On my list of favorite travel destinations, the small country of Belgium rests comfortably at the top. Located snugly between France, Germany and the Netherlands, the Kingdom of Belgium is the perfect starting point for a country-hopping European vacation. The country itself offers a wonderful blend of culture and customs, borrowing a bit from all of its larger surrounding nations, while still maintaining its own unique offerings such as its famous chocolate, beers, waffles, mussels and frites. The city with the most action and best home base for your trip is the capital city, Brussels.
Our hotel, the Hotel Bedford was a mere two block walk from the central focus of Brussels, the exquisitely gilded and statue covered Grand-Place. Because of this, the Grand-Place was the first part of Belgium that I really had a chance to see, and a place that I spent much of my vacation in. Victor Hugo called the location "the most beautiful square in the world" and he was in no way exaggerating. Enjoy a beer or strong coffee at any one of the square's cafes or pubs to feel its full effect. The town hall's tower looms over the rest of the buildings, at night being illuminated by colorful lights that swirl to the lovely sound of classical music. In 1599, Archduchess Isabella wrote:"Never have I seen something so beautiful and exquisite as the town square of the city where the town hall rises up into the sky. The decoration of the houses is most remarkable". (http://www.trabel.com/brussel/brussels-grand_place.htm) The cobble-stone covered center is often the site of festivals and events creating a bustling and cheerful crowd.
Take any of the side streets from there to tour the heart of the city by foot. Possibly one of Belgium's most iconic and beloved statues is Mannekin Pis. Located three blocks down on the corner of r.de l'Etuve and r. du Chene, the tiny fountain features a young boy peeing constantly. Local legends claim that the boy saved all of the Grand-Place by defusing a bomb by urinating on it. People of the city have created hundreds of outfits for the stone child, most of which can be seen inside La Maison du Roi (The King's House). Other must see sites include the city's many museums such as the Musees Royaux d'Art et d'Histoire. The Atomium is also a cab's ride away from downtown Brussels and an interesting monument. It consists of nine giant spheres, five of which you can climb through and tour. The Atomium was built in 1958 for the World Fair. I suggest checking out the unique landmark, but if you are not a fan of long lines and steep admission prices, skip the walk through.
To indulge in any of the traditional Belgian fare, simply step outside your hotel any time of the day. On numerous streets you can find small stands hocking waffles topped with whipped cream, chocolate and fruit, or elaborate stores called chocolateries filled with decadent Belgian chocolates of all varieties and forms (and often featuring a chocolate fountain that any chocoholic would want to bathe in). The stand holding my guiltiest pleasure is the now famous Frit'n Toast vendor. On three occasions during my vacation I found myself delving into a huge paper cone containing hot Belgian fries, better than anything found at your local McDonald's, topped with a generous dallop of mayonnaise. Other toppings are optional, but the mayo is traditional, and definitely worth destroying your diet for.
For a more relaxed dining experience, travel down the Rue du Marche aux Fromages for cheap Middle Eastern food. Or opt for the Rue des Bouchers, my preference, for shellfish and meats. While walking the narrow lane, colorful arrays of fresh seafood tempt you from every restaurant, or if that doesn't reel you in, the friendly hosts stand in doorways calling out in praise of the food within. La Bergerie stands out among the rest on the lane, featuring wonderfully succulent moulles. The menu boasts a variety of the Belgian mussels in an array of delicious sauces, usually served with the aforementioned heavenly fries. On one of my walks throughout the city I also stumbled on Bombay Inn. If you're a fan of Indian food, this is a mandatory stop on your itinerary. If you are notusually thrilled of the cuisine, stop anyway. The amazing food and atmosphere there will surely convert you.
While continuing on your tour of the country, make use of the terrific train system. They are very clean and quick ways to jet around Europe. While they are not exactly cheap, they're much better and faster than renting cars. Hop aboard for a day trip to Bruges, Belgium, one of the country's most romantic cities. Bruges (or Brugge) is laced with canals that weave through the unparalleled splendor of the stone houses and cobble stone walkways. The city is most famous for its lace, so be sure to check out a store specializing in the material to watch a master at work and pick up a sampling. At the center of Bruges you will find the Gothic Markt. The most prominent building is Belfort which towers over the square. For a small entrance fee you can climb all 366 steps up to a sensational view at the top.
For another day trip, visit the city of Antwerp (Antwerpen), the diamond capital of the world. After a trip through the newly renovated, astounding train station, step out to see window after window of perfect diamond rings and jewelry. Take a long walk down to the Grote Markt (stopping along the way to window shop the expensive boutiques). In the square you can pull up a chair at an outdoor cafe to enjoy a meal while watching the throngs of people meander around the impressive buildings and statues. Take a route back through the risque red-light alley for a more interesting twist on the city. The street was once frequented by sailors on their stops at Antwerp's seaport.
The trains are ideal if you yearn to see some of Belgium's neighboring countries. From Brussels to Paris, the train ride is slightly more than a hour. While Paris is teeming with action, it is difficult to catch everything in one day. A grand tour can start with walking the steps of the Eiffel Tower to view the city from above. Behind the tower the river Seine winds where you can use an all-day boat tour pass to cart you around to different must-sees. Stop at the Musee d'Orsay for a quick walk-through of the masterpieces present. You can jump ship at Notre Dame Cathedral, a hauntingly beautiful building, although I was saddened to find no singing gargoyles present. Finish your visit with a walk down the long Av des Champs-Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe.
Spend a wilder day in the city of Amsterdam in The Netherlands. The train ride is longer, at approximately 3 hours from Brussels, but it is pretty with views of endless fields of tulips and windmills as you near your destination. With all of the canals, a boat tour is mandatory. Lazily float through the city while learning about Amsterdam's interesting history and viewing its bewitching cityscape. The Van Gogh museum can be found in the tight streets as well as the house that Anne Frank was hidden, if you want to be educated on your journey. Take a stroll through the Red Light District, an area you'll find oozing with sexuality, while it's such a norm for locals that you'll pass children in strollers on the crowded street. Tour the museum of sex and visit one of the many coffee shops to cap off your trip. And remember, what happens in Amsterdam, stays in Amsterdam.
My own vacation lasted only a week and half yet we still managed to work in two free days in the itinerary. Europe has so much to see and do, making it nearly impossible to fit in every excursion one would like. Hopefully with this little planner, I have made it a bit easier on the excited traveler.
