My Brussels x Amsterdam Journey: Bruxelles
My Journey posts are traditionally titled after one city or country over a travel period. However in my recent adventure, i covered two different cities and countries in a week and i didn't want to name it 'Euro' because that would be wide and unfair, so i decided to use the 'x' mark between them: Brussels (Belgium) and Amsterdam (Netherlands). With only three days of planning, i admit that i under-packed my belongings. I underestimated the weather and it was very cold during my stay. Six days for two cities may seem long for some but my travel style is to explore, learn and immerse myself in the place with its people. Six days was a good time to do that.
I left Paris by FlixBus and i recommend its service. It was affordable, departure was timely and seats were comfortable enough for my four-hour journey. Along the way, i got to see more and more plains of flower fields. When i arrived at Brussel Noord station, i dubiously asked the driver for immigration check. To his surprise, he replied that there wasn't any, and to my surprise, i confirmed with him that i could go. He replied, "yes". And i set foot in my second country in Europe.
I stayed for two nights at 2G04 Quality Hostel, a ten minutes walk from the station (depending on luggage, fitness and weather). It was a neat place between buildings. The receptionists were friendly and the vintage decoration gave character to the hostel. Toilets could still improve on its cleanliness but generally was okay.
A walk friendly city, i immediately set course to the Grand Place, the central square of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the nicest squares i have been to, amongst Gothic architecture of the Hotel De Ville (City Hall), Breadhouse and guildhalls, and it is undoubtedly my favourite place in Brussels- sitting by one of the cafes, watching people as the day goes by. I was there during the day and at night, both exuded a different feeling. If you are pressed for time, i recommend to visit at night. The light illuminating the surrounding buildings of the square was lovingly charming.
What will a visit to Belgium be if without waffles? Located near the Grand Place is a waffle eatery i'd recommend: Maison Dandoy. I had to queue for a table upstairs but it was definitely worth the wait. Only one waiter manned the floor; i was amazed at how he got everything under control.
The stories behind this little boy statue is amusing to me. The Manneken Pis, one of the most famous landmarks in the city, is that of him peeing in public. He is small but worry not to miss him- there'll be crowd in front photographing him. Frankly, i found this an adorable attraction. Did you know that he changes outfit too? I was at a change of clothes ceremony and be warned, don't stand directly in front of him!
More waffles? Definitely! Just next to the statue were shops selling waffles from 1 Euro. I had mine in a blue-painted shop because the array of options caught my attention.
If you think a pissing boy statue is unique, search for the girl version: Jeanneke Pis at the end of the street of Delirium Cafe. I know about the dog pissing statue but i didn't find it.
Also nearby, have a stroll at the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. It is a relatively short stretch of shops but the setting is pretty. I went in to view what Belgium is popular for- chocolates! It is an overrated souvenir yet you can't go home without a box, or boxes, to share.
Honestly, i am not much a beer drinker but being in Belgium and an invite by my friend who got recommendation from his friend to try a local beer, i could not refuse to try. We headed to A la Mort Subite (means sudden death) for a cup of gueuze beer. It was crowded despite nearing closing time. I liked the old interior. As for the beer, it was rather strong for me.
Do you think that French fries are from France? It is claimed that fries originated from Belgium, when potatoes were fried in the late 1600s. Whether it started in Belgium or France, who doesn't like fries? Fritland is reviewed to be one of the best fries outlet in Brussels- and gauging by the queue, it had to be.
I had stoverij for dinner one night, serenaded by a clarinetist on the street. Stoverij is beef stew cooked with beer, a local food.
The brochure map i used to explore the city (yes, i still enjoy my map on paper and getting lost in new places) pointed out that the Brussels Park becomes 'busy' with night 'activities'. Although i was tempted to see it for real, i visited in the day and walked through it to the Royal Palace of Brussels.
The St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral is quite a massive site. I went in on Sunday and the singing choir i heard was heavenly. On the other side of the city, the uncanny St Catherine Cathedral turned out to be interesting sight. The blackened walls created an eerie feel when i was there in the morning.
Little did i know that Belgium is the birthplace of many world famous comic/artistes (The Adventures of Tintin, The Smurfs, Lucky Luke to name a few ). So i took liberty and time for a quick visit at the Belgian Comic Strip Center.
In fact, around the streets in the city, watch out for murals of familiar characters (and other interesting statues)!
Dubbed as the symbol of Brussels, this 102m tall Atomium was an exciting visit. I took the Metro to Heysel station and walked. It wasn't my intention to go up but as soon as i laid eyes on the futuristic structure, i needed to experience it from within. So i queued to go in, up and down. Queue time may be long. This supposedly temporary structure remained after the 1958 World Fair due to its popularity, and got its name by combining the words 'atom' and 'aluminium'.
Before my bus to Amsterdam, i cannot leave Brussels without having one last local favourite- mussels! I was the first customer at the restaurant for lunch and got a free welcoming wine.
Bruxelles, French for Brussels, is definitely a laid-back but fun(ny) city with its own character. Sites in the city are within walking distance to one another. I felt safe doing so- and couldn't help but notice the armed soldiers on the streets. Thank you for a splendid time.
Off to the next city!
