staying in paris for a week. Is it worth the $ to hop over to Brussels for a day for chocolates and waffles? okay, and sites too. or should we save it for another trip?
trish

My daughter was in Brussels in the Spring and hopped over to Paris for the weekend. I think the waffles and chocolate would be definite reasons to do it

Yes, it's worth it. It takes only a little over one hour by Thalys train.

We've done it before. Go ahead! Brussels is a very nice city that's often overlooked by tourists. If you stay late enough, you can even sample the Belgian beer. O

It will be worth it just to see the Grand Place,one of the best town squares in Europe.

I was in Brussels last May for a few nights. However, it didn't have any exceptional attractions (unless you specifically want to see the excellent modern art museum) and the shopping wasn't anywhere as good as that in Paris. As for the waffles, they are good, but not worth a trip. The chocolate available in Paris (for my taste) far surpasses that in Belgium.

I wouldn't waste your time or money.

Trishiad, this isn't a criticism of you. I just wonder, and have wondered for years, why people decide to stay for a week in one spot, yet are eager to leave for a day or two to go somewhere else. I know all the answers about packing and unpacking, and if that's all there is to it, so be it. I still wonder why a person wouldn't simply stay in two places rather than staying in one while traveling to the other. It can't be the cost of hotel or transportation or food, or any other cost factor I can think of. And if the trip to the "other" place takes a pretty long time, then much of the day is wasted. Maybe it's just my own preference, but it would be interesting to know whether there is any other good reason except for the packing/unpacking issue.

I think that Pierre Marcolini has excellent chocolates, slightly better than the ones I've tried in Paris, but PM has a boutique on rue de Seine in Paris as well.

Well, Wayne. As my husband and I will be travelling with our 3 year old we thought it wise to put down some roots in Paris and have a casual trip rather than a whirlwind trip around Europe. Brussels only came up as my own personal craving because I am teaching myself how to be a chocolatier and the chocolates made in Belgium are of a different style than those made in France. I am happy to make a second trip to Belgium at another time if that seems the best thing to do. I am not sure and thought I'd ask those in the know.....Cool?

I agree with the poster that says it's worth it just to see the Grand Place-it's a beautiful city with great food. Don't forget the Maniquin Pis for a hoot. Rachel Ray's $40/Day on Food Network last night also highlighted a chocolatier that gives tours and a box of chocolates at the end that looks fun- I'm sure food networks website has the details. Also, try to grab a Belgian raspberry beer at La Mort Stubite. Very cool place and great beer.

"...and sites too"

Here are some: Wittamer, Mary's, Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, Manon, Caffe Tasse...

yes, definately take the day trip to brussels or bruuge, we are travelling the same way you are - stationed in one city and doing day trips to various places... if you can go to brugge instead, I reccomedn you do that. we are here now, traveling with our 6 month old. brugge was a wonderful day trip - I highly reccomend you visit DUMON chocolate in Brugge - wonderful chocoaltes! and for a nice meal (and they welcome kids) eat at Koeste in Brugge... have a great trip!

trishiad- I went to Brussels & Brugge for an overnight trip this past Spring, when I was in Paris for 2 weeks, worth the trip. Buy train tix online in advance to save 50% fare, 2nd class was just fine. A few comments & provisos based on MY experience: First, it wasn't just the rain, I didn't like Brussels. The street signs are very confusing, and it isn't very interesting, tho the Gand Place is really something to see. Wear very good walking shoes- crepe or thich rubber soles if possible, as the street are a rounded cobblestone, bordered by a flat stone (slate?)- very slippery in rain. I was lucky I had on the right shoes. Layer up, it is colder than Paris. Also, casual meals are more pricey. I thought the chocolate was divine, look for small boutique shops. I never even found Sablon Square. I didn't visit museums, but the galleries are great. My favorite beer: Chimey. The people are very friendly, but have a pocket dictionary, found English only at the hotel and some train stations. The trains had signs/announcements in audio & message ribbons in French, Flemish and German, but no English. I found a shop where they spoke Spanish, thank goodness, and I could ask for directions! I would actually recommend Brugges over Brussels, but if you want to stay overnight in Brussels, I stayed at Hotel Noga, lovely and reasonable, and you can book online. Yes, I agree with a young child Paris as a homebase with side trips makes perfect sense. Let us know how you made out.

Wayne- because a trip to Europe with limited vacation time is a big deal, and for a glimpse of a place you've had on your mind, it is worth it, if only to see if you'd like to return for a longer visit. I treasure my side trips to Giverny and Burssels/Brugge this Spring. I know that I'd probably not return to Brussels, unless to see the annual August floral display in Grand Place, and to explore the museums and beers. Giverny- a 2-day visit was enough, and Brugge demands a return. How happy am I to stare dreamily out the window this winter to plan that?