This weekend, we’re staying at Hotel The Usual, located on Boulevard Adolphe Max in the center of Brussels.

For us, it’s only a two-hour drive from home to the capital of Belgium, and I have to admit that I barely know the city.

It’s strange because I love to go on city trips and I am a big fan of old cities, but it’s probably because I tend to choose Paris when traveling this direction for a weekend trip. Add another 3 hours from here and you’re in Paris. But as we drive into the city after our two-hour drive, I immediately resolve to come more often—it’s so close, yet it feels like a real getaway. The weather this weekend is perfect: it’s October 27th, and the temperature is a wonderful 21 degrees. Truly an autumn to remember.

The Usual is a modern and stylish hotel located on Boulevard Adolphe Max in the heart of Brussels. Known for its contemporary design and comfortable amenities, it offers easy access to the city’s main attractions, shops, and restaurants. The hotel combines a cozy atmosphere with a touch of urban chic, making it a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking a convenient and relaxing stay in Brussels.

As we arrived at the hotel, we were warmly greeted by one of the staff members. It’s busy outside on the street, and with the beautiful weather, it seems like everyone is out enjoying it. There’s a lively atmosphere, and since the hotel is near the bustling shopping street, Nieuwstraat, there are shops and people everywhere. In the room, we find a welcoming note for our dog, Socks, along with an adorable food and water bowl set and some treats. The view from our room is lovely, showcasing Brussels in a way that immediately impresses us—a beautiful historic lady with a modern touch.

The Usual hotel prioritizes regenerative hospitality, focusing on reducing environmental impacts and supporting local communities. Their mission includes sustainable construction, renewable energy use, waste reduction, biodiversity support, and partnerships with local suppliers. They aim to go beyond traditional sustainability by creating positive impacts on the environment and society, such as clean water donations and sponsoring river cleanups. Their approach also includes thoughtful design and socially inclusive practices, fostering a welcoming environment for all. For more, visit TheUsual’s Mission.

The room isn’t large but features big windows with a view and a comfortable bed. The bathroom has everything we need, as we won’t be spending much time here—Brussels is calling for an extended city walk that we’ll start the next day after a delicious hotel breakfast. Just a 20-minute walk from our hotel, we’ll find Manneken Pis, Brussels’ famous statue of a little boy cheerfully urinating, symbolizing the city’s humor and spirit.

Our next stop, for a classic Belgian waffle, will be the Grote Markt. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful squares, it’s filled with ornate guild halls, the Town Hall, and other architectural marvels that capture the historic charm and grandeur of Brussels.

After enjoying our waffles and hot chocolate (the Belgians are also famous for their fantastic chocolate), we wander toward the Sablon/Zavel district. This charming neighborhood is known for its antique shops, elegant squares, and weekend markets filled with unique finds. As we browse through the antique stalls, Brussels feels distinctly French, exuding a historical charm. Strolling through, we see landmarks like the Palais Royal de Bruxelles and its gardens, as well as the Musée Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique, showing how breathtaking the city must have been in earlier times.

Then it’s time for a light lunch with croquettes aux crevettes and some fries (Belgium is also known for its delicious fries). After lunch, our feet are a bit tired, so we stroll back through the lively shopping streets of the city center to the hotel. Martin takes a little siesta while I settle in to write this blog post. What a beautiful day in a beautiful city. Tomorrow, we get to explore for another day!

Brussels is a lively blend of historical charm and modern flair. From its grand squares and intricate architecture to its renowned chocolate shops and art nouveau facades, the city captures both tradition and innovation. The bustling Grote Markt is surrounded by guild halls, while the quirky Manneken Pis and elegant Sablon district bring character to the streets. Known for its multicultural vibe, Brussels offers a taste of Europe’s diverse flavors, languages, and styles, making it a vibrant hub with something for everyone.