Day Two- Antiquing, Shopping, and Sightseeing

Breakfast- De Skieven Architek- Located on the edge of the daily flea market, this little café serves up delicious breakfasts. In the summer, you can dine in the garden.

After breakfast- Head over to De Marrollen, a traditional working-class neighborhood that features a wide variety of dining establishments and antique shops. You are sure to come across some great finds. The area also hosts a daily flea market on the central square, Place du Jeu-de-Balle. You’ll also want to take note of the Palais de Justice, a huge building that, until recently, was the largest building in the world.

 

Lunch- Atanas- This delightful Greek restaurant is located near South station. Just like in Greece, you walk right into the kitchen and tell the cook what you want! Some of their specialties include fried mutton balls, stuffed eggplant, and stewed lamb.

After lunch- If you are up for more shopping, you’ll definitely want to check out Grote Zavel. This area features many upscale antique stores, Emporio Armani, and the world-famous pastry boutique Wittamer. You’ll also find many statues, including the statue of Minerva, which distinguishes the town square. Across the street is Place du Petit Sablon, which is a quaint garden filled with more statues. On Saturdays and Sundays, an antique market is set up in the square. When you are shopped out, head on over to the Japanese Toren en Chinees Paviljoen. Here you will find two towers, one Chinese and one Japanese, that are connected with a tunnel. These towers were commissioned by King Leopold II and were designed by architect Alexandre Marcel. The buildings were constructed entirely out of wood and now house many artifacts crafted in Shanghai. The artifacts include 19^th century Chinese furniture and porcelain and European paintings from the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th century.

Dinner- Comme Chez Soi- The menu here is distinctive and offers an impressive wine list. Be forewarned, however, that dining here on a Friday or Saturday night requires reservations 2-3 months in advance. The menu comes in set courses or ala carte.

 

After Dinner- A La Mort Subite, meaning In Sudden Death, is a 19^th century café named for the famous Brussels beer and for a 19^th century dice game that local employees used to play on their lunch breaks. The atmosphere has maintained its integrity over the years, featuring long wooden benches, high ceilings, and an array of mirrors. The prices here are reasonable.

          Address: 50 Place du Jeu de Balle

          Address: Rue de la Regence en Avenue Louise

          Admission: EUR 3.00

          Address: Warmoesberg 7 Rue Montagne-aux-Herbes-                                       Potageres