Picture the scene – you’re in Brussels over a weekend because of a business meeting that ran late on Friday. You’ve only heard bad things about Brussels and you’ve always thought it was grey and dismal despite evidence to the contrary. What do you do?

Brussels can be a fine place to spend a quiet weekend but only if you know what to look for. It’s not as welcoming to the unsuspecting tourist as London or Paris are. But do expect to spend a surprising weekend if you want to.

Here I’ve planned two days’ worth of activities. Tailor it to your trip and stay and enjoy yourself as much as possible.

Tip: Brussels is small and you can walk around most of it. If the weather is not to your advantage, the public transport is reasonable if a little pricey for the service. Get a ’10-jump’ ticket for 10 trips at a reduced price from the machines at any metro stop.

You can easily find out Peter the Great’s Brussels’ secret, if you want to.

Saturday Morning

1. Belgium is one of those countries that thinks Sunday shopping is the devil’s work. Conclude what you will from this but that means that if you want to get any shopping in, you only have this one morning to make the best of it. Indulge in your retail therapy by heading to Rue Antoine Dansaert. Treat someone to something unexpected by hitting the designer boutiques you won’t find back home.
2. Now that you’ve tired yourself out shopping, walk the next two blocks to Place St Catherine for lunch along the old port of Brussels. You will be spoilt for choice here and really should go for any of the seafood bistros serving the traditional Moules et frites. If you prefer something a little different Fornostar does a great set of Italian dishes and Ellis Burger can hit that sweet spot if you’re craving organic, wholesome gourmet burgers.
   

   

3. Walk off the calories by passing the majestic Stock Exchange into the Grand Place. Named one of the most beautiful piazzas in Europe, the newly restored facades are a lovely backdrop to the chocolate shops at street level.
4. Keep walking up the hill into the Sablon area, known for its arty vibe and stylish cafes. Stop for afternoon tea or coffee at one of the many tea and coffee shops in the Place du Grand Sablon and make sure to get some of that fabled Belgian chocolate too!

• Refreshed, head up to the main road and turn right. The majestic Law Courts tower over you and are a sight in their own right. When you get to the plaza in front of the courts, turn right to grab a view over Brussels. On clear days, you should be able to see the touristy Atomium gleaming in the distance.
• Back to your hotel now to put your feet up as you don’t want to be too tired do you?
• Pop into Place St Boniface for one of the many dining options there. L’Ultime Atom  is always good but reservations may be necessary.
• End the night by soaking in atmosphere and a cocktail at the Crystal Lounge and Bar on the Toison d’Or, a 5 minute walk away from Place St Boniface.

Sunday morning

• A little culture is in order after the capitalist nature of our Saturday, right? If you like medieval castles and ruins, head to the Palace and buy a ticket for the underground castle. The current palace is built on the remains of the old castle and your underground wander through an immaculately restored set of ruins will take you under the palace, main roads and another city block!
  If you prefer surreal art, walk around the palace and head to the well-curated Magritte museum which celebrates the life and art of one of the founding fathers of the surrealism movement.
  

  

• Top this off with lunch at the top of the Museum of Musical Instruments museum. You can go straight to the top of this magnificent metal art-deco building and feast your eyes on the Brussels skyline while you have an excellent meal to keep you going.
• Saunter your way down the Mont des Arts which really should be a little cleaner and better structured. If you’ve timed things right you may even get to hear the Jacquemart Carillion clock strike its bells.
  If you’ve the time, there are always some activities organised around the Mont des Arts area that can keep you entertained too.
• Continue walking down the hill and you’ll find yourself in the Grand Place again. Brussels is small, isn’t it? Why not stop for some more of the legendary Belgian beer at any one of the pubs around the area? And why not have more chocolate too? You won’t find this sort of stuff back home …
• The day is beginning to wind down now. If you don’t have e-mails to catch up with or a flight to catch, you could relax with a little greenery by strolling through the Parc Royale in front of the Palace or the Orangerie that squats between the Sablon neighbourhood and the busy Toison d’Or thoroughfare.

What do you like to do in your down time in Brussels?