Travelling to Brussels, Belgium

Bill and I have the wonderful opportunity of travelling overseas to Brussels, Belgium. Bill is presenting at the Global Forum on some of his work with Connecting Communities, along with several of his colleagues.
For the first time, I find myself a little out of my element. I love travelling and exploring new sites and cultures BUT I haven't been in a country where English isn't the first language spoken. So we shall see how well I navigate.
Here's a map of Belgium to give you an idea where it lies and what other countries are around it.
From everything I've been reading, Brussels is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Europe's must-see destinations, with its small town charm, trendy bars and restaurants, fabulous food, great nightlife, fantastic shopping, numerous museums.

The website has several places that are listed as "must see." But, I also want to see a castle (there are three listed on their website).
Here are the must sees that are on the website:

Grand PlaceThe Grand Place, with its ornate baroque and gothic guild houses, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Built as a merchants market in the 13th century, it serves as the city center and a great place to enjoy Belgian hospitality at one of the many terrace cafes. It is also a venue for many concerts & events throughout the year and during the warmer months has a vibrant, daily flower market.

Town Hall (Hotel de Ville)

The first building you notice upon entering the Grand Place is the striking gothic town hall, which dates back to the 13th century. Its beautiful facade features the famous needle-like crooked spire which is 315 feet in height and is topped by the archangel St. Michael. Tours are available of the interior, which contains 15th century tapestries and works of art.

The Royal Palace (Palais Royal)

The official home of the Belgian king, you will always know if he is in the country when you see the Belgian flag flying on top of the building. The building is a highlight of Neo-Classical architecture and overlooks Brussels Park. The Royal Palace is open to the public during the summer months.

Manneken Pis

This famous statue of a little boy peeing in a fountain is a perfect representative of the irreverent Belgian humor. The unique Brussels icon has been amusing visitors on the corner of Rue de L’Etuve & Stroofstraat since 1619. Over time it has become a tradition for visiting heads of state to donate miniature versions of their national costume for the little naked boy. The wardrobe of Mannekin Pis can be seen at the Brussels museum and includes over 760 outfits – even an authentic Elvis jumpsuit.

Coudenberg An underground trail to discover the remains of King Charles the Fifth's palace. A fascinating walk under Place royale to discover the remains of the Coudenberg Palace, one of the main residences of Charles V in the past. The former Hoogstraeten house - and its magnificent and entirely renovated gothic gallery - houses the Museum of the Coudenberg where you'll be able to admire the most beautiful archaeological discoveries of the last 25 years of the Coudenberg excavations history Galeries St Hubert This gorgeous, glass roofed arcade in the center of town, lined with cafes, theaters and luxury stores has the distinction of being the first shopping arcade in Europe. Built in 1847 and recently renovated, the Royal Galleries (Galerie de la Reine, du Roi and du Prince) are one of the most astonishing places to visit in Brussels. Atomium Built for the 1958 World Fair, the Atomium represents a molecule’s nine atoms – magnified 165 billion times. Something of a symbol of the city, it provides a panoramic view of Brussels and its surroundings. The 9 spheres that make up the “atom” are linked by escalators. The Atomium hosts a museum and is also a venue for special events. In Summer : take part in a unique activity: a Death-Ride from the top sphere of the Atomium! A breathtaking descent of more than 100 meters! Cathedral of Saints Michel and Gudule This magnificent cathedral, tactfully dedicated to the male and female patron saints of Brussels, is located near Central Station. It was completed by the end of the 15th century in the Brabant Gothic style, but was damaged by the French shelling of 1695. The white stone façade is from the year 1250 and the interior is splendidly proportioned and stuffed with treasures. Place du Grand Sablon This picturesque square is situated on the slope that divides Brussels between the upper and lower halves of the city. Decked out with chic boutiques, al fresco cafes, fashionable restaurants, and trendy bars, the Grand Sablon is most famous for its lively open-air antiques market which attracts antiques dealers from all over the world. Open every weekend (Sat 9-6, Sun 9-2). Place du Petit Sablon Just above the Grand Sablon is the jewel of a square - Petit Sablon. Originally a horse market, it was converted in 1890 into an elegant & charming flower garden with lavish fountains, surrounded by wrought-iron fences decorated with stone statuettes. Each figure represents a medieval trade or craft that brought prosperity to Brussels. Today it is a favorite area to relax while taking in the pretty view. Rue de Bouchers Known more for the atmospheric charm, Rue de Boucher is a walking thoroughfare abounding with 17th century stepped gables, decorated doorways, cafes and restaurants with lavish pavement displays of seafood, piled high on mounds of ice. This street offers a wide variety of restaurants at various price points. Two of the most well known restaurants are Chez Leon and Aux Armes de Bruxelles.