2022 was the year I took my very first international trip, a two-and-a-half-week adventure across Europe that completely changed the way I see travel. It was my first time leaving Mauritius, my first time navigating new cities with a friend, and my first taste of European summer. We explored Prague, Amsterdam, Zaandam, Berlin, Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and Charleroi, collecting memories, lessons, and little moments that shaped my journey as a solo traveler today. And like every great adventure, it began unexpectedly in the quiet Belgian city of Charleroi.
Charleroi is a small city in the southern part of Belgium, located in the Wallonia region and about an hour from the capital, Brussels. It’s known for its industrial past, its relaxed pace of life, and its airport, a popular hub for budget airlines like Ryanair.
Most travelers stop here to catch cheap flights around Europe, and that’s exactly how Charleroi became the first city I ever set foot in outside Mauritius.
At the time (July 2022), Air Belgium ran a direct 12-hour flight from Mauritius to Belgium, which made it convenient but honestly, it was the worst flight I’ve ever taken. No sleep, uncomfortable seats, and food I’d rather forget. But I’ll save the full review for another post.
I landed in Brussels, met my friend at the airport, and together we took the train straight to Charleroi from the station inside the airport itself. This was the start of my first-ever international trip, and everything felt new and exciting.
We booked Auberge de Jeunesse Charleroi, a youth hostel just for one night, and took a simple two-bedroom. After dropping our bags, instead of resting (which I desperately needed after 24 hours of no sleep), we decided to explore the city — first mistake, but more on that later!
After dropping our bags at the hostel, we headed out to explore Charleroi, a quiet, walkable city where everything feels close by. One of our first stops was Rive Gauche, the big shopping complex right in the center of Charleroi. It was modern, clean, and surprisingly lively for such a calm city.
Just outside Rive Gauche, there’s a large open plaza (Place Verte) where people gather, kids run around, and you can really feel the rhythm of everyday life. Even though Charleroi is small, it has this open, breathable atmosphere where you can just sit and watch the world go by.
As we continued walking, we passed by several beautiful churches scattered around the city; some historic, some slightly aged, but all adding to the charm of the place. It felt like every corner had another little architectural surprise.
In the afternoon, we noticed people gathering in the squares for drinks. It felt like the city came alive around 3 p.m. We stopped for Belgian waffles at a café, my first-ever European waffle, and continued walking. I think we did 10,000+ steps that day, even though my body was screaming for sleep.
At one point, we walked into a lively spot with pubs, music, and even fake sand in the middle of the area where kids were playing. It was such a cute summer vibe.
But one thing I quickly learned?
Finding vegetarian or pescatarian meals was not easy.
Most restaurants and cafés had menus dominated by meat dishes. As someone who eats mostly fish and veggies, I really struggled to find something suitable, so that’s something to keep in mind if you have a similar diet.
We decided to sit there for a while, had dinner (I ordered fish), and tried a sweet Belgian beer called Hoegaarden Rosée.
It was also my first experience of a European summer, where the sun sets around 10–11 p.m. At 8 p.m., the sun was still shining brightly, and my brain could not understand why we were having dinner in full daylight.
We went back to the hostel around 11:30 p.m., and the sky was still bright. It only turned dark after midnight. It felt so strange, especially coming from Mauritius, where sunset is consistent all year round. My body couldn’t rest at all, especially knowing we had to wake up at 4 a.m. for our Ryanair flight to Prague.
Probably not.
Charleroi is charming in its own quiet way, but it’s not a place that leaves you wanting more. For me, it served its purpose; it was a gateway to my European adventure. But as the first foreign city I ever walked through, it will always be tied to an important milestone in my life.
1. Stay close to the station or airport
If you’re only here to catch a flight, book a hotel/hostel nearby to avoid stress.
2. One day is more than enough
Charleroi can be explored in just a few hours; it’s small and walkable.
3. Expect long daylight hours in summer
If you’re from a tropical island like me, prepare your mind; sunset can be after 10 p.m.
4. Try Hoegaarden Rosée
If you like sweet drinks, this beer is a must-try.
5. Don’t over-walk on your first day
Especially after a long international flight! Rest first… trust me.
