Fodor's To Europe!
Despite a stuffy, bureaucratic reputation, Brussels is a lively city for any visitor. The Grand'Place is, hands-down, one of the most stunning sights in town, but the winding streets, comfy bars, and welcoming people make it worth staying awhile.
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- Food and Wine
- Museums
- Architecture
Experiences
- The Grand'Place is over-the-top, as far as central squares go; be sure to look at the top of the buildings; each has a special design based on the guild it housed in the 1700s.
- Nearby, the Manneken Pis draws throngs of visitors to see the famous statue of a boy peeing. Throughout the year, he is dressed by the city in themed costumes.
- Have a beer at A la Mort Subite, a 1920s café and a Brussels institution. It's just a five minute walk from the Grand'Place.
Festivals
- Ommegang, a historic pageant recreating Emperor Charles V's reception to the city in 1549, is held the first Tuesday and Thursday in July.
- The Grand'Place hosts a flower market every day save Monday from March to October.
Side Trips
- The battlefield of Waterloo, where Napoleon met his match, is 12 mi/19 km south of the city.
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