Highlights of the Day
Our first day in Belgium began at Brussels. Though compact in size, Brussels immediately revealed its international character as the administrative heart of the European Union. A surprise discovery near our hotel — Audrey Hepburn’s humble birthplace — added a personal touch to the day. Lunch at a Michelin-recognized seafood restaurant inside the Royal Gallery Saint-Hubert brought both mixed impressions and memorable flavors, from fresh oysters to an extra gesture of chocolate at coffee. We later hurried through the Royal Museums of Fine Arts Royal Museums of Fine Arts to see The Death of Marat, arriving just before closing. The powerful painting and a brief introduction to Rubens’ works deepened our appreciation for Belgian art. Dinner at our hotel, enhanced by a fortunate discount, provided a refined and satisfying close to a culturally rich first day.
Accommodation: MOXY Brussels City Center
Transportation: Public transportation or rideshare
Our five days Belgium trip started at Brussels.
Brussels may be small, but it feels unmistakably international. As the seat of several major institutions of the European Union, it carries the reputation of being the “Capital of Europe.” English is widely spoken here, and the atmosphere feels more global than provincial.
We discovered that not far from our hotel, there lies Audrey Hepburn’s birthplace. I had imagined something grand — perhaps a museum or exhibition — but the building was surprisingly ordinary. Without the plaque on the wall, one might easily walk past it. Still, I paused for a quiet moment of admiration.
For lunch, we visited a Michelin-decorated seafood restaurant tucked inside the Royal Gallery Saint-Hubert. The service felt rushed, and flour scattered across the floor seemed to be part of the restaurant’s charm. The oysters were plump, the fish tender, and the surprise of extra chocolates with coffee added a warm touch. Not quite Michelin-level in my view, but memorable nonetheless.
Afterward, we explored the elegant 19th-century arcade.
We then hurried to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts to see The Death of Marat. With only twenty minutes before closing, we rushed through the halls and found the painting just in time — a powerful encounter with a moment from the French Revolution.
A museum staff member also pointed us toward Rubens’ works, and we began a small game of identifying his paintings by their distinctive diagonal light.
We did some city walks before returning to hotel for dinner.
Dinner back at the hotel, with a lucky twenty-percent discount from a morning spin-the-wheel, ended the day beautifully — firm shrimp, delicate fish, and thoughtful presentation. A satisfying first day in Brussels.
After dinner, we returned to hotel room and sat out on the balcony, admiring the beautiful city views with a glass of after-dinner liqueur; thus, our first day in Belgium came to a perfect close.
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