https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:02:51 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1968541 Thu, 25 Oct 2018 10:22:19 +0000 Inge 1968541@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You're so welcome, Fashintern! *chuckling* about that forced march:-)) The view from the museum rooftop makes it worth it for sure! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1968343 Wed, 24 Oct 2018 19:09:40 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1968343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Elle, how was your trip? <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Chris, we are in Brussels now. I just stumbled across St Catherine's Church. It is also impressive. Adjacent to it is the Rue de Flandre, with lots of little shops and restaurants. I love that people still eat outside even when it's barely 60 out and they are wearing jackets. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Inge, thanks for all your help with Brussels! Tomorrow I'm taking my son on a forced march to the Musical Instruments museum, with several stops and detours along the way. 3 km altogether. Idk if he'll survive, lol <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1959818 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 15:43:15 +0000 Inge 1959818@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Laurie - Oh wow! The restaurant is indeed still there, not sure if it's still the place to go, but this is so fun to hear:-) And how marvelous that your family got to spend 5 months in Brussels all those years ago. If you ever come visit, do let me know! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1959591 Tue, 25 Sep 2018 18:21:14 +0000 Laurie 1959591@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Inge - Chez Leon!&nbsp; I wonder if it is still there.&nbsp; &nbsp; My family spent 5 months in Brussels in the '70's when I was a kid and it was the place to go.&nbsp; &nbsp;So nostalgic!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1957449 Tue, 18 Sep 2018 10:44:48 +0000 Inge 1957449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>You're so welcome, Elle. Have a marvelous time exploring!!!-)</div><div>(and thank you, I am counting down the days till Friday so hard;-)<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1957217 Mon, 17 Sep 2018 15:53:10 +0000 Elle 1957217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Inge</b>:&nbsp; Wow!&nbsp; These are fabulous tips.&nbsp; Thank you.&nbsp; We are only in Brussels a few days but plan to follow as many of your suggestions as we can.&nbsp; &nbsp;Enjoy your new puppy and please post pictures! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1957160 Mon, 17 Sep 2018 10:56:47 +0000 Inge 1957160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Joy - You bet! Will post pics after we go pick up Felix on Friday!-) I am sooooooooooo excited!!!!!</div><div>Fashintern - Fab! And do shout if you'd like to meet up while you are here!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1957129 Mon, 17 Sep 2018 04:06:06 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1957129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Inge, now I can’t wait to get there! A day or two following your tips in each city sounds wonderful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1957102 Mon, 17 Sep 2018 01:10:55 +0000 Anonymous 1957102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Inge, we need to see pictures of your new puppy! Elle, have a wonderful trip! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1957022 Sun, 16 Sep 2018 17:31:54 +0000 Inge 1957022@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Gent:</div><div><br /></div><div>- the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.designmuseumgent.be/agenda">Design Museum</a></div><div>- a stroll along the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/history-graslei-and-korenlei">Graslei and the Korenlei</a><br /></div><div>- a <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.gent.be/en/good-know/practical-information/getting-around/boat-trips-ghent">boat tour</a> is a fun way to explore (and learn more about) the city</div><div>- the renowned <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.tierenteyn-verlent.be/">Tierenteyn mustard</a> is still made on the premises</div><div>- <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/museum-fine-arts-ghent">Museum of Fine Arts</a> with paintings by the Belgian masters</div><div>- the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/ghent-coffee-korenmarkt">Korenmarkt</a> with the surrounding shopping streets (the Veldstraat is the main one)</div><div>- <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/patershol-culinary-heart-ghent">Patershol</a> with its many restaurants and cafés</div><div>- lots of artisanal &amp; regional products under one roof in <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.gent.be/en/eat-drink/great-butchers-hall-delicious">the Great Butcher's Hall</a></div><div>- flower market on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/sunday-stroll-kouter">the Kouter</a></div><div>- book stalls along the water on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/book-market">the Ajuinlei</a> (Sundays only)<br /></div><div>- <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/uit-steppe-en-oase">Uit Steppe &amp; Oase</a>: walk through the shop to a <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=uit+steppe+%26+oase+gent&amp;client=firefox-b&amp;source=lnms&amp;tbm=isch&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiVw8qbiMDdAhVKJVAKHbBLDIIQ_AUIDygC&amp;biw=1542&amp;bih=901#imgrc=bxIjkjGe85GPjM:">very charming courtyard</a> where you can have tea, pastries, and small dishes = fun for lunch</div><div>- <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.pakhuis.be/en/">Het Pakhuis</a> = restaurant in a beautiful building (I went there a few years ago on my birthday, and the food was excellent)</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so excited for you, Elle, have a fabulous trip!!</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. Gent and Brussels aren't far away for me, and normally I'd love to meet up (only if you were up for it too, of course), but we are bringing home a new puppy this Friday, and I think I won't be able to leave him alone long enough to travel to a different city just yet...