things to do/avoid in brussels?

skylight

Hi there Steve! Its Autoworld http://www.autoworld.be/en/10.asp and not liking cars, was the only thing I disliked about Brussels!

steveo3002

glenn is it super obvious what way to go for the hotel or should i ask for directions when im there?

do people speak much english at all? i cant speak none of their lingo

how are the metro /trams ? easy to figure out or not? crazy busy like the london tube?

is it reasonbly safe to walk around after dark?

thanks all

MancBrel

Go and have a drink in La Mort Subite. They have a very nice Cassis beer (my wifes favourite) along with other fine brews. Watch out for the cat that sits near the entrance to the toilets, as it scratches!

Or go to Le Cirio and have a half & half (half white wine, half sparkling wine). The cat here is more like a dog!

GlennTheBaker

Steve, have a look at Google Map and find both the railway station and the hotel on it. You can also pick up a street map from the railway station. Bear in mind that all the street names are in both French and Flemish(?). The main road you need to walk up is Maurice Lemonnierlaan (Flemish) or Boulevard Maurice Lemonnier (French). Just keep going and you'll see the McDonalds and Pizza Hut as it becomes more 'city like'.

The language didn't appear to be a problem - most people spoke some English and I speak a little French, which helped no end. I didn't use the tram or metro as myself and Mrs Baker walked everywhere. We definitely felt safe, even at night.

FrugalFriend

You've titled your thread things to do/avoid in Brussels, so I have a few things to avoid. (well to be aware of really) First my partner and I stayed in a very central part of Brussels downtown on Place de Brouckere, this area though bustling and historic is also seedy and unsafe.

For example, we left our hotel for a walk around after we checked in. When we came back, on our way in, someone who was standing around outside the hotel, followed us. We were both aware of it and sat in the hotel lobby before going to our room. Of course he had no room to go to and stayed around the lobby too, but he knew he was rumbled and left after a while. WE also felt we were followed on other occasions in the areas adjacent to the hotel.

So I suggest being aware of who is around you at all times, while in this downtown area of Brussels. Also use the hotels main entrances that are usually covered by CCTV. As you probably know already, it's best not to carry large amounts of cash or credit cards unless you need them. Keep them in your room safe instead. Enjoy your trip I hope you have a wonderful time.

Bob63

There are some superb restaurants on the Rue du Marches aux Herbes which is located just a few metres north of the Grand Place. In fact you'll find one for every taste *and* budget.

On Place de la Monnaie, about 5 minutes walk away, is a nice little Belgian bar called La Lunnette. I find it remarkable for two reasons - its large range of beers and also its largest beer serving size which comes in an absolutely huge one litre moon-shaped glass (hence the bar's name).

LondonDiva

ceebeeby wrote: »

What's the think with the balls in the A type frame? I think that was okay.

Is there still the Wallaby theme park?

The 'ball thing' is called the Atomium and I think it's an atom or an oxygen molecule and was part of the Belgian entry into the great exhition.

All the guidebooks have a section on it which goes into detail & you can go in it if you really want to. The area's a good one to wonder around on a good day a, beccuase there are some fab buildings built by various countries (Japan etc) to house their entry into the exhibition & b, they've used the exhibition areas as a theme park etc (best of all massive cinemas!)

steveo3002

FrugalFriend wrote: »

You've titled your thread things to do/avoid in Brussels, so I have a few things to avoid. (well to be aware of really) First my partner and I stayed in a very central part of Brussels downtown on Place de Brouckere, this area though bustling and historic is also seedy and unsafe.

For example, we left our hotel for a walk around after we checked in. When we came back, on our way in, someone who was standing around outside the hotel, followed us. We were both aware of it and sat in the hotel lobby before going to our room. Of course he had no room to go to and stayed around the lobby too, but he knew he was rumbled and left after a while. WE also felt we were followed on other occasions in the areas adjacent to the hotel.

So I suggest being aware of who is around you at all times, while in this downtown area of Brussels. Also use the hotels main entrances that are usually covered by CCTV. As you probably know already, it's best not to carry large amounts of cash or credit cards unless you need them. Keep them in your room safe instead. Enjoy your trip I hope you have a wonderful time.

i read a few trip advisor reports that mention it can be dodgy at times:o

Zziggi

Has anyone been to the "europe in minature" place near het atomium (the atom, ball thingy in Brussels). Thinking of taking the kids but wondered if it is any good.......


thanks

steveo3002

does anyone know if the local tourist hop on/off buses go to the atomium ?