BELGIUM

Bruges

Dumon Chocolate: Choose from artisan chocolate bars or purchase chocolate by the piece. Lots of highlights here like the "chocolate of brugge" which is chocolate covered speculoos and my personal favorite, the incredible new ruby chocolate.

Chez Albert: The best Belgian waffles! There's always a line of people outside the waffle stand, but that's because it's good and totally worth the wait.

Poules Moules: If you don't use the hashtag #MusselsinBrussels, did you really even go? 😆 This restaurant specializes in fresh, incredible mussels. Reservations are required for their indoor/outdoor seating. Last time we were in Bruges, I made a late night run to enjoy my own bucket of mussels while my husband stayed with our sleeping kids at the hotel. I really wanted to order a salad to bring back to the hotel for my husband, but the restaurant wasn't equipped to do take away orders. Instead, they wrapped the salad up in a ceramic bowl, metal utensils included, and told me to just bring the dish back the next day. I was so impressed with their excellent customer service and it made my experience with this restaurant that much more memorable.

Madonna of Bruges by Michelangelo: Located at the Church of Our Lady. Tickets can be purchased across the street from the church. 

Brussels

Maison Dandoy: Beautiful and delicious cookie shop where you can pick your own variety of cookies and pay by weight. Several locations in Brussels, including near the main square.

We love the Hilton Brussels Grand Place! Perfect central location, beautiful rooms, and only a few feet away from the metro station.