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Days One and Two - Brussels

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Let's start out in the capital and most popular city of Belgium. Brussels is an architecturally interesting city with over 80 museums. Though both French and Dutch are the official languages of Brussels, (you'll notice that the street signs are in both languages), English is widely spoken so you should have no problem communicating with the natives.

Shopping is must on any vacation, so our first stop will be Grote Markt, or Grand Place. This is Brussels' central market square and has been called the best market square in Europe. There are several interesting public buildings to be seen here, as well as a bustling marketplace where you can buy all the souvenirs you want. There is also a daily flower market here, and if you're lucky, you might catch a jazz or classical concert. Don't forget to pick up some Belgian chocolates! When you've exhausted yourself at Grand Place, grab some lunch at a nearby cafe – there are plenty nearby to choose from.

When lunch is over, you will head over to the Atomium. The Atomium was built in 1958 for the World's Fair, and the building represents a molecule's nine atoms magnified 165 billion times. There are nine spheres, and visitors can explore each one. Ride the elevator to the upper sphere for a gorgeous view of Brussels. The other spheres are connected by escalators, and there are expositions in each one. This is an exceptional building and will take the whole afternoon to see. When you're finished, head back up to the top sphere for dinner at Chez Adrienne.

Now it's early evening and you'll want to catch the light show at Grand Place, which is also where you're going to stay for the night. But since the light show doesn't start until 8:30, you'll have some time to enjoy the Brussels night life. Have dessert and coffee and listen to some live music in a local cafe, and then go outside to Grand Place for a spectacular light show set to classical music.

For your second day in Brussels, you can tour the many statues, historical buildings, art galleries, and museums around town. For instance, don't miss the famous Manneken Pis statue on the corner of Rue de L'Etuve and Stroofstraat. Built in 1619, this statue has long been a comical amusement for its visitors.

Next Page: Days Three and Four - Antwerp

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