Europe at a Crossroads Travel Notes from Brussels

樊 灵感清泉

In April 2025, I arrived in Brussels with the "Come and Go Europe" tour group. My first glimpse was of a gray-blue sky and wet, gleaming cobblestones; as I walked further, the sweet aroma of waffles and the cocoa scent of chocolate drew me into the city's everyday life. Brussels serves as both Belgium's capital and a vital administrative hub for the European Union, earning it the monikers "Heart of Europe" and "Crossroads of Europe." Yet remarkably, it remains utterly unpretentious: solemn churches, ornate guildhalls, and surreal modern landmarks stand side by side with whimsical street sculptures—where solemnity and childlike charm coexist effortlessly. Brussels: Strolling Through the "Heart of Europe"
Brussels possesses a fascinating dual character. The cobblestone streets of the old town wind between Gothic and Baroque architecture, while modern landmarks in the northern part of the city transport visitors back to the imagination of the 20th century. In April, Brussels is brimming with spring vitality, with tulips dotting the flower beds. Light rain comes and goes, washing the city clean and lending it a more textured feel.
【A Marvel of Science: The Atomium】
The first stop on the journey is typically the Atomium on the Heysel Plateau. Built for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, it amplifies the unit cell of an "iron atom crystal structure" as its inspiration. Nine gleaming stainless-steel spheres connected by tubular structures form a walk-in scientific model. From its elevated vantage point, the cityscape and distant greenery are softly veiled in mist, evoking a tangible sense of that era's fervent hope for scientific progress and the future of human life.
Atomic Ball Tower in the distance and the waffle food truck: From the bus window, nine metallic spheres still shone brightly beneath the overcast sky. The food truck on the right bore the words "GAUFRES CHAUDES" (hot waffles), as if reminding us: Brussels' "landmark" and "flavor" are often separated by just one street.
Belgium on the Tip of Your Tongue: The Waffle Cart The waffle cart by the roadside is spring's gentlest temptation. Brussels waffles are typically rectangular, light and crispy in texture; dusted with powdered sugar or topped with fresh cream and strawberries, they seem to sweeten even the chill of a rainy day.
Close-up of the Atomic Ball Tower with travel companions: Up close, its sheer scale and power become even more palpable. The splashing fountain and the footsteps of visitors lend this "hardcore" scientific landmark a touch of liveliness and everyday charm.

The umbrella-clad crowd at the Atomium plaza: Many tourists hold umbrellas and wear windproof jackets—April in Belgium is rainy and windy, yet it doesn't dampen spirits. Instead, it makes each stop feel more like a genuine journey. A corner of the city near the Atomium after the rain: Under a gray-white sky, tree shadows encircle the city, while distant church spires pierce the skyline in quiet solitude. A person clad in a raincoat walks past the grassy edge— this moment feels like Europe's most unadorned, most enduring everyday scene. 【Brussels City Center in the Rain: From the Church to the Grand Place】
Rainy days are actually perfect for walking: people slow their pace, listening to the rhythm of raindrops on umbrella canopies. We set out from the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudule, weaving through the old town's alleys until we reached the world-famous Grand Place in Brussels. The rain-washed cobblestones gleamed like mirrors, reflecting the outlines of ancient buildings, lending the city an even quieter, more layered atmosphere.
The rain never let up that day, yet the city remained captivating: the square still shimmered with golden light, street sculptures radiated warmth and friendliness, and the air was filled with the sweet aroma of pastries and waffles—this is the everyday romance of Brussels.
Cathedral of Saint-Michel and Saint-Gudule
St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral stands as one of Brussels' most significant religious landmarks. In the rain, its pointed arched windows and thick stone walls exude an air of solemnity, instantly conveying the "power of the Middle Ages." In the city's folklore, St. Michael is often seen as a guardian (his dragon-slaying image is widely known), while St. Gudula symbolizes faith and perseverance through the legend of "keeping vigil with a lamp." Even a fleeting glimpse from the outside is enough to silence jests and bring a moment of quiet reflection.
The bishop statue holding a crozier stands atop a high platform before the church, as if watching over the city and its passersby through the rain—water trickles down the stone steps, creating a scene of quiet solemnity. Statue of the Reading Elder: The Gentlest Scene in the City

This sculpture/fountain bench in the city center exudes a special warmth: an elderly man sits reading, a small dog by his feet. Countless travelers have gently touched the bronze statue, polishing its legs and shoes to a shine—like the lingering warmth of time. Encountering it on a rainy day, Brussels feels less cold—it tells long stories through the smallest details.

