Brussels

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A Good Time in Brussels

A June 1995 trip to Brussels by Colleen

Eating OutMore Photos

A city full of history, fun restaurants and great beer!

  • 2 reviews
  • 4 stories/tips
  • 4 photos

A Good Time in BrusselsBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Brussels is a great place to visit with a group of friends. The Grand' Place, the famous 12th century square, is a great place to hang out and sample the wonderful Belgium. The city also offers historic places, great museums and a BIG variety of restaurants and outside cafés.

Quick Tips:

Don't lay down in the Grand Place or the police will think you are drunk and kick you out.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking is the best way to get around. To sure to bring good shoes because the cobblestone streets can be brutal on your feet.

Metropole HotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hotel Metropole"

Brussels
This is an old, elegant hotel, which dates back to the 1800's. The interior is quite fancy, but the rooms are basically plain. I do recall that the bathtub was big and very deep. There is somewhat of a stuffy attitude among the guests and staff. The location is good, only a few blocks from the Grand' Place. The price includes breakfast, which you can get in your room.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by Colleen on September 14, 2000

Metropole Hotel
31 PL DE BROUCKERE Brussels, Belgium
32-2-2172300

The Grand' PlaceBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

The Grand Place
The Grand' Place (pronounced, Grand Plas) is an impressive 12th cobblestone square. Surrounding the square is the original town hall and the shops of craftsmen. Today you can guess the craft by viewing the various craft guilds displayed outside the shops. It is a favorite place for people to gather. During the summer there is an incredible light and classical music show against the façade of the old buildings. The shows begins at dark.

Manneken PisBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Manneken Pis
This is the most bazaar statue I have every seen. It is a statuette of a little boy peeing. There is also some strange tradition of dressing the statuette in costumes (he has 341!). This tradition began when Louis XV presented costumes as an apology for the French stealing the statuette in 1747.

The Manneken is located on a tiny street and is very hard to find, but it is worth it.

Nearby Attractions - Castle BeerselBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Visit Castle Beersel. Take the train about 20 minutes to the small town of Beersel. Once at the train station walk down the hill and find a well intact medieval castle, moat and all. After you explore the nooks and crannies of this fortress, have lunch at a quaint little café outside the castle's gates. This excursion is a great way to spend a day when you have had your fill of museums, brewery tours and the Manneken-Pis dressed as Elvis.

Over 1,500 Restaurants in Town!!!Best of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Eating Out
Brussels is a great place to enjoy a good meal. The most happening place to eat dinner is along the rue des Bouchers or on Petite rue des Bouchers. These narrow, neon lit streets are jam packed with an incredible variety of colorful restaurants. You can get Italian, Greek, French, and Spanish cuisine for a cheap price. Your best bet is the fixed price meals. Be prepared to get cozy with other dinner guests because these popular eateries have limited space and they really squeeze you in.

About the Writer

Colleen
Colleen
Oakhurst, New Jersey

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