Brussels is the capital of Belgium and home to the European Union headquarters. The city center is bustling with cafes and shops tucked into historic guildhouses. The Gothic Hôtel de Ville has a striking bell tower and is one of the city’s landmarks. Nearby is the 19th-century Maison du Roi, which is home to a museum that has costume pieces for the Manneken Pis statue. (Also Read:5 Reasons to Visit Mumbai )
Table of Contents
- Is the Atomium worth visiting?
- Where is the Old England building and why you should visit?
- What about The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert?
- Is it worth visiting the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History?
- Is Place du Petit Sablon a good site to visit?
- Why is Manneken Pis important?
- Les Frites
- Carbonade
- Grand Place
Is the Atomium worth visiting?
While the museum isn’t free, it is well worth a visit. Its temporary exhibitions are varied and often include art displays and talks. For instance, you can catch a show about the paintings of Pieter Bruegel. Another exhibition features the smurfs and uses Smurfette to discuss gender equality and the UN’s gender equality goals. Visit the website to find out about the latest exhibitions, and don’t miss the light shows from the escalators.
Another reason to visit the Atomium in Brussels is its history. It was built in 1958 to welcome the atomic age to Belgium. The structure features nine levels, including an observation deck and a museum on the ground level. The museum also contains permanent and rotating exhibits, which are updated periodically.
Where is the Old England building and why you should visit?
Another great place to visit in Brussels is the Grand Place, which is surrounded by historical buildings. Although this area is always packed with tourists, it is well worth exploring. Another popular spot is the Cantillon Brewery, where you can try lambic beer, which is made by letting wild yeast ferment the beer on its own.
Another interesting place to visit in Brussels is the Manneken Pis, a bronze fountain statue that is about 61 cm tall and 24 inches wide. There are many legends behind the statue’s origin. One version of the story has it that a little boy helped the town during a siege by peeing on explosives. Another version states that the statue was commissioned by the father of a missing tourist. The father then offered the statue to the village as a gift to the town.
What about The Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert?
The galleries in Saint-Hubert were originally built in the 1830s. They are one of the oldest covered shopping galleries in Europe. They are about 200 meters long and are divided into three sections. Inside, you’ll find fashionable shops of all kinds, as well as jewelry stores. In addition to shopping, you can eat delicious Belgian cuisine.
The Royal Gallery of Saint-Hubert was designed in the 1840s by the young architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaer. The aim was to replace the previous, sordid building. He developed his idea in the year 1836, and it was finally approved in 1845.
Is it worth visiting the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History?
The museum also contains a rooftop arcade, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Brussels. The arch is 85 meters high, and you can see the European Parliament, the European Union Administration Buildings, and the Atomium in the distance. You can also buy souvenirs and historical books.
Is Place du Petit Sablon a good site to visit?
The Place du Petit Sablon is a great place for visitors to spend some time reading, writing postcards, or simply listening to symphonies. The gardens are beautifully landscaped, and the fountain features statues of famous Belgians. There are benches around the fountain so that you can rest your feet and enjoy the beauty of the park.
Another neighborhood worth visiting in Brussels is Saint Gilles. This district is a popular destination for the younger Brussels population. The area is a hub for the arts and has many artists, writers, and musicians. The area is also affordable, so it may be a good place to stay if you’re on a budget.
Why is Manneken Pis important?
The statue is adorned with different outfits throughout the year. In 1698, the Belgian governor donated the statue’s first tunic. Later, the president of Belgium contributed to his wardrobe. These costumes are now housed in museums in the city, including the Musee de la Ville. The museum features a selection of outfits, including bullfighter costumes, regional costumes, and traditional Belgian attire. The statue changes its clothing on a regular basis, and you can check the schedule by viewing it on the fountain railings.
Other Sites include
Les Frites
Les Frites in Brussels is one of the highlights of any trip to Belgium. This city is famous for its fried food. It is home to numerous restaurants offering delicious fries. Whether you’re traveling alone, with a group, or with children, the local frites are sure to satisfy your hunger and taste buds. In addition, Brussels has a wide selection of delicious sauces to choose from.
Belgium’s most famous dish is moules frites, a combination of fresh seafood, rich sauces, and crispy fries. Classic flavours like white wine and bacon are very popular. Those with a sweet tooth may also like Brussels beef stew, which is made with cassonade, a type of brown sugar. If you’re a fan of the traditional version, make sure to try it with mashed potatoes.
If you’re on a budget, you can stay at a hostel in Brussels. These places are often cheaper than hotels in the city. Typically, you’ll pay between $25 and $35 per night.
Carbonade
If you are planning a trip to Brussels, you should definitely check out the Carbonade, one of the city’s famous squares. Its architecture is unique, making it a must-see attraction. The building also houses a museum that displays comic strips created in the city.
Another great place to eat is Nona, a pizza joint that is always packed. Its pizzas are made from organic ingredients and baked in a brick oven. The menu changes seasonally, but there are several classic items you can find here. You can also try Brussels beef stew, a traditional dish based on cassonade, or brown sugar. The dish is best accompanied by mashed potatoes.
The place is also famous for its seafood. Its fish market is a perfect spot for lunch, and you can grab a bite to eat here. There are many restaurants here, including Gaston’s, a local ice cream parlor. There is also a popular terrace called Noordzee where you can enjoy a delicious meal. While you are in Brussels, check out the Palace of Justice, the country’s most important courthouse.
Grand Place
The Grand Place in Brussels is a city square in the center of the capital city. The Gothic City Hall towers over the square, and there are numerous cafes, galleries, and museums lining the surrounding streets. There are also century-old beer bars tucked away down narrow alleys and restaurants that serve steamed mussels. The Grand-Place area is also home to the Royales Galeries Saint-Hubert, a grand arcade of clockmakers, luxury boutiques, and chocolate shops.
One of the most popular landmarks on Grand Place is the Hotel de Ville, which was built in the early 15th century. This building survived many bombardments and underwent several transformations over the years. Ornamental elements were added in restoration campaigns in the late 19th century. Another prominent structure is the King’s House, which was built in the historicist style and is now the City Museum. (Also Read: 5 Health Benefits of Tomatoes)
