Briefly Belgium

A Taste of Brussels

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Guildhouses in Gran'Place, Brussels Photo - Brussels, Belgium

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We arrived in Brussels on the train from Amsterdam on Wednesday night at Central station. We weren't sure where to go and as it was an unfamiliar city, we decided to go to the taxi queue. It was rush hour and we weren't sure but it seemed like the taxi driver took us a long way around but what can you do? Now that we are familiar with the immediate area, we know we could walk in about 15 or 20 minutes but when things aren't all that straight forward, taxis are the easiest. The driver was very congenial and chatted to us about things to do and see in the city as well. We checked into the Ibis St. Catherine. The check in person was a bit off putting, i found, maybe there was some communicati...Read More

We arrived in Brussels on the train from Amsterdam on Wednesday night at Central station. We weren't sure where to go and as it was an unfamiliar city, we decided to go to the taxi queue. It was rush hour and we weren't sure but it seemed like the taxi driver took us a long way around but what can you do? Now that we are familiar with the immediate area, we know we could walk in about 15 or 20 minutes but when things aren't all that straight forward, taxis are the easiest. The driver was very congenial and chatted to us about things to do and see in the city as well.

We checked into the Ibis St. Catherine. The check in person was a bit off putting, i found, maybe there was some communication issues, i don't know. They weren't rude but they weren't exactly bend over backwards helpful either, compared to the staff in the Tulip in Amsterdam who handed over maps and brochures unasked. We also asked if breakfast was included and for some reason i thought she said it was and told us the hours. Turns out it wasn't and we were charged 15 euro per person for the two mornings we had breakfast in the hotel. Ah well.

Our first order of business was to walk out and find Grand Place, the main square with the grand Town Hall and all the marvellous guildhalls and buildings. We walked out into Place St. Catherine with it's old and sooty church stands. Seemed to be lots of restaurants there which we kept in mind for later.

It wasn't too far to a main street and we saw a big building that looked impressive with a large front staircase and arches all over. Turns out that used to be the Stock Exchange, called the Bourse and now houses the Bruxelle museum. This is on the corner of a little street that leads into the Grand Place and which is lined with shops and cafes. Plenty of touristy type souvenir shops in this district as well as shops with lace and chocolate and beer.

We made our way over the cobbled streets and entered the square. Wow!!!! The Stadhuis (town hall) spire soared over us and the buildings all around the square had gilded touches and decoration. Many of them are from the 17th and 18th century. The large structure facing the Town Hall is the Maison du Roi and the stone work almost looks lacy! There were lots of people of course, most of them looking up and taking photos. You want to watch your possessions as there are plenty of pickpockets around here. Many of the guildhouses have restaurants in the main level. The Town hall has a tourist information centre in it as well. By the time we got there, that was closed as it was around 6 p.m. or so.

We took many photos and then decided it was time to find food.

We walked around a bit but ended up at a cafe right on the main street by the Bourse. Probably a real tourist trap but Le Grand Cafe had a good menu and it wasn't *too* expensive and it was convenient. (see review). We enjoyed our meal and then decided to go back into the Place to see the square all lit up after dark. Even more wow!!! Very impressive! We had to admit we were far more impressed with Brussels' main square than with Amsterdam's Dam Square.

We aren't spending a lot of time here. Tomorrow we're spending the day in Bruges, which everyone says is amazing. Friday morning, we're visiting the Museum of Musical instruments and if there's time, taking a city bus tour. Read Less

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Day Trip to Bruges

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Quiet canal cafe behind an inside shopping arcade Photo - Bruges, Belgium

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It's about an hour by train from Brussels to Bruges from Central station. The weather is overcast but not really cold and later on it was really nice. At the train station, we bought all day bus tickets and rode into the city centre. It's a bit congested by the station but there's a park like setting to one side and it probably isn't too far a walk. Also near the station it looked like there was a fair set up with a large observation wheel. Anyway. We went into the centre, got off one stop too soon but that was ok. We walked along a busy street looking in shops. We arrived in the main square, the Grote Markt i.e. Market Square with its tall belfry tower on one end, a law court building and...Read More

