Belgium
cities
Democracy
EU
Europe
Seven Things To Do in Brussels if You Only Have A Few Hours
12/05/2016
Make sure you don't waste any minute in Brussels, the Capital of Belgium, as this beautiful and vibrant city has so much to see, try and explore. If you only have a few hours, like I did in July 2016, here are the seven things to do in Brussels.
1. Explore the Grand Place (Grote Markt).
Grand Palace sits in the heart of Brussels and is really hard to miss since all the roads in the historic city centre seem to lead to it.
When I got there, I experienced a "wow effect" because of all the gold and gilt on the buildings' facades.
Grand Palace is the single most beautiful place in Brussels. Every building is like an open book where each decor tells its own story, so you could spend hours reading them.
Some decor is a bit weird, to say the least, and so are some other places in Brussels.
2. Sip draft Belgian beer.
I won't exaggerate if I say that Belgian or Belgian-inspired beer is my favourite. Especially, Belgian ales like the sweet Leffe Blonde or Delirium Tremens with its pink elephant.
I have not been to Germany yet, but Belgians take their beer very seriously. And one of the top reasons people come to Belgium is to taste its beer.
3. Take a Selfie with Manneken Pis.
I didn't really get why people go nuts with the Manneken Pis, but apparently, it's one of the top attractions in Brussels.
Maybe it's because the original bronze statue dated back to 1619, or maybe because of some weird legends like enemy troops losing the battle due to this little two-year-old lord pissing on them from the basket hung on the tree. Who knows?
But the reason I included the Manneken Pis in this article is because of beer and, pardon, open urinals located everywhere in Brussels. Oh my goodness, I saw people using them, and it's horrible! And, yes, I told you - Brussels is a bit weird.
Not-so-open urinals - a free and convenient alternative to expensive washrooms for men across the city.
4. Try Famous Belgian Waffles.
For those who want to take a break between sipping beer, Brussels offers a humongous selection of fresh tender waffles.
I really apologize if this article made you feel hungry because this is what happened to me in Brussels - I was starving when I was eating these beautiful waffles.
Someone even dropped some cream on the ground. And it's ok as your hands will likely be shaking too when you get your waffle.
5. Sample the World’s Best Chocolate.
Alright, this is the last chapter about food. I promise. Chocolate for Belgians is no less important than beer. Cocoa beans were introduced to Belgium from South America in the 17th century when the country was still under Spanish rule.
The biggest competitor for Belgian chocolate is Swiss chocolate. Unlike the latter which is more milky and creamy, Belgian chocolate is usually darker and, therefore more bitter.
Belgian chocolate like Belgian beer and waffles attracts people from all over the world. I'm sure well-known brands sell well, but I always like it when a vendor goes the extra mile and invents something special. For instance, these chocolate tools caught my eye.
But this vendor, apparently, went a few extra miles. By the way, a cashier said that this particular chocolate is the best seller. Aren't you already convinced that Brussels is a bit weird?
6. Stroll Around the European Quarter.
Brussels is considered to be the de facto capital of the European Union. The area where all the EU headquarters are located is called the European Quarter.
The Berlaymont (to the right) houses the headquarters of the European Commission, the executive of the European Union.
Europa or Residence Palace to be used by the European Council.
Triumphal Arch in the Jubilee Park (Parc du Cinquantenaire) is also a part of the European Quarter. It seemed to be a great place to relax and enjoy urban nature.
Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History.
And, probably, the biggest draw to the Brussels' European Quarter is the EU Parliament housed in the Espace Léopold Complex.
I felt great and honoured to be in the heart of the European democracy. This is where all 751 members from 28 countries of the EU make European laws a reality.
Everyone can visit the European Parliament for free 6 days a week, so this is something I've added to my to-do list next time I'm in Brussels.
7. Enjoy Street Music.
Whether you like folk, pop or trance music, Brussels offers you many different styles and flavours right on the street.
Trance music event by the Law Courts of Brussels overlooking the historical city centre and Atomium.
0 comments