Brussels, Belgium

Rebecca Dangler: Peaceful workspace (during the weekdays) with strong Wi-Fi, great coffee, and an excellent lunch. Miso soup, cucumber salad, and your choice of spring roll ($9.50) –– friend chicken was tasty.

Rebecca Dangler: A budding design district lined with furniture shops & vintage boutiques, Marolles feels miles away from the tourist center. (Which is actually only 15-minutes away, by foot.)

Rebecca Dangler: Visible from the street, the large-scale architecture installation drew us in. Climb through the wooden exhibit to discover a reading room, hanging garden, and plenty of cozy corners for lounging.

Rebecca Dangler: Each facade holds clues to the building's historic use, so look closely at the golden symbols and typography hidden in the elaborate architecture.

Rebecca Dangler: Beautiful, plentiful, and healthful selection. Veggie-packed lunch plate was large enough to share. Take a swing around the store after your meal; there's a nice selection of apparel, gifts, etc.

Rebecca Dangler: Cozy hotel/hostel in the up-and-coming Marolles neighborhood. Dorms are spacious & private, but the building is currently under renovation. Nice breakfast (served 6-10AM) and outdoor terrace.

Rebecca Dangler: Head upstairs to the children's section for an impressive view of the mirrored walls, plus a great selection of artsy graphic novels and illustrated classics.

Rebecca Dangler: Fresh focaccia sandwiches tied up with twine...what could be better? With plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, The Sister is perfect for a healthy, casual lunch in Brussels.

Rebecca Dangler: Belgium boasts six Trappist abbeys, and all six monastic brews are available at Delirium. A religious experience, indeed.

Rebecca Dangler: An architectural masterpiece! Photography is not allowed, so be prepared to stash your camera & phone in the lobby lockers. Take your time exploring each floor of this intricate Art Nouveau home.

Rebecca Dangler: Beautiful magazines, luscious cheesecake, and fragrant chai with lots of cardamom...Hinterland is coffeehouse perfection. Linger over an iced beverage & snack after visiting the nearby Horta Museum.

Rebecca Dangler: Saint-Gilles has seemingly endless streets to stroll and charming cafes to discover. Wander around...stop for a coffee or aperitif...enjoy.

Rebecca Dangler: Fantastic workspace with a friendly canine mascot. If you're lucky, you'll catch him crooning along to Nina Simone. Try the quiche lunch ($10.50) which is served with fresh salad & brown bread.

Rebecca Dangler: A must-visit in the eclectic Marolles district, Al Jannah serves delicious Lebanese dishes like the vegetarian assiette, a tasty combination plate filled with five cold mezzes and pita.

Rebecca Dangler: Lunch specials (2 or 3 spring rolls) are quite filling, so plan to enjoy with a friend. Our server was kind enough to cut each roll in half. Pictured: sweet potato, duck, and smoked salmon rolls.

Rebecca Dangler: Parc du Cinquantenaire is picnic-perfect, especially on Saturday & Sunday when people watching (and dog watching) is prime. Statues are brilliant –– take a closer look.

Rebecca Dangler: "Mount of the Arts" does not disappoint! Surrounded by Brussels' best museums, this elevated urban park boats clear views of Town Hall, and even the Atomium on especially clear days.

Rebecca Dangler: Pay by the pound! (Well, kilo.) Leather jackets, printed dresses, worn-in sweatshirts, and sturdy handbags...scour the racks of vintage to find hidden gems. $15/kilo ~ approx. $8/lbs