Brussels in 2 Hours

After sleeping in, packing up and traveling by train from Antwerp to Brussels, I was left with only 2 hours to explore before heading to the airport. I stashed my suitcase in a locker at the train station and headed out to explore.

My wanderings were limited to the Lower Town, home to the Grand Place dating from the 17th century. The Hotel de Ville, which serves as the town hall, dominates the southwest side of the square. This market area, built primarily during the first half of the 15th century, was largely destroyed and since rebuilt by the trade guilds. The streets leading from this area house all kinds of shopping and, of course, I purchased homemade Belgium chocolate. At some point, I found myself in a maze of very narrow lanes lined with small restaurants all serving shellfish and bouillabaisse, clearly a specialty of the area. I was also able to make it over to Cathedrale Sts-Michel et Gudule, the national church of Belgium. Another example of Gothic architecture that took 300 years to build.

Time to head to the airport. I'm sorry that I missed the Palais Royal and Royal Park. Maybe next time!