View the rococo grandeur of the guild houses surrounding this Grand Square, and the Gothic Hôtel de Ville bang in the middle. The large cobbled space once witnessed executions - now crowds come for concerts, cafés and markets. For a glimpse into the Belgian psyche, don't miss the Manneken Pis; small in stature but a huge icon. A constant stream of amused tourists pause to snap the bronze chap, sometimes clad in costumes on loan from around the world (he even has an Elvis outfit!).

Where: rue de l'Etuve, 1000 Brussels

Manneken website

Open: Daily

Cost: Free

Find truckloads of fresh fruit and veg at the Marché du Midi on Sunday mornings. A step up in price (but not necessarily in quality) is trendy Marché du Châtelain from 1pm till late on Wednesday afternoons. Even if you don't buy anything, stick around for a jovial after-market tipple. For top-end victuals, serious foodies swear by épicerie fine Rob. Longer lasting market finds are at antiquey Sablon and junky Jeu de Balle.

Where: Rob, Boulevard de la Woluwe 28, 1150 Brussels, +32 (0) 2 771 20 60

One of Brussels' most original foodie ventures of recent years, Le Café des Spores is… a mushroom restaurant. Savour chanterelles, death trumpet, porcini and more in stunning dishes. The wine list is impressive, so get the trendy staff to help you complement your ‘shrooms.

Where: Le Café des Spores, Chaussée d'Alsemberg 103-108, 1060 Brussels, +32 (0) 2 534 13 03

Open: Closed Sun, Mon and Sat lunchtimes

Le Café des Spores website

With snazzy 1930s decor, some of it original, you have to ring the door bell to get into L'Archiduc. Once inside, expect the best of Belgian Jazz. On Saturdays, 'Jazz After Shopping' entertains from 5pm till around dinnertime.

Where: L'Archiduc, Rue A Dansaert 6-8, 1000 Brussels, +32 (0) 2 512 06 52

Archiduc website

The brasserie-style food served here is hearty French food. People come to meet with friends, read the papers on display on big wooden rolls, and enjoy the relaxed Saint Boniface vibe. Tea rooms and vintage shops are nearby, along with the multicultural Matonge district.

Where: L'Ultime Atome, Rue Saint Boniface 14, 1050 Brussels, +32 (0) 2 511 13 67

Open: Midday-midnight daily

Cost: €10 starter; €13 main

L'Ultime Atome website

You can buy a 24h Brussels Card for €20. It gives you access to tons of exhibitions, free public transport and discounts in all kinds of stores, restaurants and bars. It's a real bargain! Heather Gregory, Brighton

Brussels Card website

Buy the 10 multi trip metro card and it will take you all over the network in Brussels. There are buses, tubes and trams. There is a map available from the Metro STIB with all the routes listed showing where the stops and street addresses are. Save a little per couple as you double click both on a 10 trip card that way if you are making only a few trips it's even more economical. A single on the same network is €1,70 Toni

For a real Brussels brasserie experience, we went to the Vieux St-Martin which does the freshest, tastiest filet américain. It's a raw beef patty with raw egg (yes, really!) then you add onions, capers and Tabasco sauce to taste. Don't be afraid to try it, it's delicious! Lisa, Bristol

Where: Au Vieux St-Martin, Place du Grand Sablon 38, 1000 Brussels, +32 (0) 2 512 64 76

You can get quality pralines and chocolates or cookies from the station in Brussels. I had left my box of Belgian chocolates in our hotel room, so I was delighted to be able to treat myself anyway. Carol Meliech

This place is just as its name says, and has huge laminated menus with pictures of all the ingredients you can choose from to make your own pitta sandwich, from rocket to banana and spicy lamb. We pigged out here post clubbing around elevenish, so it must be open long hours. Cheap and good.

Where: Touch &Go, Rue Edith Cavell 113, 1180 Brussels, +32 (0) 2 347 54 94