I’ve lived in Brussels as a student, au pair and civil servant. This part of the trip has been less about exploring and more about late nights and long chats with old friends. Here’s a Top Ten of things I like about the city I used to call home.

1. SABLON

If you can’t afford the antiques, you can always afford a coffee

2. FLEA MARKET

Browse before brunch below the Palais de Justice

 

 

3. FISH MARKET

Great atmosphere at some of the city’s best delis

4. GRAND PLACE

Its beautiful. Better at night having a drink on a terrace

 

 

 

 

5. CHOCOLATE

So many brands, so many tastes, so very tempted to dive into these penguins

6. MUSEE DES BEAUX ARTS

Always good for a bit of Bosch and Brueghel

 

 

 

 

7. STREET FOOD

Waffles and frites at every corner. There’s a good pitta street near the Grand Place too

8. ARCHITECTURE

Few houses in the city look the same

 

 

 

 

 

9. COFFEE

Never disappointed – there’s always a treat

10. BEERS

They can look like bottles of whisky and are produced with the same amount of care. Over one thousand to try – next trip perhaps