Boffism: The Boffism Guide to Brussels

Dear Readers,

As I made my way to University this morning, I couldn't help but remember that this time, last week, I was making my way to the European Institutions in Brussels, via the metro. Awh, I already miss it so much. I've postponed this post for long enough now, so here goes. These are the places that I personally think you MUST visit (in no particular order) in Brussels :D

1) MAMMA ROMA

I love Pizza and Italian food in general, so I was over the moon when I ate at Mamma Roma! The best thing about Mamma Roma is that you get to choose the size of your pizza portions, which are cut into pretty rectangles by the person at the counter. (By the way, all the people serving at Mamma Roma are incredibly stylish, so hey, another thing we like!) Prices are reasonable, and the pizza is delicious and filling :)

Yumm, Mamma Roma!

2) PAUL

Oh Paul, I want to marry you! Paul is THE bakery shop in Brussels (and in Paris too, for all that matter). There are literally Paul shops everywhere around the city, and hey, no one is complaining about that. I think it's physically impossible to visit Paul and not buy any of the lush baked goodies on sale. My personal favorite: MACAROONS! A box of 12 assorted macaroons costs under 10 euro. This makes it an ideal present for your families and friends. Or for yourself. Haha :)

At Paul :)

3) SABLON

This was definitely one of the highlights of my Brussels trip. The Sablon area is very pretty indeed, with churches, little shops and cosy cafes all around. But most of all, there's a VINTAGE MARKET! Items are slightly pricey, but they were a couple of items that were worth their price. I definitely recommend this market to all of the vintage lovers out there, even if you don't get to buy anything. It is still worth a visit. By the way, the market is only set up during weekends, so try and plan your excursion to the Sablon for a Saturday or a Sunday :)

at the vintage market!

4) PIERRE MARCOLINI

Well, in reality, you have to visit a chocolatier in Brussels. But, in my very humble opinion, NO ONE excels at making our hearts drool over chocolate as Pierre Marcolini. Oh my God, the Marcolini boutiques are so exclusive that you can't even take a photo of anything displayed there. A box of chocolates is so artistically designed that you might initially think it's a dainty make-up box. And for all those worrying about prices, there's really no reason to do so! Obviously, unless you intend to buy the entire shop!

iDrool.

5) GRAND PLACE

Well, the Grand Place is definitely one of the most majestic sights in Brussels. I personally think it looks at its best when it's a sunny day. All the golden details of the buildings start shining and it all looks so gorgeous :D I was lucky enough to visit the Grand Place on a sunny day, and it was lovely. There are also many cool bars and cafes around the square.

Grand Place!

6) WAFFLES STAND

Really, you just can't visit Brussels and not eat a waffle. I admit I had been dreaming about waffles ever since I got to know I was going to Brussels. This was like, last November? Argh, the taste. I love. I love. I planned to take a photo of myself eating a waffle, but alas, I ate it so quickly I didn't have time to do it haha. Tasty :D

Oh My God :D

7) THE PISSING GUY

Yes, I know he's the Mannequin Pis, but I like calling him 'the pissing guy'. Why should you visit him? Because everyone does! And you have to watch the people's faces as they look at him pissing his life away. Sometimes the pissing guy is actually clothed with different costumes. I saw him naked, though.

Piss, piss.

8) RUE NEUVE

Rue Neuve is to Brussels as Oxford Street is to London. All you shopping freaks, or anyone looking for a good buy, must visit Rue Neuve. I had been told that it's very difficult to explore the entire street in one go, but me and my champion friends Ariana and Valerie managed to overcome this impossible feat. Kudos to us :D

One of the malls in Rue Neuve

9) CHAUSEE D'IXELLES

Yet another street full of high-street shops and department stores. Personally, I preferred this area rather than Rue Neuve, for one simple reason. Rue Neuve is more crowded and some of the stores are much less equipped with goodies. That was, at least, the impression that I got. A shop I highly recommend is a shoe-store called 'I Love Shoes'. Trust me, you will love their shoes and their prices! Seriously, this shop had all kinds of shoes, sold at around €8-€15! I found a pair of very edgy brogues that I can't wait to wear :D

I love shoes =D

10) Exki

This is the food outlet for those who don't want to stuff their faces with calorie bombs or incredibly expensive meals. Exki offers a very good variety of salads, pasta, soups, yoghurt and other organic food at very affordable prices. I ate here during most of my lunch breaks :) I also bought my breakfast at Exki on a daily basis: a croissant and espresso for just two euro!

I miss this every morning :(

11) Avenue Louise

This is the avenue with high-end stores. I was lucky enough to live in Avenue Louise for a couple of days, and the people around the area are very poshy, prim and proper. Prices are quite high in Avenue Louise, but there are more affordable shops like Zara and Pull and Bear as well.