| |
 |
|
|
| Brussels Travel Guide for backpackers |
Brussels is a fascinating place to visit, with mind blowing museums and architecture considered among the finest in Europe. Brussels is also famous for it's cuisine, (and this includes the most divine chocolate), has cafes and pubs that never close, and excellent restaurants.
Although most of its most famous attractions are located in the centre of town, it also has forests and beautiful parks, golf clubs, and swimming pools, so there really is something for everyone, even the cash strapped backpacker. |
|
 |
 DAILY BUDGET in BRUSSELS - Sadly there are very few budget hotels in Belgium, and good food is not cheap, but traveling around the country doesn't cost that much, and is you plan very carefully and watch every cent you could get by on US$30 per day, but plan rather on spending about US$50 per day with meals about US$7-10 and lodging in the region of US$25-50. |
 |
Markets - The picturesque Flower Market at the Grand-Place and the bird market held there on Sundays, is worth taking a look at, even if you don't buy anything. Also high on the list of places that cost little for a lot of entertainment is the flea market at place du Jeu de Balle in the Marolles quarter where there are bargains worth fighting for if you are prepared to take the time to sort through the immense jumble of odds and ends on offer.
Grand Place - This is the heart of old Brussels and has some superb old buildings, cobbled streets and pavement cafes, and in winter has the added bonus of the square being transformed into a cool ice-skating rink.
Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique - This is where Belgium's finest collection of modern and ancient art is kept, and for music lovers where a weekly concert is put on in the Musee d'Art Ancien.
A walk in Brussels parcs - The Bois de la Cambre (at the end of Avenue Louise, accessible by tram) is one of the finest; closed to road traffic on weekends. Enjoy a walk around the ponds, a roller or bike ride!
|
 |
Food Markets - The Gare du Midi is the biggest food market in Brussels and stands sell cheap clothes as well as an assortment of foods, such as North African rai tapes, pitta, and herbs and spices. At place de Chatelain a food market is held every Wednesday and is crammed with pastries, cakes, cheeses and much more, including home-made wines.
Tapas Locas - Located on Rue du Marche au Charbon, the young and hungry frequent this easy-going and trendy Spanish restaurant, tucking to cheap tapas from the excellent menu.
Pasta Basta - Located on Rue de la Grande Ile 34, with an ever-changing menu of pasta dishes priced under EUR 20, and a DJ spinning on Friday and Saturday nights, its no wonder the under 25 crowd gather here to munch down and chill out.
Les Brassins - Rue Keyenveld 36 (Ixelles - Porte de Namur) Typical belgian food, good quality, nice service and quite affordable, maximum 10€ per meal. Laid back setting with a mix of students, arty people, EU workers. Definitely try IT.
Belgian Fries "FriteKots" - Eating Fries is a must when going to Brussels or Belgium - Order a cone of fries (not French Fries - Do you really think they invented fries - Big mistake) for max 2€ and you've got a full meal (full of fat), but delicious!
The Businessman Taverne - Excellent Steak and chips with salad for 12.50 euros. 1.70 for beer. Dover Sole with chips and salad was 19.50 euros but superb. The service is very good and it had atmosphere. The taverne is frequented by students.
Miso - Located in the city center, near Dansaert Street. Nice Thai noodle bar (only one I know in Brussels) Not too expensive, around 8 euro per meal. The food is excellent, especially the soups.
|
 |
L'Acrobat - Located on Rue Borgval 14-16, this funky but definitely not ‘up-market' bar has no entrance fee, a great vibe, cost-effective plonk, and DJ's mixing house, trance, and drum ‘n base when it turns into a club over the weekends.
Canoa Quebrada - Located on Rue du Marche au Charbon 53, this Latin American bar is the hangout for after party revelry where there is no cover charge, but salsa and samba rule.
Cartagena - Located on Rue du Marche au Charbon 70, after midnight the twenty-something's get down to the Latino beat and dance the floor raw.
Brasserie Verschueren - Brussels typical bar frequented by locals. Large choice of beers. To find this place, ask for the Parvis de St Gilles
Le Walvis - One of the hippest bar of Brussels located in the trendy quarter "Dansaert". Definitely one place to visit.
Ultime Atome - Rue St. Boniface (Ixelles - Matonge) - Very popular Bar in Brussels. Wide selection of beers (like many bars in Brussels), cute waitresses, handsome guys, good music. Also serves food at a rather affordable price.
Recyclart - Located at station 'Bruxelles-Chapelle' - Concrete, stone and recycled railway-elements give a special athmosphere to the place. Many cultural events : Dj Sessions, concerts, art expos and more > www.recyclart.be
Le Café Central - Don't miss this spot. It's right in the heart of Brussels in the Dansaert quarter. Friday & Saturday, themed parties & dj Sets. Very international place & Excellent music.
Le Corbeau - Bar with a very nice athmosphere. What's peculiar about this place is that people start dancing on the table at Midnight. Very relaxed athmosphere.
Brasserie de l'Union - Typical Brussels taverne. Cheap food (not great) and a wide variety of beers. It's located in a very arty area in St Gilles.
Celtica Bar and Night Club - This is a great bar, always a good crowd of young visitors about. Happy drinks promotion from 13.00 till 24.00 - all drinks €1. Highly recommended
Celtica bar - I just loved the live music earlier on and then the DJ's choice of music was great, danced until 6am, fantastic atmosphere.
|
| Copyright Hostels, Budget hotels & Guesthouses © The Backpacker Network |
|
 |
