A Beguiling Weekend in Belgium

Belgium, nestled between France and Holland, is sometimes forgotten amid the wonders of those two countries. However, Belgium, home to more than 10 million people, is rich with history, art and culinary excellence. Its small size makes it a manageable destination for a couples weekend getaway.

Friday: Getting There
Several airlines fly non-stop from the United States to Brussels, Belgium's capital city. Among these are American Airlines (from Chicago and New York's JFK Airport), Continental Airlines (from Newark), Delta (from Atlanta) and US Airways (from Philadelphia.) Flights depart late in the day so you can work most of Friday and arrive in Brussels early the next day (local time.)

Saturday: Arriving in Brussels
Your flight will arrive at Brussels in the morning. There's no time to relax, however. Today is reserved for exploring Brussels, your home base for the weekend. Getting to the center of town is easy. Take the train from the lower level of the airport terminal to the Centraal Station in Brussels. You'll arrive just three blocks from the Grand Place, the historic center of Brussels and home to the Hotel Amigo, your hotel.

Don't let the Spanish name fool you, the Hotel Amigo is quintessentially Flemish and one of the best--and most convenient--places to stay in town. All guest rooms here have Internet access and facilities include a fitness room and a full-service restaurant.

After you settle in, it's time to explore the sights of Brussels. Start with the Grand Place, just steps away from your hotel. The breathtaking site is the center of Brussels and lined with 15th and 16th century buildings, including the Town Hall and Guild Halls, as well as cafes and shops. From there, antique lovers will want to visit the Sablon Antiques Market, about a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride from the square. Other popular sights in central Brussels include the Royal Palace, home to Belgium's King Albert II and Queen Paola, and Manneken Pis, the fountain carved like a little boy relieving himself.

Dine tonight at one of the many restaurants that line Rue des Bouchers, a narrow street just off of the Grand Place. The region's specialty is mussels (served dozens of ways) accompanied by french fries with homemade mayonnaise. Of course, you'll want to wash it down with a Belgian beer.

Sunday: Day Trip to Bruges
Get up early this morning for a full day of exploring the medieval town of Bruges. This historic town is just a little under an hour by rail from Brussels' Centraal Station. Bruges became a major European market and port city in the 12th century, due largely to its proximity to the North Sea and the popularity of Flemish cloth. Often called the "Venice of the North," a moniker the town shares with Amsterdam, Bruges is segmented by scenic canals.

Many of the structures from the medieval era still stand. Among the highlights are the Bruges belfry and its carillon of 48 bells, the City Hall and the Church of Our Lady, with its brick spire and Michelangelo sculpture. However interesting the buildings, the best thing to do in Bruges is walk along the cobblestone streets and gaze upon the canals.

All that walking is bound to make you hungry and your lunch stop is an elegant eatery and inn, located right on the canal just a block away from the Belfry. The Duc de Bourgogne, built in 1648, serves a mixture of traditional French and Flemish cuisine using local ingredients. The dining room overlooks the canal and features romantic touches like fresh flowers, red damask curtains and white linen tablecloths. After a leisurely lunch, it's time to head back to the train station and Brussels.

Monday: Flying Home
After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel or a Grand Place cafe, head to the airport for your early afternoon flight back to the United States. Because of the time difference, you'll arrive home in the early evening (of the same day.)

Resources:

Hotel Amigo
Rue de l'Amigo 1 in Brussels
011 32 2 547 4747
hotelamigo.com

Duc de Bourgogne
Huidenvettersplein 12 in Bruges
011 32 0 50 33 20 38
ducdebourgogne.be

Sources:
Belgian Tourist Agency: Brussels
New York Times: Brussels Restaurant Row
Brussels Airport Web site