Brussels, Belgium

Brussels was the first stop on a whirlwind four-day Eurotrip.  There is definitely an international, yet edgy, vibe that resonates throughout the city.  I was decidedly smitten with the abundance of lace shops.  Other highlights were the food, acting like kids at the sight of Manneken Pis (who was appropriately donning a snazzy rain coat), and taking in the vastness of the Grand Place.

-Amanda

Grand Place | Brussels, Belgium

The Grand Place is the central square of Brussels. It's amazing. So amazing, in fact, that the Grand Place was voted the most beautiful square in Europe in 2010. The square is outlined with guildhalls that throughout history were used as markets.  The city's Town Hall and Breadhouse make up the rest of the square. The Grand Place was destroyed by the French army in 1695 and later rebuilt by the city's guilds. The reconstruction was regulated by the local government to ensure that the distinct Gothic, Baroque, and Louis XIV styled buildings came together in an aesthetically pleasing way. The result is a perfectly imperfect town square.

-Amanda

Food | Brussels, Belgium

We indulged a bit in Brussels.  Okay, a lot - we indulged a lot. Seriously.  Belgium beer! Belgium chocolate! Belgium street waffles! With Nutella! French fry cones galore! Moules frites!  And, no, we didn't find an ounce of brussels sprouts. But who needs those when there are fries, fries, and more fries?!

-Amanda