I had a short overnight layover in Brussels, Belgium in early December on my way to a Rhine River cruise to explore Christmas markets in the region. When looking at where to arrive in Europe get to the embarkation point (Cologne, Germany), I chose Brussels as my entry airport as it was relatively close to Cologne. But I also chose it because it is a town I had never visited (I had gone through its train station a few times when commuting between The Hague and Paris, but never visited).
With jet lag, a couple of other delays, and an early departure the next day, I really did not have time to explore much at all. However, I did get to see Brussels’ Grand Place which was the number one place I wanted to see in person.
So I got to do that (plus the royal palace on a drive-by on the way out of town) and a little bit of walking around near the Grand Place. Here are some images from that short visit that leaves me wanting to return to continue exploring this city, check out the Magritte Museum – and get to try the local food specialties!
Galeries Royales St. Hubert 
Galeries Royales St. Hubert 
Smaller plaza by the Grand Place 
Same smaller plaza 
And the same smaller plaza 
Hotel de Ville (City Hall) 
Guild houses 
Another magnificent building in the G.P. 
Nativity at the G.P. 
Museum of the City of Brussels 
Tons of contrails over the Brussels’ sky 
Guild houses 
Beautiful building from any angle! 
Royal Palace 
G.P. at night (courtesy of B. Thompson)
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