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Prestige Brugge

Restaurant | "Prestigious Chocolates, Cakes and Coffee"

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As we were walking through the streets of Bruges, looking for chocolate shops, we passed one window with a very elegant and tempting display. The name of the shop was Prestige. We went inside to see what the prices were like and discovered it is also a patisserie with tempting cakes and pastries! Oh wow! They also have a little cafe/tea room in the back which is very elegantly decorated. We didn't buy any chocolates but picked out a cake and sat down with a hot brew and enjoyed the decadence. The little cafe does serve very light lunches but the attraction really is the sweets. It wasn't really that cheap but not scandalously expensive either and boy, is it definitely worth a treat! It's a...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 24, 2009

Prestige Brugge
Vlamingstraat, 12-14
Bruges, Belgium 8000
+32 50 34 31 67

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Matinee Restaurant and Tearoom

Restaurant | "Canalside Restaurant in Bruges"

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There are a lot of restaurants in Bruges that focus on seafood and a lot of the restaurants are quite posh and fancy. We wanted a restaurant where we'd feel comfortable and which had a menu that had some good food but nothing too gourmet. We finally found Matinee on the side of the canal just behind the Market Square. Apparently it's a family run place which always seems to make for a nice atmosphere and indeed, this had it. It's bright and a good size. Tables and also banquette tables along the side. There are two levels with small outdoor seating areas both in the front and in the back amid a garden setting. There was even a songbird chirping from the back of the restaurant. The menu had...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 24, 2009

Matinee Restaurant and Tearoom
Rozenhoedkaai 5
Bruges, Belgium
32 50 33 97 82

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The End of Brussels for Us

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Basilica of Sacred Heart Photo - Brussels, Belgium

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When we arrived back from Bruges, still tired and our feet aching, we trudged down the hill from Central Station through the narrow streets, looking in some of the shops. We stopped in one so i could buy some souvenir presents for people. Graham decided that since the Mannekin Pis was the most famous symbol of Brussels, he wanted to see it. I did tell him it's a lot smaller than he'll expect but he wanted to see it anyway. We ended up walking a long way around to find it, when it was actually just a couple of blocks from the Grand Place. Oh well! There it is and luckily the crowds around it weren't too thick. Graham took one look and said "Is that it?" Well yes, i did say it wasn't much. T...Read More

When we arrived back from Bruges, still tired and our feet aching, we trudged down the hill from Central Station through the narrow streets, looking in some of the shops. We stopped in one so i could buy some souvenir presents for people. Graham decided that since the Mannekin Pis was the most famous symbol of Brussels, he wanted to see it. I did tell him it's a lot smaller than he'll expect but he wanted to see it anyway. We ended up walking a long way around to find it, when it was actually just a couple of blocks from the Grand Place. Oh well! There it is and luckily the crowds around it weren't too thick. Graham took one look and said "Is that it?" Well yes, i did say it wasn't much.

The little statue of the boy peeing is only about 18 inches to 2 feet tall. I don't see what all the fuss is about really. It all seems to be a bit "tee hee naughty statue!". Apparently there's a bar right across from it called the Mannekin Pis and a type of beer called the same thing with a replica of the statue as the beer pump. From what i was told, the beer is pretty awful. No surprise. You see little replicas of the statue all over the place and lined on shelves in the souvenir stores. Apparently he often wears a little uniform or clothing that various groups and countries make and donate and there is a little museum that has all the outfits on display. Again, nothing i'd be bothered with personally.

From there, we tried to find our way back to the hotel. We did get a little turned around but found our church, our landmark and went to the hotel to rest our feet for a bit. That's one thing about the centre of Brussels (and Bruges) .... it's cobblestones everywhere, not just the streets, but the sidewalks too and that's desperately hard on your feet and legs! Later on we went back out to find a restaurant and discovered that most of the ones around Place St. Catherine were either seafood places which didn't suit Graham or very fancy/expensive and we didn't want that. We ended up in a little Chinese place which was unassuming but quite good in the end. (see review for Hong Kong Delight).

