Highlights of the Day
Our final day in Belgium unfolded at a relaxed pace in Brussels. Lunch at Comme Chez Soi provided refined cuisine and warm hospitality before we revisited the Grand Place, now free of festival tents and open to full admiration. The Gothic City Hall, a fifteenth-century UNESCO World Heritage Site, revealed Belgium’s textile heritage through its grand tapestries and preserved architectural details. A small moment at the ticket counter offered an unexpected lesson in staying calm under pressure. Inside, we learned about Flanders’ prominence in European weaving and even discovered Belgium’s geographical zero point. Reflecting on a brief airport stopover years earlier, when we hurried through the city to see the Manneken Pis, this visit felt more complete and unhurried. Belgium, once a transit stop, had transformed into a thoughtfully explored destination.
Accommodation: MOXY Brussels City Center
Transportation: Public transportation or rideshare
Tomorrow we head home. It feels like we’ve explored Belgium quite thoroughly this time, so today we decided to take it easy.
For lunch, we went to the Michelin one-star restaurant Comme Chez Soi. The ambiance, service, and food were all excellent. The owner is also the chef, while his wife chats with guests in the dining room, creating a very warm and relaxed atmosphere.
A few days ago, when we first came to Grand Place, there was a temporary entertainment tent set up in the square, with a band performing inside. The atmosphere was lively, but unfortunately, we couldn’t fully appreciate the square’s grandeur. Today, as we strolled back, it truly lived up to its reputation. The square is surrounded by buildings of similar style—some public, some private. It’s hard to capture the full panorama in one shot, so I could only take a few photos of different corners.
We came to the City Hall in the square. Last time we wanted to visit, but it was closed—today it was finally open. As I approached the ticket counter, an Asian woman rushed up to me, asking urgently if I wanted a ticket. She said she was in a hurry to catch a train and wanted to sell it. Before I had time to fully react, I glanced at the staff nearby—no one said anything. Seeing how anxious she was, I bought the ticket. Later, when my husband went to buy his ticket, we realized mine was for a French-language tour. Fortunately, the staff had noticed what happened and told me I could wait for the next English tour. Looking back, I realized I didn’t handle the situation calmly enough. It was just a ticket this time—but what if it had been something more serious? In the future, I should not be swayed by others’ emotions and should learn to say no when necessary.
The Brussels City Hall is an iconic building of the city. Built in the 15th century, it is the only surviving medieval structure on the square and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To protect the building, visits are only allowed through guided tours.
Inside, the architecture and decoration are, of course, magnificent. But a few details left a particularly strong impression. Large tapestries hang throughout the halls. According to the guide, in the 15th century, the Flanders region of Belgium was a center of woven textiles in Europe, so tapestries were preferred over paintings. I had always thought such craftsmanship mainly came from Persia or Turkey—who knew Belgium was once a major producer as well? Times really do change.
There was also an unassuming watercolor painting that, according to the guide, dates back to that period. It plays an important role in helping modern people understand the landscape of that time. The guide also pointed out the beautiful chandeliers—each one has a switch underneath. Back then, they were powered by gas, and the switches were used to control brightness. Before the tour ended, he showed us a marker and said: this is the zero point of Belgium—distances across the country are measured from here.
Before leaving Belgium, I was reminded of a trip back in 2015. On our way to Lyon, we had a long layover in Brussels—more than ten hours. Being eager to explore, we stored our luggage at the airport and rushed into the city for a quick visit. Besides mussels, waffles, and chocolate, we also made sure to see the famous Manneken Pis.
And just like that, this journey through Belgium comes to an end. From the medieval charm of Bruges, to the artistic depth of Antwerp, to the grandeur of Brussels, each city revealed a different facet of this small yet richly layered country. It’s a place where history, art, and everyday life blend seamlessly—where a quiet canal, a grand cathedral, or even a simple waffle can leave a lasting impression. As we pack our bags and prepare to head home, there’s a quiet sense of satisfaction, and perhaps just a small promise to return someday.
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