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A Day in Brussels: History Lessons, Stew Obsessions, and Scenic Strolls

hnewbury8

After an incredible Portugal girls' trip, I couldn’t wait to reunite with Scott and explore more of Europe together. While I was soaking in the last of Portugal’s sites, Scott flew direct from St. John’s to London Gatwick.

Navigating London Airports: The MOXY Heathrow Experience

Our plan was to meet in Brussels the next day, but since the flights out of Gatwick weren’t ideal, he transferred to Heathrow using the National Express 201 bus, a convenient direct route between the two airports. He spent the night at the MOXY London Heathrow Airport, which turned out to be a fantastic choice. This hotel offers a fun, modern vibe with comfortable rooms, a lively social bar, and excellent proximity to Heathrow for early departures.

Flying Into Brussels: Customs Lessons Learned

Meanwhile, I flew seamlessly from Lisbon to Brussels on TAP Airlines. It was a smooth, issue-free flight, but upon arriving in Brussels, I soon realized I’d have some waiting to do. Since Scott was flying in from the UK—which, post-Brexit, is no longer part of the EU—he had to go through customs. Despite landing an hour before me, I still had to wait over an hour for him to clear immigration. Lesson learned for future trips!

Brussels Lunch Date!
Brussels Lunch Date!

A Perfect Base: The Renaissance Brussels Hotel


Once we finally reunited (we don’t travel Europe with checked baggage so no need to wait on that!), we took the train directly from the airport to our home for the night, the Renaissance Brussels Hotel. This hotel’s prime location in the European Quarter makes it a great base for exploring the city, and the modern amenities, spacious rooms, and friendly staff didn’t hurt either. After a morning of travel, we took an hour to relax before venturing out for lunch.


Lunch Stop: Comfort Food at Le Nouvel Artiste


Just steps from our hotel, we found Le Nouvel Artiste, a cute spot that served up exactly what we needed: comforting pasta dishes. Admittedly, pasta isn’t the most traditional Belgian choice, but after a morning of planes, trains, and buses, we were all about the carbs.

Afternoon Wanderings: From Parks to the Grand Place


Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon
Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon
Our afternoon exploration began with a visit to Egmont Park, a peaceful green space perfect for a short stroll. We also stopped by the Church of Our Lady of Victories at the Sablon, a stunning Gothic church (I'm always down to see fine examples of Gothic architecture). Then, it was on to the Grand Place, the crown jewel of Brussels. This UNESCO World Heritage site was buzzing with life, from tourists snapping photos to locals enjoying the festive atmosphere. Its stunning architecture makes this a spot worth visiting, despite the crazy crowds.

A Fascinating Dive Into History: St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

The highlight of our day was a private tour of St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, one of Brussels' most significant landmarks. This magnificent Gothic cathedral dates back to the 13th century, but its history goes much deeper—literally.

St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

Beneath the cathedral lies an archaeological treasure trove of ancient ruins, including remnants of a Romanesque chapel from the 11th century and an earlier church from the 8th century.
During our tour, we descended into the crypts and walked among the remains of these earlier structures, which included stone walls (with ancient graffiti), tombs, and even ancient foundations that show how the cathedral evolved over the centuries. I was in my element!! Seeing these layers of history—right beneath the grandeur of the current cathedral—offered a fascinating perspective on how deeply rooted this site is in Brussels' history. The cathedral itself boasts stunning stained glass windows, intricately carved wooden pulpits, and a peaceful ambiance that makes it a marvel.

Evening Strolls: The Royal Palace and Manneken Pis

After freshening up back at the hotel, we set out for dinner, taking a different route that led us past the Royal Palace.


This elegant landmark, though not a residence for the royal family, is a symbol of Belgium’s monarchy and open to the public in the summer months.

We also made a quick stop by the famous Manneken Pis, the cheeky little statue that has become an iconic symbol of Brussels. Despite its small size, it draws a big crowd and always sparks a smile.

Dinner Delight: Flemish Stew at Ginette au Secours


For dinner, we stumbled across Ginette au Secours, a hidden gem of a restaurant. Here, I had what might be one of my new favourite meals: Flemish beef stew, or Carbonnade à la Flamande.

This hearty dish is a staple of Belgian cuisine, known for its rich, comforting flavors. Made with slow-cooked beef simmered in a sauce of Belgian beer, onions, mustard, and spices, it’s the perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet, thanks to the addition of brown sugar.

Historically, this dish was born out of the region's love for beer and practical cooking, where simple ingredients like onions and leftover cuts of beef were transformed into a dish that could feed a family. It’s typically served with fries or bread to soak up the sauce, and the version I had was tender, flavorful, and absolutely divine.

Brussels in a Day: A Memorable Stop Before Bruges


Though our time in Brussels was short (we were heading to Bruges the next day), we managed to pack in so much. From historic sites to hidden culinary gems, this city offers a little bit of everything. Whether you have just a night or a few days, Brussels is definitely worth the stop!

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