A former residence's perspective - Brussels - TravBuddy

Brussels is a fantastic place to go for a few days, but to be honest after living there for 4 years there isn't that much to do for more than about 4 days. You can do the obvious bus tour to get your barings on the city, although its a little expesive, worth it. If the Atonium is open while you there (check before you go) its well worth a visit, recently re-furbished its stands out. Music Museum near the grand place is another good one if your into that kind of thing.
Night life in brussels is probably one of the best things. If your english/irish, the all familiar irish bar, o'riellys is near the De Broukere metro station, however there are many decent belgian bars around waiting for you to discover. You just need to down the streets from the Grand place and you'll come across many interesting, and often weird places which sell a variety of drinks.
My personal favourite is a place called Dali's. You have to walk through a fish resturant ally to get to it, and it is incredibly well discised. The decoration is amazing, with lots of dali prints around the room, lip shapd sofa's and a range of shakers to make your mind go round in circles for hours. Recomendation is the Sex on the Beach. Be warned though its incredibly strong, and you only need on glass before you feel anything (average shaker contains 6/7 glasses).
Spend the days wondering round the massive forest (13 spare km) walking through both lakes and wood. A good break from the city, and only 10 minutes from the centre on the number 94 tram.