Manneken Pis: A Tiny Statue with a Big Reputation
Brussels possesses a unique charm: it boasts both grand religious and municipal architecture, as well as a relaxed and humorous street vibe. The most iconic symbol of this is the Manneken Pis—a bronze statue of a boy urinating, standing only about 55 centimeters tall, yet it has become the emblem of the "Brussels spirit." Multiple legends surround its origins: some say the boy saved the city by extinguishing a fuse with his urine during a crisis; while others claim it embodies the citizens' defiant spirit and playful nature. Regardless of which tale holds more historical truth, this "little fellow" has long been the city's mascot. Even more amusing is how it dons different outfits for festivals or commemorative days—reportedly with a collection of over a thousand costumes—as if Brussels were greeting the world with humor.
Rainy Day Commercial Street: Chocolate and Old Town Pedestrian Street
The old town pedestrian street in the rain has a unique charm: the pavement glistens wetly, flanked by famous chocolate shops, restaurants, and small boutiques. Through the lens, you can spot Belgian chocolate classics like Neuhaus—and you'll understand why some say: in Brussels, sweetness isn't a sin, it's a culture. Step inside, and the neatly arranged filled chocolates in the glass display cases resemble art pieces. The faint aroma of cocoa in the air instantly lifts your spirits: take shelter, buy something sweet, and continue on your way—making rainy days feel charming.
Rainy days can't stop the temptation of chocolate.

Stepping into a Brussels chocolate shop, the neatly arranged filled chocolates in the display case look as exquisite as works of art. Bright lights, glass showcases, and the faint aroma of cocoa in the air instantly make it clear: Belgians have elevated "sweetness" into a cultural phenomenon. Dropping in on a rainy day to escape the downpour and sample a bite instantly lifts your spirits.

Pink Manneken Pis Dessert Shop: An exaggerated pink statue brings the city's iconic symbol indoors, serving up sweets with a dash of humor—Brussels makes tourism culture lighthearted and delightfully clever. The old city streets are damp, yet they carry the truest essence of travel: A light drizzle persists, yet the streets remain bustling; Souvenirs, scarves, fridge magnets, and the aroma of freshly baked waffles— We stroll slowly under our umbrellas, Street stalls still open for business— This is the pulse of Brussels: No matter the weather, the city stays warm and fascinating. 【布鲁塞尔大广场（Grand-Place / Grote Markt）】
布鲁塞尔大广场是这座城市的“皇冠”。广场四周环绕着华丽的行会会馆（Guild Houses）与市政建筑，许多立面在17世纪末重建并以金色装饰闻名；广场中心最醒目的，是布鲁塞尔市政厅（Hôtel de Ville）的哥特式高塔。大广场被列入联合国教科文组织世界遗产名录（UNESCO World Heritage），而雨天的石板路会把金色与灰蓝色同时映出来，让整座广场像童话，也像历史。
Gazing at the spire from the street corner: The tower of the town hall is the most recognizable silhouette on the main square, drawing people toward its center from afar. Listening to the guide's narration in the rain: Umbrellas resemble moving flowers. The most rewarding part of travel isn't merely "seeing," but "understanding"—this place once served as the hub of commerce, politics, and celebrations, and remains the city's stage to this day. Golden-Decorated Complex: Guild Houses—Once meeting halls for trade guilds, now mostly restaurants, cafes, and shops, their golden details shine brightly even on cloudy days. The area around the Maison des Ducs de Brabant: Dark, densely carved stone resembling lace— only upon closer inspection does the sheer stubbornness of the craftsmanship become apparent. The Grand Place's iconic view: the Gothic spires (City Hall) on the left stand in stark contrast to the golden facades (Guildhalls) on the right—this captures Brussels' essence: solemnity and splendor coexisting. Town Hall: It stands as the "centerpiece" of the Grand Plaza and serves as the most photographed backdrop. Standing here, you'll naturally lower your umbrella slightly and gaze upward for a moment longer. Ultra-wide panoramic view: Buildings encircle the square, enveloping visitors. Even under overcast skies, the plaza exudes a quiet, profound awe. A snapshot moment in the square: The relaxed pose of people taking photos under umbrellas transforms this "world-class attraction" back into a vibrant urban space 【Afterthoughts】

Walking through Brussels, you'll find it doesn't carry the air of a capital city. From the futuristic vision of the Atomium to the street humor of the Manneken Pis, and from the golden splendor of the Grand Place to the solemn tranquility of its churches, this city constantly reminds you: history isn't confined to museums—it lives in the cobblestones on rainy days, the warm glow of patisseries, and the laughter of your travel companions. This April 2025 stroll through the rain feels like a gentle footnote—reminding us of Brussels' cultural depth, and its effortless ease and freedom.