Brussels/Bruges

[Shinesalight]

Off on a romantic long weekend to Bruges and Brussels this weekend with Mrs Shinesalight, including a lunch date and tour of the Euro Parliament with Green MEP, Keith Taylor (its a long story ). Wondered if anyone had any suggestions of things to see, nice places to eat and drink, any decent record stores, etc.? Have taken out a couple of guides from the library but its always good to get the opinions of trustworthy folk who have been there.

[James T]

Avoid the italian restaurants near grand place in brussels, they will charge you €40 for bread or water or something without any good reason. Bruges is lovely but I stayed in the house most nights, there was a good place to drink called johnny rockets or something. Was a bar below a youth hostel but it served a lot of great beer.

[BzaInSpace]

Probably too late for this now Ads, we had an awesome week there last year, the best record shop I have ever been in was just down from the Grand Place - the soul, jazz, funk and r&b vinyl selection was completely mindblowing. They had... everything, and very reasonably priced.

Bruges was good if a bit busy.. might be better too see it once all the buses leave around 5pm.

And the beer... awesome.