When you set foot into Brussels, you are greeted by quaint architecture with history seeping out from the age-old buildings. The city pampers you in more ways than one, with its art, history, culture, gastronomy, and yes, fantastic beer! Belgians don’t shy away from celebrating the good life and on a visit to this city, neither should you.
La Grand-Place
Brussels cannot be experienced without spending time exploring La Grand-Place. As you walk around the cobbled streets, you realise that this square, populated with guild halls, is integral to Belgian history. In earlier times, this square was a marketplace, so many streets around the square are named after food.
The history of the square is not just confined to food though. Having witnessed everything over the centuries from witches being burnt to people being executed and bombs being hurled by the French, the square has been significant in making the city what it is today. The guild halls that surround the square were rebuilt post 1695 by merchant guilds and the buildings here house everything from offices to boutiques and cafes.
As you explore the small lanes around the square, you’ll discover unique sights like the Manneken Pis (a boy urinating). Locals will tell you many legends about him. One legend has it that a small boy was woken up by a fire that had broken out and he pissed on it to save the king’s castle!
On Charles Buls street, you’ll find the Everard ‘t Serclaes statue which is said to bring luck to all those who touch it and make a wish.
La Grand Place is bustling with energy through the day and you can soak in not just history, but culture as well. Many events (e.g. Flower Carpet, Brussels Beer Weekend) are staged here through the year which attract lots of visitors.
Museums and Comics
This small European city has more than 80 museums! The popular Magritte Museum houses the works of Belgium’s most famous surreal artist, René Magritte, and is often spoken about by art experts. But when one thinks Brussels, one has to think comics too. Those who love Tintin must visit the Hergé museum in Louvain-la-neuve about 30 kms from Brussels. The Hergé museum houses some wonderful works of the artist, including Tintin. You will discover that there’s more to Hergé than just Tintin. He was a graphic designer, an illustrator and more. The Belgian Comic Strip Center is another great place for kids to see, especially if they love the Smurfs.
A symbol of Brussels today is the Atomium and it’s a gorgeous sight in the night when the lights go on. Housing a restaurant inside, it’s perfect for dinner as well. Adjacent to the Atomium is Mini Europe with over 350 miniature-sized famous European landmarks and most kids enjoy the sights here.
Of frites, waffles and chocolate
As you explore the city (preferably by train and foot), heavenly aromas waft through the streets and awaken your taste buds. To a Belgian, waffles are not just waffles and frites not just fries — they’re a way of life. You can pick up fresh waffles (from 1.50 euros onwards) with an amazing variety of toppings. Wrapped in a paper cone and eaten with tiny forks, the frites (from 2.50 euros onwards) are delicious (though fatty) to say the least. In every nook and corner, you’ll find chocolates or some food item associated with chocolate. But many Belgians buy handmade chocolate rather than the big brands. The Place du Grand Sablon is home to numerous chocolatiers. Wittamer’s serves the best pralines, while Pierre Marcolini serves chocolate with unique ingredients like pepper, oak and even sandalwood. But Belgium is home to Godiva and they have an amazing range from the Gold Ballotin to their popular chocolate-covered strawberries. Setting foot into their store, you are sure to come out a few kilos heavier – with bags of chocolate!
Latha is a writer and world wanderer
