BRUSSELS
A walk around the Grote Markt...
OVERVIEW // Taking a stroll through Brussel's most famous square, the Grote Markt (Grand Place), is a must! The architecture is stunning. A stop at the BEST waffle shop right around the corner, Le Funambule, is a must. There are waffle shops all over Brussels, and all along this street - but this was deemed best by a tourist-gone-local. I would say I have to agree.
WHERE // Le Funambule is along Rue de l'Etuve, a street off of the Grote Markt. Continue past the "Waffle Shop" and spend your euro wisely on a plain Liege Waffle (the local way).
COST // 1-2 Euros (dependent upon toppings)
HIGHLIGHT // Strolling down the streets with a waffle in hand.
Chocolate Tasting...
OVERVIEW // Belgium is typically known for three things: beer, waffles, and chocolate. The most important?...chocolate. And Brussels is the epicenter of Belgian chocolate. I did my research and planned a route that stops at the very best chocolate shops of the city and bought one (or two) delightful pieces at each. I did the research so you don't have to!
WHERE // I tried to avoid the more touristy chocolate shops and instead sought out the finer chocolatier's. After all, I can get Godiva in the states. My top picks: Elisabeth, Pierre Marcolini, Frederic Blondeel, and Darcis. For my lactose intolerant friends: Darcis has a true dark chocolate with no dairy!
COST // Prices range.
HIGHLIGH // Realizing Pierre is such a big deal in the world of chocolate that he has written five books about it.
A Day in Bruges...
OVERVIEW // Bruges is a small medieval village just outside of Brussels. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site! The small cobblestone streets line the village's quaint canals. It's a perfect getaway from the big city. You can find some of the best chocolate and waffles here and go for a boat ride to see it all - this city is quintissential Belgium!
WHERE // The train takes just under an hour from Brussels central station.
COST // The roundtrip train ticket costs about 20 Euro.
HIGHLIGHT // Most definitely the canal boat tour!