Waffles & Wanderings: Akshita’s Couple Trip to Belgium with Thrillophilia
After returning to India from my project in Europe, I often found myself missing the lively streets, amazing food, and vibrant evenings I experienced there. During my time in London for a work project, I had some of the best moments of my life, and the memories have stayed with me. I often shared these stories with my husband, and after hearing them all, he surprised me with an incredible gift- a European vacation.
I couldn’t contain my excitement!
This was our first-anniversary gift, and it truly took me by surprise. My husband planned the trip to Belgium, working with the team of Thrillophilia to create the perfect itinerary. We were set to explore the beautiful streets of Europe and enjoy quality time together. It felt like a dream come true, and I couldn’t wait to relive the magic of Europe, making new memories with my husband while discovering new places.
The Amazing City Tour
We landed in Brussels and drove to our hotel. As I watched the buildings go by, I couldn’t help but smile, feeling overwhelmed that I was finally here! Our trip began with a city tour of Brussels and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. We met our friendly guide at Brussels Central Station, and from there, we set off to explore the city's charming streets. Our first stop was the famous Manneken Pis, a quirky little statue that gave us a good laugh. Next, we visited the stunning Grand Place, with its grand architecture and lively atmosphere, followed by a stroll through the Royal Galleries, where we admired the beautiful shops and art.
The tour also included a fantastic food-tasting experience, and we got to savour some local delicacies. To top it all off, we visited Delirium Street, the most famous beer street in Brussels, for a beer-tasting session. It was an unforgettable experience, and we truly felt immersed in the local culture. I recommend anyone going to Brussels to enjoy this lively street!
Sweet Delights and Scenic Sights
Our next day in Brussels started with a visit to Choco-Story, where we had the chance to make our own chocolates with the guidance of expert chocolatiers. It was such a fun and interactive experience, and the chocolates we made were absolutely delicious! My husband made a big heart chocolate and wrote our names on it, it was a pretty sweet moment.After indulging in sweet treats, we hopped on the famous Tootbus for a sightseeing tour of Brussels. With the Tootbus card and Brussels City Card in hand, we enjoyed a hop-on, hop-off tour, taking in the city's beautiful landmarks and vibrant streets at our own pace. It was quite a unique experience and a picturesque one!
Exploring the Charm of Ghent
Our day trip to Ghent started at Carrefour de l'Europe, where we met our guide and set off on an exciting adventure. We first visited the Belfry of Ghent, where we admired the views of the city from above. Then, we wandered through the Town Hall, a beautiful building with fascinating details. We also explored the Museum of Fine Arts, which was home to amazing works of art. But St. Bavo's Cathedral was my favourite with its beautiful architecture and peaceful vibes, and I was stunned after seeing the famous Ghent Altarpiece inside.
Next, we visited the impressive Gravensteen Castle, where we learned about Ghent’s medieval history and what made me smile more was the intense look on my husband while listening to the guide. It was like a child listening to something interesting!
A Day Full of History, Culture, and Waffles
With the awe of beautiful Brussels still fresh in our minds, we left for the charming city of Bruges. Our first plan was a guided tour to explore its iconic landmarks and monuments. We began at the Volkskundemuseum, where we learned about the lives of the people who lived here in the 19th and 20th centuries. The exhibits, featuring old household items and everyday objects, gave us a fascinating glimpse into the past.
After that, we made our way to the Church of Our Lady. The church's Gothic architecture was absolutely stunning, and we couldn’t help but admire the details and craftsmanship that went into making this beautiful church. Inside, we were lucky enough to see Michelangelo’s famous "Madonna and Child" statue, which was truly a work of art.
Finally, we decided to try the famous Belgian waffles and they were just as delicious as we’d imagined—warm, crispy, and utterly delightful. My personal favourite was the waffle topped with freshly cut strawberries and whipped cream - what a delight!Later that evening, we enjoyed a lovely dinner and we talked about how Bruges is a city filled with history, charm, and beauty. We were so grateful to have experienced it together.
A Delightful Ending
Our next stop was the Frietmuseum, where we learned about the history of Belgian fries and also had the chance to eat fries with unique flavours. Afterwards, we headed to Dinant, where we spent the day exploring at our own pace. We visited the Gothic Church, the Citadel, and other landmarks, and spent our last day exploring small cafes and shops to buy some souvenirs. It was a mixture of relaxation, romance, and leisure.
Thank you to Thrillophilia for the perfect and effortless trip!
Read More: Thrillophilia Brussels Reviews