* Waterstone's, 71-75 Boulevard Adolphe Maxlaan (Metro "De Brouckere"). English-language books.
* FNAC, City 2 commercial center, Rue neuve. A big book/CD/DVD/electronics shop.
* Mediamarket, 111-123 Rue Neuve. This shop is at the uppermost level of the Galeria Inno department store. Sells CDs, DVDs and consumer electronics. Slightly cheaper than FNAC.
'''Chocolate''':
* Leonidas[http://www.leonidas.com], branches across the city. Inexpensive and good quality, at ?4.35 for 250gm, and very popular with the locals.
* Neuhaus[http://www.neuhaus.be], branches across the city. A bit more expensive than Leonidas and a bit higher quality. Very popular with the locals as well.
* Marcolini[http://www.marcolini.be/EN/accueil.html], 39 Place du Grand Sablon. Arguably the best Belgian chocolates and priced accordingly. The country-specific products are difficult to find and quite worth the price.
* Wittamer, 6-12-13 Place du Grand Sablon. Another excellent chocolate maker.
* Chocopolis, 81 Rue du Marche aux Herbes. Between Grand Place and Central Station. Pick and choose your favorite type of chocolates, all at reasonable prices.
* Maison Renardy 17, rue de Dublin 1050 +32 02 514 30 17 Bruxelles. A great boutique shop with delicious chocolate and friendly service. Stop by for a cup of tea or coffee, and get one of their chocolates free with your tea. Still peckish? You're able to bring a whole box home.
* Godiva, branches around the city. Not very popular and quite pricey.
* For the frugal, you can buy 100-200 gram gourmet bars of chocolate in grocery stores for about ?1 each. Good brands to buy are Cote-d'Or and Jacques, both are Belgian.
'''Shopping''':
* General shopping along Rue Neuve-Nieuwstraat with GB supermarket at City 2 accessed from Rue Neuve-Nieuwstraat and Metro Rogier.
* Galeria Inno, 111-123 Rue Neuve. Department store (fashion, cosmetics, etc.)
* Belgian '''Lace''' is among the best in the world. Several shops are located at the Grand' Place-Grote Markt itself. Beware of some shops that sell Belgian lace even though production was outsourced abroad. Ask for a country of origin if purchasing around Grand Place.
Eat
There is plenty of good eating to be had in Brussels. Most people concentrate on the three classics: '''mussels''' (''moules''), '''fries''' (''frites'') and '''chocolate'''. A few more adventurous ''bruxellois'' dishes include ''anguilles au vert / paling in't groen'' (river eels in green sauce), meat balls in tomato sauce, ''stoemp'' (mashed vegetables and potatoes) and ''turbot waterzooi'' (turbot fish in cream and egg sauce). For dessert, try a Belgian '''waffle''' (''gauffre''), also available in a square Brussels version dusted with powdered sugar, and choices of bananas, whipped cream and many other toppings. Although many prefer the round, syrup-coated version from Liege.
Budget
The matter over which establishment serves up the best frites (locally known as ''fritkots'') remains a matter of heated debate. Some argue that the best frites in Brussels are served at the fritkot near the Barriere de Saint-Gilles, while others defend St-Josse's Martin (Place Saint-Josse/Sint-Joostplein) as the prime purveyor of the authentic Brussels frite just as others claim Antoine (Place Jourdan/Jourdanplein) remains the king of the local french fry. No matter which fritkot you're at, try to be adventurous and have something other than ketchup or mayonnaise on your fries. Of the selection of bizarre sauces you've never seen before, "andalouse" is probably the most popular with the locals.
'''FRITKOTS'''
'''Maison Antoine''', ''Place Jourdanplein'' - tasty fries with a large collection of sauces situated on a square close to the European Parliament. You can eat your fries (''frites'') in one of the several bars/cafes that carries the sign ''frites acceptes''.
'''Chez Martin'''. The small nondescript fritkot plonked on Place Saint-Josse/Sint-Joost (Saint-Josse-ten-Noode/Sint-Joost-ten-Node) and run by the calm and affable Martin is a serious contender for the best friterie in Brussels. You can eat your frites at the nearby Cafe Gambrinus and wash them down with a ''pintje'' or two.
