Start your journey at the Grand Place, one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Surrounded by Baroque,Gothic, and Neo-Gothic architecture, this square’s history has dated back to over 400 years ago. Its centerpiece is the towering spire of the Brussels Town Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Though nearly destroyed by French artillery centuries ago, the square was restored by leading architects and now hosts a biennial Flower Carpet festival — an awe-inspiring event worth seeing in person for its sheer beauty and grandeur.
Manneken Pis The World’s Most Famous “Peeing Boy”
The small bronze statue, about 60-cm tall and located in the heart of Brussels, was sculpted by Jérôme Duquesnoy and installed in 1618. Legend has it that a young boy saved the city while under attack by urinating on a lit fuse, preventing an explosion. In gratitude, the townspeople erected this statue to honor his bravery. Today, Manneken Pis is dressed in various outfits for special occasions, boasting a wardrobe of over 800 costumes. Among them is one gifted by King Louis XV of France—a symbolic apology after his troops attempted to steal the statue.
Another legend tells of a young boy who, unable to hold back, accidentally urinated on a witch’s doorstep. Furious, she cursed him to turn into stone forever. Luckily, a sorcerer broke the spell by crafting a life-size statue resembling the boy and placing it where he stood, bringing him back to life. Manneken Pis’s extensive costume collection—showcased at the GardeRobe MannekenPis Museum—offers a unique glimpse into his colorful history.
And since there’s a statue of a peeing boy, it’s only fair to have a peeing girl too. Created in 1985, Jeanneke Pis was designed to represent gender equality and fidelity. Tucked away in a small alley near the Grand Place, the statue has become a symbol of loyalty for visiting couples, who toss coins into its fountain as a sign of commitment. The city of Brussels collects these donations and gives them to charity, supporting the less fortunate and funding medical research.
The Atomium: A Monument to Modernity
The Atomium, an architectural marvel and modern sculpture, is a must-visit landmark in Brussels. Inspired by the shape of an atom, this massive structure with nine interconnected spheres was built for the 1958 World Expo. Though originally intended to be dismantled afterward, its futuristic design was too spectacular to disappear. Today, the Atomium symbolizes Belgium’s post-WWII embrace of modernity. Each sphere serves a unique purpose, from a panoramic viewing platform to art galleries and a chic restaurant. This iconic monument remains one of Belgium’s most celebrated architectural achievements.
A Capital of Comics
Brussels is a city where comic culture thrives beyond beloved characters like Tintin and the Smurfs, both of which greeting almost every shop windows. Many buildings are adorned with street art murals by famous Belgian cartoonists like Hergé, Franquin, and Peyo, turning the city into a colorful gateway to a cartoon world. For those eager to explore Belgian comics in depth, the Comics Art Museum—set in a stunning Art Nouveau building—is a must-visit!
(More info at www.comicscenter.net)
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