<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1957016 Sun, 16 Sep 2018 16:51:27 +0000 Inge 1957016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>Seconding all the tips above for Brussels and Gent!-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Other suggestions for Brussels: <br /></div><div>- the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sablon_(Brussels)">Zavel (Sablon) neighbourhood</a> with its antique and chocolate shops (the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.wittamer.com/boutiques/">Wittamer pâtisserie shop</a> on the Place du Grand Sablon &gt; second address in the link, has delicious pastries!!)</div><div>- the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.brussels/en/place/Musee-Magritte-Museum">Magritte museum</a><br /></div><div>- the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.mim.be/the-restaurant">open-air terrace at the top of the Musical Instruments Museum</a> (free access to the restaurant, no need to buy a ticket) has a marvelous view of the city centre. And it's a gorgeous Art Nouveau building.<br /></div><div>- a quick stop to say hi to <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.brussels/en/place/Manneken-Pis">Manneken Pis</a><br /></div><div>- the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.brussels/en/place/Grand-Place">Grand Place with City Hall</a><br /></div><div>- <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.brussels/en/place/Galeries-Royales-Saint-Hubert">Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert</a> with its shops and restaurants<br /></div><div>- the <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.brussels/en/place/Flea-market-on-the-Jeu-de-Balle-Square">famous flea market</a> on the Jeu de Balle Square &amp; lots of <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.brussels/en/category/markets">other markets</a> around town. <br /></div><div>- and when in Belgium, you of course have to try the Belgian frites (french fries) and Belgian waffles (available from stalls/small shops everywhere;-) Oh, and if you like seafood, moules frites (mussels with French fries) is typically Belgian. I haven't been there in years, but <a rel="nofollow" href="https://visit.brussels/en/place/Chez-Leon-1893-resto">Chez Léon</a> used to do a good version of this dish.<br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1956167 Thu, 13 Sep 2018 15:48:21 +0000 Astrid 1956167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad that was helpful - I'll think some more on it (and wait until I'm not on my phone). I love Berlin - I really miss it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1956166 Thu, 13 Sep 2018 15:43:57 +0000 Elle 1956166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Astrid</b> - Wonderful tips!&nbsp; Thank you. I love hearing about peoples favorite places and museums. I will make sure to visit the&nbsp;</p> <p>Sammlung Berggruen and follow your tips on the church and TV tower.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1956160 Thu, 13 Sep 2018 15:18:33 +0000 Astrid 1956160@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of my favourite museums in Berlin is the Sammlung Berggruen near the Schloss Charlottenburg (also worth a visit): <a href="https://www.smb.museum/museen-und-einrichtungen/museum-berggruen/home.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.smb.museum/museen-...../home.html</a>.</p> <p>Also, if you visit the TV-tower, drink a coffee in the moving restaurant up there (360 degree view over the city). They sell overpriced tickets for a reservation, but if you just ask the staff at the stairs if there's a free table and are prepared to wait a few minutes if necessary, you can just go up without one. The food is rather expensive, but you can get normal priced coffee. </p> <p>You can also get free entry into the Cathedral (but not to the cupola) from Monday to Saturday at 12 midday if you visit the prayer. It's just 10 minutes of soaking in the atmosphere and you can move around afterwards. Just tell the security guys you're there for the service. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1955722 Wed, 12 Sep 2018 10:29:19 +0000 Inge 1955722@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oooh how fun, Elle! I have to run now, but will chime in later today. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1955678 Wed, 12 Sep 2018 04:19:41 +0000 Elle 1955678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Chris987</b> and <b>elpgal</b>:&nbsp; Love your suggestions!&nbsp; Thank you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1955572 Tue, 11 Sep 2018 19:25:48 +0000 elpgal 1955572@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Brussels - chocolate, cathedrals and the Atomium! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1955368 Tue, 11 Sep 2018 10:48:58 +0000 Chris987 1955368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you like big cathedrals and especially if you are an american like me where we don’t have anything on the same scale (except one in Washington dc) check out the ones in Brussels and Ghent. I visited both cities two years ago at Christmas and the cathedrals were unforgettable. In Brussels it’s st Michel and st gudula (one church named after two saints) and in Ghent St Bavo. The one in Ghent is particularly spectacular because it was built at a time when that city was extremely prosperous as a center of trade. If you are inclined to attend services you will hear the incredible acoustics when music is played. think there are additional ones in Brussels. Plus chocolate shops everywhere! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1955259 Tue, 11 Sep 2018 00:42:42 +0000 Elle 1955259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Fashintern</b> - Thank you so much!&nbsp; These are exactly the kinds of things I love.&nbsp; I found your older post on KaDeWe so will definitely get there. Except for a few halting tourist phrases, I don't speak German, so your translations were very helpful, and we will download the transit app.</p> <p><b>Jane</b> - These suggestions also look wonderful. My husband is also a big military history fan (must be linked to the Y chromosome) so we will try to get to both. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1955187 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 19:46:58 +0000 Jane 1955187@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We had a really fab New Year in Brussels a few years back. There was lots to see and do.