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Super XV in Brussels?

PenDevil — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:27:01 -0800

What are the odds of finding a bar in Brussels showing the Stormers/Bulls Super XV Rugby match? The games on the 31st March at 18:00 CET.

Is SuperXV Rugby carried on any channels in Belgium in the first place? Or am I out of luck?

Taking the train from CDG to Brussels Midi

hariya — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:09:01 -0800

How complicated is it to get from CDG airport to Brussels by train? I see on some sites about a Thalys train from CDG to Brussels Midi. Some other sites say that I need to take a RER to Paris Nord and then Thalys. The information I find is a few years old, and I can't get a straight answer from the Thalys site.

My google-fu is failing from a nasty cold, lack of sleep, and impatience. Can someone please hope me…

Things To Do In Belgium When You're Ten

tigrefacile — Tue, 31 May 2011 12:15:26 -0800

My daughter and I will be in Brussels for seven hours on Friday. What shouldn't we miss? She's ten, culturally curious, but a fussy eater. She likes fountains and modern art. I'm kind of the same. Any recommendations gratefully accepted.

Where To Live In Brussels?

Quillcards — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 11:38:50 -0800

Which areas in and around Brussels (in Belgium) would you recommend to live for a couple thinking of moving there for a year or so?

Chez moi, c'est près de ma Stella

xiaolongbao — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 08:53:50 -0800

Brussels, Belgium on business for a month. What can I do in the evenings and weekends? I am embarking on a month-long trip to Brussels, Belgium from the end of November to mid-December. This will be my second visit lasting a month, and given my failure towards the end of my last trip to find interesting things to fill my time, I turn to Metafilter for some suggestions.

Evenings. I started to go out of my skull in the evenings. I'll work 9-6 or so, but as I don't yet have any outside-work friends in the area, I'm looking for ways to get out and about. My coworkers do take me out from time to time, but I'd like to meet new people, preferably through activities and not bars, because my hearing's not too good and my tolerance not too high. Restaurant suggestions would also be welcome so I can avoid dining chez Carrefour Express and Quick.

My interests: rock climbing, guitar, reading, cycling, and uh, fortunately enough, trying new things. I have books covered, but suggestions on the other fronts are welcome. Specifically:
Guitar. In all likelihood, I won't be bringing my cheap acoustic or less cheap electric guitar with me, as Jet Airways wants $150 each way. Has anyone ever rented a guitar in Brussels? Is craigslist viable in this town? Any suggestions, including music stores to check out, would be greatly appreciated as I love to play.
Climbing. Can anyone suggest climbing gyms or ways to get involved in the local climbing scene? I'm willing to cross borders if need be, but would prefer to explore locally.
Cycling. The weather may not to be too fit for safe cycling, in all likelihood, but has anyone ever rented a bike for a period longer than a day or weekend for a reasonable rate? Where? I see those sweetly cheap Velo bikes everywhere, but apparently I need a Belgian bank account to rent one. I don't think that's a strong possibility for me, but hey, advice on getting one of those is also welcome.

I've seen all the touristy things, and done a trip to Amsterdam, but I'd love suggestions for weekends, too! I know Bruges is mandatory, and I have no idea how I didn't end up there last time :o)

I speak French and basic Dutch, and communication hasn't proved to be a big issue. Feel free to go nuts with off-the-wall suggestions...I'm game.

Last thing: Beer. I know this is a crazy question, but can anyone recommend a Belgian beer that tastes like PBR? Unsurprisingly, I find myself in a lot of situations where drinking is pretty much mandatory, and don't really like any beers but this one (I know, I know), so I'd really appreciate the advice of someone with a higher beer IQ than mine. I can handle the fruit beers, too, (krieks, lambics, what-have-you) but they're way too heavy and sweet for the quantities I'm expected to consume :o)

Thanks!

Brussels and Amsterdam this week?

gerryblog — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:26:15 -0800

What are the amazing, can't-miss things to do and see in Brussels and Amsterdam this week for first-time visitors to the cities? We'll be in Brussels until Wednesday and Amsterdam until Sunday morning. Thanks!

Le nom nom nom.

IWoudDie4U — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:02:09 -0800

Where can we make out with French boys, what foodie things can I not miss in Paris, and what is the Kampa Park of Brussels? In two weeks, I will be in Paris for the first time, with
my family. Then Bruges, Brussels and Amsterdam. I will be on vacation with my parents and my sister. We love seafood and wine and meat and salty snacks and cocktail hour. And cheese. I am obsessed with France/ French cuisine/Food and cooking in general. I spent all winter baking macarons in my tiny Chicago apartment. I have Pierre Herme and Laduree already mapped out for macaron gluttony, and Stohler's for éclairs. My parents are graciously picking up the tab, so being thrifty isn't necessary. We're not looking to have dinner at any Michelin star restaurants- but what foods/restaurants/bakeries/shops should we not miss?

We'll probably have a nightcap after dinner with my parents, but my sister and I would like to go out a few nights. We're both in our mid-20s, both single. She's more mainstream sports bar/ beer/ frat boys, and I'm more offbeat hipster bar/ gin martinis/ hipsters. We will both begrudgingly put up with the other's choice for at least a night. We're staying in the city centers at all locations, and are transit-savvy. Any suggestions?

When we were in Prague, my mother, sister and I had dinner at Kampa Park. We ate outside on the patio right on the river, overlooking the Charles bridge. The food was exquisite, we watched the sunset, and when it got a little chilly, the waiter draped us with
warm blankets. Blankets! It was perfect. It'll be just the ladies for two nights in Brussels, and we'd like to repeat the experience- breathtaking views, superb service, and delicious food. Where should we go?

Uniquely Belgian liquor?

scblackman — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:51:49 -0800

Liquor-is-QuickerFilter: I'm going to Brussels and Leuven next week and will be doing some holiday shopping. One of my relatives enjoys a drink (now and then) and I was thinking about bringing back a bottle of something unique -- that is, something one can't find readily in the US.

Any suggestions on a liquor that is uniquely Belgian and unique to Belgium? A one-line description would be great.

Accomodations in London, Belgium & The Netherlands

dhammond — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 23:49:14 -0800

I'm going to London, Belgium and the Netherlands from May 10th-24th, and I'm looking for great places to stay. My tentative itinerary:

London (5 nights - 5/10-5/15)
Brussels (1 night - 5/15-5/16)
Bruges (2 nights - 5/16-5/18)
The Netherlands (6 nights - mostly Amsterdam, but other cities as well - 5/18-24)

I'm traveling alone, and I'm interested in hearing from those who are quite enthusiastic about a certain place and want to tell me how great it is.

My basic requirements:

-- Located in or very to close to the city center, preferably away from tourist areas as much as possible.

-- Decent value. Less than $200 a night in most places, though I will go up on that in London or if it's a really spectacular place and gives a nice bang for my (floudering) buck.

-- No hostels.

--Big bonus points for buildings with nice, old-timey architecture.

For the Netherlands, I'll be spending a good deal of time in Amsterdam, but I would also be interested in hearing about other towns and cities that might be worth an overnight stay or long day trip.

As a point of reference, I stayed at the Strand Palace in London last year and, though I found it a bit shabby, it was a steal at under $200 in an incredibly central but not too touristy area. I don't mind staying there again, but would love to try something different if you can recommend something.

Thanks, y'all!

Shopping in Brussels

Wilder — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 14:39:47 -0800

Shopping in Brussels? A friend and I will be in Brussels for one afternoon and she wants to buy a dress for a wedding. Semi-formal but she is not into designer. Any tips on shopping in Brussels? I only know the main square and a few streets around that?