Brussels Travel Forum

Hi all,

we weill be in Brussels for 4 days over New Year's and I wonder what we could do considering it might get quite cold and we don't want to hang around cafes all the time.

So apart from the typical things to see (Atomium, Grande Place, Cathedrals) what could we do? Are there any museums we shouldn't miss? Where can we find great shopping? Are there any off the beaten path attractions we could go to? What are great destinations for a day trip from Brussels? And what would you advise us to do on New Year's Eve?

I'm happy for any tip you have for us. Thanks a million!
Sabs

The museum of music is fabulous

they give you a head set and you walk at your own pace

as you walk near the displays of instruments you can hear what they sound like

it has instruments from all over the world and shows how they developed over the years

and there are computer programmes which help you to design an instrument or write some music

easy to spend hours in there

Thanks for the tip, my boyfriend is a musician so he will definitely like it. I would have never thought of going there without you mentioning it. Thanks :)

no probs

enjoy

Some of our favourites in Brussels:

Comic Strip Museum - great fun
Central Africa Museum - worth a visit for the tram ride out to Tervuren as much as itself Rather glosses over the appalling history of Leopold´s personal rule of Congo, but does have some amazing artefacts
Fine Arts Museum
Maison du Roi in the Grand Place itself

There´s a useful site which brings together links for lots of museums in Brussels:
www.brusselsmuseums.be

For a day trip from Brussels we´d recommend Antwerp.

Dave and Andrew

If you want a day trip from Brussels and are looking for some old world charm I would recommend Gent. It's a beautiful city to have a walk around and has some wonderful old buildings and a river running through it. There is the cathedral, the Belfry tower, an old 13th century church and an older castle all within easy walking distance of each other.

It is around 45 minutes by train from Brussels to Gent St Pieters. From there you can either walk to the centre, around 25-30 minutes, or take the No 1 tram to Korenmarkt.

Regards
Clive

Hi

I agree with previous posters with things they have suggested. There is also a great trip on a Victorian tramway from the museum at Tervuren - near the park. This is pre-bookable and well worth the money. You go through all the old tram routes on a very old tram with a guide. One tip - take with you a little cushion to sit on - the seats are very hard!!!

Hey,

There's an exposition now (until March) in Tour & Taxis about the history of 50 years Europe. I haven't been yet, but some friends of mine have, and they say it's really interesting and fun. Don't know if you're interested in that; just wanted to let you know.

http://www.expo-europe.be/
http://www.tourtaxis.com/

Greets,
Brecht

There's the Christmas Market (Plaisirs d'Hiver) in the city centre till 1st of January, with an ice skating area.
www.plaisirsdhiver.be

As for your shopping, I'd suggest the Dansaert street, leading straight towards the Bourse (Stock Exchange). It is for exclusive avant garde fashion. That area is most interesting anyway.
On January 2, the Sales start.
Also: Christ child's cribs in the Cathedral

Off the beaten path: have a look at the Bellone House.
Or go the the Marolles area, downhill from the Palace of Justice, for antiques and second hand shops. Interesting!

For New Year's Eve activities no idea. Any tavern will be fun.
Mind you: museums and shops are closed on January 1st. Tourist shops in the tourist area are OK.

Check www.brusselsinternational.be

Regards,
Paul

Thank you all for your great advise! We will try to see as many places you recommended as possible :) Looking forward to it!

Thanks!
Sabs

The main art museum is great and Bier Circus is a must. ;)

The Christmas markets are a delight as was the Son et Lumiere in the Grand Place.We saw the ice rink in a force 10 gale- the awnings were falling down, the rink was awash with rain--great fun!Nice warm cafe though!