Winter Trip 2014 to Brussels, Belgium

Its been quite long since I last updated my blog. I tot of giving up and assume that its okay not to write anymore since no one is gonna read it anyways. But den, I think it would be nice for me to have this blog to be like a diary for me. To record memories and places I have been. Hence, despite the lack of motivation, I am gonna try to keep it updated from time to time. 

Exams are finally over for me. Did quite badly and felt really disappointed. but its over and I can't do much about it. 

I am gonna write abt my trip to Brussels, Belgium which is about 1 year ago. haha. :D such an outdated post so bear with me. :)

Wafflesssss

Generally, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Brussels. It is my first travel destination out of UK. I spent about 2 days there and managed to visit most of the attractions. The stay was quite relaxing and the attractions are all in walking distance. Despite Brussels being the capital of Belgium, it does not look like a city. No high rise buildings, not many cars and feels like a small town to be honest. 

I stayed in Meininger Hostel. It is a nice place with a common area and kitchen for you to cook if you are running out of budget or if you are missing some home cooked . U can socialize with the people staying there as well. I would recommend this Hostel for backpackers and students who are travelling with a budget. The rooms are really nice and does not look like any typical hostels. The location is quite strategic as well. Just about 10 minutes walk to the centre of Brussels. Unfortunately, I did not take any photos of the place. 

This the link to the hostel's website. Just in case if anyone reading is interested. :)

http://www.meininger-hotels.com/en/hotels/brussels/

We took the morning flight from Manchester to Brussels. We got to our hostel maybe about close to lunch time. Couldn't remember the exact time. Weather was quite chilly. The lady at the reception in the hostel recommended us this place called Bistro du Canal for lunch. As we about to enter the restaurant, the owner told us that they are closing which was fairly surprising as it was only about 12 to 1. But apparently they are highly recommended by websites such as Tripadvisor. 

So here is the address, just in case u guys wanna try that place,

Bistro du Canal

Antoine Dansaertstraat 208, 1000 Brussel, Belgium

As we were starving, we headed to Cafe Walvis located right opposite Bistro du Canal. They generally serve lighter dishes such as sandwiches. If I am not wrong, they do serve main dishes such as steaks. Food there cost about 10-15 euros. I won't recommend this place though. I think they are just quite average and you can find sandwiches all around the world. 

Cafe Walvis

Antoine Dansaertstraat 209, 1000 Brussel, Belgium

My number one advice for u when u get to Belgium is to eat as many waffles you can. Coz they are so goood and cheap. (Not cheap if u convert the currency to ringgit) Its 1 euro for a plain waffle and any toppings such as Nutella, strawberries, and banana will be charged for an additional price. 

There are a lot of wall murals like this around Brussels. 

Christmas market in Belgium!

We had dinner at one of the restaurants near the Christmas market. 

Everywhere in Brussels, we see signs or menus in front of restaurants offering moules and frites which are in fact mussels and fries. Apparently it is a local delicacy here. Hence, all of us decided to have it for dinner. Quite pricey but for tat amount of mussels, I think it is quite worth it.

I can't remember the name or the location of the restaurant but according to online recommendations, Chez Leon is quite good. Besides that, my friend told me that this small restaurant opposite Chez Leon served better moules and frites. So give it a try and let me know!

Had breakfast in Le Pain Quotidien the next morning. SOOOO GOOOOOD!

Their extensive spreads selection are the best and please try speculoos. Its sooooo good that I even bought one back to Manchester only to realise they have franchises in London. But still really good. So must try!

Le Pain Quotidien 

Antoine Dansaertstraat 16A, 1000 Brussel, Belgium

Opens from 7am to 7pm

Manneken Pis

 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Mont des Arts
1000 Brussels, Belgium

Royal Palace of Brussels

Rue Brederode 16, B-1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Had lunch at a restaurant near the Grand Place. I don't remember what is this place called. Ordered the pork shank to share with my cousin. Taste wise quite average. Don't order any distilled water. Costed me a bomb. Paid 15 euros for two bottles of water. We didn't know the price as it wasn't stated on the menu. Bring ur own water and or u can buy water from any groceries shop. Just remember not to order water. 

The Grand Place! The central square of Brussels! We went there during the day and at night as well. I would definitely recommend going to this place at night. The lighting is really beautiful and if I am not wrong, when I was there at night, there was music and lighting performance. Couldn't really remember. :(

Went back to the Christmas Market after that and took a ride on the ferris wheel. :) Paid 5 euros for it.

The view of the Christmas Market from the top of the ferris wheel. It is located quite near to the Grand Place.

Last morning in Brussels!

Went to get another servings of waffles. :D

This time I got speculoos with banana on waffles.

Had frites for early lunch before I leave for the train station to catch my train to Paris. 

I guess that was how I spent my 48 hours in Belgium. It was overall quite relaxing. We even went back to the hostel to take naps. However, if I had extra time, I would probably pay a visit to the Atomium and Mini Europe. 

For me, the four main local food you need to try are moules, frites, waffles and chocolateeee. Chocolates are great for souvenirs. I even got waffles from Le Pain Quotidien to bring back to Manchester as souvenirs for my friends.

Will be ending my Brussels blog entry here. Hopefully, I will be motivated enough to blog about the rest of my travel destinations. :)