&nbsp;We went to the most amazing aeroplane museum, which was really a restoration workshop. DS and DH like military stuff, so it was good for us,&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.airmuseum.be">://www.airmuseum.be</a>&nbsp;We also went to the battle field for the Battle of Waterloo, which was out of Brussels. I enjoyed both, although they aren't really 'my thing'.</p> <p>On Berlin, there is so much to see and do. The museums and art galleries are superb (and more me :), as well as the open spaces and parks.&nbsp;</p> <p>I hope you have a super time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1955176 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 19:25:33 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1955176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As a current Berlin resident, I ought to say something, but KM is who you really want to hear from. I think you’re coming at a great time of year—everything is back in full swing after summer vacation (fall break starts Oct 5) and it’s still warm enough to sit outside at cafes. We don’t do tourist things (although there are enough to keep you busy for a year or more!), so some of my suggestions may be a little off-beat. </p> <p>There are gourmet markets indoors on the next-to-the-top floor of KaDeWe department store (I went on about that in a recent post, will dig it up if you want) and in the basement of Quartier 25 on Friedrichstraße. I prefer the latter, because it’s less overwhelming (you can only eat so much) and because when I lived here in the 90s, Friedrichstraße was a mess. Lots of construction sites and post—DDR boringness. So the collection of glitz there now amazes me*.</p> <p>There is a food market on Winterfeldtplatz that’s famous; I was there recently and thought that a lot of the things there are available in stores, so not that exciting. But there are some unique clothes that are made in Berlin, like these bags. </p> <p>The Turkish market on Maibachufer is well-known. If you want to go, check the days and times first. On Fridays and one other day, it’s Turkish food. Other days it’s sort of a crafts/flea market. Personally, I like the “off” days better. There are lots of Turkish supermarkets in the borough where that market is located (Kreuzberg) where you can pick up various kinds of olives, goat and sheep meat and cheese, and the like. </p> <p>Here is a listing of markets: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.zitty.de/events/handel-markt-berlin/">https://www.zitty.de/events/handel-markt-berlin/</a> “Wochenmarkt” means weekly market and will be basically produce, meat, and dairy. “Trödelmarkt“ is a flea market. I love them. We went to one on my birthday and I got an old fan blade to use as a candlestick. “Stoff” is fabric—that market has clothing and art. Let me know if you need any translations (and excuse me if that’s too much translation—you didn’t say if you know German). If you like markets and want help getting to one, let me know what kind you like and where you’ll be staying. </p> <p>If you like being outside and doing physical things, you can rent bikes all over the city—there are lots of different companies, and lots of bike riders. The bike paths aren’t exercise paths—they are practical commuting routes that will get you where you need to go. If you want a break from relentless touristing (my head wants to explode after a few days of sight-seeing, museums, and tours) that won’t leave you as guilty as if you’d stayed in your hotel room, you could rent a kayak at the Prinzenstrasse Bridge to tool around the Landwehr Canal. There are also boat tours that do a loop around the city.</p> <p>For the depressing site-seeing portion of your visit, Topography of Terror, near Checkpoint Charlie, is really good. That area is crawling with tourists and copies of the USSR military gear that was being sold off last time I lived here, but this exhibition is worth it. </p> <p>Alexanderplatz is bustling. It is right next to where the original settlement that grew to be Berlin is located, and the Fernsehturm (tv tower, aka Honneckus Erectus) is there. It was built in the 70s (while Erich Honnecker was leader, thus the nickname) and has the classic rotating restaurant on top. I think it would be a fun place to end your stay, if you are able to enjoy a little nostalgic kitch. The food isn’t amazing, but it’s good, and you can really see the different parts of the city and recollect where you went. </p> <p>I’m going to watch your post. There is a job in Brussels that I might apply for, and in any event I’d like to go there for my son to use the one year of French he took. </p> <p>*the assemblage of high end retail on Friedrichstrasse duplicates a lot of the stores on Kurfürstendamm/Tautzienstrasse. It amuses me that this has happened, because during the separation there were two of everything. The East got Humboldt University with the state library, the Museum Island and Unter den Linden with the philharmonic and opera. The West built the Free University in the SW part of the city, with associated museum complex, and a new state library and philharmonic/performance space near Potsdamer Platz. There is another tv tower in the West. The East had S-Bahns, the West had U-Bahns. But only the West had a department store built to feature the best retail goods in the capitalist system. So instead of any of the above closing down, the opposite has happened; another high end shopping area was built, so there are two of those now too. (The S- and U-Bahn both operate as part of the united city wide public transit system now, as do street cars and busses. It is easy to get anywhere you need to go. Download either the BVG or VBB app. They will give you step-by-step directions, in English, for where ever you need to go, from where ever you are.)</p> <p>Have a good trip! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-tips-for-berlin-brussels#post-1955103 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 16:59:32 +0000 Elle 1955103@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We're going to be traveling to Berlin and then Belgium (Brussels, Gent) later this month and I'd love some recommendaions for restaurants, food markets, favorite places etc.&nbsp; I've never been to either place and am excited and a bit nervous. </p>