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Everything about Brussels Travel Part 1 (Accommodation, Food)

by 노마드 여행자 2023. 5. 26.

I will provide you with all the information about traveling to Brussels, Belgium, known as a city loved by beer enthusiasts and the land of waffles and chocolates, as well as the headquarters of the European Union and referred to as the capital of Europe.

1. Introduction to the Location of Belgium

Belgium is a country in Western Europe, in the heart of the European continent, and surrounded by France, the Netherlands, and Germany. It is 270km from Paris, France, 170km from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and 320km from Frankfurt, Germany. The capital, Brussels, is where the headquarters of the European Union are located.

2. Where to Stay? Acommoderation

Brussels is a city where even after 9 p.m,. it doesn't get dark, and you can see people enjoying a beer in cafes or pubs until midnight, not only tourists but also locals. You can even see parents walking with theire late at night. Despite having many things to see, Brussels is a small city, so a one-night stay is sufficient to explore it. Therefore, I recommend including the Netherlands or France in your travel plans and staying near Grand Place Square as it is the core tourist area. If you want to visit all the major tourist atractions, selecting accomodation within a radius of about 500m centered around Brussels Park is a good choice. While trains, trams, and taxis are available, major tourist attractions are within walking distance, and the alleys are well-organized, so there shoildn't be much difficulty navigating with just Google Maps.

Based on my experience of staying in various accomodations in Brussels, I recommemded considering some measure to keep warm during winter and transitional seasons since the heating  may be weak, and Koreans may feel cold. Hotels generally maintain good conditions, so you don't need to worry. It would be good to aim for an average price of around $130 to $180 and check if breakfast is included. For those renting a car, checking with reception about using the underground parking facility is essential. The parking system may differ from Korea, and the doors don't open automatically, so you need to confirm the parking system for each hotelsl. Airbnb can be used at a slightly lower cost than hotels, and a price range of around $90 to $130 would be good.

3. Brussels Restaurants (Food)   

In Belgium, rather than seeking out specific restayrants, there are eateries everywhere, and you won't be disappointed np matter where you go, as each restaurant offers a variety of dishes. Many travel sites and blogs recommended the Plus Stephanie restaurant for authentic Belgian cusine, but I didn't enjoy the rabbit dish, which is a traditional Belgian home-cooked meal. Around the Grand Place, you'll find numerous Michelin-starred restaurants tucked away in the alleyways, so if you come across a restaurant with a charming interior, do step inside. Also, the beer won't let you down wherever you go, so I highly recommend enjoying a glass of beer with your meal. I would recommend Leffee, a representative beer of the 800-year-old monastery tradition. It comes in various types and has a depth of flavor that appealed to me, but even after returning to Korea, I needed help finding it despite searching in Itaewon and large supermarkets. Rather than introducing specfic restaurants, I will present some representative dishes and snacks from Brussels.

Moules Frites : It is a traditional Belgian dish with steamed mussels and crispy Franch fries. The white wine base is the most common, with various options like tomato or curry. The mussels are steamed with parsley and butter, accompanied by thick-cut fries. Considering the price, I would describe the taste as something everyone knows. Many cafes around the Grand Place sell it so you can enter any crowded restaurant.

Wafflies : As Belgium is known for its waffles, various waffle shop offer two main types; Brussels and Liege waffles. Liege waffles, named after a region in Belgium, having a sweeter taste as they use a special sugar. Regardess of your choice, you can enjoy them deliciously, topped with strawberries, whipped cream, ice cream, and more. The price is around 8 to 10 Euros, and I found it enjoyable as a dessert after a meal.

Chocolate : The best chocolate brand in Belgium is NEUHAUS, but the prices are pretty high, living up to its reputation. Inside of making a direct purchase, it was a fun experience to taste various types of chocolates at the sampling corner and see the chocolates packed and displayed in the stove. There is also a Godiva flagship store at the rand Place, so I recommend visiting it once and taking commemorative photos.

Brunch : Hotel breakfasts are generally satisfying, but if you stroll around the city around 8 in the morning, you will be greeted by aroma of strong coffee and freshly baked breead. Just by smelling the scent, I felt a sense of happiness. As part of my mourning exercise, I enjoyed brunch at a cafe, sharing the experience with travelers worldwide. It was enough to feel a sense of relaxation and happiness. I highly recommend it. 

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