In the morning, we went to the Musical Instrument Museum and took a cab there to save our legs and a bit of time. That was really brilliant and not very expensive either, just 5 euro per person. (see review). We spent a happy hour or two in there wandering around listening to all the different kinds of musical instruments from different countries and different cultures, some instruments were very, very old and traditional. Some of the pianos were painted, one of the upright pianos looked like a 1940s radio. There were old fashioned types of bagpipes, i'm not even sure if any of them were the familiar Scottish type but pipes are quite an old instrument that may originate in Egypt. We had a coffee in the rooftop cafe and peeked out at the city wide views from there. In summer when the outdoor terrace is open, it must be spectacular on a sunny day.

From there, we hoped to get in all or most of a city bus tour, the hop on hop off kind. They leave from the front of Central Station so we headed in that direction down the hill through a park in front of the Museum of Arts. One bus was just leaving and the other sitting there had no driver and no idea when one would show up. But another tour company was parked a little way away so we went there. He was leaving shortly so we bought tickets and went up to the top. The weather was cool but a bit sunny. We weren't sure if we'd have time to do the whole tour but we went anyway.

The tour route for the one we chose turned out to be a better one than the other company as this one went through the newer parts of brussels first and out to the outskirts where the Atomium is. That was built for the World's Fair in the late 1950s and looks like a giant molecule. It has some exhibitions and a cafe at the top and the main attractions are the views. It's 9 euro per adult to visit with various discounts and 1/3 off with the Brussels Card.

The tour also went through a more modern part with big new buildings made of glass and steel along wide boulevards lined with more modern shops. We passed through a nice park and also by the Royal Palace. By the time we got to Grand Place, we thought we probably wouldn't have time to do the rest of the tour which may take at least another 45 minutes. We had to get back and get our bags and get to the train station. When you take the Eurostar you have to check in and go through security and not knowing how long that would take, being early was better than rushing.

We got off the bus at Grand Place and walked back to the hotel, got our bags from the locked luggage room (we had checked out this morning) and got a cab to Gare Midi(South) where the Eurostar terminal is. Turns out we were there quite early so we went to a cafe to get some lunch. The first one we went to didn't have much choice but the next one did and we had a really nice baguette sandwich, some cakes and coke and got some snacks for the train.

We checked in, found our seats and settled in for a comfy 2 hour ride into London. Brussels was all too brief, but we had a taste of it. It might be nice to go back again and see more of it. The side trip to Bruges was still a good idea even though it took time away from Brussels because it was a lovely day there. I guess it's better to have a taste at least, and if we want to go back again someday we are at least more familiar with the city and can be more comfortable with it.

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Musical Instrument Museum

Attraction | "Marvellous Musical Tour Through History"

Quote:

My partner is a musician and we both love music and history. What better museum than to see musical instruments from years past and many different cultures? We found this museum one of the best and most fun! There are three levels of exhibits, instruments of all kinds and you get a headset that kicks in and plays the music and sounds of many of the instruments on display as you near the cases. Probably works by infared signals.The first level has folk type instruments from all over the world. Another level focuses on strings and there are also keyboards and brass/horn/reed instruments. Most are behind glass and some of the larger pieces are out on display. There are lovely painted pianos a...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on May 23, 2009

Musical Instrument Museum
Hofberg 2 Montagne de la Cour
Brussels, Belgium
+32 2 545 01 30

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Ibis Brussels Centre

Hotel | "Decent Location in Centre Brussels"

Quote:

We thought an Ibis would be a fairly good value for central Brussels, nothing fancy but would have everything we needed including a lift and ensuite facilities. Some hotels might be a little cheaper but plenty were more expensive too. It was a bit pricier than we usually pay but not too bad considering it was a pretty decent location, walking distance from many of the attractions and the Central Station.We took a taxi from Central station because we were a bit unsure where to go at first. But to find it, you can just exit the station and walk downhill. Once you come to the Grand Place square, exit out the opposite side by the Bourse Bruxelles museum. Cross over and walk down the street jus...Read More

We thought an Ibis would be a fairly good value for central Brussels, nothing fancy but would have everything we needed including a lift and ensuite facilities. Some hotels might be a little cheaper but plenty were more expensive too. It was a bit pricier than we usually pay but not too bad considering it was a pretty decent location, walking distance from many of the attractions and the Central Station.

