Brussels

My friend and I decided on a random trip to Brussels on the 22nd - 25th October this year. The trip was really random as I was browsing through Ryan Air flights and found return tickets for around €30 per person. So our trip was decided in a flash. It was an approx. 2 hour flight from Milan Bergamo to Brussels Charleroi airport. Upon reaching, we queued for bus tickets to the city - Midi train station and before it was our turn to purchase the tickets, a nice lady came over and asked if we'd prefer to share a 8-person taxi to the city - Midi train station (as it costs the same as taking the bus). So she managed to gather 5 other travellers and off - us the group of 8 negotiating with the taxi driver. 

First photo taken at Brussels Bourse station 

Brussels Stock Exchange

With one of the comic paintings on the wall

We had lunch at Chez Leon Restaurant. Highly recommended! The mussels were so fresh, tasty, good service and atmosphere and the price was very reasonable. A pot of mussels, frites (fries) and house beer costs less than €15. It's located at 18 Rue de Bouchers. Do take note though, that while walking towards Chez Leon Restaurant, you'll pass by dozens of other restaurants and the staffs will take every opportunity to grab customers.

Menu

My pot of mussels. SO MUCH LOVE. YUMS!

At Grand Place/Grote Market

Then we bought some chocolates from Nehaus. Yum yum!

Then we came across this interesting shop which sells classic film posters, memorabilia, books, etc.

Chocolates... chocolates everywhere!

As we walked pass this candy store, I told my friend that the name of this shop sounds wrong. A random American tourist overheard our conversation and agreed with me.

In the City Hall's compound

Apparently it's good luck to touch the statue. Misophobics would find this extremely terrifying.

Home of beers!

Mannekin Pis statue.

Another chocolatier!

We then walked around with the intention to this place where we were told to expect some city panoramic views. However, after what seems like hours of walking (probably just 30 minutes in real time), we ended up in a small park outside a cathedral. It's autumn... so one should grab the opportunity to take some photos of the colourful autumn.