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We're heading to to Brussels, Belgium mid-week.
It feels like we've been planning this trip for ages. As soon as there was an inkling we might be moving to Europe, we started researching a long weekend trip to see an F1 race. (My husband is an avid fan and watches every race yet has never seen one in person. We missed both the Spain & Singapore races by less than a week.) A couple of Joe's old university roommates and good friends of ours are also flying across the pond to join us.
Friends, beer, cars, races, Europe = a recipe for success if you ask me!
(At least for the men but I'm a bit excited to cheer on my boy, Lewis, too!)
Have you ever visited Brussels? Any tips?
So exciting! We're heading to Bruges in September. If you get any great Belgium tips let me know!
ReplyDeleteAs I live in Belgium, I might be able to give you some tips :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's been quite a while since I've been to Brussels, but I think I can come up with a few things, when do you need to know?
Cindy
We're heading to Brussels for the Beer Festival on Saturday! I've never been before, but I keep hearing to go visit this Neuhaus chocolate outlet on the outskirts of town. Supposedly it's divine! Hope you have fun!
ReplyDeletei love belgium (ok mainly for its beer). when i was last in brussels i stayed in an area called simonis a bit outside of town. lots of amazing food and local bars...i loved it :) enjoy your trip
ReplyDeleteWe spent three days in Brussels in April. The beer is great, the chocolate is great, the city is... surprisingly dirty. There was trash in the streets, dog poo everywhere, and really just dirty, which was surprising for a city of its stature.
ReplyDeleteThere is some great art deco architecture, and the Atomium is interesting.
We ate at a GREAT brasserie-
La Porteuse d'Eau
48A Avenue Jean Volders
1060 Bruxelles
02 537 66 46
It was surprisingly affordable, too, for the area (I know it won't be expensive to you, coming from Norway, but it's still not a cheap place to eat!!).
Have fun!!
ooh that picture looks awesome. Can't wait to see some from when you go! Have fun :)
ReplyDeleteyou are heading to belgium?? do you know how jealous i am of you right now?? you are so so lucky!! enjoy! i have never been to brussels before but the only tip i cam tell you is have fun which im sure you will!
ReplyDeletei'm so jealous, please have a beer (or two) for me! the beer options in Costa Rica are very limited and I am missing good brews!!
ReplyDeleteHad to reflect on Gesci's point above. Brussels is definitely on the grittier side compared to other European capitals and I've always wondered why. I can only think that no one really takes ownership of it with so many different populations living here (Bruxellois, Flemish, Walloon, the EU crowd, expats, corporate, North Africans, Congolese, etc...) The trick is to look up as most of the great architecture is tucked away at the top of the buildings. Also, you'll pass from one great area to another not-to-nice area very quickly in Brussels... as long as you keep that in mind, you'll be fine. Neighborhoods change very quickly here.
ReplyDeleteFor touristy things, obviously the Grand Place is a must. Have a drink at the Roi des Belges on the square and stare at the buildings for awhile. If you look to the tops, you'll see statues pointing to each other around the square.
The Royal Palace is open until September 9th and is worth a visit. One ceiling is completely green inside, made with the wings of a million Thai beetles (yes, that sounds odd, but trust me, its worth seeing).
The Petit and Grand Sablon squares are beautiful and also home to the cities best chocolate shops. My favorite is Pierre Marcolini.
If you have time and it is nice outside, take the metro to Laaken where there is a huge park with a Chinese Pavilion tucked away in one of the corners. It is beautiful...but very huge...so only go if you have access to a car & lots of time.
For the average Brussels expat experience, have some drinks on Place St Geris or farther away on the preppy Place Chatelain. L'Archiduc is a great cocktail place that has still kept its 1920s atmosphere. Wander around the St Catherine area for some great restaurants like Strofilia (Greek) or Brasserie Royale (a Belgian upscale classic). For lighter fare, eat some Mama Roma's pizza (by the kilo) or some fun tapas at Como Como. If you want to go really dressy, hit Belga Queen - worth it for the ceiling alone.
For loads of recommendations, see the http://bestofbrusselsblog.com/ Really the best log of what to do in the city.
And if the grittiness really gets to you, hop on a train from Gare Centrale and head to Antwerp, Gent or Bruges :) All three are gorgeous.
If I wasn't headed to the States, I would offer to buy you a beer. Instead, I will have to read your post about it! Enjoy!!
Have never been to Belgium, but have always wanted to visit! Enjoy F1 and eat lots of waffles :) Can't wait to see all the photos when you get back!
ReplyDeletexxx
Jenna
I thought Brussells was great, although I was stuck there during a transport strike so there were men hanging around the streets and I got severely harassed. Whistles and hissing....lovely! I did visit a museum that had Faberge Eggs that were spectacular! And an Asterix and Obelix museum too! You have to, HAVE to eat a waffle or two for me!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, how cool! Lucky lady!
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
TTYL
Brooke
=)
I am Belgian, but I've never been to Brussels.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels and report back! Can't wait to see the pictures.
So cool! Eat some delicious chocolate for me!
ReplyDeleteHAVE FUN!!! I have never been and am super jealous!!
ReplyDeletexxS
how exciting, jay!! have an ammaaazing trip :)
ReplyDeletemy cousins love belgium and always have told us we can't miss wittamer café and pâtissier for chocolate (and neuhaus was another one, i believe). regardless, i'm sure you guys will find your way ;)
So exciting! I hope you have a wonderful trip. Can't wait to see pictures! xox
ReplyDeleteThat is so exciting! My husband and I are busy planning our trip to Europe for next year and Belgium is definitely on my list. Thanks for asking this question. :) hope you have a great time! littlemd
ReplyDeleteBrussels is my hometown. it's beautiful & awesome and you will definitely meet the friendliest people ever and be able to eat delicious food.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy it for me, please. I miss it everyday ;)
How very exciting, Belgium is definitely high up on my places to see list. I'm sure you will have an amazing time and I can't wait to see photos!
ReplyDeleteBetween the lines