'''La Friterie de la Place de la Chapelle''', rue Haute-Hoogstraat (near Les Marolles). Another personal choice for the best ''frites'' in Brussels: the big chunks of potato, fried golden, and served with the usual dazzling array of sauces.
'''La Friterie de la Barriere''', rue du Parc - Parkstraat (just off the Barriere de St-Gilles). Golden and crispy frites - just the way they should be. This exterior of this fritkot also serves as mini-museum with several tracts, articles and other literature on the fronts and sides of the shack on the good ol' Belgian frite.
'''OTHERS'''
'''Arcadi''', ''1B rue d'Aremberg, just at the exit of "Galleries de la Reine", in the direction opposite to the Grand-Place'' - a quirky combination of old and new, the menu ranges all over the place but the reason people flock here is the selection of over 30 sweet and savoury pies (''tartes''). A slice big enough for a meal, served with salad, costs ?4-6.
'''Snack Pizzeria Porte de Halle''', Avenue Henri Jaspar, 134, directly across the city ring from Porte de Halle. The gentlemen running the place speak a little bit of English and serve the best donar kebap and pizza in the neighborhood. The #39-Pizza Porte De Halle is probably their best pizza. Tel. 02/534 0051; Open 11:00 - 23:00 w/free delivery on orders over ?10
'''Sel et Sucre Creperie - Glacier''', Avenue des Celtes, 4, near Merode subway station, Parc du Cinquantenaire-Jubelpark and the Arc de Triomphe-Triomfbloog. The fantastic crepes and friendly service makes up for the ordinary decor and just around the corner from the Arc de Triomphe-Triomfbloog. Open 12:00 - 22:00.
Delivery
Quality food is available online in and around Brussels from various companies, including the webportal '''ebistro'''.
Mid-range
Brussels' tourist restaurant gauntlet can be found in Rue des Bouchers-Beenhouwerstraat, just to the north of Grand Place. The place has a bad reputation for waiters imposing themselves on passers-by, trying to lure customers into their restaurant. The authorities are aware of this, and are trying to take measures. Some restaurants may also tempt you with cheap prices for the menus, but when seated, the item on the menu happens to be unavailable, and you're forced to accept another, noticeably more expensive dish. Often, the exaggerated price of the wines will also compensate for the attractive menu. Knowing this however, you may be able to negotiate a better deal before entering.
A few restaurants stand out from the crowd though:
'''Aux Armes de Bruxelles''', 13 Rue des Bouchers-Beenhouwerstraat, +32 (0)2 511 5550. Closed Mondays. Basic honest food, including some very decent moules. Crowded, although worth the wait.
'''Chez Leon''', 18, Rue des Bouchers, +32 (0)2 511 1415, [http://www.chezleon.be/]. Now franchised into France as well, this is the original and while it's huge and looks like a tourist trap, the ''moules'' are excellent and it's packed every day. Moules, beer and a starter will set you back ?25, and kids eat for free.
'''Scheltema''', 7, Rue des Dominicains, +32 (0)2 512 2084. Specializes in fresh and tasty seafood.
Outside the Rue des Bouchers, you may try:
'''Au Pre Sale''', 20, Rue de Flandre-Vlaamsesteenweg (''near place St Catherine''), +32 (0)2 513 6545. A former butcher shop, locals flock here for some of the best ''moules'' in town, sold by the kilo (figure on ?24) and served up in half a dozen ways. Also serves the full range of other Brussels favorites.
'''Falstaff''', 19, Rue Henri Mausstraat 19 (''by the Bourse-Beurs''). Has cheap and decent food and is open every day until 2AM, around ?20-30.
'''Le Beau Soleil''', 7, Rue Joseph Lebeau (''Sablon area''). This tiny restaurant (approx. 14 seats) looks like a violin workshop, so you sit next to all the tools and half finished violins. Unlike other Belgian restaurants, it is open from 9AM to 5PM (Mo-Fr), 9AM to 6PM (Sat,Sun), closed on Wednesday. The menu is small but really delicious. The atmosphere is informal and friendly.
