What’s Brussels like, please?

[mnahmnah]

Hi

I have a big birthday coming up. DH is looking at taking me to Brussels. It’s not somewhere i’ve ever considered or know much about. Is it a nice place for a romantic weekend? Interesting things to see and do? Thanks!

The city or the sprout?

Never been to the city but don’t think muck of there sprouts

It's the most boring place I have ever been to. But that was 13 years ago.

I actually love Brussels, especially at Christmas. It has some amazing architecture, great bars and restaurants and the free walking tours are really good.

There is a shocking amount of homeless people, although I suspect that’s pretty common in many places sadly.

It’s a nice city though. I have been a few times.

I love it for food, beer, and wandering around the main square and market, but found the sightseeing not up to much. I suspect Bruges would be more romantic if that's what you're after (but haven't been myself).

*meant to say "loved" it (I've only been once)

Dull, unfriendly and expensive. You’d be better going to Bruges, which is beautiful, friendly and expensive.

It's my least favourite continental European city. Not much to see outside the main square, and not much to do if you're not into beer or sea food

Worth it for the chocolate and waffles.

Hmm, mixed then! The flights are good times for us for a weekend trip. And cheap. We never have any time apart from DC so figured anywhere would do. Don’t want to be bored though.... thanks everyone!

Boring! But the food, beer and chocolate is excellent.

I was there last summer and thought the prices were reasonable compared to London or Paris. Not loads to do but pleasant none the less.

One word. Grey.

Really boring. Get a train to Bruges (about an hour) - so much nicer to wander round.

I'd go again but would just eat and drink all weekend and not bother sightseeing 😁

Sorry that was supposed to be a grin (), but looks like a grimace

I love Brussels. The Grand Place is stunning, lots of other squares and parks to wander around. The Art Nouveau architecture is wonderful. If you go late May bank holiday there is a jazz festival with free music in the squares. Bruges and Ghent are great too. (bit of a fan of Belgium)

I don't mind it but I only tend to go on day trips bout once a year!

The waffles re fab, and it's nice to wander around or sit with a coffee and people watch for a bit. The wall art of the tin tin characters are interesting. Theres some nice parks on the outskirts. Atomium is more interesting to look from outside than going in. Saying that I haven't been in for years,. I think the kids were young last time I went in so it was a while ago.

Sometimes they dress Mannequin pis up in costumes so I like to see what he has on.

A day or day and a half is usually enough.

Been to Brussels loads. Really friendly, love the food.

We went to Brussels last summer intending to just use it as a base to travel elsewhere. We loved it so much, though, we didn’t travel half so much as we planned. Really fun to just amble about; great food. Felt to me like it had the vibe of Paris but smaller, without the standoffishness, and took itself less seriously. Bruges is v nice too though almost felt a bit too sanitised and touristy: it was also extremely crowded. But overall Belgium was such a lovely surprise. Give it a go!

I lived in Brussels for four years and it's a great place to live and work, but I would never recommend it to someone looking to visit for the weekend. As others say, if you're thinking Belgium, Bruges is utterly delightful.