"Central Brussels at Year's end" Brussels by MikeBird

Just after Christmas for a brief visit, a friend and I, wandered around the Grand Place and the neighbouring district. We had a chilly time with quite a lot of snow still lying on the ground which gave us the perfect excuse to take shelter in the atmospheric hostelry set in the corner of the square. With a fire burning and branches of pine trees leftover from Christmas it made for a very comfortable and enjoyable way to warm up and enjoy a drink of vin chaud or other tasty beverages.

The Grand Place is set in the heart of Brussels. You will find many other tips on VT about this and other sights and museums located around and near to the square including the Cathédrale de Sts Michel and Gudule, the Galéries St Hubert and the Mannekin Pis. A little further afield are the two Royal Art Museums and the Magritte Museum. When we weren't enjoying the hostelry we were in the Art Museums - which were excellent.

• Pros:Some cosy and welcoming brasseries
• Cons:if it snows be prepared for slippery pavements
• In a nutshell:Great for a cultural short break