Brussels, Belgium

Official Tourism Site: https://visit.brussels/en

In Brussels for work, I did not have much time for sightseeing. However, that is the great part about this historic city.  Many of the beautiful facades, palaces, buildings, statues and museums are centrally located in La Grand-Place, a UNESCO heritage site.  Also, known as the “Grand Square” or “Grand Market”, it is the historic focal point of Brussels.  I highly recommend a hotel near this area, both for its central location to the sights as well as the Central train station (“Brussel-Centraal/Bruxelles-Central“).  From this station, you can easily reach other parts of Belgium, travel to/from Brussels Airport as well as connect to other European destinations.

A wide array of bars boasting the finest Belgian beers and restaurants of all types and varieties are on offer.  However, one must, when visiting Brussels, partake in the finest of all foods which is that decadent, malted patchwork pillow of heaven known as the waffle.  All hail the many varieties (Brussels vs. Liege), sauces and toppings that can accompany this dessert, snack or dinner, in my case.  By far, my favorite place to go would be Maison Dandoy.  In addition to getting your tasty treat,  you can also pick up a selection of cookies (speculoos), cakes and biscuits as a consolation to all of the jealous friends and family to whom you show your pictures.

The wonder of waffles is only overshadowed by the chocolate.  Did I mention that there is a chocolate shop no less than every 20 meters?  Boasting chocolate varieties of all kinds, and variations which manifest themselves in the form of truffles, bon bons, bars, cubes and chocolate dipped wonders which abound.  I suggest scoping them out and buying something from many, as they each have their own unique twist.

Links for all items referenced are embedded throughout the page to easily assist in your travel planning.  As always, please visit Trip Advisor for useful user feedback.  It is paramount in my planning process.

Hotel: Novotel Brussels off Grand Palace

Centrally located to Grand Palace, this hotel sits within a two-minute walking distance to many of the spectacular sites that Brussels has on offer.  Amongst the three hotels in the square (within visual distance of my balcony at the Novotel) this was the nicest.  Amenities include a bar/restaurant and convenience area in the lobby, fitness center, modern room considerations such as plugs near the bed, free wifi, and international TV stations.  Other room features include memory foam mattresses (firm but lovely), rain shower separate from a deep soaking tub, and a modest toilet area completely separate from the remainder of the bathroom.  This I loved, like what a great idea!

The hotel is located directly in from of the Museum of Original Figures and Smurfs are prominently displayed throughout the Grand Palace decor.  Next door, on the ground floor of the Hotel NH Brussels Carrefour de l’Europe, lies Chocopolis, a chocolate shop allowing demonstrations in the art of Belgium chocolate.  They will offer you a taste if you come to visit and share with you that all of their dark chocolate is lactose-free.  It is all amazing too.  Whereas my colleagues did not recommend the NH Hotel for varying reasons, they did enjoy the 10% discount offered by Chocopolis for NH guests.

For reference, the 3rd hotel that is noted as being in visual vicinity of the two referenced above is the ibis Brussels off Grand Palace.  It is referenced as a budget-minded, no frills hotel and is also apart of the Accor brand.

La Grand-Place
La Belgique Gourmand, The Prettiest Presentation of Chocolate I have Ever Seen.
Jeanneke Pis, “sister” to Manneken Pis
Chocopolis, Grand Palace

Day Trip: Ghent

Official Tourism Site: https://visit.gent.be/en

A short train ride from Brussels (40 min-1.15 hours), Ghent is quaint city offering picturesque views of what I imagine is every outsider’s perspective of Belgium.  I spent several hours walking through this city from the train station into the City Center (about 2.7 km).  There is plenty to see, and as the tourism site suggests, you should plan to spend more than one night.  You can learn about your surroundings by taking a canal tour or a walking tour led by a local.  I did not personally partake in either of these, as I was being led around the area by two local friends.  I recommend Trip Advisor (link for Top Things to do in Ghent) for research in this area.

On my walking journey, I did find what I personally feel is my version of Heaven.  Atlas & Zanzibar is a travel bookstore!!  That’s right, folks, books, upon books, upon maps, upon travel inspirations there for your perusal and purchase.  I personally spent an hour, at least, in the store and could have spent an equitable portion of my salary.  I have never seen a more extensive collection of travel planning items in one place, and that includes at ANY library, Barnes & Noble, or other travel store.  I was impressed.  If you are in Ghent, you MUST visit.

Ghent By Night, Picturesque Belgium
Ghent by Day, along the canal.