1. Stroll the Grand Place in Brussels
Brussels' central square, the
cobblestoned Grand Place is lined with ornate gothic and baroque
structures that centuries ago housed members of Belgium's powerful
guilds. Some of the buildings are decorated with gold leaf; all
surround you with a sense of the ancient city.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grand Place is a must-see attraction for photo-takers. Although you may be tempted to slip into one of its many pretty street-level cafes, be on notice that some of them are simply tourist traps where the food is, in a word, bad.
2. Window Shop at Galeries Royal St. Hubert
One of Europe's earliest covered shopping
areas, Galeries Royal St Hubert puts Belgium's best products on
display. There's a lace shop, a Delvaux store that features high-end
leather bags, toy and shoe stores, and jewelers. But the category you
will see most on this skylit strip are chocolatiers. Neuhaus and Corné
are among the brands that cause window-shoppers to start salivating.
3. Sample the Beer
Belgium is justifiably proud of its
world-class beer production and encourages visitors to try a variety
on their visit. I've heard that the number of unique beers in Belgium
ranges between 400 and 500 for standard brews and more than 8,000 for
special one-offs. So it's likely you'll find several to please your
palate. (Especially if you combine them with thick Belgian fries.) At
a shop off Brussels' Galeries St. Hubert called the Bier
Tempel, you can choose from hundreds in stock. They include
this saucy set from a steam brewery.
4. Make Time for Magritte
Brussels' new Magritte Museum houses the
largest collection of works by the famous Surrealist painter. From the
building's trompe l'oeil exterior to its mind-bending display of
paintings by the renowned Belgian artist, couples will be entertained
and intrigued by what they see.
5. Learn to Make Chocolate Truffles
You know how to eat them. But would you
like to know how to make them? You can enroll in the workshop at Mary
Chocolatier of Brussels. During a two-hour morning or afternoon
session, you'll get a 45-minute overview of the history of chocolate
and learn how the company makes its artisanal brand. And then you'll
get to try your hand at the skill that eluded Lucy and Ethel. Click on
the link to make an online reservation.
6. Go Antiquing at the Sablon Market (nr Brussells)
Held on Sundays, it's one of the oldest
in Europe. You're likely to see a lot of old silver pieces, jewelry,
Art Deco pieces, and less-expensive items easy to take home such as
prints, corkscrews and kitchen items, lace handkerchiefs, and other
collectibles.
7. Visit the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula
You don't have to be religious or even
spiritual to be impressed by the size and beauty of the Brussels
Cathedral. From its soaring vaulted ceilings to its magnificent pipe
organ to its hand-carved wooden confession booths and intricate
stained glass windows, the cathedral awes and inspires.
8. Treat Yourselves to a Gourmet Meal
Chef Yves Mattagne consistently earns two
Michelin stars for the fine fare at his Sea Grill restaurant inside
the Radisson
Blu hotel. Although the restaurant décor needs an update, the
food is modern and inspired. We were particularly impressed with the
homegrown Belgian caviar served with crème fraiche and a perfectly
formed waffle flecked with nori. Another noteworthy restaurant is
Jaloa, where the tasting menu delivers a series of haute cuisine
delights.
9. Stay Someplace Wonderful
Why dampen a visit to Brussels by
sleeping at a mediocre chain hotel when you can cosset yourselves in
truly beautiful surroundings, where service is excellent and the guest
rooms so seductive you won't want to leave each morning? High fliers
and big spenders opt for the penthouse at Hotel Amigo , which
overlooks Grand Place and commands one of the best views in Brussels (check
rates at Hotel Amigo). Two other recommended hotels are the
classy The Dominican (check
rates) and the chic Sofitel Brussels Europe (check
rates).
10. Explore Beyond Brussels
Most travellers agree that ancient Bruges,
with its scenic canals, cobblestone streets, human-scale buildings
(some are more than 500 years old), and horse-drawn carriages is the
most romantic place in all of Belgium. And it's only a short train
ride from Brussels. Couples who want to experience more of the
country's historic landscapes in an even lower-key location ought to
put Ghent on their itinerary. And if your eyes sparkle at the thought
of diamonds, you must visit Antwerp, one of the world's largest jewellery
centres.
