Use the Eurostar deal with Belgian Railways to travel on from Brussels at no extra cost.

Take the Luxembourg bound train to Libramont and then the bus number 8 to Bouillon on the River Semois. Stay at the Hotel Panorama overlooking river, town, castle and hills.

Listen to the town carillon play the Ode to Joy. The walking in the river valley and on wooded hills is wonderful and the food in the town is excellent. Return, if you can, on bus 45 to Bertrix for spectacular views of the Semois, tiny villages and the hills. Take the train from Bertrix to Libramont and then back to Brussels.

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It's a private townhouse designed in 1893 by Brussels' art nouveau architect Victor Horta. It has recently been renovated by cult cartoonist duo Schuiten & Pieters and opened to the public. It's situated in the Schaerbeek area, which is off most tourist maps (being just north/north east of Rogier station) but well worth visiting for the beautiful buildings alone, many of which have been built in art nouveau style and kept in excellent condition (or recently restored). What's more, there's hardly a tourist in sight!

The entrance fee for Maison Autrique is 5€. Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and bank holidays.

266 Chaussée de Haecht, Schaerbeek, 1030 Brussels;
tel: 02 215 6600;
Accessible by tram: 92 & 93 (Saint-Servais), 90 (Robiano), or if the weather's nice, take the metro to Rogier and walk for 20-30 mins along Chaussée de Haecht;
www.autrique.be

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When in Brussels, this place is not to be missed for three reasons:
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.

2, Rue Montagne de la Cour
1000, Brussel
Tel: 02 545 01 30
Fax: 02 545 01 79

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Take the lift, or walk 184 steps if you're a little more energetic, to the top of Charles Girault's arch for a great view of the city, which gives you a good idea of how Brussels is surrounded by enormous parks.

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Walk down the steps in front of the 100m-high Palais de Justice and turn left onto Place Poelaert for a magnificent view over the roofs of the city. Take the glass lift down to the slightly down-at-heel Marolles area and find Pieter Bruegel the Elder's house at 132 Rue Haute.

Place Poelaert; Tel: 02 508 64 10; Nearest metro: Louise; Tram: 91, 92, 93, 94; Bus: 20, 48; Open: 8am-5pm Mon-Fri; Admission: free

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