BRUSSELS

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the headquarters to many European Union institutions. It sits nestled in between Amsterdam and Paris and is only a 2-hour train ride from both cities. Brussels is home to a diverse mix of cultures since it is a central hub and has various areas and neighborhoods representing all of Europe. The primary languages that are spoken are French and Dutch.

STAY
Vintage Hotel, rue Dejonckerstraat 45
Small Boutique hotel located just off of Avenue Louise that offers a very comfortable and homey feel especially when it rains-which is often in Brussels. You feel at home as you walk down the winding staircase to enjoy your breakfast in the cafe. Take advantage of the free wi-fi in the common areas where the signal is strongest. During warmer times, enjoy the outdoor space in front of the hotel or at one of the nearby restaurants or cafes.
Metro: Louise

EAT

De Nordzee/Mer du Nord, Rue Sainte-Catherine 45
You must visit this fishmonger’s outpost where you can feast on the day’s catch. It doesn’t get much fresher than the seafood served up at this restaurant. Outdoor standing room only, you can either eat at the counter or on any of the tables that are setup just along the sidewalk. Order the oysters, mussels, a bottle of wine or champagne and ENJOY! If you are in Brussels for more than 1 day, go there on your first day because you will definitely want to go back for more.
Metro: Saint Catherine

Waffles
You will find them all over town, but the ones sold at the stands on the walk to see Manneken Pis on rue de l’Etuve are preferred and only 1 Euro.

Fritland, Rue Henri Mausstraat 49
Belgium fries served up in a cone with a fresh mayo dip. Pick these up as an easy snack on the go. The fries are fried twice to make sure that the potato on the inside is perfectly cooked and that the outside is still perfectly crisp.

Chocolate
Better than any processed chocolate you will find in most convenience stores. It will melt in your mouth. Go for the higher chocolate percentage, but even the milk versions are delicious.

Brussels Sprouts
When in Brussels, make sure to try the Brussels sprouts.

DRINK
Cantillon Brewery, Rue Gheude Straat 56
Established in 1900, visit the only remaining brewery that is still located within the city of Brussels. Learn how they make their beers and lambics and taste several at the end of the tour. Special dates/visits offer a tour during the actual brew process, so check their website for those special dates. This is a perfect stop for the beer lover.
Metro: Lemmonier

Delirium Café, Impasse de la Fidelite 4 (Delirium Village)
Beer lovers rejoice! Previously listed in the Guinness Book of World records for serving the most beers in the world. They have over 2000 beers on the list and they are organized in various rooms within this bar.
Metro: Gare Centraal

Floris Bar, Impasse de la Fidelite 12 (Delirium Village)
An absinthe bar that is also located in Delirum Village (across the street from Delirium Café) Stop in for a taste of the green fairy.
Metro: Gare Centraal

A La Mort Subite, Rue Montagne-aux-Herbes-Potageres 7
A La Mort Subite is an institution in Brussels. Visit and grab a beer or two along with a toastie if you happen to need a bite to eat. Try one of their namesake beers while you are there.
Metro: Gare Centraal

EXPLORE

Comic Murals, located allover central Brussels
Comic Strip Center, Rue des Sables 20
These are spread around Central Brussels and are in collaboration with the Belgian Comic Strip Center. Check this website for locations of the various murals:
http://www.belgium-tourism.net/contenus/_comic_strips__mural_paintings/en/362.html

Grand Place-Grote Markt
A UNESCO World Heritage site, visit during the Holidays for a light show and Holiday market or during the summer to get a glimpse of the flower carpet. This is the central square and boasts amazing architectural features.
Metro: Gare Centraal

Atomium, Square de l’Atomium
This structure was erected for the 1958 World’s Fair and looks exactly like it’s name: Atom. There are escalators within this building that link the various rooms. If it is clear, you can make your way to the top for views overlooking Brussels.
Metro: Houba-Brugmann

Manneken Pis, rue de l’Etuve 46
An icon in Brussels and you can find a replica souvenirs lining the streets leading up to this little fountain. A must see to check it off the list.
Metro: Bourse or Anneessens

City Sight Seeing Bus Tour
This bus tour is the easiest way to cover a large area of Brussels and see the major sites with a guide that is translated in several languages. You can hop on the stop in front of the Palace of Justice and take the loop. There are 2 routes which both originate at Central Station. For more information to see the map or sites covered:
http://www.city-sightseeing.com

TIPS
Brussels is a very rainy city, so make sure you dress accordingly and pack an umbrella in case of showers.

If arriving into Brussels by train, you can take the 2 or 6 Metro towards Simonis 3 stops to Louise and then you’ll have only a short 5-minute walk to Vintage Hotel.