What to do in Brussels?
 

Soon, I will have one day in Brussels...Can anyone point me in the direction of things I must see? Places I must eat? And, just in case, a hostel/hotel to stay at?

Just outside the Central Railway Station you can catch a red double-decker sightseeing bus that will take you all over Brussels for a very reasonable charge. We elected to ride in the open-air top seats. There is a loudspeaker commentary in several languages. We found the Hotel Mozart on a small side street a block from the Gran Place; avoid the rooms facing that street because it is extremely noisy until all hours, being cheek-by-jowl with dozens of Greek restaurants.

Rachel, <BR> <BR>I absolutely LOVED Brussels!! I stayed at the Hotel Madeleine, one block from the Grand Place. It's a very clean tourist class hotel. I paid $70 a night including tax and a breakfast buffet. You can't beat the location. We took the metro to see the Atonium-great views from the top! We did a lot of walking around the Grand Place, admiring the architecture, eating in the restaurants.....The Mannekin Pis statue draws a lot of tourists-he was wearing his Santa suit when I was there. (last Nov.) Have fun!

hi, ride the red bus at central on and off all it makes tour of the city interesting, get off at old town square walk around eat drink see piss statue have fun was there in july on a day trip fromparis

Rachel, <BR>You only have one day...are you catching a train or plane somewhere? If you're flying, the easiest thing to do is stay at the Sheraton Airport. From the airport, you can catch any of 3 trains per hour to Brussels (about 20-30 minutes). <BR>In Brussels itself, the number one stop is the Grand'Place, so of course you must visit that. Also visit the nearby glass roofed galleries (St. Hubert, etc.). <BR>Next, I suggest you walk (if you can) up to the Sablon area which has some extremely high quality antique stores, lots of restaurants and cafes, and a very pretty little park. From there, the choices open up...what are your interests? If you like Art Nouveau, visit the Horta House on rue Americaine (from the tram stop in front the of the Sablon church, catch the 92--or 91 if it also runs there, I forget--tram up to the Ma Campagne stop (about 15 minutes--you will pass a big Brico self help home improvement store on your right just before your stop). Walk back down the Chaussee de Charleroi about a block to rue Americaine, turn right and the museum/house is about a half block in. Check hours first. <BR>I would skip the Atomium. It needs repairs big time. If you will be in Brussels on a Sunday or Monday, I think you would really enjoy the Museum David and Alice van Buren. It's a mansion converted into a museum in the pleasant Uccle neighborhood. Other interesting possibilities include the car museum Autoworld, or the museum of Central Africa. Your best bet is to pick up a copy of The Bulletin, the English language weekly newsmag for the Brussels area and check out their calendar listings of events, exhibits, etc. Something special might catch your eye. <BR>As for restaurants, there are several very good restaurants near the Horta Museum. Closer to the Grand Place is one of my favorites, La Manufacture. Other choices include Lola and Au Vieux St. Martin in the Sablon. <BR>If you're heading off to Paris, Amsterdam or other international destination by train, I highly recommend you look into a room at Les Tourelles at 135 Avenue Winston Churchill. Pretty little country style inn, inexpensive (less than $100 per night), much nicer than the budget choices near the Grand Place (quieter too) and an easy tram ride (trams 3 or 90) to the Gare du Midi train station where you pick up the Thalys, Eurostar or other international trains. <BR>Hope this helps you get started... <BR>BTilke (Brussels)

But yourself a big box of chocolates - sit in the Grand Place order a beer or several and play spot the Belgian (men)wearing a wig - it's the most fun I've had in ages - and we lost count!!!

If you had to choose betw Brussels and Bruge, which would you go to for three nights ans why?

Eat mussels and pomme frites and drink beer. I'll never eat mussels again without thinking of Brussels.

Leonides chocolates and frites with mayo...mmmm...

I am going to Brussels the 29 of <BR>april next year. We really want to see the Grand Place covered with the coat of arms of Belguim in flowers. Does anyone know when they do that? Thanks

a Friend and I stayed at the Hotel Parsifal in Ravello in May. It is delightful and the food is wonderful...3 brothers own it and they really try to have you enjoy...It is an ex convent....e-mail...hparsifa@tin,com/Hparsifal

You can go and watch the Mannekin Pis for a while

hi <BR><BR>flowers in the grande place = late april<BR><BR>peter<BR><BR>

<BR>Brussels = mussels + beer. Oh, and some good jazz.

I too love Brussels. I'd recommend the Hotel Meridian, right accross the street from the train station so no transportation needed. It's a great location. I think you will really enjoy it there. It is a very under rated city. Enjoy

I would take the train to Bruge or if you like the Sea to Oostende. It is a short train ride to either. Shopping is very good in Brussels & most of the other items mentioned are good as well. If you wish to stay in town the Palace & Mannekin Pis should be viewed.

Do sample as many of the beers as possible !!<BR><BR>The wonderful Hoegaarden won my taste test !<BR><BR><BR>_____________________________________ ___<BR>My Brussels in Photographs<BR>http://www.bangor.ac.uk/~fos007/bruss.htm