Eat waffles.  Eat chocolate.  Tour a brewery.  Eat at La fin du siecle (Brussels).  Wander Brussels looking at all the comic art:)

One of the best guides I've ever seen is the Use-it guide: http://www.use-it.be/brussels/

It will give  you more specifics on the above. 

Also, if you want some more reading material:  http://www.thecircumference.org/beer-in-belgium

Hope you like beer:)

Never been to Amsterdam, so I can't help you there, but hope that info helps!

Posted Dec 19, 2010

Almost all of the tips above are fun, but very touristy! If you want to experience these cities like a local, find out what locals do. Spotted by Locals is a great website.

Enjoy! Bart

Posted Jan 02, 2011

Amsterdam: canal cruise, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum.

Brussels is a government town; not a whole lot of historical stuff of real interest as far as I'm concerned but check out the old town and plaza (great beer) and just to say you did it: see the Mannekin Pis.

Expect rain.  Depending on your mode of transport, you might also want to drive through the Hague and Antwerp.or take side trips to Bruges or Ghent.

Posted Dec 19, 2010

Amsterdam:De Gooyer Windmill in the Old Jewish Quarter: great small brewery at the base; Van Gogh Museum-but get there as soon as it opens because of the huge lines, Same goes for the Anne Frank house, get there early, Kaasland Singel Cheese shop, leave the tourist areas (pot and sex shops) and hit the smaller neighborhoods

Brussels: Manneken Pis and Jeanneke Pis-the little boy is more famous, but the little girl is pretty cool; Brasserie Cantillon Brewery-amazing sour lambic style beers; try the mussels, Grand Place in Brussels.

Posted Dec 19, 2010

Go to Ghent!

Posted Dec 25, 2010

Also while in Amsterdam, Cafe Gollem is a favorite pub for Belgian beers and cheeses (of course, you're going to Belgium, too, so you may not need this).  A must-do is to go out for Indonesian food - rijstaffel (literally, "rice table") is a huge meal of various curries and yummy things around a central mountain of rice.  Delicious.

Posted Dec 19, 2010

I second the canal cruise idea.  If there's time for a side trip, go to Zaanse Schans.  It's got all kinds of old windmills and such on display, not to mention the beautiful drive there.  it might be a bit cold this time of year though...

Also, there are some really cool towns along the coast.  I remember a place called "Vreer" was really interesting, but I can't find any information on it.  If I find something later, I'll let you know.

Posted Dec 19, 2010

I second the Van Goph museum. Also the tour of the Heineken factory was really fun (if a little cheesy).  I loved just walking around.

Amsterdam is an amazing city. I absolutely love the dichotomy of it - one half tranquil/art/canal city and one half decadence. You can't not have a good time in Amsterdam. 

Posted Dec 20, 2010

Belgium has the best beer and chocolate in the world. I wouldn't miss the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

Posted Dec 20, 2010

Do a night canal cruise after all the museums and stuff.  I had a 15 hour layover overnight in Amsterdam, and that was the first thing I did.  €12 well spent.

Posted Dec 20, 2010

great ideas above...i would also add for brussels (besides the must eat list of beer, chocolate, waffles, mussels) eat frittes!! happy travels!

Posted Dec 20, 2010

Be sure to eat as many waffles as humanly possible in Belgium, as well as some of the French fries. Delicious. The Musical Instrument Museum is really interesting if you're into music.

In Amsterdam, you can take a free walking tour of the city with Sandeman's New Europe. You get a guide to show you around, give you info on top sights, and get your bearings a bit before setting off on your own. The 10 euro walking tour of the red light district at night by the same company is also fun and educational (and you end up at a bar taking shots of Jagermeister, haha)

Posted Dec 22, 2010

- Chez Moeder Lambic bar in Brussels for Beer

http://www.moederlambic.eu/

- Whisky L&B Cafe in Amsterdam for whisky

http://www.bozzy.org/2010/09/dramming-in-amsterdam.html

- Kaai Theater in Brussels for contemporary stage performances

http://www.kaaitheater.be/home.jsp

- Stadelijk Museum in Amsterdam for contemporary art

http://www.stedelijk.nl/en

- Utrechtstraat and Haarlemstraat in Amsterdam for shopping

Posted Dec 22, 2010

Jamie:

