Short stop in Brussels - what to do?

[GingerSte]

Hi,

I have two connections at Brussels Midi later on this month, both with a couple of hours layover time. I wouldn't mind trying a good Belgian waffle and a beer somewhere (preferably close to the station). Where would you guys recommend?

Thanks,

GingerSte.

 

[DaiGog]

There are a few cafes right outside the door on your left when you come down from the Eurostar platforms.

 

[gordonthemoron]

second that, number of OK if not outstanding bars on the North side of the station

 

[duesselmartin]

If you go to Centraal Station, you are almost at the Grand Place. Otherwise at Midi, train spotting

 

[bspahh]

I have had some underwhelming meals at Brussels Midi itself. However, the Park Inn, across the road https://www.parkinn.com/hotel-brussels is nicer. It is set back from the main road, and so it is quite a bit quieter. I have eaten in their restaurant a few times, and had a burger, which was cooked nicely. I have also had a coffee in their foyer a few times, when I've had a bit of time to kill before getting a train.

 

[MarcVD]

A few hours ? Get out at Bruxelles Central and go to the grand place. It's 5 to 10 minutes walking only. There, have a drink at the Roi d'Espagne. Otherwise if you're there at peak time you can just stay at Midi or Nord and do some train spotting. 50 to 60 trains/hour to look at.

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[gordonthemoron]

There are also a couple of nice bars alongside the Bourse which is 2 mins from the Grand Place:

http://lefiacre.be/
http://www.lefalstaff.be/

 

[GingerSte]

Cheers, guys. It appears the Grand Place is certainly worth a look. I shall toast you all when I have my pint!

 

[MrGrumpy]

I've found that the Dutch Tavern near the Grand Place is well worth your time for a few bevvies. They do food as well.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Nothing to really hang around the Midi area for to be honest , with increased security it feels better (marginally) - like Gare du Nord , if you have time - move onto more amenable areas and the Grand Place is an easy stroll from Central.

 

[MarcVD]

There are also a couple of nice bars alongside the Bourse which is 2 mins from the Grand Place:

http://lefiacre.be/
http://www.lefalstaff.be/

Falstaff not in business any more...

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[rf_ioliver]

Grand Place:

1. marvel at the architecture
2. choose practically any bar and have a beer (Belgian of course) and frites et moules
3. see #2

t.

Ian

 

[Hophead]

Despite being literally opposite the Mannekin Pis, I was impressed by Poechenellekelder on a beery trip to Brussels 2 - 3 years back. Mind you a bit of research (such as asking a question in an online forum ) will turn up plenty of options for a quality beer or two.

 

[coppercapped]

Grand Place:

1. marvel at the architecture
2. choose practically any bar and have a beer (Belgian of course) and frites et moules
3. see #2

t.

Ian

And just round the corner is the Brouwerstraat where I had a flat in 1983 for several months until I found a house closer to work.

 

[johnnychips]

For relatively cheap food near the Grand Place, and five minutes walk from Central Station is what is known as 'Pita Street', a line of Greek cafes, where you can get a massive mixed grill for €13.50. I think its proper name is 'Kaasmarkt' ('Cheese market'), but I'm not dead sure as all my Belgian friends call it...Pita Street.

 

[Quakkerillo]

I can copy what Johnnychips above said, and must admit that I forgot the street has a different name than "Pitta street". If you were to want a waffle, right next to the Manneken Pis are some good waffle places, where you're best off ordering a "Gaufre de Liège Nature" (Basic Liège Waffle), which comes at just €1. They try to get you to buy one with nutella, whipped cream, fresh fruit, etc. etc. skyrocketing the price, but the nature one is much nicer and comes nowhere as cheap as there fresh.

And I don't know what kind of ticket you hold, and what onward connection you have, but you could also walk from Gare du Midi along the Stalingradlaan and Zuidstraat towards the City Centre, turning right at the Lievevrouwbroerstraat for Manneken Pis, and left at Pis himself towards the Grote Markt. If I were at Midi and needed to get into town, I'd just take this 15-20 minute walk instead of bothering to catch a train via Central.

 

[gordonthemoron]

Falstaff not in business any more...

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Boo, it was open in January 2016

 

[Groningen]

Trainworld in Schaarbeek is close by.

 

[gordonthemoron]

There is also Brewdog across the road from Centraal Station which is a LOT better than UK ones and does reasonable food

 

[GingerSte]

Thanks, again, guys! I've definitely got a few good ideas to try from your responses!

 

[Groningen]

Atomium: http://atomium.be/prices.aspx?lang=en

 

[duesselmartin]

The atomium is amazing but needs time.

 

[johnnychips]

The atomium is amazing but needs time.

It is great and informative inside... but if you just want to go and look at it there is a metro (Line 6?) every few minutes from Brussel Zuid which takes about 15 minutes - get off at Heysel, the penultimate station, two minutes walk. Indeed I did this last Sunday.

 

[johnnychips]

Trainworld in Schaarbeek is close by.

It is very good, but if the OP only has two hours, he wouldn't have time to travel there and back and see it all

 

[bspahh]

Seat61.com has a new article on Brussels Midi, and what you can do nearby http://www.seat61.com/stations/brussels-midi.htm

 

[johnnychips]

The last Eurostar has been retimed from 1934 to 2004 because of engineering - not sure how long this is going to last and if it's just Fridays only, resulting in a Brussels arrival at 2320. If you are going to Gent, Brugge or Oostende, you might be lucky and connect with a train that leaves very soon after. To maximise your chances of getting this, book coaches 18-15 on the Eurostar.

Otherwise, the next train is 0029. The posh-ish bars to the north of the station are closed, so exit the south side, avoid the hotels, go one street further south and turn left. There are several cosy bars still open.

 

[Matt_pool]

The correct name for "Pitta Street" is "Rue du Marché aux Fromages" where you'll find two great bars - Little Delirium Cafe and Aux Brasseur.

I also like Poechenellekelder (try saying that after a few strong Belgian beers!) by the Manneken Pis.

 

[Old Yard Dog]

If only have a couple of hours and want to sample to proper gueuze or kriek and have a bite to eat then I would recommend the Brocante at 170 rue Blaes in the Marolles district just north of Gare du Midi. Note that it closes about 6 pm.

In my humble opinion, the traditional authentic gueuzes of lambic blenders like Cantillon, Hanssens, Drie Fonteinen, Oud Beersel and Frank Boon are the best beers in the world (although many people find them a little sour at first).

If you have a bit more time, you could visit the Cantillon brewery at rue Gheude 56, a similar distance north west of the station. See

https://www.cantillon.be/?lang=en

for details of opening times.