Brussels

hi, Im heading there this fall. What do you all like to do/see? happy trails.

"Is it possible to tour NATO" No. NATO HQ isn't even located in the city proper, it sits in an Industrial area near the airport.

I think Bruges is a must day trip if you go to Brussels! I really enjoyed it and it is a quick and cheap train ride away. I also would suggest going to Ghent if you have time
(Bruges being my 1st choice)...It was a nice surprise for me...with the canals and all it was a good day trip also.

I'm puzzled by the contradiction in your post. In one sentence, you say you are interested in visiting Brussels, but you then seem unsure what there is to see there (other than NATO). So, what is your interest? This will help others guide you. I will say that I found the city distinctly underwhelming, and if you don't have a specific reason for visiting, time in Belgium is better spend in Bruges, Ghent and (my favorite) Antwerp. But if you do go to Brussels, try to get a Art Nouveau tour through ARAU: http://www.arau.org/en/tours. This was, by far, the highlight of my time in the city.

I am currently in Brussels visiting friends and have to disagree with the comment that it is underwhelming. While my friends work during the day, I'm on my own discovering the city. In 6 days, I've yet to be bored. The trick is to leave the Grand Place and all the tourists; see the real city. Sit in a cafe, enjoy a coffee and a vibe that feels like a more laid back version of France. Or meander through one of the cities many large parks, some originally designed only for the king's private use. If world politics and peace keeping are your interests, you should check out the UN headquarters. It is possible to tour there and, if they are in session, watch the meetings. Rick Steves' Upper Town walk is a pleasant walk through a lovely neighborhood complete with a Gothic church, little parks, shops, cafes and views of the city. For art and culture, Brussels has many excellent museums ranging from ancient to modern art, music, science and the country's complex history with the Congo. The people of Brussles insist that Brussles culture is different from Belgian culture. While we have yet to determine exactly what that is, I think it is what makes Brussels worth a closer look.

I second Megan's comments. I really enjoyed Brussels and didn't see everything I wished I could have - ran out of time. The Museum of Musical Instruments was my fav.

I found Brussels to my liking, especially the French fries and Beer. On a more serious note, a visit to the Atomium was quite interesting. Not for everyone. I believe it's on the outskirts of Brussels. Worth about 2 hours of time. What made the trip so amazing to me was the Zip-lining off one of the huge atom shaped spheres. I'm fearful of heights but wished I had done it. Not sure this is a daily activity, but interesting though.

When I first got to Brussels, I hated it with a passion. Now, I look back and I really enjoyed it. The Grand place is amazing, we saw a groom to be and his friends drinking beer and having the time of their lives The Mannekin Pis is a huge let down. The chocolate store had Mannekin Pis shaped chocolates. The waffles were only 1 Euro and delicious. Beware of drivers, they do not stop for pedestrians even when you have the green light to walk. I was hit in my arm and it was swollen and when we got back home, we found out it was broken. SO BE CAREFUL!!!