I love the Grand Place in Brussels and surrounding area because of its beauty and history.    Here are a couple of dining suggestions:

1)   www.auxarmesdebruxelles.be/en/node/35

2)     Le Scheltema AddressRue des Dominicains 7, Brussels, 1000 50.8481594.354341 Location:  Off rue des Bouchers                                                                                                         Phone:      02/512-20-84                                                                                                              Cuisine:    French/Belgian                                                                                                                      Price:         Main courses 16€-24€ ($20-$30)

Another suggestion...since the HQ for the European Union is there, a tour might be very enlightening.  Plus, right off the Grand Place square is the Manneken Pis (help·info) (literally little man pee in Dutch, also known in French as le Petit Julien), a famous Brussels landmark.     Do the total tourist thing and enjoy a Belgian waffle or purchase chocolates on the square.

    Plus, Belgium is FAMOUS for its lace.  You'll not find lace with this quality or prices elsewhere.  The curtains are gorgeous and, if this is your style, will be worth the price to bring back in install in your home.  In any case, buy a few small pieces as gifts.  There will be no better Christmas gift than genuine lace from Europe.    Brussels has other pre and post-WWII museums which can add great European cultural value to your trip. 

     Please do yourself a favor and enjoy a past, present and future overview of Europe and its relationship with the rest of the world through the eyes of Brussels and its many wonders.   

     Also, in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum is a jewel.  Especially evocative is the Night Watch by Rembrandt.  Plus, the Van Gogh Museum is also in Amsterdam.  If you have an interest in commerce on a grand scale, the Port of Rotterdam is quite a sight...one of the largest shipping ports in Europe.   During our first trip to Amsterdam, we stayed at the Hotel Pulitzer.  A portion of the movie, Oceans 12, was filmed there.  

Very Happy Travels, Lance Johnson / Oklahoma City

Posted Dec 22, 2010

Canal Cruise is great, rent a scooter and bomb around, there are plenty of bars with seating on the canal... post up and meet some locals (most speak english) street markets and herring... do it! haha

Posted Dec 22, 2010

Supperclub! Best evening entertainment in A'dam. Also Paradiso, Melkweg, Escape, Rain & Sugar Factory. And oh those coffeeshops...

Posted Dec 24, 2010

The Rembrandthuis is lovely. You might also consider a concert at the Royal Concertgebouw.

Posted Dec 26, 2010

Brussels is such a wonderful city. You'll find many things to do there. While I was there, I had a couple favorite cafes. They both serve fabulous food, and for a good price. One is called Cafe Inn, and the other is Cafe Novo. Another famous place is called Delirium Cafe. Here is the link to the website: http://www.deliriumcafe.be/

If you're into beer, an interesting place to visit is the Cantillon Brewery. http://www.cantillon.be/br/3_1

Of course, for a tourist, you must do the tourist things! You can't go to Brussels without seeing the Grand Place! Also, chocolate (I recommend Leonidas!!!!!), frites, and waffles are a must!!

It's a wonderful city with wonderful people! There is so much I could recommend but I can't mention everything! Also, a couple of museums I recommend is the Magritte Museum and the Musical Instrument museum. They're conveniently across from each other!

Enjoy Brussels and Amsterdam!

Posted Dec 26, 2010

I have not been to Brussels, I get to Amsterdam often for business. 1. Dress for warmth and rain, function over fashion.  small but good strong umbrella. 2.  Museumplein area has most of the museums, look into a multiday pass, so you can check out  the museums a little at a time. 3.) Buy and learn to use strippenkarts for the public transportation. 4.)  Jewish Quarter and the Jewish History Museum is rarely visited and has great modern art as well as the history of Judaism on Amsterdam.  5.)  Most Amsterdamers speak English, courtesy and patience will be a benefit.   6.)  Indonesian Resturants are kind of like a cross between Thai and Indian Food.

