One of the most beautiful and impressive cities in Europe is Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Its spectacular metropolitan area is surrounded by several museums, shops and large buildings. In addition, its administrative and political entities make it call the capital of Europe. And it is that in this city the main headquarters of the European Union and NATO are located . This beautiful city knows how to combine the old with the modern very well to become a great contemporary metropolis. In its streets a fusion of ancient architecture with the most beautiful avant-garde buildings is naturally exposed. Its diversity of culture and language is another of the great attractions of the capital of Europe .
If you are starting to plan your next vacation, include this magnificent city on your list. Which will offer you the tranquility you need in a charming city. Its monuments, chocolate and the variety of its beers will surely catch you. Read on and don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic that its spectacular places offer.
The past and the present unite Brussels in a single city
Thousands of tourists travel to Brussels each year to enjoy its impressive culture and gastronomy. This city stands out not only for being a great financial and political center of Europe; but also for its exquisite chocolates and its famous urban art. It is an accessible destination especially if you travel from Spain. Its geographical location places it very close to this country. The costs are not high and the same currency is used. So if you don’t know it yet, here are some options of what you can see and do in the beautiful capital of Belgium.
Walk the Grand Place
The Grand Place is the main square of Brussels and is located in the heart of the city, the center. Its cobbled spaces take you on a journey to the past. This was built to be used as a flea market for merchants in the 18th century. Most of the buildings that surround it were rebuilt in 1695 after a destruction suffered by French bombardments. The only structure that remained intact was that of the Town Hall, which dates from the year 1400. The architecture around it is impressive, visitors to the place do not know where to start taking photographs.
The reconstruction of the buildings after the bombing gave a special nuance to the Grand Place. Even each of them seem to be taken from a work of art. There are those who say that this square is the best place in the capital. Some call it the beating heart of Brussels , for its location, beauty and tourist options it offers.
Meet the Manneken pis
The manneken pis is a small 65-centimeter statue of a boy urinating. It is located in the historic center of Brussels and is, together with other great works, the symbol that represents the city. It is also one of the busiest tourist attractions. The image of the naked child has great historical importance. Scores of legends have emerged, over time, around her. The original version of this piece was made in 1619 by a Baroque sculptor. He worked it in bronze to resemble one that existed in ancient times but was made of stone. This was on display in the cathedral for a long time and dated from the 16th century.
The one currently exhibited in the open air is a replica, since the original was stolen in 1960. A fact that caused the international fame of the statue. So much so that after being rescued she was taken to the Musée de la Ville in Brussels , next to the king’s house. The Manneken pis has many stories to tell. Among them and the best known among tourists, it has to do with a lost child. Many years ago a very wealthy merchant lost his son. After so much searching and with the help of the authorities, they succeeded laughing in a square and urinating. As a thank you, his father donated a fountain with this image in honor of what happened.
Enjoy the history of comics
In this destination you will hallucinate with street art. Brussels is known as the cradle of comics, it is there where the adventures of Tin Tin, Asterix and Obelix and others are born. In allusion to them we can see streets full of murals with the most impressive comic paintings. In addition, this city also has a museum dedicated to this art, which houses more than 6,000 original stories. This museum pays tribute to great cartoonists known worldwide, most of the works are in French.
The museum is located in the Art de Noveau building and in its first rooms it exposes the origins of the creation of comics . From the idea, through the realization to being taken to the printers. Then there are two rooms where you can see quantities of old comics made and discarded by their own editors. On the top floor of the museum you can see more current stories based on political, erotic and even satirical themes.
Taste a good chocolate
The passion for chocolate in the capital of Europe is felt around every corner. Brussels has become a major producer of both artisanal and industrial chocolate . There are even workshops where the visitor can make their own personalized chocolate. If you get to the center and it gives you a good chocolate, you will not know which to decide. In every corner there is a chocolate shop, one better than another; and each with its own story. The first Neuhaus chocolate shop was created in Brussels and today it is the main supplier to the Belgian Monarchy. These great creators of praline have revolutionized the world of chocolate.
Its concept arises from the hand of Jean Neuhaus with the idea of coating chocolate medicines to make their consumption more pleasant. Years later, Jean’s grandson created the first filled chocolate, known worldwide as Praline . Then his grandmother designed the ingenious packaging to transport the chocolates, as if they were perfect jewels, called the “Ballotín” box. Its rise made it an icon of exclusive gifts for special celebrations, which would later be used by other master chocolatiers. In addition, the Neuhaus company knows how to take advantage of marketing very well to become the kings of chocolate. They have even made chocolates with royal names like Prince Albert and Paola to honor their union. Without a doubt, this company together with Godiva are recognized worldwide for their excellence and quality.
Discover the Atomium
The marvelous 102-meter atom has become the symbol of the city of Brussels. This was the main pavilion and symbol of the 1958 Brussels World Fair . This monument represents an iron atom magnified 165 million times and is made up of nine 18-meter spheres, linked by tubes and escalators. Within the spheres there are permanent and temporary exhibitions available to the public with graphic and multimedia material. The realization of this impressive structure took three years of work and the hands of more than 15,000 workers. In its dome there is a restaurant with a magnificent viewpoint, where you ascend through an elevator considered the fastest in Europe.
The Atomium in Brussels is surrounded by a large garden, perfect for resting and spending a few hours of relaxation. This is located in the Heysel fair park from where you can see the Heysel stadium and the Centennial Palace . In addition, there are several leisure options, a large movie theater and a park of miniature models of famous monuments in Europe. But if this seems little to you, you can also visit the water park or the planetarium. The spaces of this place seem to be brought from the future thanks to the impressive sight of the giant atom.
Take the Belgian beer tour
Brusela is also known for its exquisite beers. So if you decide this destination as your next stop, you can’t miss the Belgian beer tour . With this tour you will not only be able to enjoy this exquisite local drink but you will also be able to taste the delicious gastronomy. The options to do the tour is very varied, from picturesque and youthful places to more conservative and quiet places. This route may include a visit to one of the places that holds the Guinness Record for having the most important catalog of beers in the world. Even Belgium is known for having the largest variety of beers; and what better place than your capital to check it out. Almost two thousand types of beers and four hundred of them made in Belgium await you.
The food is very varied and of quality thanks to its diversity of culture. It is very easy to give a good taste to the palate, in this city, with both local and international options. French fries are their specialty and mussels can be found in a thousand ways. In addition, the custom of this nation is to eat well and always accompanied by a good drink. As for dessert, the variety is impressive, but chocolate always predominates. The Brussels waffle is a typical dessert in town, it is a Waffle square with large holes. It is generally eaten hot and sprinkled with cream or sugar, really delicious.
