Beer tasting: if ever there was a city in which to sample a selection of fine beers, it is Brussels. The best way would be to do a bar route through the city taking in some of the bars well-known for their extensive collections. The Beer Weekend in September is another great chance to try Belgium’s finest brews.

Swimming: for a fun day out or a relaxing swim, there are two water parks just outside of Brussels, Oceade and Aqualibi. Oceade features indoor and outdoor pools, slides, saunas, a heated beach pool and many more activities. Aqualibi has two huge 140-metre long slides, rubber ring flumes and heated pools. If this all sounds a bit too energetic, Brussels and its vicinity has a number of thermal baths where the pace is much slower.

Eating out: with its penchant for indulgent offerings like sweet waffles, chocolates and French fries, Brussels is the kind of place you can eat out that does not have to be a formal four-course dinner, although it can be. There is always something to try when you’re on the move along with more French-style restaurants where you can make an evening of your meal.