We ended up booking a cheap deal through Expedia which included a flight from Heathrow and 3 nights stay at Hotel le Dome, which was only a few minutes walk away from the central train station on Boulevard du Jardin Botanique.

During the day we didn't realise, but in the night all the neon of the adult shops and establishments start to show up. Nice enough area though so it didn't make any difference.

Grand Place

Just by the top left hand corner of la Grand Place (I think if I remember correctly) is a small bar that is very dark and has tables made out of coffins. They serve drinks in skull shaped mugs and lamely try and scare people by shouting boo just by their ears. It was OK for one drink but you wouldn't stay there all night.... no at those prices!

Belgium beers are excellent. Try the Duvel, Leffe and Chimay brands for starters. The Chimay Bleu is pretty hefty. There was a place serving the drinks in Lunettes which are huge glasses that look like champagne bowls.

Dinner at Mexican Grill

There is a separate write up in the food and drink section for this place but in summary you pay 30 euros, help yourself to the bar which has beer, wine and soft drinks on tap plus there are whole areas for starters, a grill for the steaks that are out,  a help yourself to dessert fridge and hot drinks dispensers.

Make sure you don't eat that day, and bare in mind whether kids will be able to get value out of it.

Brussels Park