Brussels.

source

Hi all, looking for some info about Brussels, Thinking of getting the missus a trip there for her birthday. We'd be flying into Charleroi, i've had a look and the only thing i can see with reference to a rail link to Brussels, is on wikipedia. Looking for some confirmation from anyone who's been.

Also does anyone know any decent hotels which are reasonably priced.

any help and reccomendations appreciated.

cheers

misswex

On the hotel front, we stayed in the Bedford Hotel in Brussels and it was very reasonable and we certainly thought it was nice and right in the city centre so great for sightseeing etc. I loved Brussels so and would go back.

Hope yourself and the missus have a great weekend!

You could also think about staying out in Bruge for a night, only a short ride from Brussels and its meant to be fabulous. We didn't get the chance to go there when we were in Brussels but next time its definitely on our list!

enda1

foinse wrote: »

Hi all, looking for some info about Brussels, Thinking of getting the missus a trip there for her birthday. We'd be flying into Charleroi, i've had a look and the only thing i can see with reference to a rail link to Brussels, is on wikipedia. Looking for some confirmation from anyone who's been.

Also does anyone know any decent hotels which are reasonably priced.

any help and reccomendations appreciated.

cheers

I live there/here.

I would recommend if at all possible flying into Brussels Airport instead of Charleroi but if you have to fly into Charleroi, then get the bus.

Depending on how long you stay I'd say maybe visit some other places.

Brussels is nice to walk around but doesn't have many tourist sights. You'll cover it in an afternoon.

What are your interests? What type people are you and I could give you some better suggestions.

source

@ misswex good idea with bruges might be an idea.

@ enda1, we tend to go abroad to see the place, and get a feel of what it's like, it'll be a weekend trip and ryanair are flying into charleroi from shannon so kinda stuck with the airport.

we tend to do sights, museums, walk around the area exploring the place. we also tend to go shopping, granted more herself than me but it's another thing we like to do, also we like trying local foods and fare, basically getting to know the area and trying the place out.

Would Bruges be a better option to Brussels or would a weekend visit there be too long?

enda1

Brugge is a bit hit and miss. Some like it some hate it. I fell into the latter category to be honest so couldn't really recommend it. I think it appeals more to American's and Japanese who want to see some pristine preserved version of medieval Europe - but is actually fake (sshhhh!).

I prefer Ghent to Brugge, plus its closer to Brussels. For shopping Antwerp is the best city in Belgium or else try Lille which is only about 30 mins on the TGV.

Museums are generally pay in so bear that in mind. Restaurants you will always have to pay for water, not like in Ireland or France where you can get a carafe of water for free - kinda a stinger cause it often about €5 for 500ml!

Beer is your best bet though. Very reasonable prices when drinking out even for the more exotic beers Belgium has to offer.

I've heard hotels are good value at the weekend cause they are mainly business hotels so are empty of business people at the weekend. try out some of them for weekend offers such as the Radisson SAS, Hilton etc.

If you are interested in antiques, try Rue Haute and Rue Basse in the south city centre. Then head to Place de Jeux des Balles at the end of rue Haute for a great flea market running till about 14:00 every day.

For clothes shopping there's Rue Neuve in the centre for low-medium level high street and then around the Avenue Louise are for medium-high end high street.

for designer and quirky etc. the west-centre is better such as rue Antoine Dansaert and neighbouring streets.

Enjoy.

P.S. I don't have many recommendations for museums because I am not a big fan of them. The one I did go to - the Music Instrument museum in the English department store was terrible. Crappy audio guides and just a very sterile atmosphere. Plus the building looks much nicer on the outside.

source

Hey guys thanks for the reply, just talking with herself last night about holidays, turns out she's already been there with mates a few years ago, and wouldn't be up for going back, ah well, back to the drawing board lol