Time for some Belgian waffles!


Last December 2018, I embarked on another trip to Europe to celebrate the holidays in the Netherlands. It's my second time in Europe and I took a side trip to Belgium and France this time around.

Antwerp, Belgium

How to get there?
Antwerp is a neighboring city of Netherlands. It is 2 hours away from Amsterdam by train. You can even get there in less than two hours via Thalys. Train fare from Amsterdam Central to Antwerp Central is at EUR39 (Thalys at EUR79).

What to do and where to go?
Antwerp Central Station
Dubbed as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, Antwerp Central is the main reason why I chose to go to Antwerp by train. The train station which dates back in the early 1900s is definitely a place of grandeur. It is the best way to start your Antwerp visit.
Meir Shopping Street
Meir is the main shopping destination in Antwerp. The preserved architecture around the street of Meir makes the shopping experience more special. A lot of local and international shops to spend your shopping budget is waiting for you! Also, Antwerp is the capital of the world's diamond trade so make sure to check out those diamond shops around.
Antwerp Cathedral of Our Lady
The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp is the highest gothic building in Belgium. It is also houses a collection of important work of arts by Rubens and other European artists.
Grote Mrkt
Grote Markt or the town market is situated in the heart of the old city quarter. The area is surrounded by beautiful 16th century buildings that are now turned into shops, restaurants and cafes.

Brussels, Belgium

How to get there? 
From Antwerp, Brussels is an hour away train ride. The fare is around EUR10.

Where to stay?
I stayed at Sleep Well Youth Hostel. One night of stay in a 6-bed female room is EUR26. For a hostel, I would say that Sleep Well is one of the cleanest hostel rooms I've ever stayed at. The building and rooms looks new and the location is very good, just a walk away from Grand Place.

Where to go and what to do?
Every December the main streets of Brussels are full of Christmas markets. My entire trip in the city was about exploring Belgium's Christmas tradition, drinking hot wine and searching for the best Belgian waffle in town.
Aside from that here are places I got the chance to visit around Brussels.
Grand Place
The marvelous town square of Brussels is hard to miss in Belgium. It is surrounded by beautiful guild houses from the 17th century and is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mannekin Pis
The iconic symbol of Brussels is the statue of this little peeing boy. He may be little but this boy is very popular with the tourists.
Delirium Cafe
Holder of the Guinness World Record for the longest beer list, Delirium cafe is the best spot to try those Belgian beers. Perfect for a night out!

December is a cold month to visit Belgium so make sure to prepare your layers. Check out my next blog for my next destination -- Paris!