'''Les Brassins''', Rue Keyenveld-Keienveldstraat 36, Ixelles-Elsene, +32 (0)2 512 6999. Its crowd is mostly made out of young couples or students. Rich choice of beer, with more than 50 varieties on the menu, and good quality of food.
''''T Kelderke''', Grand'Place, 15 Grote Markt, +32 (0)2 513 7344. ?9-19 Main courses. ?8.50 Plat du jour. Well-made typical Belgian fare. Try the ''carbonnades a la flamande'' (Flemish beef stew) & mussels. Note that this place can feel cramped when full of diners.
Close to the Bourse Jules Van Praetstraat (rue Jules Van Praet) is another rapidly developing street of restaurants and bars. Those of note include:
'''Lune de Miel''', +32 (0)2 513 9181. Some very tasty Thai and Vietnamese dishes served in a fine decor.
'''Shamrock''', +32 (0)2 511 4989. Its exterior and misleading name belie a great range of individually cooked Indian food. Get to know the owner and he'll treat you like an old friend.
'''Thanh-Binh ''', +32 (0)2 513 8118. The restaurant is very popular amongst the Euroworkers and business types common in Brussels and serves good Thai food. It can get crowded and is often noisy but is well worth a try.
Place Saint Catherine is also a popular area, and once the fishmongering centre of Brussels. While many of the fish shops have moved elsewhere, it is still home to many good seafood restaurants featuring lobster as a specialty.
'''Restaurant Vismet''', Place Sainte-Catherin 23, +32 (0)2 218 85 45. A small bistro that really gets busy after 19:00. Very good seafood. The handwritten menu can throw foreigners off, but everything on the menu(s) are top notch. Appetizers: around ?15; Main dishes: ?18-30
'''Jacques''', Quai aux Briques 44, +32 (0)2 513 2762. An authentic old bistro, with a charming kitsch decor. Very good fish.
'''Viva M'Boma''', Rue de Flandre 17, +32 (0)2 512 1593. For real Belgian home cooking. Terrace in the summer.
It is outside the touristic centre that the best deals can be found. Here are a few addresses in the Upper Town and Louise Area:
'''Madou's Provence''', 23, Rue de la Presse, Bruxelles. +32 (0)2 217 3831. Closed Saturday noon and Sundays. Innovative southern French cuisine at affordable prices.
'''Chez Oki''', 62, Rue Lesbroussart, Ixelles-Elsene, [http://www.chez-oki.com/]. French-Japanese fusion cuisine in a modern decor. The chef has worked for prestigious restaurants in Paris. Reasonable prices.
Splurge
'''Belga Queen''' [http://www.belgaqueen.be/], ''Rue du Fosse aux Loups-Wolvengracht 32''. A restaurant within an old, restored bank building. Has an oyster bar, gorgeous bathrooms (with strange stall doors), and a cigar bar housed in the old bank vaults. A good looking younger crowd seem to enjoy this place, and don't miss the offbeat restrooms.
'''La Belle Maraichere''', ''Place Sainte-Catherine 11'', +32 (0)2 512 9759, closed We-Th. A classic fish restaurant. Very fresh fish and good old traditional cooking.
'''Les Larmes du Tigres (Tears of the Tiger)''', ''Justitiepaleis, de Wynantsstraat 21'', +32 (0)2 512 1877, closed Tu, [http://users.skynet.be/leslarmesdutigre/]. Upmarket and stylish Thai restaurant found just behind the Palais de Justice and better than most food found in Thailand.
'''De Gulden Boot (la Chaloupe d'Or)''', 24 Grote Markt (Grand Place) - One of the most famous restaurants in Brussels, situated on Grand Place. Beautiful old building, but too much of a tourist trap. And even after a ?200 dinner, you will get charged ?0.50 to visit the toilet.
Vegetarian
'''Dolma''' - A very nice vegetarian buffet Monday till Saturday from 19 till 21h [http://www.dolma.be/]. Chaussee d'Ixelles 329. Reservation 02/6498981.
'''La Tsampa''' - An organic/vegetarian shop annex restaurant [http://www.tsampa.be/], closed on Saturday and Sunday. Rue de Livourne 109.
