Visit if you enjoy: opulence, statues of people peeing, carbs.
Avoid if you hate : expensive pints, tourists, the EU.
Nestled in central Belgium, Brussels is a captivating city that boasts a unique blend of historical significance and modern charm. It took us two trains and five hours to travel from Newcastle to Brussels, which is pretty impressive in itself. After this suspiciously easy journey we got off at Brussels- Midi/Zuid station and walked through the unsettlingly named region of Stalingrad into the city. We exchanged a concerned look as we walked through Stalingrad. It didn’t seem a million miles from the original Stalingrad, an expanse of dilapidated buildings, sagging storefronts and rusted scaffolding. However, there were the telltale signs of gentrification - trendy cafes and bars materialising with increasing frequency as we walked towards the centre.
Brussels centre was a far cry from Stalingrad. The smell of chocolate and fried food permeated the streets as decedent buildings sprung up around us. A perfect reflection of modern Europe meeting its opulent past. Taking the Eurostar to Brussels marked the start of 4 weeks of travelling across Europe for us. A journey many people make in their 20s but many not starting with Belgium. I believe that Brussels is the best place to begin as the home of the EU and the vibrance of the city really sets the tone for the rest of your travels.
The one unmissable visit is the Grande Place, the square is surrounded by opulent guildhalls, the Town Hall of Brussels (Hôtel de Ville), and the King's House (Maison du Roi or Broodhuis). These buildings showcase a blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Louis XIV, making the Grand Place a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to this there are usually many many tourists and this is one reason to also go at night to see it lit up. There are bars and cafes in the square but unless you want to pay eye watering prices I wouldn’t recommend visiting these.
A slightly lesser known building in Brussels is the Church of Notre Dam (no not that one!) The original church on this site was built in the 14th century. Over the centuries, it underwent several renovations and expansions, resulting in the magnificent structure we see today. The interior of the church is equally impressive, featuring beautiful altars, sculptures, and religious artwork. My favourite part was the swings built into the ceiling, very random, very fun! There is also a notice board where international visitors can leave both sincere religious and silly satirical notes which were a joy to read.
As you walk through Brussels you will be inundated with images of a little boy peeing, if you’d like a keyring, postcard, magnet, lolly or anything else with him on then you’re in the right place! The exact origin of Manneken Pis is not well-documented, but it is believed to date back to the early 17th century. There are various legends and stories associated with its creation, but the true story remains uncertain. Either way it’s a fun little visit, usually mobbed with tourists.
Food wise, of course waffles, fries and (if you’re so inclined) beer. Our favourite fries were from Friterie Tabora with an impressive amount of sauces at less than €5. We went to Delirium at night and browsed their 2000 beers. We settled on the Delirium Tremens which was 8.5% and a whopping €9. We also had a sharing board of beers which was around €25 but really useful if you want to taste a variety of their beers. If you want traditional sit down meals there are plenty of restaurants but we had neither the money nor the class to visit. However, if you’d like me to rate McDonalds in each country, that is well within my capabilities!
All in all Brussels offers a captivating blend of history, opulence, and fun, from the grandeur of the Grand Place to the whimsy of Manneken Pis, all while indulging in waffles, fries, and a wide variety of beers – making it a delightful starting point for your European adventure.
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