Hey travelers,
A trip report from my three nights in Brussels - the start of a 20 day trip to Belgium and the Netherlands. Prior to any trip to Europe, I spend months reading posts on this forum that help to shape my trip and keep me going while waiting for the long coveted annual vacation. I hope these highlights can be helpful to someone beginning to plan their trip!
We enjoyed our time in Brussels, an international city with a food scene to match.
The jet lag adjustment seemed harder than prior international trips so we took it easy, mainly strolling around and soaking in the European vibe- stopping for frites and liege waffles along the way.
The Grand Place is quite spectacular- gold everywhere and such intricate design and architecture. Compared to other European main squares this one felt small - although the ornateness of the buildings packed a punch in a small area. The Starbucks on the square was a bummer to see.
We enjoyed our visit to the Margritte Museum, well presented on three floors covering the span of his career.
Chocolate highlights include Mary ( pronounced Mahree), first female chocolatier established in 1919. We also enjoyed a treat and later a hot chocolate at Pierre Marcolini.
While we live in the Bay Area - a place with cuisine from all over the world we enjoyed options in Brussels that are not easily found in the Bay Area such as the many Syrian restaurants. Wolf Food Hall is a fun spot if you’re feeling indecisive- lots of food stalls from traditional Belgium to African and all corners of the world.
With more time and less jet lag I would have loved to visit the Africa Museum. We also didn’t get to Antwerp a planned day trip. Now onto Brugge.