'''L'Element Terre''' - Located in Ixelles, L'Element Terre features an ecclectic menu and wonderful, attentive service. Chaussee de Waterloo 465.
Drink
Belgium is to beer what France is to wine, it is home to one of the greatest beer traditions in the world, and Brussels is a great place to sample some of the vast variety on offer. Typical beers of Brussels are ''gueuze'' (rather bitter) and ''kriek'' (rather sweet, cherry based).
A special drink only found in Brussels is the "half-en-half" ("half and half"). It's a mixture of white wine and champagne.
Pubs
'''"Brasserie De l'Union"''', 55 Parvis De Saint-Gilles - Sint-Gillisvoorplein. This is a place with a true "atmosphere", wooden chairs and tables, big old wooden bar, a crowd that reflects the diversity of Saint-Gilles. Everybody is welcome and come as you are. This is a bar that just oozes human warmth and a comfortable ambiance. When the sunny days are coming, the terrace is one of the best in Saint-Gilles.
'''A La Becasse''', Rue de Taborastraat 11, +32 (0)2 511 0006. Serves a typical Brussels product this slightly sweetened Lambic beer, white beer based on Lambic, Kriek Lambic and so on. The entrance is not that easy to find.
'''A La Mort Subite''', 7, rue Montagne-aux-Herbes Potageres, [http://www.alamortsubite.com]. This is the Brussels cafe par excellence. Opened since 1927, the decor remains unchanged but still retains its charm. A warm welcome greets the eclectic clientile of which La Mort remains a firm favorite.
'''Bier Circus''', 57, Rue de l'Enseignement-Onderrichtsstraat, +32 (0)2 218 0034, [http://www.biercircus.be/]. Has an impressive selection of beers, including some extremely hard to find beers. Examples of rare beers they have in stock, are Lam Gods (a delicious beer brewed from figs) and the rarest of the Trappist beers, winner of the Beer of the Year 2005, Westvleteren.
'''BXL Cafe/Bar''', Place de la Vieille Halle aux Bles-Oud Korenhuis 46, +32 (0)2 502 9980. Open daily noon-midnight (Fri/Sat until 1AM). A stylish, friendly internet cafe in the center of Brussels. Offering high speed internet access, occasional live music/DJ, latest movies shown on video screens around the bar, regular art exhibitions. Gay friendly space with women's night every Wednesday from 8PM.
'''Bizon Cafe''', Karperbrug 7 Rue Pont de la Carpe, [http://www.cafebizon.com/index.htm]. A relaxed blues/rock bar in St Gery area. Excellent place for a beer or five.
'''The Monk''', 42 St Katelijnestraat/ Rue St. Catherine, [http://www.monk.be/]. A large proper brown bar with walls covered in dark wood and mirrors. Lots of young people from the neighborhood, cool music and a decent Malt whiskey selection.
'''Delirium Cafe''', 4A, Impasse de la Fidelite-Getrouwheidsgang (''on a pedestrian only sidestreet''), +32 (0)2 514 4434, [http://www.deliriumcafe.be]. Right in the centre of Brussels within five minutes walk of the Grand Place. This bar is all about the beer, offering over 2000 different beers from all over the world. They even hold the Guinness world record for most beers available! Popular amongst foreigners. Check if they have your own local beer. View their website for more info.
'''Chez Moeder Lambiek''', Rue Savoiestraat 68 (''behind Saint Gilles-Sint-Gillis city hall''). Has a huge list of different beers, with several hundred obscure beers not likely found anywhere else. This cafe is one of the last remaining old-fashioned '''brown cafes''' in Brussels.
'''Le Greenwich''', 7 Rue des Chartreux, Kartuizerstraat, +32 (0)2 511 4167. Another wood-panelled brown cafe where the only sound is the sound of the chess pieces on the chess board. Shh!
'''Brasserie Verschueren''', 11-13 Parvis de St-Gilles, Sint-Gillisvoorplein, 02/539 40 68. Something of an institution in hip Saint-Gilles. Under the watchful eye of the portly, bearded deep-voiced owner, hipsters, starving artists and local poodle-brandishing ladies mingle and drink endless beers and coffees. A beautiful woodwork football (soccer) tableau shows the scores of some long lost second and third division teams from yesteryear.
