Brussels City break with Eurostar

I went to a training in event in London, just before Covid, where I was lucky to win two business class tickets to Paris, Amsterdam or Brussels. At Eurostar, Stephen and Cara were very good and understanding about me taking this amazing prize at a later date, after so many date changes. I finally decide to go on 02 June 2022 for 3 nights with my wife, as this weekend was the Queen’s platinum jubilee. I decided to take advantage of the two extra days and go to Brussels with my free tickets. As I have been to Paris and Amsterdam several times before. I booked the 09.01 train from London St Pancras to Brussels. When we arrived at London St Pancras terminal it was very busy, to be expected for a bank holiday weekend. It seem like everyone had the same idea as me to go away. Before we arrived, I had heard media reports that there would be massive delays at Eurostar terminal so we were prepared! Unfortunately, there was a delay but this was due to a fatality in France which was beyond Eurostar control. I have to say we were impressed with Eurostars handling of the situation and announcements made. The delay was only 15 minutes in the end leaving London, and the train arrived in Brussels on time. During my train journey, we were seated in business class, where we were served a hot cooked breakfast with orange juice, coffee, tea and water served plus croissants. I found the train journey to be very quick and couldn’t believe we arrived in Brussels under 2 hours. There are three types of services on all Eurostar trains, standard class, Premier and business class. Standard class there is a buffet car to buy meals and snacks. Premier and Business, a meal is provided in the fare and is served at your seat. There is a choice of meal including vegetarian option with Premier and Business class. When we arrived in Brussels we decided to walk to the hotel, but got lost slightly as I forgot to take the directions after Grand Palace. The walk was very pleasant and the weather was very hot. We finally arrived at the hotel Marivaux four stars where I had booked us for 3 nights with our bed bank supplier. Our room was ready when we arrived at the hotel, and we were given a free room upgrade. A city tax is required to be paid when check in at the hotel. Our room number 5601 was lovely and spacious with a nice bathroom. The hotel was in a great location where there was shops and restaurants. Grand Palace is 15 minutes walk and metro 5-10 minutes walk. The hotel served a hot and cold buffet breakfast with a good choice. I especially loved their chocolate croissants. Breakfast was small and can get busy at peak times. I have been to Brussels a few times, but thought this time to do something different. Day one my wife and I went to European Parliament we walked from the hotel which was a bit of a walk but great to see Brussels by foot, and we saw some amazing buildings including the royal family palace. We were both amazed by the European Parliament and the tour was free. I learnt so much about Europe from the time it was formed plus the future. It was great to have so many interactive experiences. What I have seen of the European Parliament looked positive and bright for the future. I would definitely recommend a day at European Parliament. After the tour we walked back to the hotel. Day two we walked around the Grand Palace and saw Manneken Pis is a landmark 55.5 cm bronze fountain sculpture in central Brussels, Belgium, depicting a puer mingens or naked little boy urinating into the fountain's basin! The city was lovely to see but very crowded. We also treated ourselves to the Belgium local foods of Fries and waffles. It was yummy! Another must try is Belgium local beers including the fruit beers. We visited The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula where we saw some amazing architecture at this church, I find churches to be a peaceful place with time to reflect. There is so much to see and do in Brussels. I love this city and will always keep coming back, there’s always something new to discover. The weather was very good, in fact too hot! Brussels is a walkable city or you can use their cheap transport system to get around. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in this lovely city so you never go hungry and prices. Day three was our final day to go back home. We walked to the train station, not getting lost this time! The walk was a pleasant one, where we saw a lovely street market outside the train station selling everything including food, clothes etc on Sundays. Our train was booked 12.56 back to London in business class. In Brussels we were allowed to use the business class lounge where there was drinks and snacks. There is also a business class lounge in London St Pancras too. On the train home we were served lunch a Vegetarian options was available with wine or soft drinks. Our train was busy both journeys. Again another quick journey back to London. I love Eurostar, as it’s a quick journey to Europe with a great way of exploring. I will definitely be going back on Eurostar in the future. This was my first train journey since Covid and we found the experience to be good ,as no forms needed to be completed or vaccination requirements. Border checks are required before boarding the train in London by French immigration and Brussels by the UK immigration. A special thanks for Cara, Stephen and Nigel from Eurostar for arranging this wonderful trip for me and my wife.