My Brussels x Amsterdam Journey: Bruxelles
My Brussels x Amsterdam Journey: Spring and King
My Brussels x Amsterdam Journey: I Am
I left Paris by FlixBus and i recommend its service. It was affordable, departure was timely and seats were comfortable enough for my four-hour journey. Along the way, i got to see more and more plains of flower fields. When i arrived at Brussel Noord station, i dubiously asked the driver for immigration check. To his surprise, he replied that there wasn't any, and to my surprise, i confirmed with him that i could go. He replied, "yes". And i set foot in my second country in Europe.
I stayed for two nights at 2G04 Quality Hostel, a ten minutes walk from the station (depending on luggage, fitness and weather). It was a neat place between buildings. The receptionists were friendly and the vintage decoration gave character to the hostel. Toilets could still improve on its cleanliness but generally was okay.
A walk friendly city, i immediately set course to the Grand Place, the central square of Brussels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the nicest squares i have been to, amongst Gothic architecture of the Hotel De Ville (City Hall), Breadhouse and guildhalls, and it is undoubtedly my favourite place in Brussels- sitting by one of the cafes, watching people as the day goes by. I was there during the day and at night, both exuded a different feeling. If you are pressed for time, i recommend to visit at night. The light illuminating the surrounding buildings of the square was lovingly charming.
Grand Place during the day.
Loving the lights.
What will a visit to Belgium be if without waffles? Located near the Grand Place is a waffle eatery i'd recommend: Maison Dandoy. I had to queue for a table upstairs but it was definitely worth the wait. Only one waiter manned the floor; i was amazed at how he got everything under control.
Waffle with fruit syrup. The waffle was fresh, warm, light and crispy. The sweetness of the syrup was perfect. So yum! I heard a guy from the table next to mine saying that he wouldn't want anything in his mouth after he tried the waffle. I couldn't agree more.
The stories behind this little boy statue is amusing to me. The Manneken Pis, one of the most famous landmarks in the city, is that of him peeing in public. He is small but worry not to miss him- there'll be crowd in front photographing him. Frankly, i found this an adorable attraction. Did you know that he changes outfit too? I was at a change of clothes ceremony and be warned, don't stand directly in front of him!
His true self.
Donning a Portugal outfit.
Like a gentleman.
More waffles? Definitely! Just next to the statue were shops selling waffles from 1 Euro. I had mine in a blue-painted shop because the array of options caught my attention.
This waffle was doughier, and covered in cream and strawberries. Can't have enough waffles, right?
If you think a pissing boy statue is unique, search for the girl version: Jeanneke Pis at the end of the street of Delirium Cafe. I know about the dog pissing statue but i didn't find it.
This statue built in honour of loyalty, is also a wishing well.
Also nearby, have a stroll at the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. It is a relatively short stretch of shops but the setting is pretty. I went in to view what Belgium is popular for- chocolates! It is an overrated souvenir yet you can't go home without a box, or boxes, to share.
Buzzing with people.
Honestly, i am not much a beer drinker but being in Belgium and an invite by my friend who got recommendation from his friend to try a local beer, i could not refuse to try. We headed to A la Mort Subite (means sudden death) for a cup of gueuze beer. It was crowded despite nearing closing time. I liked the old interior. As for the beer, it was rather strong for me.
Beer it is.
Do you think that French fries are from France? It is claimed that fries originated from Belgium, when potatoes were fried in the late 1600s. Whether it started in Belgium or France, who doesn't like fries? Fritland is reviewed to be one of the best fries outlet in Brussels- and gauging by the queue, it had to be.
One by one it goes.
One of the fries' shops has this on its balcony.
I had stoverij for dinner one night, serenaded by a clarinetist on the street. Stoverij is beef stew cooked with beer, a local food.
Tender meat. I could definitely taste the beer in the gravy.
The brochure map i used to explore the city (yes, i still enjoy my map on paper and getting lost in new places) pointed out that the Brussels Park becomes 'busy' with night 'activities'. Although i was tempted to see it for real, i visited in the day and walked through it to the Royal Palace of Brussels.
Clear blue sky. Is it me or does the road seem sloping?
The St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral is quite a massive site. I went in on Sunday and the singing choir i heard was heavenly. On the other side of the city, the uncanny St Catherine Cathedral turned out to be interesting sight. The blackened walls created an eerie feel when i was there in the morning.
Instead of the usual front shot of a cathedral, i was more intrigued by this angle of St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral.
The facade of St Catherine Cathedral.
While walking in front of St Catherine Cathedral, i noticed another between the buildings.
And in another corner of the city, you can find another place of worship.
The adventurers.
Hi!
In fact, around the streets in the city, watch out for murals of familiar characters (and other interesting statues)!
Spotting some of these murals.
Smurfs' shop is right ahead.
Lady on bicycle? I'm near Galeries.
The man and his dog.
Science and art.
Moving from one ball to another is like in a sci-fi movie spaceship. This one had sounds to excite.
Before my bus to Amsterdam, i cannot leave Brussels without having one last local favourite- mussels! I was the first customer at the restaurant for lunch and got a free welcoming wine.
All by myself. And even the soup was gone at the end! It was fresh and sweet.
Bruxelles, French for Brussels, is definitely a laid-back but fun(ny) city with its own character. Sites in the city are within walking distance to one another. I felt safe doing so- and couldn't help but notice the armed soldiers on the streets. Thank you for a splendid time.
Off to the next city!
My Brussels x Amsterdam Journey: Bruxelles
My Brussels x Amsterdam Journey: Spring and King
My Brussels x Amsterdam Journey: I Am
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