City breaks in Brussels mean strolling cobbled streets, eating world-class chocolates, and contrasting hundreds of varieties of beer. Almost everywhere is in walking distance from the awe-inspiring Grand-Place, a huge square leading to yet more cafes and restaurants.
Fuel your city break in Brussels with a tasty street snack, such as a paper cone of frites chips, dipped in mayonnaise of course. When you've found your feet, seek out local-style Brussels restaurants, Estaminets, serving waterzooi, fish or chicken stew and carbonnades flamandes, beef soaked and softened in Belgian beer, though avoid touristy rue des Bouchers. Sainte-Catherine is the best part of the city for unassuming but excellent seafood restaurants. After dinner, finish your Brussels city break with a night out at a club in Place Saint-Géry or a jazz bar in Ixelles.
Stay close to the Grand-Place to be in the heart of things on your Brussels city breaks. Fashionistas should choose Brussels' designer-studded rue Antoine Dansaert. For a smart location and the best chocolate shops, book a city break hotel in the Sablon district. Looking for an international flavour on your Brussels city break? The modern glass-and-steel European Quarter will fit the bill.
Fill your bags with goodies to take home from your Brussels city break, starting with the city's latest fashion boutiques on rue Antoine Dansaert, and chocolates or antiques from the Sablon area. Tour the city to take in the quirky cartoons on Brussels' walls, the Art Nouveau Horta Museum and Surreal art at the Magritte Museum. Buy bargains in the Jeu de Balle weekend market to round off your Brussels city break.