One remarkable aspect of Europe that I appreciate is the ease of transportation between cities, facilitated by its efficient railways and high speed-trains. This comprehensive network seamlessly connects cities and regions, providing immense convenience and ease of cross-country travel. Hence, we thought a day trip from Paris to Belgium’s capital city was an enticing idea, considering its reasonable distance of an hour and a half via railroad journey.
We secured our trip with tickets from Eurostar, opting for an 8:00 am departure from Gare du Nord, bound for Brussels Midi. Despite the limited time we had, we were determined to make the most of our journey by focusing on the city’s historic center. Grand Place was our main destination. This cobbled square is the heart of Brussels and a very popular tourist destination. It houses the city’s townhall and several other historic buildings. With its expansive layout, The Grand Place is a favorite venue for a variety of events year round, from cultural celebrations, to festivals, concerts, markets and political gatherings. Its architectural magnificence, historical significance, and cultural importance led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998, a status it still holds to this day.
Surrounding the square are a myriad of interesting hotspots absolutely deserving of a visitor’s attention. For the sophisticated shoppers, there’s the exquisitely elegant Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert shopping arcade, one of the oldest and most prestigious shopping arcades in Europe featuring upscale boutiques offering a curated selection of haute couture, fine jewelry, and designer accessories. If seeking a moment of solace and peace, a visit to the historically rich Saint Nicholas Church may just be what you need. Its sacred space and tranquil ambience provide an ideal backdrop for contemplation and reflection. For those just yearning for a leisurely expedition while still indulging in the essence of Brussels, a delightful array of shops offering irresistible Belgian chocolate and waffles, numerous souvenir shops, and various other retail shopping options await.
A short distance away, you will find the adorable Manneken Pis statue, a small bronze sculpture of a little boy peeing into a fountain basin. It’s a beloved symbol of the city and is dressed in various costumes, changed several times a week, depending on factors such as an upcoming event or the preference of the individual responsible for dressing the statue.
Brussels boasts numerous attractions such as the iconic Atomium, the historic Parc du Cinquantenaire, and the fashionable Avenue Louise. The eagerness to discover more was tempting, but focusing our exploration around the captivating ambiance of this charming locale and its neighboring areas proved to be an inspiring sojourn. We reveled in the signature indulgences that Brussels has to offer, delighting in the heritage scenery, treating ourselves to decadent Belgian waffles and exquisite chocolates, immersing ourselves in the local shopping scene, while also capturing the beauty of these experiences.
It was indeed a long day, filled with unforgettable sights, delectable tastes, and enriching experiences. We went back with tired feet but rejuvenated spirits, carrying with us the core of this remarkable city captured in every moment. Until we meet again Brussels… thank you for the short but incredible journey.
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