Brussels is multitalented. Like that kid in school that could play every sport with the greatest of ease, Brussels manages to be many things. The city serves as Belgium’s capital, while at the same time is considered the unofficial capital of Europe. Brussels loves the sweetness of chocolate and waffles, but doesn’t shy away from a salty batch of fries. The architecture in the city is historic, yet surprisingly hip in moments. Brussels holds a Lower Town and an Upper Town. It seems characteristically French through its café culture, but remarkably Flemish at the same time. The city juggles many roles, and does so without effort or struggle.
A stop at Place du Grand-Sablon will not be forgotten. Notre Dame du Sablon won’t let you with its dominating gothic appearance. However, a more famous square lurks in the core of the city center. A UNESCO worthy site indeed, the city’s central square leaves you breathless. The Grand Place hosts the best baroque guildhalls along with the Town Hall, museums, cafes, and the occasional, yet necessary, chocolate shop. The Grand Place is hard to miss in the Lower Town of Brussels for its opulence and architecture. Dating back to the 12th century, the heart of Brussels beats on here.
Leaving such elegance and wonder, you wouldn’t expect someone to be publicly urinating just down the road from such historic greatness. In fact, many snap photos of this scene, called Manneken Pis and rightfully so. The miniscule bronze boy statue clearly feels comfortable enough to gleefully urinate with hordes of tourist watching. Manneken Pis remains an iconic symbol of the city on Rue de l’Etuve. Sometimes he even throws on formal wear and costumes to please the crowds even more.
After a good laugh around this little one, waffles, chocolates, and fries may be in order. The city specializes in those three waistline-increasing delights. Chocolate shop after chocolate shop may leave you wanting more, perhaps even an education on the sweet treat. The Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate does just that. It explains chocolate’s history in Europe along with a few free tastings thrown in for good measure.
More formal museums in town draw in other types of people without sticky fingers and chocolate all over their faces. The Horta Museum was once the home and studio of Victor Horta. Horta was largely responsible for creating the Art Nouveau style of Brussels many admire today with waffle in hand. The Flemish masters of art are largely represented at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. The name is a bit of a misnomer for it is actually two museums in one, the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Historical Art.
Just six miles south of the city, monumental history extends. The Battle of Waterloo took place on these grounds. The Battlefield represents just where Napoleon and the French army met defeat by the Belgians, British, Dutch, Germans and Prussians. As history was in the making here years ago, history continues to follow Brussels. The administrative Seat of the European Union could be called the most powerful city in Europe. Brussels alone has enough chocolate and waffles to feed armies for years.
