There’s something quietly enchanting about Brussels—Belgium’s unassuming capital that often lives in the shadow of bigger European cities but dispenses charm at every cobblestone turn. On my third visit last fall, I found myself strolling through the Grand Place as golden leaves drifted from the chestnut trees. Even after multiple trips as a digital nomad, the city still felt fresh: a perfect blend of medieval squares, comic-book murals, and culinary delights that beckon at every corner shop.

During my week-long stay, I set out with two goals in mind: savor authentic flavors beyond the usual tourist traps, and unearth hidden corners where locals linger over coffee. What I discovered was a dynamic cultural tapestry—Art Nouveau facades, centuries-old chocolatiers, and cozy coworking cafés humming with remote professionals tapping away on laptops.

Exploring the Grand Place and Medieval Heart

The Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the beating heart of Brussels—and it’s even more magical just after sunrise when tour buses haven't yet flooded the square. Gilded guildhalls rise around you like intricately carved crowns against the morning sky. I arrived early one gray morning, clutching a hot chocolat chaud from a nearby stall, and watched as the stone façade of the Town Hall slowly lit up with the rising sun. Away from peak hours, you can hear the echo of your own footsteps on the centuries-old cobblestones.

Just off the square, the narrow Rue des Bouchers paved the way to lesser-known attractions: tucked-away churches, cozy bookshops, and a surprising number of comic-book boutiques (more on that below). I spent an afternoon wandering into hidden courtyards—Galerie du Roi and Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert—where velvet drapes and glittering chandeliers transported me back to a bygone era. Each gallery houses artisanal chocolatiers and vintage print shops; it felt like stepping into a living museum of 19th-century elegance.

Venturing toward the Sablon neighborhood, I discovered the majestic Église Notre-Dame du Sablon, a stunning example of Brabantine Gothic architecture. The late-morning light streaming through its stained glass windows painted the pews in vibrant blues and reds. Nearby, antique dealers laid out porcelain figurines and religious trinkets at the weekly Saturday market, creating a treasure-hunt atmosphere that sent time slipping away unnoticed.

Comics, Art Nouveau, and Cultural Quirks

Brussels has earned its nickname “Capital of Comic Strips” for good reason. From Hergé’s Tintin to Peyo’s Smurfs, you can trace the evolution of European comics across the city walls. I followed the Comic Book Route—a self-guided mural trail that stretches over a dozen neighborhoods. Each oversized painting celebrates a different artist or character: a giant Marsupilami peeking around a café corner, a monochrome Tintin mural contrasted against vibrant Flemish buildings. Every new block brought a fresh surprise.

Art Nouveau, championed by architects like Victor Horta, left its unmistakable mark as well. I ducked into Hôtel Solvay—a private mansion designed in 1894—and felt instantly transported into a swirling world of wrought-iron arabesques and stained glass. There’s a delicate balance in Brussels between bold geometric forms and organic curves, and on a leisurely afternoon I traced every line, marveling at how art and architecture converge in daily urban life.

For a quirky souvenir, I picked up a miniature Tintin figurine at the Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art (officially called Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée). The museum itself is a vibrant melting pot of graphic storytelling, showcasing original sketches, rare editions, and rotating exhibits. It’s a must for any graphics fan—one that even non-comic fans will find delightfully immersive.

See more snapshots from this trip on my photography page: @curiocity.lens.

Savory Bites: Waffles, Chocolate, and Beyond

If there’s one thing that unites travelers in Brussels, it’s the pursuit of perfect street food—and yes, the debate between Brussels waffles (light and rectangular) versus Liège waffles (chewy, sugar-studded pearl sugar) is alive and well. I sampled both side by side at Maison Dandoy near Grand Place: the Brussels waffle was crisp and airy, topped with fresh berries and whipped cream; the Liège proved irresistible with its caramelized crunch.

Chocolate runs deep in the city’s veins: artisanal chocolatiers like Pierre Marcolini and Wittamer craft beyond-the-basics bonbons, with unexpected flavors like passion fruit ganache and speculoos pralines. One afternoon, I wandered into an intimate workshop and watched a chocolatier pipe molten couverture into delicate molds—an experience that felt part science, part culinary theater.

Beyond sweets, Belgian frites made their claim on my stomach. I joined locals at a tiny stand in the Marolles district, dipping crisp fries into homemade andalouse sauce. Later, I dove into a steaming bowl of moules-frites at Chez Léon, where the broth was spiced with white wine and parsley. Each bite was a comforting reminder that Belgian cuisine is about rich simplicity: quality ingredients prepared with care.

Nomad-Friendly Spots and Local Secrets

As a remote software engineer, I always hunt for cafés with reliable Wi-Fi and atmosphere. In Saint-Gilles, I found Café Saint-Ex—a hidden gem tucked behind a floral façade. Wooden tables, potted plants, and a playlist of mellow jazz made coding sessions feel more like creative retreats. Their espresso was dark and balanced, ideal for marathon debugging sessions.

For co-working, I spent a few mornings at Betacowork Compact—an airy loft with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking rooftops. Day passes are affordable (around €15), and I struck up conversations with entrepreneurs building VR startups and digital nomads freelancing in UX design. It’s a microcosm of Brussels’ growing tech scene, all under one roof.

To unwind after work, I took advantage of the city’s many green spaces: strolling through Cinquantenaire Park or grabbing an outdoor table at La Fleur en Papier Doré—a historic café once frequented by James Ensor and René Magritte. Here, a pint of local Gueuze craft beer felt like stepping into a surrealist painting, a perfect capstone to the day.

Conclusion

By the end of the trip, Brussels felt less like a stopover and more like a well-loved friend—one with hidden jokes painted in alleys, chocolaty secrets behind shop windows, and a rhythm that pulses through both grand architecture and quiet cafés. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a foodie, or a digital nomad hunting down the next inspiring workspace, the city extends an open-armed invitation to linger a little longer.

I boarded my train with a heart full of new stories and a camera roll bursting with images—snapshots that can’t fully capture the scent of freshly baked waffles or the hush in a centuries-old gallery. Brussels taught me that even a familiar city can surprise you, and that the most memorable moments often happen off the beaten path.