'''Cirio''', 18 Rue de la Bourse, Beursstraat (near the Bourse). A traditional cafe where time has come to a stop. Also offers some simple meals. Don't forget to visit the bathroom, with the original tiles and porcelain.
Bars and clubs
'''Mappa Mundo''', ''Place Saint Gery-Sint Goriksplein 2'', ''+32'' (0)2 514 3555. One of the many trendy bar/cafes located on the popular Place Saint Gery-Sint Goriksplein. You are assured good drinking in at least one of these establishments, which are very popular with younger Eurocrats, foreigners and interns, giving them a rather friendly cosmopolitan character.
'''Le Tavernier'''. While all the above locations are situated downtown in central Brussels, this location is the most popular bar on a strip of bars right by the Cimetiere d'Ixelles-begraafplaats van Elsene. It's location right off the student campus make it extremely popular with students who just want to kick back and have a few relaxed drinks. Note on certain nights there is also live music (making the establishment a lot more hectic). Worth a look especially towards the beginning and end of the academic year and in the summer (especially for their Jazzbreaks nights). They also have a website. 445 Chaussee de Boondael-Boondaalsesteenweg.
'''Hydra-breaks''' organises "Hydra Sessions" and also "Next Level" and "Caliente" drum and bass parties at various locations. Hydra Sessions are major D&B nights with international headliners such as Pendulum, Spor, or Raiden, along national djs.
'''Bulex nights''' is a monthly night out for many locals since more than 10 years, blending all kind of music in unexpected venues. Come as you are.
'''The Fuse''' (Rue Blaes 208) is a nightclub where it all started and is a Brussels institution. Be sure to check it out.
The '''Botanique''' is the place for rock and pop. They do, on occasion, bring more experimental acts.
The Botanique's Flemish counterpart, the '''Ancienne Belgique''' features the same mix of rock and pop with the occasional excursion into more unchartered, experimental territory.
'''Recyclart''' - For electronica, noise-rock, electroclash, minimal techno as well as art exhibitions, social projects and installations.
'''Gays and Lesbians''': the two biggest monthly gay clubs remain at La Demence at the Fuse. 100% House & Trance. Don't miss the crowded (but super small) Le Belgica bar, which plays house music.
Sleep
Hotel rates in Brussels can vary widely (especially at the upper end) depending on how many EU bigwigs happen to be in town. Good deals are often available on weekends and during the summer when the bureaucrats flee on vacation.
Budget
'''Youth Hostel Van Gogh (CHAB)''' [http://www.chab.be/], Rue Traversiere 8, ''+32'' 2 217 01 58 (''Fax +32 2 219 79 95''). Good location, near Brussels North Station, quick access to all train stations via metro and airport. Very clean friendly staff, and lively bar with good ambience which stays open late.
'''Hostel Jacques Brel'''[http://www.laj.be/html/en/hostels/brel/aubergesbrel_en01.htm], Rue de la Sablonniere-Zavelput 30, ''+32'' 2 218 01 87 (''Fax +32 2 217 20 05''). Centrally located and within walking distance of the Beer Circus, but has a reputation for being unclean and chaotic. Reception closes early and there's a curfew between 1 and 6 AM.
'''Youth Hostel Generation Europe''', Rue de l'Elephant-Olifantstraat 4, ''+32'' 2 410 38 58 (''Fax +32 2 410 39 05''). Offers beds for budget travelling.
'''Hotel A La Grande Cloche''', Place Rouppeplein 10, ''+32'' 2 512 61 40 (''Fax: +32 2 512 65 91'') [http://www.hotelgrandecloche.com/]. Cheap rates, decent rooms, and a central location halfway between Gare du Midi-Zuidstation and the Grand' Place-Grote Markt (about a 10-minute walk to either). Price around ? 70.
'''Youth Hostel Sleep Well'''[http://www.sleepwell.be/EN/welcome.html], Rue du Damier 23, ''+32 2 218 50 50'' (''Fax +32 2 218 13 13''). Centrally located, very clean. Available double rooms with private facilities (about ?60).
