Weekend in Brussels

A December 2001 trip to Brussels by maitre2pitza

Quote: After 9/11 Europe was on sale at USAir. We decided that a quick weekend would be perfect. We don't like to spend more than an hour or two in the tourist attractions. This journal recounts our freewheeling trip, including a Sunday afternoon in Antwerp.

Weekend in Brussels

Overview

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The highlight was the food. Sure we saw the Grand Place and the statue of the boy peeing, but we LOVED the restaurants. The city was easy to navigate and everyone was very friendly.Quick Tips: Pick a hotel near the center of town so that you can walk to the tourist sites but don't be afraid to rent car. We found it valuable to have a car since our favorite restaurant was not near our hotel (it was near public transportation which seems to go everywhere). Hit the MAC machine at the airport. I never found one in town.Best Way To Get Around: We walked a lot but also got a cheap pass for two on public transportation that gave us unlimited travel all weekend. We also had a car for ...Read More

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Hilton Brussels City

Hotel | "Hilton, Place Rogier"

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This hotel was recently acquired by Hilton and completely re-done in a very modern theme. We hate modern but this seemed comfortable. Located directly north of (within walking distance of the main shopping and tourist areas) the hotel was also a main commuter train station. That was good and bad. The good is the obvious convenience. The bad is the noise when 5 trains pull out at once at 5 a.m. Ask for a room facing east. I think that the Sheraton next door in Manhattan Center would be a better choice. It also has a heated 24 hr garage beneath the building. There is also a good Hilton on Blvd de Waterloo near the Palais de Justice. All three of these hotels are on what is essentially a loop roa...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on January 20, 2002

Hilton Brussels City
20 PLACE ROGIER
Brussels, Belgium 1210
32022033125

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Bruneau

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant

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A little out of the way on a side street near the Basilica of Koekelberg. As you approach, the rabbit and other meats in the front window seem to draw you into the converted row house. The traditional architure of the outside immediately disappears as you walk through the door to marble floors, highly polished woodwork and an ultra modern elevator. The dining room was well lit and warm (it was quite cold outside that night). The dining room was filled with well-dressed, sophisticated diners. The waiters were extremly professional and communicated in both French and English. We had a wonderful lobster bisque to start, followed by filet de boef for Harriett and salmon for me. The filet was extremly ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 20, 2002

Bruneau
75 Avenue Broustin
Brussels, Belgium
32 (2) 427 69 78

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Vignoble De Margot (Le)

Restaurant | "Le Vignoble de Margot"

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Located outside the city, it is located off Avenue de Tervurenlaan on the left just past the well lit pedestrian bridge over the road. The restaurant is perched on a hill and has large glass wall to take in the view. The mussels were fresh and the Coccille St. Jacques tasty, but the portion small. My Turbot was fresh and well-cooked. The place was filled with well dressed locals speaking French, Dutch, Flemish, and German.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on January 23, 2002

Vignoble De Margot (Le)
368 av. de Tervurenlaan
Brussels, Belgium 1150
02 779 23 23