As mentioned in my last blog post, I got to spend a short weekend in Brussels, Belgium while teaching abroad. One of my friends was planning to go for a concert so I decided to tag-along, along with another friend. Because I took a train to Paris one day, I only had one full day in Brussels but honestly, that was enough for me. The city is extremely walkable so it’s easy to do and see a lot in a little bit of time!
Accommodation
Meininger Hotel Bruxelles City Center
Meininger is a hostel/hotel chain with locations all throughout Europe, including 2 locations in Brussels. We booked a triple room (3 beds) with a private bathroom but they also have hostel style options where you can just rent a bed (not applicable during COVID pandemic). This location was a short walk away from everything we did which was great! The rooms were simple but nice and clean. Because we were there for a short time, we didn’t really use much of the amenities but I know they had a shared kitchen and a few other nice options for guests to use, especially if you are a long term backpacker.
Attractions
Grand Place/Grote Markt
The central square is only a 20 minute walk from the hotel. It is filled with guildhalls, the city's Town Hall, and the King's House or Breadhouse building where the Brussels City Museum is located. The square is actually considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Manneken Pis, Jeanneke Pis, and Zinneke Pis
The pissing possibilities are endless here LOL. Manneken Pis is the most iconic statue in central Brussels, depicting a naked little boy peeing into a fountain. It is only five minutes' walk from the Grand Place. Playing off of this statue is Het Zinneke, also known as Zinneke Pis. This sculpture represents a urinating dog on the side of the street. A third lesser known addition to this series of hilarious sculptures is Jeanneke Pis. Of course, as you may have guessed, this statue is of a little girl also peeing in public. Unfortunately, we did not run into this little lady during our trip but I’m sure it’s worth it to complete the trilogy. Belgian people are funny!
St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is a beautiful, medieval Roman Catholic church less than 10 minutes from the city center. Looking at stained glass windows is probably my favorite part of visiting historic cathedrals!
Street Murals
If you are an art lover, there will be plenty to see here! Brussels is famous for its street art, which can be discovered on many walls around the city. Here are a few of the beautiful pieces!
Belgian Waffles
To be honest, this was the main reason I wanted to come to Belgium. No trip to Brussels would be complete without a taste of the delicious street waffles covered in chocolate, strawberries, whip cream, bananas, nutella, powdered sugar, etc. Scrumdiddlyumptious! I got a waffle topped with strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate and I enjoyed every bit of it! 10/10 would recommend!
Of course, there is a lot more that could be done in Brussels depending on your preferences. However, Brussels is pretty small so regardless, I don’t think you need more than a few days in the city. But it is a great city worth exploring if you have the chance!
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