My weekend getaway to Brussels was another spontaneous idea in a long line of spontaneous decisions I have been making so far in 2016. Last year June (2015) I made a decision to visit Brussels and though I had ample time to visit a lot of attractions I didn’t because (1) I was totally nervous and scared and (2) I was new to this #solo traveler gig but since then I have managed to cramp in over 7 weekend getaways in Europe.
After traveling for 10+hours on the bus from London to Amsterdam, we managed to explore Amsterdam all day without much rest unless you count sleeping on the bus in awkward positions. After that we caught another bus from Amsterdam to Brussels, good news was the bus was just under 4 hours. We managed to snooze on the bus until we arrived in Brussels around 10pm, it took us 15 minutes to walk to our hotel and once checked in, we showered and crashed until 10am the following morning.
Next morning we woke up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the day, Brussels was slightly chilly but then again spring is just about creeping in and winter is resisting. From our hotel the closet attraction was the Comic Strip museum but we were more interested in finding food so we headed towards the Grand place. The architecture around the Grand Place square is just amazing, though it was Sunday late morning/early afternoon it still had people ready to explore. We managed to snap up a few pictures before continuing on our quest for some food more specifically the Belgium waffle.
Whilst in search of the Waffle factory or any other place we could buy Belgium waffles we stumbled upon this little guy in the entrance of a shop the famous Manneken Pis, I do not exactly know the history behind this little guy but I always associate this image with Belgium more specifically Brussels.
Finally we found this amazing little stall that was baking up some fresh out of this world Belgium waffles, I can not seem to stop salivating. We all decided we wanted some waffles with toppings (3 euros) and I chose strawberries, cream and dark chocolate sauce and though I am not a big fan of dark chocolate this dark Belgium chocolate did just the trick. After enjoying our waffles we managed to find the waffle factory (must visit place) where we had some awesome waffles pannini style (I had mine with spicy chicken curry inside).
Like I said above it was a cold day but it is one we loved because we got to walk around Brussels and admire the city’s architectural work which I think is a combination historical and modern culture. Brussels truly is the capital of Europe. Like last year when I went to Brussels, my friends and I decided to use city sightseeing bus to tour the city but because we had a flight to catch we decided not to hop off the bus and just ride it along for the 70 minutes before jumping on the train to the Airport.
Emma White says
oh wow I would love nothing more than packing up and having a weekend away this looks juts perfect
Miranda says
It was awesome and fun
Leanne says
I think I need to go there just so I can taste the begin waffles!!
Miranda says
And I agree you should
Kizzy says
Brussels is on my bucket list, simply to try out the food and of course take in the culture. Looks like you had a fab time.
Miranda says
I hope you are able to tick it off. I had an amazing time
Idaintyit says
Wow that is one hell of a waffle! Looks incredible, you’ve made me hungry
Miranda says
Awww bless I will bring one next time
Roxy says
That waffle now has my mouth watering. Good for you for embracing solo travel. I bet it’s amazing the things you can do/see when you aren’t waiting on someone else. Your travel posts always make my travel bug itch!
Miranda says
Awww thanks so much Roxy I appreciate that
Elizabeth O says
Oh for the love of travel and delicious desserts! I love Brussels and all the great food you can find there; even great African food places. You are right, Manneken Pis is a landmark in Brussels and was made by a well regarded local sculptor in 1618-19.
Miranda says
I unfortunately didn’t venture far enough to find the African food places but will do next time
Kara says
Now I need a Belgian waffle – that looks amazing. I think my boys (include hubby in that phrase) would love the comic book museum
Miranda says
It’s delicious and yes the comic strip museum is awesome
Daniela says
Good for you for embarking on so much travel. I have never traveled solo, but I can imagine I would be a nervous wreck! I would also to bounce around all over Europe! I’ve been to Germany several times (it’s where my mother is from), but hardly anywhere else! She and I keep talking about going back now that I’m an adult and not an annoying teenager 🙂
Miranda says
Awww bless I think you would love exploring Europe I know I do and Germany is such a beautiful country to explore
Top5life says
That’s an interesting post. And, you seem to have had a lovely time. Brussels is such a great place to visit.
Miranda says
Yes I did thanks
Barely Vegan says
Sounds like you had a great time! The Belgium Waffle looks RIDICULOUS!! lol. OMG, I don’t have a strong sweet tooth, but I would gobble that up.
Miranda says
Hahaha lol, I love me the waffle it’s was an awesome time for sure
Emma T says
Curried waffle sounds interesting . I think I’d prefer the sweet version which looks delicious.
Miranda says
It was an interesting combination but I quite like it too though the sweet version always wins
Ickle Pickle says
Oh I would love to visit Brussels – I have been to Bruges which looks a little similar. That waffle looks amazing. Kaz x
Miranda says
I am yet to visit Bruges but would love to
Emma says
what aa fun trip and good on you for stepping out and doing things like this.
Miranda says
Thanks so much Emma
Baby Isabella says
We’d love to head to Brussels! Check out that Belgium waffle! Woweee. Some great history and architecture in that city!
Miranda says
You should it’s an interesting city and yes the waffle gets me hungry all the time
Ana De- Jesus says
It truly impresses me how many countries and getaways you managed to squeeze in this year and glad you had a good time. Where in the UK are you from?
Miranda says
Thanks Ana, I am actually in Oxford
Amy Scott says
Brussels is one city I never made it to on my European travels! Now that I’ve read this I would WALK there for one of those delectable waffles!
Miranda says
You should definitely check it out it’s an incredible city
Alison says
What a fun trip! I loved seeing the pictures of the city and especially of that waffle! I want to go there just to have the waffles and visit the waffle factory! It looks amazing! Thanks for taking us on your trip!
Miranda says
You’re welcome, the waffle factory was awesome and so was the waffle
Cole says
Looks like a fun adventure!
Miranda says
It was indeed
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too says
Such a beautiful place to visit, that waffle, oh that waffle – yum yum
Miranda says
Hahahaha it is indeed and yes I am still dreaming of that waffle
Dean of Little Steps says
I’ve only been to Chimay when we did a day-trip to Belgium from France. Loved it. It was a small quaint town. I’ve never been to Brugue, that’s one on my list of places to visit. Ever since I’ve read your post about Amsterdam, I’m seriously thinking of making it our to-go place when we have time and the budget 😉 I do like reading your travel posts, the only problem is, it’s making my feet itchy, and there’s absolutely nothing I can do since I’m tied to my daughter’s holiday term-times, and of course, there’s the budget to think of too 🙂 x
Miranda says
Awww thanks and sorry at the same time lol, I think making some comprises that will work for both you and your daughter would be one way to start thinking about traveling places and other is big time research (Google)
Leah Miller says
That waffle – what can I say – I would kill for the waffle!! I am so envious of your spontaneity, I wish I could have half of your get up and go! xx
Miranda says
Awww thanks Leah, whilst I am still young and single I want to do as much as I possibly can