip. What are the must sees and must eats and drinks in Amsterdam? Any day trips besides Keukenhof gardens? Would you recommend doing 4 nights in each place? If we add Amsterdam, then We might skip Berlin as then we would be doing too many big cities. Am confused what to add and drop.
Swandav - which are the other scenic spots in Bavaria or elsewhere? Something similar to Garmisch. Not too small a place.
Please let me have your valuable inputs so that I can slowly start firming up.
Thanks once again.
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
Please could I have the details of the army surplus store in Munich.
Oct 4th, 2017, 09:41 AM
#31
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What are the railway websites for each country - Belgium and Netherlands.>
Google Belgian Railways and Netherlands Railways or go to www.seat61.com for train sites and info on booking trains in each country. That said except for Thalys and Eurostar trains in Belgium and Netherlands there are no seat reservations possible.
Google Belgian Railways and Netherlands Railways or go to www.seat61.com for train sites and info on booking trains in each country. That said except for Thalys and Eurostar trains in Belgium and Netherlands there are no seat reservations possible.
Oct 4th, 2017, 10:56 AM
#32
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Which website do I check out for train connections and fares from Brussels to points in Germany.>
www.bahn.de/en - German railways web site - but book up to 2-3 months in advance for best deals - non-changeble - hefty refund fee.
www.bahn.de/en - German railways web site - but book up to 2-3 months in advance for best deals - non-changeble - hefty refund fee.
Oct 4th, 2017, 12:57 PM
#33
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You could also check www.thalys.com if just going to Cologne - Cologne would be your gateway from Brussels to most of Germany - Thalys trains and German ICE trains serve it - both offering discounted fares but independently so - check each source for any such trip.
Oct 5th, 2017, 06:31 AM
#35
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Hi All,
Thanks PalenQ and Lavandula and Swandav for your valuable feedback.
Apologies Swandav - did not see the link you had forwarded.
Was going through dbahn options - they have German Rail Twin Pass for Euro 292/- for 3 journey and says it is valid on ICE trains servicing Brussels.
- My queries are:
I will need 2 passes for the four of us
How do I do booking and seat reservation on the ICE trains using this pass?
Any inputs?
Also, they is Saver Fare Europe for Euro 20/- but I do not see the fare anywhere. Am I doing something wrong?
Kindly advise.
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
Thanks PalenQ and Lavandula and Swandav for your valuable feedback.
Apologies Swandav - did not see the link you had forwarded.
Was going through dbahn options - they have German Rail Twin Pass for Euro 292/- for 3 journey and says it is valid on ICE trains servicing Brussels.
- My queries are:
I will need 2 passes for the four of us
How do I do booking and seat reservation on the ICE trains using this pass?
Any inputs?
Also, they is Saver Fare Europe for Euro 20/- but I do not see the fare anywhere. Am I doing something wrong?
Kindly advise.
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
Oct 5th, 2017, 10:36 AM
#36
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I believe on bahn.de you can reserve seats without any ticket or pass - separate transaction I believe -
https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/...e-europe.shtml
did not check but assume they tell you how or maybe just book at www.bahn.de/en by putting in Brussels and Cologne?
https://www.bahn.com/en/view/offers/...e-europe.shtml
did not check but assume they tell you how or maybe just book at www.bahn.de/en by putting in Brussels and Cologne?
Oct 5th, 2017, 10:37 AM
#37
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Oct 13th, 2017, 10:38 PM
#38
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Thanks PalenQ for the clarity. Our rough plan is as follows :
Arrive Brussels preferably last week of April
Would like to stay in an AirBNB apartment or a hotel is it fits our budget close to Central Station for 4-5 nights.
Any recommendations on other areas which are safe and conveniently located would be appreciated.
We will be using public transport but would prefer our place of stay to be conveniently located in terms of places to eat preferably Belgian or Turkish meals and the station for making day trips alongwith grocery stores.
What is the average price of non-veg items like Carbonade Flammande in a mid-range restaurant? Does Centraal Station have food outlets? Just so we know how much to budget for our meals.
Any must eats and must buys please advise.
Interested in drinking the Trappist beer. Is it available in Brussels? I read somewhere that the Trappist beer - Westvleteren not sure about the spelling is difficult to get in Brussels.
Planning on using AirBNB first time. Any particulars that we must take into consideration while booking? Alternately any budget hotel will also do? Recommendations??
