We were advised by friends and travel books to bypass Brussels and go to Brugge instead. I'm glad we didn't listen to their advice. While Brussels will never be on the list of my favorite European cities it is fascinating on a number of levels. Brussels is the seat of the European Union and consequently buzzes with diplomatic activity. The juxtaposition of the ancient architecture with the ultra modern is interesting. The Museum of Ancient and Modern Art houses the most magnificent collection of Northern European art in the world. Belgium is a monarchy and when the King is in the country (he was) the flag flies over his palace and the royal gardens were beautiful.
We spent our few days in the heart of the city which is geared to tourists and diplomats, from the sublime to the profane. Contrary to what we'd read the food was unremarkable and no we didn't have mussels in Brussels. We discovered that a french fry is a french fry whether it comes in a fancy paper cone or newsprint.
