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/19456 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19456 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/16105
This major European chain sells general electronic devices plus a fair selection of CDs but excels with its choice of DVDs at competitive prices.

Art-house and world cinema titles which would be hard or impossible to find in the UK are well represented though remember to check that foreign language films have English sub-titles!

(There is also a branch of Media Markt in Antwerp on De Keyserlei close to the Central Station.)]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16105 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/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/16093
The area has many attractive shops and boutiques - they really know how to dress and window dress! Tucked off the side streets of the Elsene quarter are lively markets, galleries and tree lined squares for coffee and finding unique gifts.

At the far end of Avenue Louisa are grand villas and gardens, lush parks and gardens of Terkamerenbos.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16093 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16085
Ten minutes from here via the Place des Martyrs, have lunch and marvel at the Art Nouveau masterpiece by Victor Horta the Center of the Comic Strip on Zandstraat.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16085 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16066
Among the many bars and restaurants surrounding the Grand Place is The Toone Theatre, 66 rue du Marche-aux-Herbes, providing three unique Belgian delights under one roof.

You can sample a rare local speciality ‘Plattekeis’ (cream cheese with radishes) accompanied by a choice of over 20 beers, including ‘trappiste’ monastery brews.

But the real treat is enjoying these while sitting on raised wooden benches being entertained with a puppet show, in traditional dialect, from the famous Toone Marionettes, whose performances date back to 1830.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16066 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15621
This major European chain sells general electronic devices plus a fair selection of CDs but excels with its choice of DVDs at competitive prices. Art-house and world cinema titles which would be hard or impossible to find in the UK are well represented, though remember to check that foreign language films have English sub-titles!

There is also a branch of Media Markt in Antwerp on De Keyserlei close to the Central Station.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15621 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14729
These shops keep me coming back for their cake platters, which are rimmed in silver or gold plate and have a lace insert in the centre. To the best of my knowledge, these platters cannot be found anywhere else in the world.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14729 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14727 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14727 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14726 www.marcheauxpuces.org) offers an alternative view of Brussels.

Open every day (although I can't personally vouch for Christmas Day!), the best bargains are to be found first thing; it's open from 6am. Afterwards, retire to the nearby Place du Grand Sablon for a well-earned coffee and cake before peering into the windows of some of the city's most exclusive antique shops - a million miles away from the colour and chaos of the market.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14726 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14714
The tram arrived, probably at Bourse, but possibly at De Broucke or Rogier station. Amazingly, it was underneath the metro and had ts own working-class shopping mall. Above this was a more expensive mall, and above ground was the shopping centre around the Grand Place. Check it out for an authentic slice of Belgian life.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14714 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14693 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14693 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14668
Then make sure to head for the fun fair, which has fabulous antique merry-go-rounds with weird and wonderful moving creatures to ride on. Also, there is a great flea market where you can still manage to pick up superb retro furniture at reasonable prices; just plan ahead on how to get them on the Eurostar.

Ooh, and take warm gloves, hat, scarf and coat because it is super chilly in December - but at least it makes you feel Christmassy!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14668 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4465 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4465 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3846
The best bit, though, is the free 72-hour travelcard and route map that comes with it, which is invaluable, letting you travel on metro, tram and bus. The metro is fantastic - clean, airy, easy to follow and very quick, but the trams are best if you want to watch the way the landscape and architecture change as you travel through the different areas of the city.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3846 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3799 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3799 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1199 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1199 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1075 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/1075