Fine dining in one of Grand Place's magnificent guild halls

Word to the wise: To avoid the crowds of tourists at lunchtime, make a dinner reservation and enjoy the sight of the spectacularly lit Grand Place at night.

Popular plate: Try the melt-in-the-mouth calf's sweetbread with sesame and a cannelloni of lobster.

Occupying a prime position on historic Grand Place, La Maison du Cygne enjoys one of the best views in Brussels from a beautiful 17th century guild house. The interior is as impressive as the facade, with walnut-wood walls, lush velvet upholstery and fabulous chandeliers.

As expected, its location and history comes with a price tag but the food doesn't come second to the view and is worth every penny. The menu features French and Belgian haute cuisine, with a variety of meat and fish dishes and tempting French desserts, washed down with your tipple of choice from a wine cellar of over 20,000 bottles.