Visiting Brussels
 

Hi,

I need some input on what to see in Brussels in a short time. I will be coming in from Paris into Brussels at about 2.30 PM on a Saturday. That does not leave much of the day to take a guided bus tour. Even the hop on hop off buses seem to stop around 4.30 PM.

I would appreciate if any one could guide me (I will be travelling with bunch of older kids from my extended family) on what and how to visit Brussels in the remaining few hours of the day.

The next day, I take a flight out early in the morning so, I can't make plans for the next day.

Thanks

You should visit Grand Place and the area around it. I don't know where you're staying but the nearest metro stops to get there are Bourse and Central station. The area is easy to navigate and loaded with restaurants.

I am planning to stay in the Holiday Inn at City Center. Not sure of how to get there from Brussels Midi. Any other places to visit besides grand central?

Thanks

The historical section of Brussels is fairly small. You'll want to see the Grand Place, Mannekin Pis, and (maybe) the Bourse building. Louise Avenue if you want to do some high end shopping. There's a small red light district, somewhat akin to that found in Amsterdam (the whole women in the windows thing), if that piques your curiousity.

From Gare du Midi take the train to Gare Central (5 min) and have a short walk. The HI is in the center of old town Brussels, therefore sightseeing is an easy walking thing.
Everything else depends on what do you prefer. The metro system is easy to come by (and cheap), busses and tram are a bit more tricky but generally you can visit more or less every area of interest within 30 min by public transport.

Rick Steves' book "Amsterdam, Brugge and Brussels" has a "Brussels in three hours" tour. You might want to sneak a peek at the book. I think the Grand Palace, the Fine Arts Musuem (or whatever it's called) and Mannekan Pis are all included.

Are you sure? I think he means the HI near Avenue Louise... Best way to get there from Gare du Midi is the metro to Louise.

To the OP: walk back to your hotel from the Grand Place. Make sure to go through Sablon / Zavel area. And do not hesitate to stop in a few bars or brasseries on the way to check out the Belgian beers. :cool:

My fault. You are right.