Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is a time when I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same. Today I'm continuing my recap of a trip to Belgium I took with my son, Ian. If you missed Day 1, you can catch up HERE. Let's jump into Day 2!
We had a food tour planned for Day 2. One of the most fun ways to experience a new city is through a food tour, and Brussels was the perfect place for it. Wandering from one tucked-away café and chocolate shop to the next felt like getting a little taste of the city’s personality with every stop. Between the warm waffles, crispy frites, rich Belgian chocolate, and cozy local restaurants, it wasn’t just about the food — it was about slowing down and soaking in the atmosphere. A food tour gives you the chance to explore neighborhoods you might otherwise miss, hear stories from locals, and discover hidden gems along the way. By the end of the day, Brussels felt a little less like a place we were visiting and a little more like a city we truly experienced.
Our guide was an adorable college student who shared all kinds of great information about the city with us!
Along the way, we sampled so many of the foods that make Brussels famous. We munched on perfectly crispy frites, tried delicious seafood fritters that were warm and flavorful, sipped traditional Belgian beer, and indulged in some of the richest, smoothest chocolate imaginable. Of course, no visit to Brussels would be complete without waffles, and they absolutely lived up to the hype — warm, light, and topped with just the right amount of sweetness. Each stop gave us a little glimpse into the city’s food culture, and it was such a fun way to experience Brussels beyond the typical tourist attractions.
During the tour, we also learned a bit about the fascinating history of the city. Centuries ago, Brussels was completely surrounded by a protective wall that helped defend the city from outside attacks. At each corner of the wall stood massive stone structures that served as part of the city’s fortifications. Today, only one of those original rock structures still remains, making it a special glimpse into Brussels’ medieval past. Seeing it in person added such an interesting historical layer to our day of wandering and eating through the city.
A highlight was visiting the chocolate shop where the royals purchased their chocolates. It's evident by the crest over the doorway.
After the tour, we spent the rest of the afternoon meandering through the city streets and taking in even more of Brussels’ beautiful historic sites. We passed by one of the city’s oldest restaurants, full of old-world charm and character, and admired the stunning architecture along the way.
We also made our way to the magnificent Royal Palace, whose grand design made it such an impressive sight to see in person. Wandering without much of a schedule ended up being one of the best parts of the day because around every corner there seemed to be another lovely building, hidden square, or historic landmark waiting to be discovered.
Now it's your turn. What are you thinking out loud about today? Link up and share!
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