Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is a refreshing place. There are so many tiny museums and a lot of important information flowing like a river from all corners. I found this experience quite enriching. Brussels is an experience. What is crazy is that I saw people speak Dutch, French, English, and even German! What a vast diversity!(for Europe)

Brussels Stock Exchange

One pattern I have been noticing in many of the cities is their stock exchange structures are so beautiful. One has to keep the finances pretty or nobody would invest, I suppose. It is however, unfortunate to have construction being done on all four sides. 

Grand-place

Did you know this UNESCO World Heritage site has been the heart of Brussels since the 12th century? With its stunning Gothic architecture and rich history as a bustling market square, it is the place to go when you are in Brussels!

Town Hall

When I saw this building, this was my reaction- holy crap! It blows you away. It is so magnificent that one really gestates upon the prowess of human ability that makes it possible for us to have such structures. 

King's house

This is a museum converted from what used to be the king's house. It is so beautiful that we cannot take our eyes off of it.

Taking the Comic Strips Trail

There are over 80 art installations over the city which all belong to famous comic books like Tintin, Asterix and the Smurfs. It is worth looking at the various installations.

Mannequin Pis

This is a statue of a little boy peeing. Cutely enough, the people in the city are obsessed with the statue. They sell copies in all the tourist shops. It is really tiny and not worth a second look, in my opinion. Then again, what do I know about little boys peeing?

Building with coloured cycles attached

Now here was something not that well known but still pretty cool and doubles as a restaurant! Coloured cycles were attached all over it! I thought this was awesome. 

Halles Saint-Géry

Brussels is home to a number of remarkable and ancient architecture. This place houses exhibitions on what demarcates living in Brussels from other places and what makes it special. I went into a free museum on the inside that ventured into this topic. 

The Mont des Arts Garden

This place is just wonderful. So well kept, with such nourished and happy tulips. I loved it. It was just extraordinary. The view from here is also wonderful.

La Pharmacie Anglaise

This is a very pretty cocktail bar with a beautiful building.

Musical instrument museum

The building of this museum left me flabbergasted. It is so beautiful and has notations and instrument portions attached everywhere on it. I thought that was super cool.

Church of Saint-James on Codenburg

This is located on the Place Royale. It was designed at a historical monument in 1959 and acts as a parish church now.  I found this monument to be so appealing!

Eglise du Gesù

I looked at this and thought, well here's a nice piece of brown church to munch on. Doesn't it remind you of an ice cream Sandwich?

Saint Mary's Royal Church

I saw this one from afar and then came close. I think Brussels has to most well-made churches that I have seen, structurally speaking. 

The Channel Rascal Statue

This is a hilarious statue made in 1985. It originated when dock workers rose in protest against the government. The man whose leg he's pulling is a policeman. It is so cool and authentic. I loved it. 

Eglise Saint-Rémi

I stumbled upon this pointy church by chance. I found it to be really nice and sharp on the top.  A church with a nice haircut, if you will.

Sacred Heart Basilica

This place is visible from a great distance and really embellishes the city. I walked 2 hours to reach it and the insides were closed but it was so admirable on the outside that I did not mind. It is among the world's 5 largest churches.

Open art

This concept amused me. Art that is for everyone in corners that you might not suspect. I noticed this arch on my way back on the bus stop. 

Aditi's recommendations

1. Walk, walk, walk
2. Take advantage of all the FREE museums in the city. There are 12.
3. If you want to try the waffles, try to avoid the centre as it is very expensive there

Whew, that's all for Brussels.

I adored my trip and I hope you liked reading this one!

Until next time!