Unveiling Brussels: Beyond the Rumors of Boredom

Embarking on my journey to unravel the mysteries of the world, I found myself fielding the same question over and over during those first three weeks: "Where to next?" It's funny how I ended up picking Brussels as my inaugural stop – a choice as random as picking a name out of a hat. Truth be told, I had zero clue what Brussels had to offer; it was merely the first stop on a bus route. Yep, random indeed.

The Common Question

Now, whenever I mentioned Brussels as my first destination, confusion danced across people's faces. "Brussels? Why Brussels? It's so... boring," they'd exclaim, a look of bewilderment shadowing their words. But here's the kicker – no one could explain exactly why it was boring. Curiosity piqued, I turned to Uncle Google for answers, only to find a barren landscape of opinions. Two lone replies, both from Brussels residents, defended their city with a sense of hometown pride.

Armed with a ticket to Brussels and a handful of expectations, I dove headfirst into the unknown – because that's just how I roll.

I Couldn't See It

Fast forward, and Brussels greeted me with the familiar European city vibe – bustling streets, trams zipping by, and tourists flocking to witness a boy statue relieving himself (a bizarre tourist ritual, if you ask me). I strolled solo through the city's labyrinth of French and Dutch architecture, indulging in Belgian waffles and frites with Andalouse sauce. And let me tell you, Brussels had me wondering why anyone would dare call it boring.

Sightseeing

Sightseeing? Grand Place stole the show with its ornate buildings gleaming under a golden sheen. Touristy? Sure, but the sight of hundreds of camera-toting tourists snapping away was a sight in itself. And let's not forget Atomium – a towering sculpture that surprised me with its sheer size and museum-like interior.

Food

Food? Oh, where do I even begin? Waffles, frites, chocolate – Belgium knows how to tantalize the taste buds. The aroma of freshly made waffles lingered in the air, tempting passersby with every waft. And those frites? Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside – a true Belgian delight. And as for chocolate, well, let's just say I left with a newfound appreciation for Banana Crumble chocolate.

Nightlife

But the real magic happened after dark. Solo travellers, unite! Thanks to the Hostelworld app, I connected with fellow adventurers eager to explore Brussels' nightlife. A spontaneous pub crawl led us through lively streets with many bars and restaurants to Delirium Village – a cul-de-sac of 8 bars, each with its own vibe and charm. From Latin beats to pop tunes, the night unfolded into a symphony of laughter and camaraderie. Brussels offers something for everyone at night.

Is It Really Boring?

So, is Brussels boring? Absolutely not! It's a city brimming with surprises and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Moral of the story? Don't let hearsay dictate your travels. Go forth with an open mind, embrace the unknown, and make your own adventure – you might just be surprised at what you find. Cheers to Brussels, a city that taught me to never judge a book by its cover! 🍻✈️ #DiscoverBrussels #SoloTravelerChronicles