'''Hotel Abberdeen''', Rue du Colombier 4, ''+32 2 223 52 58'' (''Fax +32 2 223 12 33''), hotel-abberdeen@belgacom.net. Very centrally located (Rue Neuve), clean and comfortable, but quite noisy at night.
Mid-range
'''Thon Hotel Brussels Airport''' [http://www.thonhotels.com/brusselsairport] Berkenlaan 4 tel +32 2 721 77 77, fax +32 2 721 55 96, brusselsairport@thonhotels.be. Thon Hotel Brussels Airport is in quiet surroundings close to the Brussels Airport and the NATO headquarters.
'''ApartmentsApart''' [http://www.apartmentsapart.com/Europe/Belgium/Brussels]. Tel +48.22.820.9231 (''1-866-387-6429 Toll Free from the USA & Canada''). Beautifully furnished 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms offered. Five minutes from the city center by Metro. Apartments start as low as ? 118 per night for 4 guests (''under ? 30 per person''). The friendly staff and extra services will ensure you a wonderful stay.
'''La Madeleine''' [http://www.hotel-la-madeleine.be/] Rue de la Montagne-Bergstraat 20-22, tel ''+32-2'' 513-29-73, fax ''+32-2'' 502-13-50, hotel-la-madeleine@hotel-la-madeleine.be. Just off the Grand' Place and a short walk away from Central Station. Room rates range from ? 52 to over ? 100. Breakfast included. The rooms are quite small but have the basic amenities such as phone, TV. No airconditioning however.
'''Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre''' [http://www.thonhotels.com/brusselscitycentre] Avenue du Boulevard 17, tel +32 2 205 15 11, fax +32 2 201 15 15, brusselscitycentre@thonhotels.be. Major 4-star hotel in the centre of Brussels with 454 rooms. Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre is idealy situated in the heart of Brussels. Located in close proximity of the new business district, next to the World Trade Centre, the Belgian government area and the European Parliament.
'''Hotel Opera''' [http://www.hotel-opera.be/] is centrally placed on Rue Gretrystraat 53. Quoted price of ?73 may be negotiated downwards if booking a off-peak weekend or 3 or more days.
'''Villa Primavera''' [http://www.eu-brussels.be/]. Rue de la Presse-Drukpersstraat, 18, tel +32.475.501856. Fully-furnished studio-type, 1 & 2 bedrooms apartments from 1 night to 1 year. 5 minutes from the Central Station. Just behind the Belgian Parliament and Park of Brussels. Close to EU district. Room rates from ? 60 for 4 guests for one-month stays (''? 15 per person''). Free cable TV and Wi-Fi Internet access in every apartment.
'''The Phileas Fogg Hotel''' [http://www.phileasfogg.be/]. Luxury boutique hotel housed in a typical Brussels townhouse. The Phileas Fogg Hotel is located at walking distance from the Grand Place, Botanical Gardens, The Brussels Jazz Station, Art Deco and Art Nouveau and the Cathedral.
'''Hotel Floris Avenue''' [http://www.florishotels.com/new/index.asp?hotel=floris%20avenue%20,%20brussels&lang=english&page=244]. Elegant 4 star residence in the heart of Brussels; a stylish Brussels hotel offering guests superb accommodation and facilities in the heart of this modern city. The Hotel Floris Avenue is centrally located between the Eurostar Thalys Terminus and famous Grand Place.
'''Hotel Floris Louise''' [http://www.florishotels.com/new/index.asp]. Boutique hotel in Brussels within spacious modern rooms tailored with guests' comfort in mind; designed combining soft colours and rich fabrics to offer luxury and style. Hotel Floris Louise is in the heart of Brussels close to the exclusive shopping area 'Avenue Louise'.
'''Hotel Manos Stephanie''' [http://www.manoshotel.com/stephanie/index.html]. Boutique hotel with charm, ideal choice for the modern traveller. Centrally located in the heart of Brussels, just yards away from the most fashionable shopping and business district, the Hotel Manos Stephanie is a reflection of Brussels genuine hospitality.
