With Brussels as your base, the whole of Belgium is within easy reach, from
fashion-mad Antwerp in the north to historic Waterloo in the south.
Antwerp is an alluring daytrip for shopaholics and Rubens pilgrims. Namur
is a favourite with children, for its huge fortress, complete with rides and museums. It
is also home to the erotic Museum of Felicien Rops, an intriguing 19th-century
artist whose work will remind you of Toulouse Lautrec. For pure nostalgia, head for
medieval, canal-ridden Bruges or neighbouring Ghent. Both are west of
Brussels. Just 20km south of Brussels, Waterloo commemorates the famous battle
with the earthy Butte de Lion memorial and Wellington Museum. Less well known, but more
romantic, travel to Villers-la-Ville's medieval abbey, just a bit
further south of Waterloo.