Belgium, where chocolate tastes different (2017)

Brussels might be small, but its chocolate is on another level. With just one day to explore, we planned our trip carefully. Our day began with a train ride that whisked us into the heart of Belgium’s capital, Brussels. First stop, of course the Atomium, Brussels’ most iconic structure. Built for the 1958 World Expo, this gleaming giant represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.

Standing at the base, the silvery spheres reflected the morning light and the surrounding greenery, making the whole structure look like it belonged in a sci-fi film. We took the elevator to the top sphere for a panoramic view of the city. The skyline stretched out in every direction, dotted with church spires, modern buildings, and endless patches of green. It was the perfect way to get our bearings before diving into the city itself.

From Atomium, we hopped on the metro and headed straight to Brussels’ city center, where cobblestone streets and ornate façades welcomed us. The first stop was the Manneken Pis, the famous little bronze boy who has been cheekily peeing into a fountain since the 17th century. He’s much smaller than most people expect, but the crowd gathered around him proves his celebrity status. Sometimes he even wears costumes for special occasions, it’s one of Brussels’ most beloved quirks.

Being in Belgium, it was impossible to resist a stop at the Tintin Store, a paradise for comic lovers. Belgium is the birthplace of Tintin and many other beloved comic series, and stepping inside felt like opening the pages of a childhood adventure. Posters, figurines, rare editions, and souvenirs filled the shelves, a treasure trove for fans. Even if you’re not a huge comic reader, it’s hard not to smile at the nostalgic charm of it all.

Of course, no trip to Brussels is complete without indulging in its most famous export: Belgian chocolate. The streets around the Grand Place are lined with artisan chocolatiers, from well-known names to small, family-run shops. We wandered in and out, tasting samples that melted instantly on the tongue. Dark, milk, praline, truffles, each piece felt like a tiny work of art. We eventually left with bags full of chocolate (some for gifts… and some definitely not).

As the day wound down, we strolled leisurely through the city center, letting ourselves get a little lost in the narrow streets. Musicians were playing on corners, cafés were buzzing with conversation, and the scent of waffles lingered in the air. Before heading back to the station, we sat at a small outdoor café with hot drinks and one last shared waffle, watching the city transition into its evening rhythm.