10 Things Must-Do's When In Brussels

At the hub of European politics – Brussels is the cosmopolitan capital of bureaucracy. But when freed from the shackles of red tape, this compact capital of Belgium is a fascinating fusion of profound historical curiosity and contemporary living.

1. The Grand-Place

Brussels’ central square is the focal point of activity for locals and tourists alike. The heaving markets are bursting with souvenir-seeking bargain hunters. Look out for the town hall (Hotel de Ville), a magnificent example of 15th century architecture.

2. Manneken Pis

This sacred 17th century bronze statue of the small boy urinating is a Brussels landmark. Several legends exist as to the origins of this statue. One says it depicts a young boy urinating on a burning charge destined to blow up the city walls when under siege from a foreign army, thus saving the city from invasion. Whatever the truth, he is undeniable cute and has over 500 outfits, one for every occasion.

3. St Nicholas Church

Constructed in the 11th century, this fine example of medieval architecture is the oldest church in Brussels. If you are lucky, you may even catch one of the occasional services given in English.

4. Royales Galeries Sint-Hubert

Europe’s oldest glass arcade was designed by JP Cluysenaer and built in 1847. Home to fashionable boutiques and cool cafes, it was renovated and reopened in 2000. The arcade is worth visiting if only to experience the magnificent architecture.

5. Belgian Chocolate

No visit to Brussels is complete without experiencing the world famous Belgian chocolate. It has a quality all of its own and is the obvious choice for gifts to take back home.

6. Avenue Louise

If you crave a shopping fix then the Avenue Louise is the place to be. Designer shops aplenty provide ample opportunity to flex your spending power. Popular purchases include diamonds and antiques.

7. Waterzooi

This local Belgian speciality is a kind of fish stew and very popular with the locals. Other appetising native dishes include mussels, waffles, and sweetbreads.

8. Pistes de Lancement

If you are travelling with children, be sure to catch this clown festival during March. The Saint-Gilles region is awash with circus acts entertaining children and adults alike.

9. Flower Carpet

Throughout August, the Grand’ Place is subjected to a sea of colour as thousands of flowers are laid out in stunning patterns.

10. Christmas Market

The festive period is a flurry of activity as traditional Christmas stalls suddenly emerge. The effervescent displays keep you entertained between purchases as jugglers and musicians perform amongst the festive shoppers.

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7 Tips for Traveling with a Baby in Summer

However, if you have a baby and are planning to take him along, traveling can really be a stressful experience for you. But worry not, here are some solid tips that will make your trip as easy and fun as possible.

There is no doubt that summer is a great time to explore and experience a whole new world of travel, fun, and adventure with your family. However, if you have a baby and are planning to take him along, traveling can really be a stressful experience for you. But worry not, the tips given below will make your trip as easy and fun as possible.

Pack Light:

Instead of filling your carry-on bag with whatever you get in your hands, focus on packing clothes that are lightweight and breathable to both you and your baby. For the summer season, soft materials like cotton or hosiery with light colors are perfect to pack as they keep your baby cool and comfortable. Besides that, make sure to have enough diapers and wipes in your diaper bag.

Apply Sunscreen to Your Baby:

Apply sunscreen liberally to the exposed areas of your baby’s body 15 to 30 minutes before you hit the road. This will not only protect his soft skin from the accidental sun exposure but also will minimize the risk of developing sunburn or sweat rash. However, if your baby is younger than six months, use sunscreen sparingly.

Carry Enough Water Bottles:

Carry plenty of water to avoid dehydration or sunstroke during the trip. On hot summer days, babies breastfeed a little more than usual which may interrupt your overall milk supply. This means you have to stay well-hydrated to produce all that extra milk for your little one, which is possible only when you drink plenty of water.

Keep Breastfeeding:

If your little one relies solely on breast milk, make sure to feed him frequently so he doesn't become dehydrated. This is vital because breast milk is the only way to compensate the loss of fluids that comes out of your breastfed baby’s body in the form of sweating. In case you are concerned about nursing in public, be sure to use a nursing cover to maintain your privacy and comfort.

Keep the Pumped Milk Cool:

Of course, you can pump your breast milk at home and have an extra bottle ready to feed your baby in case of an emergency when you’re not able to breastfeed. While breast milk can be kept at room temperature for up to 10 hours, it may get really hot when you’re traveling. To keep your pumped breast milk cool, you can take advantage of a baby feeding bottle cover that is made of an insulated material.

Help Your Baby Stay Cool:

As much as possible, keep your little one out of direct sun exposure, especially during the peak heat hours. Since your baby has a very delicate skin, exposure to direct sunlight for a long time can lead to heat rashes and sunburn. If you’re unable to avoid the sun, make sure to protect his head with a baby cap. Also to save your infant from overheating, dress him in lightweight clothes made up of materials such as cotton.

Never Leave Your Baby Alone in the Car:

Last but not least, never leave your child alone in the car, even for a few minutes. During a hot summer day, the temperature inside a closed car can rise up to 45 degrees Celsius. That means if you leave your little one in such a hot environment, he may suffer from severe heat exhaustion (or even suffocation) and require immediate medical care. So next time when you go on a summer trip, don’t forget to take your baby out of the car. 

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