A Quick Trip to Brussels

Just before New Year I planned a surprise trip for my boyfriend and I to Brussels. I had never considered how easy it really is to just hop on the Eurostar and within 3 hours be in a completely different country.

We arrived on our train in the afternoon and after walking to our hotel and unpacking we headed out to see what the city had to offer.

We first headed to the Grand Place which is truly beautiful.

Here we found a quaint restaurant which was right in the square of Grand Place.

The food was amazing and after stuffing our faces we headed out and wandered the Christmas markets and shops. I bought some blackcurrant meringue which can only be described as mouthwateringly delicious.

 We then headed to a pub called Delerium which sells to many beers to count and all of them over 7% and only costing about 5 euros, a must do tourist and poor student spot with the most incredible atmosphere

The following day we wrapped up warm and headed into the city to see what we could find, we stumbled upon a tourist information centre for 'young people' called USE-IT Europe.
They offer alternative things to see in the city which the locals recommend and they also have a board showing you exactly what is going on that week, They are popping up all over Europe so if you want a trip with local tips have a click here to see where else they are based.

With our new knowledge we wandered down past a beautiful old church and a skate park, down windy roads until we found a flee market, All of the stalls just have there items on a cloth on the street and it was really busy.

We then headed towards the oldest remaining gate house which offered views over the whole city.

Next weheaded round the Christmas markets before heading back to our hotel to warm up with a swim and sauna. On the way back we stopped for chips. Brussels invented French Fries and boy do they know how to cook them (Double fried at 2 different temperatures), they are a MUST HAVE in the city!

That evening we found ourselves in one of the very busy restaurant streets where, although the food is over priced, it is delicious. Jord and I shared a huge Paella which was super tasty.

After our meal we amazingly met some people from Leeds University and so by some bizarre twist of a fate were dragged into an Irish Pub with cheap beer and great company. Our original plan for cocktails and live music disappeared but sometimes spontaneity is the best way!

On our last morning we did our some more exploring, where we walked through the park, visited the botanical gardens and saw some lovely old buildings.

For lunch we headed to a Chinese recommending by the USE-IT guide, which offers the meal of the day for 3.80 euro, and it is amazingly tasty, definitely another must if you want a quick cheap bite to eat that fills you up!

We then had to head back home where we spent NYE in London with friends.

It truly was an amazing trip, and I would love to go back again. There is so much of the city left to explore, especially at night and I hope that it is not to long before I can return!

Have you ever visited Brussels? What cities would you like to visit?