Belgium was never meant to be more than a quick stop, a short ride between bigger plans—but as often happens with travel, it became something more. Packed into a few days was a rich tapestry of culture, flavour, and charm that made every moment memorable. From Antwerp’s bold character to the fairy-tale ambiance of Bruges and the cosmopolitan buzz of Brussels, Belgium proved to be a small country with a big personality.

As someone who finds joy in history, architecture, and—let’s be honest—great beer, Belgium was a delightful surprise. Each city had its own rhythm, its own way of telling a story. In Antwerp, I was struck by the edgy energy mixed with a historic backbone. There’s a youthful creativity pulsing through the city—expressed in fashion, design, and vibrant neighbourhoods—but also an unmistakable reverence for its past. Walking through the old town, it felt like every cobblestone had a secret. The Cathedral of Our Lady, rising above the skyline, reminded me of how the Belgians blend grandeur with subtle artistry.

Then came Bruges, a place that seems almost too picturesque to be real. I’ve read about it, seen the images, but nothing quite prepares you for the stillness of its canals and the medieval architecture reflected in them. The city feels like a museum you can walk through—quiet, slow-paced, and brimming with wonder. I found joy just getting lost in the alleyways, crossing tiny bridges, and stumbling upon chocolate shops and old beer cellars. For someone like me, who appreciates mythologies and stories from another time, Bruges felt like stepping into a living legend.

Brussels was something else entirely. It’s messy, multilingual, and brimming with contradictions—yet that’s its charm. There’s modern European bureaucracy coexisting with centuries-old buildings, sleek glass offices beside quirky comic book murals. The Grand Place is hands down one of the most beautiful city squares I’ve ever seen. You stand in the middle of it, and you’re surrounded by gold-tipped buildings, guild halls that speak of ancient trades, and a sense that history is still alive here.

And then, of course, there was the beer. As someone who has travelled for Oktoberfest and explored Germany’s beer culture in depth, I wasn’t expecting to be so enchanted—but Belgian beer is its own beast. It’s not just a drink here; it’s heritage, craft, and pride poured into a glass. Whether it was a spicy Tripel in a candle-lit pub in Bruges or a dark, earthy Trappist ale in a Brussels beer bar, every pint told a story. Each label, each abbey brew, felt like meeting a different character.

Belgian beer culture invites you to slow down. It’s not about chugging or ticking off a list. It’s about tasting, talking, and connecting. I had conversations with locals that started over a shared love for lambics and ended with tips about hidden spots I would’ve never found on my own. That human connection—the friendliness, the open-heartedness—is part of what made this ride around Belgium so unforgettable.

What I loved most was that each city gave me something different. Antwerp challenged me. Bruges charmed me. Brussels made me think. And the beer? It tied it all together like a perfect soundtrack. Even with my past travels across Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, and beyond, this short Belgian ride stood out because of how densely packed the experience was—like a compact, flavourful dish that lingers long after the last bite.

Traveling through Belgium reminded me that it’s often the unplanned, short trips that bring the biggest joys. You don’t need weeks to be changed—just curiosity, openness, and maybe a strong ale or two to help the stories flow.