http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19455 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19455 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19454 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19454 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19451 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19451 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19450 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19450 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16820 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16820 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16113
Then head to "Het Park"in the town square for fantastic cuisine.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16113 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16112 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16112 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16109
Don’t bother with the slightly eccentric and haphazard metro system – just walk. Central Brussels is small enough to potter round in a day.

Aim for the splendid Place du Grand Sablon (where you can get the best chocolates in the world) then head downhill to La Bourse and Grand Place and west into the trendy St. Catherine and St. Géry areas.

Make sure you take in plenty of good food and drink along with the stunning Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings that populate so many streets.

The best thing about Bruxelles/Brussel and the bilingual-Belgians is that they know all this; they just don’t go shouting it from every corner of the Grand Place.

I can heartily recommend buying the finest cheeses, meats and bread, beer and chocolates from the above areas, getting back on the Eurostar and turning all the other passengers green with envy as you tuck-in. Brussels is nearer than Paris too!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16109 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16108
Stroll down Chausee d'Ixelles and back via Chausee de Wavre, investigating the shops and bars along the way. The contrast with the rest of the city is heightened by the fact that the area is not out in the suburbs but close to the city centre.

Just the other side of the metro station are the antique shops and grand buildings of the Upper Town.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16108 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16107
The food is utterly Belgian especially when the owner, Alain Fayt, matches the menu to his personally sourced Belgian beer.

A different glass with each course is accompanied with his unique commentary. The dessert even comes with its own floor-show.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16107 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16104 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16104 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16103
Founded by Italian magnate Francesco Cirio in 1903 it remains much as it was a hundred years ago - dark wooded panels, marble and shining brass.

Be sure to try the house speciality of a “Half and Half” - equal measures of champagne and white wine filled to the brim by bustling ultra efficient waiters.

Say hello to the cat “Minou” (French for “Kitty”) and lastly don’t forget to visit the magnificent turn-of-the-century toilets!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16103 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16102
Not so big and overwhelming, with so many "must sees," as Paris, but more than enough to keep you busy.

And there is loads of great chocolate - need I say more?

Don't miss MIM, with more than 1,000 ancient and rare instruments from around the world.

There is a lovely cafe overlooking the city on the top floor.

The best place we've found to stay with kids: Novotel Centre/Tour Noire. It has a cool hammam/indoor swimming pool surrounded by rocks which creates a very cool atmosphere. It is walking distance to Grand Place, also to many waterside restaurants and off-the-beaten path neighborhood places and playgrounds, good ethnic restaurants nearby, easy access to train station.

If you have more than a weekend, take a day trip to Bruges, Antwerp, or any other place in Belgium: distances are short!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16102 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16100
It’s perfect for a delicious tapas style seafood lunch particularly if you are on a tight schedule, it’s also excellent value: small glass of Muscadet €2 (we had several).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16100 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16099
No hidden secrets, the best steaks and the finest moules. Try the steak tartare, if you dare, prepared at your table with the freshest ingredients - and with amazing flair.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16099 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16098
Pick up a priceless rarity you never knew you needed, meet the locals and exhaust your euros surrounded by classic Belgian architecture, the shouts of stallholders and a unique, animated atmosphere.

Of course, when you can haggle no more, you can collapse at a local café with a glass of red and some sumptuous Belgian food.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16098 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16095
It's a great cosmopolitan bar, with a very nice atmosphere, it's not too expensive, and it serves lots of good Belgian beers (try my favourite... Faro.) and great food.

Plus it has a nice terrace , so it's perfect for warm days!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16095 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16094
Pierre Marcolini manufactures his grand cru chocolate himself, using cocoa beans that he selects personally.

He is among the last five craftsmen working this way in Europe. Truly amazing chocolates, pastries, ice creams and sorbets - look out for the chcoclate squares with Earl Grey or Assam tea ganache!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16094 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16090
buy a Belgian speciality fruit beer and savour both the beer and the show.

And when it finishes, take a short walk to Chez Leon (rue des Bouchers) for the speciality of the house - Mussels and Chips - 14 different mussel speciality meals to choose from.

nb Children under 12 accompanied by parents are entitled to a free meal.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16090 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16087 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16087