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Lee’s Trip to Brussels & Bruges

 

Departing from Ebbsfleet on the 7am service Eurostar arrived in to Brussels mid-morning. It was the first time I travelled from Ebbsfleet and was impressed with the efficiency of the station. It took 1 hour 30 minutes from Woodbridge and parking for the three days was just £18.

On arrival in to Brussels Midi Station we walked the 30 minutes to the Radisson Blu Royal for a 2 night stay where we had immediate access to our room. The hotel is modern and spacious and soon to be renames as Radisson Collection Grand Place.

We pre-booked a 24 hour hop on hop off sightseeing tour which we boarded from central station. First was hopped off at the Atomium and paid to enter the structure to see the various exhibitions then to the Brussels Design Museum just opposite.

The hop on hop off is a great way to see the city. Taking in all the main sights we stopped at the Royal Palaces, European Quarter and the Grand Place where we also had to see Mannekin Pis.

Grand Place is the central hub of Brussels with its opulent blend of gothic baroque buildings illuminated after dark and with a laser show to classic music every evening at 10pm. Lots of high end restaurants are situated in Grand Place but of you want to people watch without spending so much you also have a Starbucks…

Art and culture is abundant in Brussels with the largest concentration of Art Nuevo in Europe, over 100 museums plus expansive green spaces.

The tram network is one of the largest in the world and many of the older trams are exported to the USA with some being used in San Francisco.

Whilst in Brussels we also sampled the Choco history museum and participated in a chocolate making masterclass, we snacked at the famous waffle house and spent at little time exploring Avenue Louise and the many designer outlets.

Just 30 minutes from Brussels you arrive in Bruges. Canals, cobbles streets, medieval buildings is really is an amazing city and worth of a night or two. We experiences a canal trip, more chocolate and spent hours looking at the fascinating buildings and town squares.

Overall although only 2 nights a great experience of which I would certainly recommend.

Top tips…

Consider booking 1 night in Bruges and 2 nights in Brussels. Take the train to Ghent for the afternoon.

Pre-book the hop on hop off sightseeing tour, a great way to see the city

The post Lee’s Trip to Brussels & Bruges appeared first on Deben Travel.

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