48 Hours in Brussels

I went to Brussels in 2019. A lot has changed in the world between then and now. I don't think I ever gave this trip the respect it deserved because I visited as a break from my trip to Paris.

Getting to Brussels:

I took the Thalys train from Paris. It was an easy trip to make. There was wifi and outlets on the train and the seats were comfier than an airplane.

First Impressions:

Upon entering the city, I was impressed by the beauty of the architecture in this small city. It was easy to walk around.

Where I Stayed:

Hotel Novotel Brussels City Centre: This sleek and modern hotel is centrally located. From here, you can easily walk to many popular areas of the city. The rooms are quite large compared to most other metropolitan European hotels. My highlight here was the pool and sauna. I spent a lovely late evening swimming in the pool and relaxing in the sauna. I highly recommend this hotel and location.

Sight Seeing & Things to Do:

• 3 Pis statues: Ok, this was the main attraction that I wanted to do in Brussels. Mannekin Pis is a fountain/sculpture of a small boy peeing. There are two spin-offs of this statue; a girl (Jeanneke Pis) and a dog (Zinneke Pis). Often, the city frequently dresses up the OG Mannekin Pis in costumes for special occasions. Many of these costumes have been gifted by foreign organizations and dignitaries (he has over 900 costumes). One day I saw him look like a baby clown, another day he was without a costume.

• Old England Building: Once a prominent department store, now home to the Musical Instruments Museum. The gorgeous facade is reason enough to walk past here and snap a photo.

• EU Parliamentarium: Growing up, I was obsessed with the United Nations thanks to Model UN. This space in Brussels is set up as a parliamentary visitor center. This interactive museum merges history and technology to demonstrate current European cooperation. Visting here was my trip highlight!

• La Grand Place: Visit this pavilion and people watch! The palace is spectacularly gorgeous, detailed with bright shining gold. All the while the impressive 17th-century architecture flanks the commotion of daily life and culture of Brussels. You'll see street performances, friends congregating, and can enjoy some shopping.

• Choco-Story: AKA The Museum of Chocolate: Not the most impressive museum and probably more entertaining for children than adults. The highlights include a tasting room where you can sample different types of cocoa and then a final room where a presentation on creating (and sampling) chocolate treats occurs.

• Everard t'Serclaes: Rub the arm of this legendary hero's statue to ensure your future return to Brussels...or for good luck...

• Royal Palace of Brussels: Gorgeous! Great spot for photos.

Dining:

• The Avocado Show: You're paying for three things here: millennial decor, avocados, and food presentation. The food was good enough, no complaints, but it didn't taste as ahhhmazing as it looked.

• Peck 47: This cute locale had an excellent brunch menu that was very vegetarian-friendly. I highly recommend adding the "psycho sauce" because it is not too spicy but adds just the right flavor and kick.

• Berlin Fabrik: This German burger place will surprise you! There were at least 25 burgers on the menu, including two types of veggie burgers. I tried the Med Berlin Burger which boasted tomatoes, olive tapenade, and feta tapenade. This burger was giant and delicious! There was a side of fries and a basket of condiments. The red mayo had a little kick.

• Waffle Factory: 10/10 believe the hype. The line is annoying, but the food came out quickly. We got a Lunchwaf which was stuffed with ricotta, tomato, spinach, and pesto. We also got the Liege waffle with speculoos. Both were simply perfect. We supplemented the waffles with a Coke Zero, which was surprisingly very good and tastes like regular coke without all of the American Coke chemicals.

• Spago: This was a little Italian pizza place in Brussels. We got a buffalo mozzarella pizza, which was topped with five giant dollops of fresh mozzarella. Unfortunately, the pizza was weak and soggy. We also ordered the truffle veggie lasagna and my friend said it was the best they ever had. The truffle sauce was unique and beige, not your typical red sauce. The truffle flavor was not understated. I had a Frutti de mare- spaghetti with clams, mussels, shrimp, baby shrimp, scallops, and crab. Of course, I supplemented with so much parmesan cheese. Try the cider and cherry wine. You'll enjoy a fun evening of people watching (and dog watching) from this patio, we spent over two hours here!

• Fanny Thai: this place was bustling! We sat on the outside patio. This wasn't my favorite Pad Thai but my friend said that it all reminded him of Immm in Chicago. Water was $4.50 and wine was $9 for 1/2 liter.

Shopping:

Leonidas: A yummy chocolate boutique! Stop by for a truffle.

Hot Tips:

• Bring cash (euros). A lot of smaller restaurants are cash-only. Don't miss out on relaxing street-side cafes because you're unprepared.

• Brussels is known for frites, mussels, waffles, and chocolate. Go all-in on these items!

• Buy chocolate as souvenirs!

Final Thoughts:

I went. I came, I saw, I conquered, and honestly, I don't think I have to go back.