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/19454 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19454 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/14793 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14793 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14771
To enter Scheltema is to step into a place where food is to be savoured, not rushed. Serious-looking, but kindly and knowledgeable waiters (all male and of a certain age), add to the experience. Truly wonderful.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14771 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14751
Try Au Vieux Bruxelles for traditional Belgian cuisine in (sometimes very!) cosy surroundings or Mano a Mano for simple, high-quality Italian food. L'Ultime Atome is a great choice for a drink, with a good range of beers and outside tables; it also does decent, brasserie-style food if you're peckish.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14751 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14728 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14728 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14679 www.restaurantvincent.com.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14679 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14663
First, let the train take the strain. Book well in advance and at off-peak times - especially when the Eurocrats are in recess - and, if you book your train and accommodation via Eurostar, enjoy considerable discounts. Pick a hotel near the centre and you can walk to most places of interest.

Second, do not expect to see all of Brussels on one trip. Do little and often. Essentials include: La Mort Subite bar, Belga Queen and Falstaff restaurants, Grand Place and Kriek beer.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14663 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14651 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14651 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14633 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14633 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3828 1.The museum is located in one of the most stunning art nouveau buildings in Europe, built by master architect Paul Santenoy.
2. It houses one of the best collections of musical instruments you will ever see, with over 6000 pieces.

3. The top-floor bar and restaurant offer good food in a very stylish décor, where you can relax for a few hours or entertain friends.

Bonus: the stunning views over central Brussels. There is an open-air roof terrace in summer.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3828 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6524
Here you can find the best pizzas north of Rome, served by a guy who would be more at home in a gladiator outfit, and the red-checked tablecloths and paintings of Italy on the walls tell you that he's probably a little bit homesick.

It's also relatively cheap, so it's a great spur-of-the-moment restaurant (you don't need to book). In 8 months of living in Brussels, this was my favourite restaurant by far.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6524