Posted Dec 27, 2010

It is soo touristy, but I really enjoyed the Autonium in Brussels - also it is well worth the time to take the train to Brugge for a day. I've been thinking about a trip back to Belgium this year, and I've been inspired by this blog - http://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/category/destinations/europe/belgium/ I definitely want to try out the waffles and chocolates like this - in an organised way - as I was so overwhelmed with it all the last time.

Posted Dec 28, 2010

Definitely head toward le Grand Place (the center). Near there you'll find Delirium Tremens a bar with over 3,000 kinds of beers. Across the alley there is a bar specialized in absinthe. If you have time head to Brugge and try some moule-frite (mussels and fries) a favorite belgian dish!

Posted Dec 29, 2010

Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank house, waffles, canal tour, meandering the streets on foot (or, if you're confident in your biking ability...on wheels)

Posted Jan 01, 2011

of course the Anne Frank house. Go EARLY or else the line is waaaay long.

Don't forget to buy some Delft Pottery ..hand painted there ...there are lots of shops.

They make great gifts!

also don't forget to make a stop at the Bulldog! Check out the photos on the wall!

Willie Nelson will be amoung them!

Posted Jan 04, 2011

Vondelpark.

Posted Jan 05, 2011

Visit Antwerp, it is only a short train ride from Brussels.

Posted Jan 08, 2011

Hey Jamie, we have a local writer in Amsterdam that has been producing fantastic posts about the best the city has to offer.   Here is a selection of what we called "Top Features".  I'm sure you'll find plenty to inspire your wandering.   Have a great time!

Posted Jan 10, 2011

And if the weather permits, do it all by renting a bike.  The perfect way to see the city!

Posted Jan 13, 2011

I second renting a bike, the Anne Frank Huis and  the Van Goh Museum. Spend some time browsing the floating flower market on the Singel Canal. Eat pannekoken, poffertjes, and try some jenever (Dutch gin) in the tulip glasses. Bitterballen and cheese wtih mustard are great wtih a glass of beer in the afternoon.

Ride your bike up to Volendam and Marken. Volendam is a characteristic Dutch fishing village. Bike paths are well marked and you'll go through very pretty countryside and along some canals.

Watch out riding a bike in the city. It can get a little scary. A co-worker of my husband was riding a bike near the Centraal Station 18 months ago and was hit and killed by a tram.

Posted Jan 17, 2011

In Amsterdam, their public library is an architectural splendor. And you get a good view of the city from it's windows. That was actually my fav place there. Also good for people watching.

We walked the city everywhere. One morning, I was up early, walking around parks in De Pijp neighborhood, where we stayed, and seeing all the people with their dogs and children, doing their regular things... I always love that.

If you are in need of a sweet in the De Pjjip neighborhood, there's an amazing place called  De'Taart van m'n T'antes, or approx, the cake of my aunt. They also have a B&B upstairs called cake under my pillow, which was one of the best places I've ever stayed. Perfect location and quirky.

Posted Jan 19, 2011

I would highly recommend that you take a detour to Bruges. I went during the winter. They had an ice skating rink set up outside the bell tower and horse drawn carriage tours through the city. I think the carriage tours were a year-round thing though, so you might get to enjoy that. And definitely climb the bell tower while you're there.

As for Amsterdam, the highlight of my trip was a comedy club called BoomChicago. They have a regular show where they highlight the differences between the culture in America and The Netherlands, and most of the show is in English. It was very entertaining and enlightening.

Posted Feb 19, 2011

Jamie - how was your trip?

Posted Jun 05, 2012

Amsterdam:
Hop on a free ferry just behind the Central Station and head to NDSM. Super cool old shipyard that has been turned into an artist collective. There's also a cafe in a greenhouse. A little off the beaten path and gives a great insider perspective into the Dutch contemporary art/design scene.

Posted Aug 11, 2012