Are you taking children? We just spent a 48hrs there with ours (5 & 7yrs) a few weeks ago. The EU Parliament visitors centre is really fab... free to get in, really interesting and lots of interactive things for the children. http://www.europarl.europa.eu/visiting/ ... arium.html

We had a wonderful meal at http://www.ogenblik.be V relaxed and beautiful fish (and the meat looked v good too, but we are veggie).

We wandered all over town popping in and out of churches, looking at the buildings, eating waffles, stopping at a few playgrounds, eating chips in a cone, etc etc... It is not a cultural hotspot but it is a v relaxing and pleasant place to be for a few days.

Enjoy!

Thank you very much for the recommendations. I'm sure we'll be back to make it to Bruges but it's Brussels this time around.

Hi,
I lived in Brussels for 6 years, married to a Belgium and if I had 36 hours in Belgium I would go to Bruges! If you know you will go back enjoy Brussels..

Tour:
Go to place Stephanie and walk towards the north walk along the Toison D'or .. Walk to The palais du justice... See the amazing view and walk towards your left and you will find the Sablon... Enjoy the Sablon.. See antiques buy chocolate and keep walking down the Sablon towards grand place.. Eat a waffle and enjoy galleries de la Reine. Take a walk down Rue de Boucher and check all nice restos! Do not eat in any! They are for tourists!

I can't recommend where to eat because we normally stay out of the center... A great place to go and choose a nice resto is place chatelain.. Nice food there and ambiance!

If you do visit le Grand Sablon, try and pop in to Wittamer's for the chocolates.

Carry on to Bruges, much prettier

Love Capoue!

If you like ice-creams and crêpes, there is Capou, a tea room that is really good (avenue des Celtes, 36). There is also a very good thai restaurant called Thai Orchid (Chaussée de Wavre).
Lilas

See the Grand Place at night, Mannekin Pis too

Have a beer/coffee on the Grand Sablon as it's less touristy than by the Grand Place. Lots of lovely antique shops there too, and most weekends a lovely antique market.

Food wise try Belga Queen, l'Idiot du village, or Sea Grill!

We will be in Brussels for an anniversary. Any suggestions are more than appreciated. We are not full on sightseeing people but the main attractions are always a must. We are very foodie and enjoy a good drink. It'll be good to know the places that locals visit rather than tourist oriented. Thank you!!!