Best bargains
Pick up a bric-a-brac bargain at the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market or hunt for high-street fashion finds on the Rue Neuve. Of course you can't go to Belgium and not go a little cocoa crazy - get high quality and reasonably-priced chocolates and biscuits at Neuhaus or Galler

Free fun
Canny art lovers should visit Brussels on the first Wednesday of the month when both the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Ancient Art at 3 Rue de la Regence are free all afternoon. Highlights include a fabulous collection of surrealist art, including Magritte originals. If you're fascinated by men in uniforms, visit the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History at the Parc du Cinquantenaire, which is open Tuesday to Sunday and completely free.

Best view
Take your seat at the rooftop cafe-restaurant of the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) at 2 Rue Montagne de la Cour or look down on the medieval glory of the Grand'Place from the balcony of the Hotel de Ville (town hall).

Cheap eats
For around two Euros, snack on a cone of chips, waffle or kebab from the Rue du Marche aux Fromages (behind the Grand Place). For around 15 Euros, test out mussels/steak and chips, washed down with a beer or three, on the busy Rue des Bouchers (choose carefully - Chez Vincent and Aux Armes de Bruxelles, are favourites with locals, not just tourists). Look out for Pain Quotidien - these chains are always a good bet for delicious salads and sandwiches in attractive surroundings. As evening falls, drink beer in studenty bars along the Avenue General Jacques.

Cheap travel
Pick up a free map from the tourist board and walk the compact city centre. Start at the Grand Place, stroll to the nearby Mannekin Pis, past streets of souvenir shops selling lace and chocolate. Follow the Comic Strip Trail and learn about Belgium's comic strip heroes, mural by mural. When your feet ache, jump on the Brussels metro or tram network - good value and efficient. If you're staying for a while, invest 30 Euros in a Brussels card (available at tourist information counters and museums), for free public transport and free access to 30 museums, plus reductions on selected restaurants.

Splash out
Shop for international designer wear on the wide Avenue Louise or nip in and out of boutiques along the rue Antoine Dansaert - stopping to spoil yourself with contemporary jewellery in 18 carat gold at Christa Reniers (29 rue Antoine Dansaert) and for refreshment at trendy eatery Bonsoir Clara (22-26 rue Antoine Dansaert). Stroll the Sablons district for the best chocolates, pristine antiques and posh restaurants. Eat more top nosh at Comme Chez Soi, 23 Place Rouppe. Dress smart to look the part.

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