I have been to Brussels over Christmas and had a truly great time. I saw La Traviata in the 'Mint' Opera, went to the Leon Spilliaert exposition in the Royal Art Museum, had fresh oysters with white wine on Grand Market. It truly hurts me to admit this, but I am afraid there is no way around it: Brussels beats Amsterdam for atmosphere, architectural beauty (both modern and classical), food, drinks (I had three blonde Leffes with a superb steak at the famous restaurant De Ultieme Hallucinatie yesterday night), public transport, nightlife, manners, stylishness, the works. And most important of all, Brussels is more relaxed than Amsterdam. Congratulations, Belgium! The Adrian II stamp of approval makes it official: Brussels is now the superior destination.


This has been a public service announcement on behalf of Adrian II ®