photo: pixabay
In a little over a week, I’ll be going to Paris and Brussels.
The round trip flights on American Airlines were only about $300 per person – and I paid using Citibank Thank You points, so it was a bargain.
We will be taking a train directly from CDG Airport to Brussels, Belgium and will stay there for only two nights before we take a train from Brussels directly to Paris.
This post deals with only Brussels; there will be another post focussed on Paris. I have some basics planned, but could use some help.
TRAIN Travel
First, I learned a few things planning the train travel. Like Amtrak, it is better to purchase sooner rather than later as prices have a tendency to go up and up. A website by the name of The Man in Seat 61 is extremely helpful on European train travel (plus, I think it’s a cool name for a website!). I learned that it is better to book rail travel through the B SNCB website than through Rail Europe (even though I have an affiliate link for Rail Europe). Also, on some trains there is very little price difference between first and second class. Finally, a senior class ticket is available to passengers 60 years of age or older.
HOTEL
Hotel in Brussels: Radisson Blu Royal
I ALWAYS LIKED BRUSSELS
I know that many have mixed emotions about the city, but I always liked Brussels. I visited the city quite a few times when I studied law in Amsterdam. I went there whenever I wanted good food. Once upon a time, I even interviewed for jobs there. But that was a while ago.
SIGHTSEEING
We always like the free walking tours from Sandemans New Europe, so we will probably register for a tour. That will cover the main sights, such as Grand Place, Town Hall, the Comic art scene, Stock Exchange and Manneken Pis, to name a few.
If we have time, we may want to visit either the Comic Strip Center Museum or the Museum of Musical Instruments. I will also want to visit a Tin Tin store, as I’ve always liked the character. I’m fairly certain that we won’t have time to visit the Herge Museum.
FOOD, DRINK and (MORE) FUN
Which brings me to the important part: Chocolate, Beer and Mussels, and anything else! What practical suggestions do you have for getting around, what to do and where to go?
So, what restaurants do you recommend? (moules frites, s’il vous plait!).
photo: pixabay
Bars (I’ve heard the Delirium Cafe mentioned over and over again). I’m sure we’ll check it out.
Any other tips for getting around, and what to do or not do, including transportation (public transportation or Uber?), apps, practical info, etc.
RUNNING
I always like to go for runs when I travel. Are there nice parks or other places where I can run in Brussels?
THANKS!
Your recommendations are always so helpful – so thank you, thank you, thank you!!
A New York frequent flyer who elegantly combines her passions for worldwide travel, running a gazillion marathons all over the globe and staying fit ... without sacrificing her fancy for good wine and food.
I can’t help you with Brussel since I have not been there. However you may be able to help me with my trip. I am going to Amsterdam end of May for five days. What do you recommend since you are familiar with the City. I bought 72 hour IAmSterDam to take care of local transport instead of Hop on Hop Off Bus. Is the pass worth it.?
Hi. I never bought the pass so I don’t know. The trams are really good. If the weather is good, I really enjoy walking everywhere.
Big fan of A La Mort Subite for beer – make sure to have a glass of their house Gueuze. A tour of the Cantillon brewery is also fun. There are several “Delerium” bars all close to each other. The Tap House is right above the cafe and is usually a lot quieter than the cafe.
Looking forward to seeing some suggestions as well. I’m sending my mom and her BFF to Europe in October and the’ll have a day and a half to explore the city before they head back to the states.
Hi Kathy,
Born and raised in Leuven, a few miles east of Brussels, I can tell you a couple of things about our capital. Not that I’m a passionate lover of “the heart of Europe” but there are a couple of places I can recommend. I see you already have some nice places to visit on your list, and being a fan of Sandemans New Europe tours myself, I’m pretty sure you will come along other must-see buildings / locations too.
If you like planes, go to the Atomium where they currently have an exhibition on Sabena the former Belgian airline: it’s all about travel in style. If you don’t like planes, and you haven’t visited the Atomium yet, go there after all.
If you like trains and you would like to combine it with a temporary exhibition on Tintin, go to the Train World Museum, skipping the Comic Strip and Herge museum and still have seen both of them, sort of. In the very first album our most famous reporter was sent out in the land of the Soviets taking the epic international Express train Brussel-Moskou, via Berlin.
A funny way to discover the city is the Tram Experience (bit expensive though). Aboard you will be served a six-course meal whilst you tour Brussels by night for two hours. I have seen on their website they still have tables available (https://visit.brussels/en/sites/tramexperience/).
If you like to learn more about Europe, visit the Parlamentarium in the European Parliament.
If you like good food and are interested in Mercedes cars, go to WY, a top restaurant established in “The Mercedes House” (yes, inside the garage) on the Grand Sablon in Brussels. The Grand Sablon also offers you some of the finest chocolates: go to the shop of Pierre Marcolini, Place du Grand Sablon 39.
In general avoid all restaurants around the Grand Place (Grote Markt), except this one: Cécila, Hoedenmakersstraat 16. Other places I can recommend: Le Vismet, Sint-Katelijneplein 23 (while you’re there, the whole Dansaert area is nice neighbourhood) and Bia Mara, Kiekenmarkt 41. Cafés/pubs I can recommend: Goudblommeke van Papier, Cellebroerstraat 55 and Moeder Lambic, Fontainasplein 8.
I can still add some more paragraphs if you want, but this will keep you busy for a couple of hours I think. Enjoy your stay/trip, but please skip the Rue Neuve, go to Avenue Louise instead and avoid Rue des Bouchers.
Good luck,
Stan