At first glance, Brussels is a bustling city filled with well-clad global citizens hurriedly negotiating terms to benefit their home countries and the European Union as a collective. All this activity makes Brussels a very cosmopolitan city, with efficient transportation, modern architecture, global brands and English is widely spoken throughout. This business friendliness means that Brussels is also easy to enjoy as a visitor.
Most visitors will arrive at the surprisingly small and approachable Brussels airport. It is a quick ride into the city, through the Embassy district, awash with color, as flags from around the world adorn the secure and stately buildings. Once arriving in the city, lace up your shoes and head out to discover the best activities this city has to offer.
Time Travel at the Atomium
A symbol of Brussels the Atomium is a shiny remnant of the 1958 Worlds Fair that has been reimagined and remains relevant today. A visitor will be first impressed by the architecture. Rising 102 meters in the sky, this structure of shiny aluminum spheres leaves you wondering how did they craft this giant building out of aluminum 60 years ago, and how do they keep it so shiny?
Purchase a ticket for entry into the Atomium and enjoy the glass elevator ride to the top and back into history. Marvel at the way the building itself remains so modern with its symmetry, interior color choices and lighting selections. The stairways and escalators are Instagram worthy by themselves.
The Atomium galleries provide a surprisingly interesting overview of the history of the building and stellar views across Brussels. A few of the galleries host revolving art exhibitions with entry included with your ticket. Plan to spend a few hours enjoying the history and visual spectacle of this unique building.
Ponder the Popularity of Manneken Pis
This 17th-century bronze statue of a little boy peeing has strangely become one of Brussels most popular tourist attractions. Surprisingly small in size, it could easily be missed if not for the enormous crowds of tourists attempting to capture a selfie with the diminutive potty boy.
The little statue is not only adored by Brussels but is also adorned. He has an enviable closet with 1000 tiny costumes celebrating cultures, customs, and kitsch. Each painstakingly sewn, assembled and designed not to impede the constant fountain flow. About a block from the statue you will find a small museum the GardeRobe MannekenPis that houses his impressive wardrobe.
Celebrate Brussels Colorful Comic History
As the birthplace of world-famous cartoon and comics such as Tin Tin and the Smurfs, Brussels embraces the colorful, quirky and adventurous characters. Immerse yourself into this playful world by spending a few hours at Belgian Comic Strip Center, or simply be surprised and delighted to encounter the larger than life comic murals splashed on the sides of building through the city.
Enjoy the Abundance of Parks and Gardens
For a few weeks every year, the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken opens for visitors. If you are lucky enough to visit during that time, not only can you experience the sprawling palace grounds, but within the greenhouses, you will find thousands of semi-tropical plants and ferns and a colorful mix of blooming flowers. While lush foliage is heaven for the passionate gardener, the main draw is the 15 greenhouses themselves. Built over a 31 year period during the late 1800s, these expansive buildings with their green patina ironwork and iridescent glass are an engineering marvel. Be sure to look upward to admire the intricate lace pattern of iron along the dome roof of the Palm House.
If the Royal Greenhouses aren’t available during your visit, the Parc de Laeken is a gorgeous and sprawling park located a few minutes walk from the Atomium. Combining your visits makes for a perfect afternoon excursion.
In the heart of the city, you will find the meticulously manicured Mont des Arts, often filled with local and tourists enjoying the elevated view of the city or one of the nearby museums.
A peaceful oasis in the middle of the city, Brussels Park was created in the last 1700s on the grounds of the Palace gardens. Bordered by the Royal Palace and Belgium Parliament building, the 32-acre park is within the city. Enjoy the fountains, ponds, and ornamental trees while grabbing a refreshing drink from the park tavern.
Gawk at the Ornate Buildings in the Grand-Place
This huge and beautiful square is synonymous with the city of Brussels and has been recognized by a UNESCO world heritage designation. Dating back to the 14th century, the square is surrounded by elegant and ornate buildings, each with gold leaf accenting its architectural splendors. The Grand-Place is the heart of the city and the focal point for festivals, concerts, and outdoor markets.
Consume, Compare and Critique the Waffles
From a kiosk in the park to a quick service restaurant in the mall to a historic cafe, waffles are never more than a few steps away. Always delicious, it is important to note that there are actually two types of Waffles you will find in the city. The traditional Brussels waffle is light, crispy and perfectly rectangular. It is often served with elaborate toppings such as chocolate, strawberries or Nutella, although nothing is prettier and simpler than a fresh waffle with a dusting of powdered sugar. Most often you will eat these in a civilized fashion, on a plate with a knife and fork.
The Liege waffle is sweeter, chewier and more organic in its shape. They are the ultimate take-away food and are readily available in waffle trucks throughout the city. For only a Euro or two, you get a freshly made waffle, still warm and wrapped in a piece of paper. Perfect for snacking on while you walk around the city.
Try one or two or even three of each and decide which type of waffle you prefer. I guarantee that picking a definitive winner may require another trip to Brussels. In the meantime, you may need to settle for attempting to re-create the experience back home with your own waffle iron.
Brussels and its combinations of modern and historic, palatial and parliamentary, sweet and crispy will keep you enthralled and entertained, and wishing for a few more days to discover its multifaceted charms.
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