I'm going to be in Brussels mid-May and plan to stay in Brussels all four nights. I figure on a day trip to Bruges and another one to Antwerp. Anything that is a must see or maybe to be aware of? Obviously beer, chocolate and frites are musts.
Usually I'm pretty happy just walking around and seeing the buildings and a museum. For a short trip like this I don't see any need to have a car and hope to stay in a central location in Brussels.
Thanks.
If military history is an interest, check out the Royal Museum of Military History. Best combined collection of WWI and WWII material I have ever seen, including the worlds biggest display of pickelhauben (pointy German helmets).
Brussels also has, to my knowledge, the world's only Art Deco cathedral in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart... well, technically, it's in Koekelberg, but close enough. Imagine Hagia Sophia in the style of the Chrysler Building, or Empire State Building.
Much, much more, but I'm tired of typing right now.
De Halve Maan Brewery in Bruges has a tour that includes a trip up to the roof of the brewery and a nice view of Bruges and ends in your choice of beer.
Ghent would be worth a day trip. It's somewhat similar to Brugges, in terms of architecture. Also, in Brussesl, there's a great waffle shop JUST north of Mannekin Pis. It's fun to grab a waffle, walk across the street, munch on your waffle and
watch all the other tourists making a small mob scene. You definitely don't need a car. The Belgian train system is very good.
Thanks for the info.
If I will be riding the train for probably 3 round trips (airport-brussels, brussels-antwerp, brussels-bruges) should I just buy the tickets when I arrive or ahead of time? Or is it even possible to buy them ahead of time? Any kind of discount card?
I see a Rail Pass but that is for 10 trips and is 74euros which I think would be more than my 3 trips would cost (my quick glance shows 10-14 euros round trip from the airport to central station in brussels).
Also is anyone familiar with Metropole Hotel? I had a Belgium friend recommending the place for its location (unfortunately she and her family will be out of town when I visit).
We enjoyed staying the Brugges and traveling to Brussels. If you are musically inclined, try the Musical Instruments museum in Brussels. My kids loved seeing and hearing Beethovan's piano.
"If you are musically inclined, try the Musical Instruments museum in Brussels. My kids loved seeing and hearing Beethovan's piano." Loved this museum as well. I thought it wouldn't be that interesting, but the fact that you can hear the instruments through the audioguide makes it well worth your time.
No reason to buy train tickets ahead of time. Unlike some of the other national rail companies, there are no discounts for advanced purchase.
If you go to Ghent then the Gravensteen is worth it.
Was just in Brussels and not much there to see. Would think you could see the highlights in one full day. Bruges is much more interesting and would spend more time there than Brussels.
"Was just in Brussels and not much there to see." This is a bit harsh, but close to the truth by Terry.
The Grand Place is unique and the restaurants nearby in the old part of the city are good. But Brussels is primarily about commerce and government. Think Phoenix in grey.
Unless this is a business trip and you have to stay in Brussels, I'd move on after a night. e.g. Amsterdam is a lot more interesting and attractive.
I'll respectfully disagree with the last two posters. Brussels has a LOT, much more than Brugge, but because the attractions are spread out over a large area, it takes a little more effort to explore and discover. Brugge is definitely more immediately pretty, however.
Brussels depends on what kind of buildings you like. If you like early-twentieth-century architecture, there are some superb art nouveau houses in the Saint-Gilles and Ixelles districts south of the centre and around Square Ambiorix and Square Maria-Louise to the East. I would say the Victor Horta house and museum is an absolute must.
