Brussels surprised me in the best, most wholesome way. I went in expecting one of those quiet solo weekends, the kind where you wander around with your headphones in and pretend you’re the main character “reflecting.” Instead, it felt like the universe handed me a little script full of sweet moments, good food, and unexpected company.
Something I’ve learned about traveling alone in Europe: you’re never actually alone. Ever. Brussels proved that all over again. Between the people you bump into on walking tours, the random conversations in hostels, and the apps that connect solo travelers, it’s almost harder not to make friends. At one point, I caught myself thinking, “Wait… am I an extrovert now? Is this my villain origin story?”
The city itself was completely lit up for Christmas. Every street had lights strung across it like Brussels was showing off, and honestly, it worked. Grand Place had a massive Christmas tree taking up half the plaza, like it owned the place. And the waffles… please. The real Belgian ones are next-level good. Soft, warm, sweet, and absolutely worth blowing your “I’m being healthy” promise.
A fun fact: Brussels has two official waffles. The Brussels waffle is light and crunchy, while the Liège waffle is dense, sweet, and caramelized. I didn’t know that at first, but after eating… several… I feel like a scholar.
One of the best parts of the trip was meeting another traveler from the US through Hostelworld. We realized we were in the same city and decided to link up. No pressure, no awkward “so… what do you like to do?” Just two strangers-turned-temporary-friends walking around the city, popping into shops, and talking about life. On our last night, we found this cozy little restaurant where we tried traditional Flemish beef stew. It was warm, rich, and exactly the kind of food you want when you’ve been running around a city all day.
I’ve started making it a rule to try the local dish wherever I go. It’s the easiest way to understand a place and, honestly, the fastest way to surprise myself. Brussels passed the test. Brussels is famous for two things: chocolate and beer. I didn’t get around to the beer part, but trust me, I made up for it in chocolate. I stopped into a small chocolatier for a quick tasting, and one bite was all it took to understand why everyone raves about Belgian chocolate. It’s rich, it’s smooth, and it’s absolutely worth every bit of hype. I’m already plotting my return, and maybe next time I’ll actually try the beer.
Another fun fact: Brussels is sometimes called the “Capital of Europe” because it hosts the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. Meanwhile, I was there waking up at 5 AM, wondering why I suddenly act like a morning person when I’m abroad.
But that part was special, too. I found myself wandering the streets at 6:30 in the morning, completely alone. The city was quiet in that rare, cinematic way cities only are before sunrise. No crowds, no traffic, just me and those old cobblestone streets. And out of nowhere, this wave of gratitude hit me.
Like… oh wow. I’m actually here. I’m really traveling in Europe. This thing I dreamed about for years isn’t a Pinterest board anymore. It’s my real life.
And yes, I also took a day trip to Bruges, which turned out to be my favorite part of the entire weekend. But Bruges is a whole fairy tale on its own, so I’ll save that story for another blog.
Brussels gave me Christmas magic, beautiful architecture, good food, and the reminder that solo travel doesn’t mean solitude. Sometimes it’s the exact opposite. Sometimes you end up feeling more connected, not less.
And that’s what made this trip so special.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
