Try the Mappa Mundo bar in the Saint-Gery area of the centre of Brussels (2-6 rue pont de la carpe).

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!

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Hidden down a back street near the Grande Place is 'Goupil le Fol' a bohemian bar that serves fruit wine whilst you rest on battered comfy old sofas.

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If you fancy a day of serious relaxation, and you're not the shy type, head to Grimbergen for a day at the thermal spa.

It's only €19 for the day and has a huge choice of saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis and an open air swimming pool.

The catch is, if you want access to the Aquarius area, which has the pool and the best saunas, you have to be naked. There is a swimsuit section for those who prefer to cover their dignity, but it's kind of liberating, and certainly amusing, to hang out in the buff with the Belgians.

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For a quiet moment away from the normal hustle and bustle, take some time to sit in the Jardin du Petit Sablon (in between the Palais du Justice and the Royal Palace).

It is an oasis of calm next to the Royal School of Music and you can sit in a small garden listening to superb music.

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If you are in Brussels and are feeling torn between sight-seeing and cafe relaxation then head to the terrace bar at the Museum of Instruments where you can do both at the same time.

The view is truly extrodinary: one of the best in Europe. The museum, I should add is, is also worth seeing and inexpensive.

But if museums are not your thing then don't worry – you don't have to pay for entry to get to the terrace-bar. Just tell reception where you are heading and hop into the elevator.

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