My husband and I would like to take a day trip to Brussels when we visit Paris in June. Any suggestions as to what we shouldn't miss? We will be taking the TGV.

Hi Meg! We spent a nite in Brussels 3 weeks ago. We got there in the afternoon and stayed at the Atlas Hotel, 2 blocks from Bourse (not even sure what that was, a government building?) We had dinner at Drug Opera (we had to eat there just cause of the name of the place) and had the most delicious mussels. Then we went to Roy D'Espagne which is a little restaurant overlooking the Grand Place, and had some hot chocolate and dessert. Interesting atmosphere. If you go there, make sure to notice the light fixtures and ask the server what they are. <BR> <BR>Grand Place is magnificent at night. <BR> <BR>The next morning we walked back through Grand Place, where there was a lovely flower market, and saw the Mannequin Pis, which you shouldn't miss although it's a little anticlimactic once you get there. We went to a Museum (I'm sorry I can't remember the name, but there were quite a few Magrittes on display)and then we left a little while after that. <BR> <BR>Also, make sure that you get a waffle from a street vendor- the one we had before we left was incredible!!!

Meg, <BR> <BR>If you come soon to Brussels, you might wish to visit the remarkable green houses of the Royal Palace at Laeken, which can easily be reached with the Tram (street car) on line 23. These green houses were built at the end of the 19th century in the beautiful glass-and-steel architecture of that time. They feature an outstanding collection of tropical plants and trees. They can be visited only at this period of the year when the plants blossom. <BR> <BR>Further to Dana's message: the "bourse" is the Belgian stock exchange. The museum where she saw some paintings from Magritte is the "Musée d'Art Moderne" whose entrance is located on the Place Royale. It's a nice uphill walk from the Grand'Place.

Meg, <BR> <BR>I just returned from a little tour of Europe and would heartily recommend you visit Bruges instead of Brussels on your day trip. Yes, the Grand Place is nice, and I suppose the Mannekin Pis is worth a look, but Bruges is a far nicer city. <BR> <BR>Bruges has a few remaining canals, some very nice buildings, and the city is immaculate and well preserved. Brussels, on the other hand, is a very modern, grey, workmanlike place (there's a reason it's the location for much of the EU's functionaries). <BR> <BR>Just my two cents. <BR> <BR>Rob

Thanks Patrick, for the details. Where is my memory?