Advice about Brussels

milkado

Hi,

I'm going to Brussels in January for 2 nights/3 day, few questions!

We got cheap ryanair flights and are flying into Charleroi, how long would it take to get to Brussels from there? and I read about a shuttle bus, would that be better to take than a train?

Also is 3 days enough in Brussels? I've heard there's not a whole lot to do for tourists..what would be the main things that would be interesting to do there?

thanks!!

mikedragon32

Shuttle took about 45 minutes when I used it. IIRC it brings you into the Schumann district which is the hub of the EU administration.

3 days is plenty. The Arc de Triumph and the Atomium are worth seeing, Grand Place is beautiful and the Mannequin Pis is there too (don't be too disappointed by it, it's a lot smaller than you might have thought!). The Musee des Beaux Arts is well worth a look too, particularly if they have any exhibitions on.

Meathlass

When we were in Brussels in June we took a day trip to Bruges which is a beautiful city. Only an hour away from the city and well worth the trip in my estimation.

kraggy

Yeah I'd say try and spend as much time out of Brussels as possible. Can't believe it's some poor country's capital. It's woeful. There'll be people who disagree with me but that's how I feel.

Go to Brugges.

Xavi6

+1 to it being an awful city. I've been to both there and Antwerp and they're both equally uninspiring. 3 days may be too much.

Best thing to come out of Belgium is the train to Holland.

milkado

Hey, thanks for the replies! I was sorta thinking of going to Bruges for a day and now think I definitely will!! What is there to do there? Might spend the first night in Brussels and the second in Bruges..would that make sense? thanks!!

Shamrogue

Might not be your 'thing'.
The Royal Museum of the Army and Military.
http://www.klm-mra.be/klm-new/engels/main01.php?id=menu_links/startpagina

'tis vast.

P. Breathnach

milkado wrote: »

Hey, thanks for the replies! I was sorta thinking of going to Bruges for a day and now think I definitely will!! What is there to do there? Might spend the first night in Brussels and the second in Bruges..would that make sense? thanks!!

I don't know if it is worth the bother, and I suspect that Bruges would be more expensive. The rail service in Belgium is very good indeed, so it is probably easier to work out of Brussels than to re-locate.

Bruges is indeed nice, but I thought it a bit too touristy for my taste. I much preferred Ghent. You could easily see both and form your own opinion.

Brussels is not fantastically interesting. The Grand Place is stunning, and I thought Manikin Pis was one of the most over-rated attractions anywhere. But I like Brussels for its easy pace, unusual for a capital city.

cfitz

Maybe there's not that much to do in Brussels but it's a lovely place to spend a few days.

The chocolate is lovely.
The Grand Place is a really nice place to walk around and see all the old buildings.
There's a good theme park just outside the city (but it probably isn't open in January).
The EU mini cities beside the Atomium are well worth a visit (I'm not sure if going up the Atomium itself is worthwhile).
There are some nice bars and restaurants.
It's easy to get around.

I think it's a very pleasant place, am going back for my 4th time there next month.