My Brussels adventure began with a rookie mistake. Note to self: always check which airport you’re flying into! I landed at Charleroi Airport and quickly realised I was nowhere near Brussels. We’re talking a full hour away from the city. The bus ride wasn’t all bad though. As we drew closer to Brussels, the landscape gradually transformed: remote scenes gave way to residential neighborhoods with their neat rows of brick houses and small gardens. Finally, the city proper emerged, with its mix of historical architecture and sleek office towers reaching skyward. After about an hour of this changing panorama, the bus pulled into Brussels Midi Station, where I stepped out, ready to properly explore the city.
From there, my first order of business was to grab some grub. I found this adorable cafe in the city center and ordered a waffle because when in Belgium, right? OMG, it was incredible! With just the perfect amount of powdered sugar (would’ve happily added more). I washed it down with a strong coffee, then set off toward Grand Place. Let me tell you, this city square is absolutely breathtaking! It was packed with tourists, but for good reason. The architecture is mind-blowing! All these gold-trimmed guild houses and that massive Gothic town hall. I just stood there trying to soak it all in. Total postcard moment!
After getting my fill of Grand Place, I continued walking toward the second most visited site, the Manneken Pis. The tiny fountain statue, while historically significant, was almost comically small compared to its outsized reputation. Tourists were clustered around, taking selfies with this diminutive celebrity, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the contrast between its fame and size. There were literally people lined up to get photos with a statue that’s barely two feet tall! I grabbed a quick picture too because when in Belgium, right?
Moving right along, I decided to just get lost in Brussels’ winding streets, which turned out to be the best decision ever! The neighborhood around the center is full of these narrow, cobblestone alleys that open up into the most unexpected places. I came across this amazing store called ‘Music d’occasion‘ that had the most stunning street art covering its entire facade. Obviously had to strike a pose in front of it! Leaned against the wall trying to look all artistic and cool for my Instagram. I spent a good hour just wandering around finding more street art. Brussels is seriously an open-air gallery. Every corner you turn, there’s another incredible mural waiting to be discovered.
All this discovery left me absolutely starving, and what better way to refuel than with another waffle? When in Belgium, right? So my second waffle stop for the day was at yet another cafe. Paired it with another cup of coffee because at this point I was running on pure caffeine and sugar, and honestly living my best life.
After getting my waffle fix, I decided to visit the Atomium. So I hopped on a train to the station closest to it, and oh. my. god. What a sight! This massive structure, gleaming silver under the afternoon sun, is basically a giant atom. It represents a unit cell of an iron crystal magnified like 165 billion times. I felt tiny standing beneath it! The coolest part was riding the escalators through its connecting tubes to reach different spheres. Each sphere had unique exhibitions! Some science stuff, some history about the 1958 World’s Fair when it was built. But the absolute highlight? Getting to the top sphere and seeing this incredible panoramic view of Brussels. I could see everything from the historic spires of the city center to parks stretching out forever. I swear I could’ve stayed up there all day, just watching the city go by beneath me.
I spent the remainder of the day just wandering around the Atomium grounds, people-watching and taking in the sights. And guess what I had for dinner? Another waffle! When in Belgium, right? I know, I know, three waffles in one day is probably excessive, but YOLO! Washed it down with, you guessed it! Another cup of coffee! As the sun started to set, I made my way to Brussels Noord Station to catch my night bus to Amsterdam. Standing there waiting for my bus, I was happy about how much I’d packed into just one day. From landing at the wrong airport to stuffing myself with waffles and discovering amazing architecture and street art. All before hopping on a bus to another country! And yes, I’m still dreaming about those waffles.