Next week I will be joining my father who will be presenting his new book to the Greek politicians of the European Parliament in Brussels.
Anything interesting to eat, drink, listen to and see over there?
I am not really interested in architecture, so I am hoping to discover something more intimate.
I've been to the city before, but that was half a lifetime ago and the only things I remember was a dark restaurant, a young woman undressing in a clothing boutique that caught my innocent eye and a Megadeth video clip on TV.
I might be bringing a camera with me.
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aristotelis grammatikakis www.arigram.gr black & white film is sexy
I'm not that familiar with Brussels, although I live only 15 Km from the city.
I'l PM you my mobile phone number, you might give me a call and maybe I can take a day off to join you? (if you'd like that...)
Brussels isn't that intimate, at least the parts that I know... I do know some pittoresque streets, but they will likely crowded by tourists.
It's a very odd city, not the easiest one to 'get' if you want for the tourist I find. Major parts of it have been demolished over the last century to make way for modernist stuff, offices and other oddities, but when you move away from where everyone else goes (Manneken Pis and the Grande Place I guess) it really has so many surprises.
I'd advise to go to the Marolles, which is the old working class quarter and still pretty much authentic. It's at the foot of the Law Courts (which in itself might be interesting on a week day, its vastness is just insane and I think lawyers in their suits might be interesting subjects) a lift goes down to it from there so it's pretty easy to find. Another funny sight might be the thousands of civil servants commuting at Central Station. They always manage to look very typical, but perhaps that might be more of an acquired taste, lol...
Of course when you want to see lively, colourful things, the migrant neighbourhoods at eg. Schaerbeek might be of interest too.
For a fantastic panorama, visit the cafe located on the top floor of the Music Instrument museum. It is located nearly at the top of the climb you have to make from Central Station to Royal Palace and you can enter free of charge if you want to go to the café (where you have to have a drink, obviously, but the view is really quite rewarding).
I'll try to think of other things, quite sure there will be (flea) markets, also quite nice to visit I find.
Thank you ZeD.
I am interested in good cafes to drink coffee or chocolate,
a good place for belgian beer which I love and local delicacies,
somewhere with good music, of rock, jazz or classical persuasion?
Are there any good events happening next week?
I would be mostly interested in dance (ballet, modern, etc) or music,
or maybe something else worth attending.
Is there any good place to find information online?
Oh and how about a photo store that has type 120 film?
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aristotelis grammatikakis www.arigram.gr black & white film is sexy
Consider a side trip to Bruges.
While I like Brussels, this alternate location is far more photogenic with canals, a vibrant city center, and pre-war architecture.
For rock concerts Ancienne Belgique, Cirque Royal/Botanique would be where you want to go, next week the second one seems to be the more interesting one among those. For high quality classical music Bozar is the place you need to visit, they also do dance and other high quality arts. The finals of the Queen Elisabeth competition are also scheduled next week, this is one of the most highly regarded competitions in classical music around the world AFAIK.
When it comes to Jazz, the most logical place would be L'Archiduc I guess, though I have never really been there.
Beers most cafés have, but probably one of the nicer places would be A La Mort Subite, have a look on the list at wikitravel I suggest (overall a fine resource). Food-wise there are some nice places around the Place Ste Catherine, very cosy neighbourhood as well.
Not a clue about the 120, I stock mine closer to my place (a ten minutes stroll that is) in Antwerp
Consider a side trip to Bruges.
While I like Brussels, this alternate location is far more photogenic with canals, a vibrant city center, and pre-war architecture.
IMHO Bruges is a bit overly touristy. Instead opt for Ghent, much more lively and cosy, actually mixes the best of Belgium's other three top cities in one single place! (and that coming from someone from Antwerp is quite something, as Belgians probably know ) Has the architecture as well plus local people, great!
Brussels 
) Has the architecture as well plus local people, great!
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