'''Hotel NH Atlanta''' [http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/belgium/brussels/nh-atlanta-brussels.html?action=search]. Traditional Hotel situated in business and shopping central area next to Place de Brouckere, half a kilometer from airport & Central station.
'''RentByNight''' [http://www.rentbynight.com]. 6 fully equiped apartments located in the city center of Brussels, close to the Grand Place, for all your stay, from 1 night.
Hotel Scandinavia. haussee de Mons 115-117. ttp://www.bookyourhotel.org/view-hotel/en/Brussels/17/Hotel_Scandinavia/167.html. 5.00. 1.00. rice around 100.00?. This 3-star hotel is conveniently situated just 100 meters from the Midi Station and 10 minutes from Brussels_f historic Grand Place.
Louise Hotel Brussels. ue Veydt, 40 1050 bruxelles. ttp://www.louisehotel.com/. Budget boutique hotel in Brussels. Features 49 rooms and is in the commercial area of the famous Louise Avenue, steps from European Parliament and Downtown
Splurge
'''Hotel Metropole Brussels '''[http://www.metropolehotel.com] - As the city's only 19th-century hotel still in operation, this 5-star landmark is in the historic center of Brussels. Short walk from Grand Place, the Royal Theatre de la Monnaie and the Bourse. 19th-century palace, 313 guestrooms and suites, fitness center, 12 meeting rooms, award-winning gourmet restaurant l'Alban Chambon. Official Website: [http://www.metropolehotel.com]
'''Sofitel Brussels Toison d'Or''', ''Avenue de la Toison d'Or-Gulden Vlieslaan 40 (''subway station Louise-Louiza, turn to the right towards the Hilton - it's right across the street''), tel +32 2 5142200 (''fax: +32 2 5145744''). A rather nice Sofitel with good rooms, conveniently located close to the very heart of the city in the fashionable Luisa district. ?99 - ?495 per person per night (''breakfast ?25/person - but there is a Quick fast food restaurant right next door'').
'''Stanhope Hotel''' [http://www.thonhotels.com/stanhope] Rue du Commerce 9, tel +32 2 506 91 11, fax +32 2 512 17 08, reservations@stanhope.be. The Stanhope Hotel is situated in the heart of the European district. Within walking distance you can find the main tourist attractions in Brussels like the Royal Palace, the Grand Place and the Sablon.The boutique hotel offers 108 marvellous rooms, including 2 apartments that are perfectly suited for longer stays.
'''Radisson SAS Royal''', Rue du Fosse-aux-Loups 47, +32-2-2192828, [http://hotels.radissonsas.com/City.asp?city=Brussels&country=Belgium]. Three minutes' walk from the Grand Place and the Central Station. Free Wifi, fitness center with sauna and solarium, restaurant "Sea Grill" has two Michelin stars. Rates from ?95 per night.
Stay safe
Brussels is generally a safe city. Some suburban neighborhoods have a poor reputation, but travellers are unlikely to visit them. The neighborhoods of Schaarbeek, Brussels North and
Brussels Center should be avoided at night if possible.
However, pickpockets, sometimes in teams, operate in crowded tourist areas, and the train and metro stations (particularly at night) attract drug addicts and other shady types. Travellers should be particularly alert for distractions such as being asked for the time or directions and having attention diverted from their hand or shopping bag. Travelling with laptops at anytime is strongly discouraged.
Get out
Visit the following Belgian cities, all within a two hour drive of Brussels:
Waterloo - About 15 km South of Brussels. Visit where Wellington faced Napoleon for an ultimate battle that changed Europe's face forever
Mechelen - About 35 km NE of Brussels.
Leuven - About 30 km East of Brussels.
Antwerp - About 55 km North of Brussels.
Bruges - About 100 km NW of Brussels.
Ghent - About 60 km NW of Brussels.
Namur - About 125 km SE of Brussels.
Tournai - About 90 km West of Brussels.
You can also get to any of the following 'foreign' cities from Brussels within 3 hours without the use of a plane:
Amsterdam/Rotterdam/The Hague/Utrecht (car - longer by train), Luxembourg (car or train), Paris (train - longer by car), London (by train), Aachen (train or car), Lille (less than an hour by train or car), Cologne/Bonn (train or car)