If one wants to visit a UNESCO heritage site and be surrounded by historical buildings (town hall,…read moreguild halls to name a couple), museum (inside the King's House), restaurants and lots of Belgian chocolate shops (Neuhaus was my fav) then this is the place. Of course the Grand Place offers more than what I've listed as it's the heart of Brussels and the bee hive of visitors and activity was constant all day. The Grand Place most popular photo backdrop was the Hotel De Ville, town hall, as it dominated the square. In summer one had to wait until late (after 10pm) before the sunlight faded from the sky and the lights in the Grand Place started to turn on (versus 6pm during my first winter visit in February). As one spins around 360 from the town hall, the different styles of the surrounding guild houses added a lot of character with their elaborate, unique facades and statues and even the darker King's House. It was nice to just stand around and not be bothered by any random person coming up to beg or sell something. From here it was an easy stroll to the Manneken Pis statue, the TinTin shop and mural, Royal Gallery of St Hubert and more.

This historic central square is probably one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. What an amazing…read moreplace to feel what it must have been like centuries ago, eat lunch, or people watch. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's pedestrian only. We've hung out and strolled through in the early morning, afternoon, late evening, and even after dark well after midnight. Every two years in August, a floral carpet is installed in the middle of the centre. It's a ginormous arrangement of breathtaking flowers. A Christmas tree and lights go up every year. The neo-gothic architecture is outstanding from the kings's house to the town hall. Such an amazing piece of history that should be on everyone's sightseeing list.

I rarely assess negatively and I had never thought one day I would do so for a parking!…read moreI have used it twice but after today's experience, I will never use it again! This parking is the worst public parking I have ever used (with a ramp only 1,75m high, very dirty, paying machine out of order etc) but I tried it again today due to its convenient location. But it turned out a nightmare! - the machine was out of order and they kept me waiting for more than half an hour asking me to pay twice and saying they had no proof I had already paid! I asked the reception at Bedford Hotel and they told me they are not responsible for the parking. I called the phone at the exit and they told me I should contact the reception at Bedford. The staff at the hotel was very rude, I had recommended this hotel in the past, I would personally give both the hotel and the parking a negative rating if this option existed, giving them one out of five is too good, given the customer service I experienced!

It's right next door to Mini-Europe so it's conveniently located. I went around 11am on a Tuesday…read moreand there was a line and I had to wait probably about 20 minutes or so to go up. The inside is pretty cool and all six of the different spheres either have memorabilia from the state fair or they have trippy lights.

Fun stop in Brussels! The Atomium is super cool to see up close, and the visit starts with an…read moreelevator ride straight to the top for awesome city views--you can even spot Mini‑Europe from up there. After that, you walk through the different spheres, including one with the history of the 1958 World's Fair and some fun light shows. Overall, a unique and interesting place to explore. We got the combo ticket with Mini‑Europe and the Design Museum, which made it a great little day trip.