Day 2 – Exploring Brussels

After taking a red-eye flight from Kigali, we landed in Brussels early in the morning, a little tired but excited to finally be in Europe. The city greeted us with crisp air and that classic mix of old-world charm and modern rhythm.

From the airport, we hopped on the train straight into the city and made our way to our hotel, Cardo Brussels, Autograph Collection. Since check-in wasn’t until 3 p.m., we left our bags at the front desk and set off to start our first day in Brussels.

Our first stop was Paul’s, a cozy bakery nearby, where we fueled up with breakfast, fresh croissants, hot coffee, and that unmistakable aroma of butter and bread that seems to float through every European café.

Feeling more awake, we strolled over to the Grand Place, the heart of Brussels. The square was breathtaking, gilded facades glinting in the morning light, cobblestones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, and a gentle hum of tourists and locals alike. While there, we spotted a free guided tour run by AdvenTours and decided to join. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of the day.

For about two and a half hours, we wandered through the streets of Brussels with our guide, learning about the city’s history, its quirky traditions, and its famous landmarks, from the Manneken Pis to the Royal Galleries. There’s something special about exploring a city on foot, hearing stories that make the buildings come alive.

By the afternoon, we were ready for a rest and finally checked into our room at the Cardo. After a quick recharge, we ventured back out to pick up some souvenirs and snacks, a few chocolates may have made their way into the shopping bag too.

Dinner was at Brasserie Ommegang, a spot recommended by our tour guide. It turned out to be an excellent choice, delicious Belgian dishes, rich flavors, and the perfect first dinner in the city. Afterward, we made our way back to the hotel, happy and full, ready to rest up for the next day’s adventures.

Brussels made quite the first impression, elegant yet approachable, steeped in history but full of life. A beautiful start to our European journey.