Travel Monday – Brussels
Line BreakAuthor: Kathryn Frengs (264 Articles)
Travelfusion's Social Media Officer, I manage all of our online marketing and presence on Twitter, Facebook, our blog and more. I love my job!
Today’s Travel Monday takes us over to Europe to explore the centre of the European Union, Brussels. A fascinating city due in part to its dual languages and split culture, Brussels is quite easy to reach from the UK and is a good option for a relaxing city break.
Originally a fortress town that was founded in the 10th century, Brussels has grown to become the largest city in Belgium and now boasts a population of over 1.8 million inhabitants. Now an important political and economic centre, Brussels also attracts tourists from all over the world. Though tensions do exist between the French and Dutch-speaking sides of the city, it also offers visitors who speak several different languages with the opportunity to be easily understood whilst visiting the city.
Photo credit: StrudelMonkey
On a first-time visit to Brussels, a great first stop is the Grande Place, an UNESCO World Heritage Site sine the 1980’s. Probably the most memorable landmark in Brussels, the square’s beginnings date back to the 10th century when small marketplaces began to pop up on this site. A majestic square with breathtaking architecture, this is a fantastic place to visit, take photos and soak in the culture of Brussels.
Photo credit: vijaykiran
Not far from the Grande Place is an unlikely tourist attraction, the diminutive statue known as the Manneken Pis, or “Mister Pee.” This tiny statue has become an unofficial mascot for Brussels, and you’ll notice reproductions of him nearly everywhere, and especially in all touristy shops. Put in place in the early 1600’s, this statue is honestly somewhat underwhelming, but is so close to the Grande Place that it’s worth visiting just to say you’ve been there. Also, it’s fun to see how he’s dressed as his costume changes several times a week into one of hundreds of his different outfits. Legend says that a boy was missing and his mother scoured the city looking for him, only to find him using a street corner as his personal restroom, which may be the origin of the statue and why he’s posted as this particular corner. However, the true reason for its existence is unknown, though many other legends exist.
Photo credit: Krissyho
Of course no visit to Brussels would be complete without sampling some of the local delicious Belgian cuisine. There is such a wide variety of delicious things to try, that Belgian food almost deserves its own post that could stand on its own. From delectable Belgian waffles, to moules-frites (mussels and chips) and of course the world-famous Belgian chocolate and Belgian beers, visitors to Brussels could spend an entire day tasting all the delicious offerings. Be prepared to bring elastic-waisted jeans or plan on walking around the city many times to burn some calories, as Brussels offers some of the most tasty treats that I’ve ever had in Europe!
Return trips for a long weekend in Brussels this April from London to Brussels start at £128 and Manchester to Brussels start at only £86. Book early for the cheapest fares and enjoy your cultural and gastronomic experiences in Brussels!
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