Brugges and Brussels - what not to miss?
 

Leaving for a couple days in Bruges and Brussels in 2 weeks-- looking forward to a couple of days of wandering and getting lost and enjoying the scenery.
Are there any chocolate shops, bars, restuarants, etc. that are not to be missed?
Thanks!

In Bruxelles, make it a point to see the Grand' Place during the day, there are often agreeable things going on - flower market, beer fest, you name it. Then be sure to walk it again late at night. That's when you get that strong sense of history - there's hardly a sign of modernity to be seen, and the lighting is subdued, it doesn't take much imagination to see yourself transported back by a few centuries. It's a very nice experience.

The streets in the vicinity of the Grand' Place have so many eateries, from cheap and modern self-serve and take-out style to dark and wooden decor from way back when with exquisite menus and drink selection, and anything in between - stroll and enjoy.

WK

I don't know if you plan to take a boat tour in Brugges but it's something you have to do. Very beautiful.

You lucky dog! Brugge is so pretty. I second Hefeltraveler's suggestion to take a canal boat tour. We took one 1st thing in the morning (about 9 am) and beat the large influx of tourists waiting to get on the tours. It was peaceful and beautiful. Best pics were from here. Also, we walked to the outskirts of town and enjoyed the windmills (some working) in the park along the river. One of the sites that was most astonishing to us was the square where the Church of Sacred Blood is. I can't remember the name of the square, but it's surrounded by old gov't buildings-very picturesque. Also the inside of the church is to die for. And any of the eateries were great-it was just a matter of deciding what we wanted to eat.

I'm not sure the canal boats are operating at this time of year. I was walking around town in late November (2005) and one of the shopkeepers happened to mention the boats usually shut down from sometime in November to early to mid-March. I believe you can still take a carriage tour, though.

Stop by a small pub called Den Ovene - it's a local hangout. Try a variety of Belgian beers - there are hundreds to choose from ... if you're overwhelmed, ask the bartender for suggestions. :)

Cheers,
Crissy

Make sure you buy some chocolate from Pierre Macrolini's shop in Brussels (at Grand Sablon).

Climb the stairs to the top of the Belfort in Brugge.

My favorite chocolate in Brugge is Dumon.