Visiting Brussels
Jun 18, 2009 | 6:56 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 21
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
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
Jun 18, 2009 | 8:01 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: JFK/EWR/LGA
Programs: AA, AGR, Choice Gold, CitiPrestige, TYP
Posts: 134
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.
Jun 18, 2009 | 9:43 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: JFK/EWR/LGA
Programs: AA, AGR, Choice Gold, CitiPrestige, TYP
Posts: 134
Jun 19, 2009 | 6:05 am
#5
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Lifetime Platinum,Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,239
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.
Jun 19, 2009 | 4:57 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: LEJ BRU
Posts: 1,285
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.
Jun 19, 2009 | 6:06 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 644
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.
Jun 21, 2009 | 3:28 am
#8
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Barcelona, Catalunya
Posts: 2,197
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.
Jun 22, 2009 | 11:35 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: LEJ BRU
Posts: 1,285
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.
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.