Would like to do some day trips - Bruges being one and other suggestions for day trips? What is the system of booking tickets? Are there any family tickets for rail travel with time restrictions similar to Lander ticket?
From here we plan to go to Rhine/Mossel Area. Will start a separate thread for that area?
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
Arrive Brussels preferably last week of April
Would like to stay in an AirBNB apartment or a hotel is it fits our budget close to Central Station for 4-5 nights.
Any recommendations on other areas which are safe and conveniently located would be appreciated.
We will be using public transport but would prefer our place of stay to be conveniently located in terms of places to eat preferably Belgian or Turkish meals and the station for making day trips alongwith grocery stores.
What is the average price of non-veg items like Carbonade Flammande in a mid-range restaurant? Does Centraal Station have food outlets? Just so we know how much to budget for our meals.
Any must eats and must buys please advise.
Interested in drinking the Trappist beer. Is it available in Brussels? I read somewhere that the Trappist beer - Westvleteren not sure about the spelling is difficult to get in Brussels.
Planning on using AirBNB first time. Any particulars that we must take into consideration while booking? Alternately any budget hotel will also do? Recommendations??
Would like to do some day trips - Bruges being one and other suggestions for day trips? What is the system of booking tickets? Are there any family tickets for rail travel with time restrictions similar to Lander ticket?
From here we plan to go to Rhine/Mossel Area. Will start a separate thread for that area?
Kind regards,
SKPKCP11
Oct 14th, 2017, 12:52 AM
#39
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Hello
Every part of Bruxelles es safe. Even if some presidents consider it is globally a hellhole.
Carbonnade flamandes would cost 15 € in normal restaurants, more in more upscale.
We have dozens of trappiste beers, I imagine we find the Westvleteren in all correct (and big enough) supermarkets, whilst it is true you will not find all belgian beers in all bars/cafés.
Central station is a very good area to stay. Around place Sainte-Catherine is another great part of the city. Avoid Bruxelles sud (or Zuid) and nord (noord) stations, one area is just ugly the other one is excentered more office buiding and used to be the place to meet prostitues.
Most turkish residents live around Bruxelles Sud trainstation, you'll find loads of Kebaps and I guess turkish specialties there.
I cannot recommend any hotel, I live 20 min so never needed a hotel. I picked up people at Novotel de la tour noire, a good hotel in a great location (central).
Don't book traintickets before your trip. Go to the station and buy a 'aller-retour' to your location. We have discount for big families - you must provide a card that says you are a member of a 'famille nombreuse' - that starts for us with 3 children. No idea if it works for foreigners but rebates for seniors are available to foreigners.
Brugge is a great daytrip, if you are with children I recommend Han sur Lesse, fantastic caves and a zoo.
Dinant is a small charming town etc.
Do start another thread on Rhine/Mosel.
I saw your asking about lambic beer - if you want a local traditional old beer in an old café, go to 'la bécasse' close to Grand Place. they have their own draft beer.
Every part of Bruxelles es safe. Even if some presidents consider it is globally a hellhole.
Carbonnade flamandes would cost 15 € in normal restaurants, more in more upscale.
We have dozens of trappiste beers, I imagine we find the Westvleteren in all correct (and big enough) supermarkets, whilst it is true you will not find all belgian beers in all bars/cafés.
Central station is a very good area to stay. Around place Sainte-Catherine is another great part of the city. Avoid Bruxelles sud (or Zuid) and nord (noord) stations, one area is just ugly the other one is excentered more office buiding and used to be the place to meet prostitues.
Most turkish residents live around Bruxelles Sud trainstation, you'll find loads of Kebaps and I guess turkish specialties there.
I cannot recommend any hotel, I live 20 min so never needed a hotel. I picked up people at Novotel de la tour noire, a good hotel in a great location (central).
Don't book traintickets before your trip. Go to the station and buy a 'aller-retour' to your location. We have discount for big families - you must provide a card that says you are a member of a 'famille nombreuse' - that starts for us with 3 children. No idea if it works for foreigners but rebates for seniors are available to foreigners.
Brugge is a great daytrip, if you are with children I recommend Han sur Lesse, fantastic caves and a zoo.
Dinant is a small charming town etc.
Do start another thread on Rhine/Mosel.
I saw your asking about lambic beer - if you want a local traditional old beer in an old café, go to 'la bécasse' close to Grand Place. they have their own draft beer.
