Brussels, Belgium
Beer, chocolate and waffles....that's what you need to know about Brussels.
Beer: Delirium Cafe. Such an eclectic bar boosting the world record of 3000 beers on tap. You cannot really experience Brussels without a visit, or drink (or two) at Delirium! My recommendation is Delirium Red--cherry flavored beer, I'm done. Here's the website for Cafe Delirium (good for the location only, unless you can read Dutch ;)).
Chocolate: I have to say I don't have a strong recommendation on the BEST chocolate in Brussels...we roamed store to store trying samples and buying small pieces to taste. Stick to small storefronts and avoid major name brands.
Waffles: Maison Dandoy. Seriously y'all, book a flight to Brussels right now because this is THE best waffle you'll ever eat. Melt in your mouth.
The City Sights: Manneken-Pis. Honestly, I kept reading about this statue and thought it was a must-see only to discover that (a) it was very difficult to find and (b) it was super tiny. Also, it was dressed up as a fireman when we visited which was kind of cute but also not really. It is however, super old (constructed in 1618) so that is somehow more interesting that some 400 years ago someone constructed a statue of a boy peeing into a fountain.
We visited Brussels over the holiday season and they certainly know how to do Christmas. I seriously love how festive it is in Europe during the holidays! The Christmas market in Brussels was so quaint! And who doesn't love vin chaud (hot wine) and Belgium fries?! Even throughout the central square of Brussels, Christmas music played over speakers, a HUGE Christmas tree was decorated and a gorgeous light show played off of the gorgeous guildhalls after dark.
Where we stayed: Aloft Brussels. Great accommodations, seriously a HUGE room even by American hotel room standards, and the front desk staff provided excellent recommendations. A little far from the suggestions above but an easy commute via the metro (STIB-MIVB).
Also, if you know Ryan and I, you know how crazy we are about Greek food and what do you know?! In the middle of Brussels we found what I can only call "Little Greece". As if the beer, chocolate, and waffles weren't enough we meandered up and down Rue du Marché aux Fromages (I'm calling it Greek Street) tasting authentic Greek dishes at every stop.
What are your favorites in Brussels?