After enjoying Brussels at its most on Day 1, we continue our wanderings through this lovely city. Check it out:
Manneken Pis and his friends
Famous small bronze sculpture (61 cm) that I found while searching for the Tintin Wall. One of the 3 “urinating statues” you can find in the city, it is a fun game to search for them – they’re small. I already gave one hint of where the Jeanneke Pis is; the last one is a dog (yep!) Het Zinneke statue.
This statue has more than 800 clothes! The changing of the costume, is a colourful ceremony, often accompanied by a brass band show. Many costumes are uniforms of varied professions, associations, and branches of the civil and military services. He has even a Dracula costume!
There’s a waffle and a beer stores right in front of Manneken Pis that are worth the visit! Rue de l’Etuve
Manneken-Pis in the colors of the Order of Friends of Manneken Pis on the occasion of the celebration of Manneken-Pis
For Comic Book lovers
Everything about Tintin and the cutest fan items to buy! Rue de la Colline, 13
- Brüsel comic book store:
Was passing by this one and couldn’t resist taking a look. Bigger than it looks like from outside, you can spend hours seeing arts, toys and books here, wanting to buy everything! Boulevard Anspach, 100
- Comic strip route
Brussels is the capital of comics and home to a lot of world-renowned comic artists. You can walk around the city to discover local treasures like the stunning comic strips murals decorating Brussels. There are around 40 comic strips around the city, from various belgian artists! Another fun game to find those murals while exploring the city. Here are my two favorites:
Tin Tin Wall – Rue de l’Etuve, 37.
Armando Catalano, The Scorpion by Belgian writer Stephen Desberg and the Italian illustrator Enrico Marini – Rue de Treurenberg.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
This park was planned by King Leopold in the late 19th century and holds imposing monuments including the Triumphal Arch. You can easily arrive by the Schuman or Merode stations. Fantastic for walking, picnics or just appreciating a beautiful day, while enjoying a rich architecture and skyline.
Peace and colors
Triumphal Arch
Atomium
Half way between sculpture and architecture, Atomium is a giant (165 billion times enlarged) model representing an elementary iron crystal, originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. This structure was not intended to survive after the fair, but its impressive architecture and size turned it into a landmark.
It is now a museum with a permanent exhibition about the building’s history and temporary exhibitions about different themes. Square de l’Atomium is far from the city centre, but it is very easy to arrive by Tram (light rail).
Parc d’Osseghem Laeken
To end this trip, a place for peace and tranquility right at the foot of the crowded Atomium. Take some Belgian fries or ice cream after visiting Atomium and go relax at this park, you will love it.
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- The famous Belgian fries
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- Autumn views
E tudo tão lindo!
Linda demais essa cidade!
I’m glad you got to see the Manneken in his smart gear. His wardrobe is pretty spectacular too – I thought I had a lot of clothes! Your picture of the arch is gorgeous, and I love that you have recommended the parks. One of my favourite things to do in Brussels is to head out to Saint-Gilles; it’s not far from Central on the metro. It’s stuffed with art nouveau buildings, the last remaining city gate, which has a battlement walk to see the city from on high and lots of friendly people.
Oh I hope to have the time to visit Saint-Gilles next time =D
When I first saw Manneken Pis, after seeing the copies all around the city which were bigger than the original one, I was disappointed. Especially because it was dressed up:)
Oh I was disappointed about its size too… but we definitely had luck to see the special clothes! Every costume has a history and not every tourist get the chance to see it 🙂
I simply love the images. The wall murals are so very pretty. I have fond memories of indulging in comics in my childhood. I am sure visiting Brussels must have been an amazing experience.
Thanks for the love 😀 I hope you love Brussels as I did!
Brussels seems to be an amazing place to visit in autumn. To be honest, I never understood why the Manneken Pis is such an important landmark! 🙂
There’s a lot of theories about this little guy. One of them tells that in the late XII century the son of a duke was found to urinate against a tree in the midst of a battle and was therefore celebrated in a bronze statue as a symbol of the country’s military courage. There’s also one that says it represents the importance of the potable water that time. If you talk with locals, there’s always a nice story to hear 🙂
They dress the statue in different outfits?!? Haha that’s amazing. Brussels looks lovely, and it seems like you had a great time! Your pictures are beautiful!
hahaha cute, isn’t it? Thank you! <3
It’s been ages since i visited Brussels. We certainly didn’t see blue skies. That comic strip route is new, it looks fun. I don’t remember visiting any parks, but priorities change over the years!
<3
Wow! Brussels looks to be an amazing destination with a ton of fun things to see and do. I’m adding this to my bucket list! Thank you!
Yay! So happy you like it! Thank you 🙂
Wow, I didn’t know comics were so iconic in Brussels. Truthfully, I didn’t have it on my radar, but it definitely is now. I love comics!
Me too! Such a great discovery when visiting this city <3
I’ve never been to Brussels before. It looks like I need to schedule a trip out there. I’m a fan of street art and can’t wait to see them along the Comic Strip Lane. Plus, the Parc du Cinquantenaire is beautiful with the greenery and the fall colors.
I’m sure you’re gonna love it <3
This post makes me feel like visiting Brussels right now! Such a wonderful and beautiful city. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for your kind comment! <3