Unpopular opinion: I loved Brussels!

I went against all advice on reddit and decided to spend 3 nights in Brussels to start my Europe trip, because 1) I flew into Brussels and it was the easiest stop and 2) I wanted to see more things than I could fit into a day trip.

I loved it!!! The food is great, the architecture is pretty, there is a ton of interesting things to do, public transport is easy and efficient, everyone spoke great English, and it isn't overloaded with scammy tourist traps. It was seriously so easy to find good food and drink compared to other major European tourist destinations I've visited.

I stayed in Louise and walked around Ixelles and Saint-Gille and never felt unsafe. It was quiet and residential, but very pretty and had easy access to the city center. I loved that area. The only time I ever felt slightly uneasy was leaving Cantillon Brewery but even that wasn't bad. I avoided Midi station and only traveled via Brussels Central. Super easy.

It's obviously no Paris or Rome, but I'm still shocked that everyone says to skip Brussels. If anything, I would have spent an extra night there and seen more art nouveau houses!

Pics:

1. The Grand Place

2. The Atomium

3. Brussels waffle at Pardon - stuffed with roasted walnuts and served with Verbana whipped cream. By far the best waffle I had in Belgium!

4. Window at the Horta Museum

5. Staircase at the Horta Museum

6. Mannekin Pis

7. The Death of Murat by Jacques-Louis David at The Old Masters Museum

8. Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

9. Royal Greenhouse of Laeken

10. Lambic sample at Cantillon Brewery. This was by far the besr beer tour/tasting experience I've ever done! So delicious and unique.

11. Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert shopping mall

12. Monday night concert at CHAFF

13. The Grand Place

14. Random pretty building

15. Maison Hannon art nouveau house

16. Afternoon terrace beer at Mappa Mundo

17. Delirium Village

18. Magritte Museum

19. Stella Artois Brewery in Leuven (afternoon day trip, <20 mins from Brussels by train)

20. "Longest bar in the world" in Leuven