Beautiful Brussels

Time to take a minibreak or a weekendtrip? Go to Brussels...I was in Brussels on a business trip a few years ago. And I can really understand why the European Union chose Brussels for their head quarters. It is a lovely city with so many beautiful buildings and landmarks.

Where to stay? I can recommend Hotel Leopold, Rue du Luxembourg 35, which has an excellent location and great food. Close to the EU buildings and the shopping.



Top 10 things to do in Brussels:

1. Beer is a specialty in Belgium. Take the chance and participate in a beer and cheese tasting at A la Bécasse. I do not like beer a lot but it was interesting to taste different types and feel the atmosphere in a la Bécasse.
2. Have a lovely dinner att restaurant Aux Armes de Bruxelles
3. Be a true EUropean and visit the EU head quarters and the parliament at Espace Léopold
4. See the Atomium. It was the icon of the world fair in 1958. And it is still beautiful and stunning.
5. Buy choclate at Neuhaus is a must. The first Neuhaus shop opened in Brussels in 1857. And it is still there. Try their chocolate and you will understand why.Mums as we say in Sweden.
6. Go on sightseeing. Brussels has so many magnificent buildings, much thanks to King Leopold II. Do not forget to bring your camera...
   Some favorites I discovered during my short trip was:
7. The city hall
8. The royal palace
9. The colourful grand palace
10. The charming chinese pavillion

Two nice restaurants I can recommend.
- Fabulous Italian food at the Osteria La Bolognese.
Address: Rue de la Paix 4.
The best Italian starter I ever tasted. http://www.osteriabolognese.be
- Great mediterranean food at the El Turco restaurant.  http://elturco.be
Address: Rue Du Trone, 73, Place De Londres, 6

Marvellous Swedish Opera singer Malena Ernman gave me these recommendations for nice restaurants in Brussels:
Restaurants: Try st Catherine / Vlamse stenweg area. Or sablon. Nice coffee / lunch/ bar is le roi des belges on St Gery.
For drinks:l' archeduc (?) on rue antoine dansaert. Near Bourse . Rumour has it their piano use to belong to J Brel... Ring the doorbell!!
After my trip to Belgium I was told there is a chocolate museum in Brussels. So for all chocolate fans, don´t miss the Belgium Chocolate Museum in the city centre.