We took a taxi from Central station because we were a bit unsure where to go at first. But to find it, you can just exit the station and walk downhill. Once you come to the Grand Place square, exit out the opposite side by the Bourse Bruxelles museum. Cross over and walk down the street just to the right of the Bourse, a couple of blocks. You'll come to a large square with a church, which is St. Katherine. Pass the church on it's right and near the back of it is Rue Joseph Plateau. the Ibis is up that short street.

The check in staff wasn't entirely friendly but weren't rude. Borderline i'd say but not as helpful as some in my experience. When we checked out, they do have a locked room for the luggage but you can rent lockers in it if you want. We didn't and just left our stuff in it and it was ok.

The hotel was ok, but we probably would choose something else next time.

Unique Qualities: The room was a good size, king size bed. The bathroom, however, was quite small and in order to get out of the corner shower, you had to open the bathroom door because the shower doors opened up right against the bathroom door. Not a whole lot of room to move around but adequate.

We thought breakfast was included, when we asked if it was, the desk clerk told us the breakfast hours. Maybe one of us misunderstood but in the end, we were charged 15 euro per person for the buffet breakfast, standard hotel cost but it wasn't expected. When we checked out, we didn't argue the cost because we figured there was crossed wires somewhere. The price we paid was 140 Euro per night for a weekday mid May stay. They may have weekend specials and deals on occasion. The Ibis that's closer to Grand Place is even more expensive, though, which is why we picked this one.

The Place St. Catherine is a great place if you're a seafood fan. Lots of restaurants specializing in that and there is a Metro stop there as well. Read Less

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on May 23, 2009

Ibis Brussels Centre
Rue Joseph Plateau N°2
Brussels
+32 2 5137620

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Le Grand Cafe

Restaurant | "Tourist Restaurant with Good Food"

Quote:

City centre Brussels has lots of choice for restaurants. We were still unfamiliar with the area on our first night in Brussels. We walked a bit along The Bourse to find a restaurant and this one was on the corner, across from the Bruxelles museum and near the entrance lane to the Grand Place. As a result, I'm sure it gets a lot of tourist traffic and probably groups. The restaurant is a good size, bright and airy with lots of windows and and outdoor terrace for nice weather. I'm not sure the terrace would be all that comfortable as it's on a busy main street and the noise and smell from the traffic would probably be intrusive. Inside, there are two levels and the wait staff are brisk, efficient and fr...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on May 23, 2009

Le Grand Cafe
Boulevard Anspach 78
Brussels
+31 2 513 0203

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Hong Kong Delight

Restaurant | "Unexpectedly Good Chinese in Brussels"

Quote:

On night two in Brussels, we had returned from a long day in Bruges, tired and footsore. We went out for a late dinner and walked around Place St. Catherine but all the restaurants seemed to focus on seafood. We didn't realize at the time but this area specializes and was a fish market in the past. I don't mind but my partner isn't keen on seafood so we had trouble deciding where to eat. We also noticed that a lot of the restaurants were expensive or fancier than we were comfortable with. Being tired, we didn't really want to wander too far afield in an unfamiliar city/neighbourhood. We walked a little further up St. Catherine street where we'd seen a few Chinese restaurant signs when we were passing ...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on May 23, 2009

Hong Kong Delight
Rue St. Catherine 35
Brussels
+31 2 502-2780

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Belgium Journals

Briefly Belgium

A Taste of Brussels

Day Trip to Bruges

Prestige Brugge

Matinee Restaurant and Tearoom

The End of Brussels for Us

Musical Instrument Museum

Ibis Brussels Centre

Le Grand Cafe

Hong Kong Delight

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