Known as the de facto capital of the European Union and headquarters of NATO, Brussels charmed us with its rich history, delectable food, and quirky urban design—even if navigating its pedestrian-first streets sometimes felt like a puzzle.
Driving into Brussels downtown was an adventure. Our hotel was in the heart of a city where pedestrians reign supreme. We found ourselves driving along at sidewalk level, then dipping into underground underpasses that whisked us below busy walkways, only to emerge into bustling roundabouts. It was a bit crazy, but walking around Brussels afterward was an absolute treat.
Brussels quickly became a gastronomic heaven for us. If there’s one thing that won our hearts, it’s their food. We sampled everything from casual street & grocery waffles to fancy sit-down versions, each bite a delightful mix of sweetness and crisp perfection. And let’s not forget the iconic Belgian beer and the hearty Belgian beer stew that warmed us on cooler moments. Yes, we had waffles more than once, and every time they were even more irresistible than the last! We also bought SO MUCH chocolate from this amazing local chocolatier, including something I’ve never seen before -- pink chocolate. Not dyed white chocolate, but from pink chocolate beans!
Our stay was perfectly centered near Egmont Park—a serene, English-style public garden with a fascinating past. Once part of a royal property and now an oasis amid the city, Egmont Park we explored and snapped photos with its adorable bronze statues and century-old trees. Magnus and Cirrus made plenty of new four-legged friends among the park’s frequent visitors, and we indulged in dessert at La Fabrique en Ville at least once.
We dedicated ourselves to exploring Brussels on foot, walking all the way to Parc de Bruxelles. Known historically as the "Royal Park," this public space is steeped in the city’s rich heritage—from its origins on the ruins of noble gardens to its transformation into a neoclassical marvel. We discovered winding paths, expansive lawns, and a fun cafe where we sipped an amazing Bloody Mary that felt like the perfect reward after our walk. Every corner of the park and its surrounding streets exuded beauty and history.
Our urban wanderings led us to the charming Sablon neighborhood, where we visited the Church of Our Lady of Victories. Built in the 15th century with its late Brabantine Gothic exterior and rich interior accents, this historic monument carried whispers of nobility and artistic flair. Just across the street, the Square of Petit Sablon dazzled us with its Flemish neo-renaissance style, where intricate statues and a meticulously designed flower garden celebrated the legacy of Brussels’ guilds and humanists.
No trip to Brussels would be complete without a visit to the Atomium and its surrounding park. On a bright, sunny day, we drove to Osseghem Park—a hidden fairy tale of wildflowers, winding paths, and expansive lawns designed in a picturesque English style. While the Atomium buzzed with visitors, the park itself felt like a private sanctuary. The juxtaposition of a bustling monument and a tranquil park was a reminder of how Brussels effortlessly blends the old and the new.
Our adventures in Brussels also had a practical side. With plans to enter the UK, we made a stop for a vet appointment—a necessary pit stop for our pups as we navigated post-Brexit paperwork and deworming requirements. We were grateful to have found a kind and efficient vet who put our minds at ease, making sure Magnus and Cirrus were all set for the next legs of our journey.
From its origins as a bustling trade center on the River Senne and a famed textile and lace hub, to its modern role as a vibrant, bilingual metropolis known for waffles, chocolate, and French fries, Brussels is a city that wears its history with pride. Its cobblestone streets, Art Nouveau influences, and the echoes of revolutionary fervor (yes, even the Belgian Revolution has its place here) all contribute to an ambiance that is both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.
Our stay in Brussels was a delightful mix of unexpected adventures, culinary delights, and cultural treasures. It was a pause—a magical, heartwarming pause—on our European road trip that reminded us how every twist and turn of the journey brings its own special moments.
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