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Brussels has a quiet beauty.
When you walk around the city, there are magnificent buildings all around you. Unlike other European cities, however, it’s not an in-your-face kind of grandeur.
Since it doesn’t jump out at you, time should be taken to stop and inspect each and every building, especially when in the Grand Place, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. The details are just amazing!
Spend some time walking around the city without a map. There are lesser known areas that sometimes get overlooked because everyone concentrates on the Grand Place and Mannekin Pis. Walking around searching for new boots on my last trip (my zipper broke on the ones I brought), I stumbled upon Place des Martyr’s.
Place des Martyr’s or Martyr’s Square is a square in the center of Brussels dedicated to the days of the Belgian Revolution of 1830 and those who lost their lives. A monument and crypt stand in the middles of the square and contain the bodies of 400 heroes from the revolution, many of which lie not far from where they were shot during the battles fought in the streets of Brussels.
In addition, the Flemish government cabinet offices are located around the square and are quite beautiful in their symmetry, laid out in the uniform neoclassical style in the years 1774-1778.
You will also notice not-so-historical things on your walk through Brussels. Although you can visit the Musee Magritte or Belgian Comic Strip Center, both located in the heart of Brussels, some pieces of art reside on the sides of buildings, on garage doors and on metro walls. There are some exciting street artists residing in Brussels and their masterpieces will surprise and delight!
Other things that are unique to Brussels are the indoor shopping galleries. The first indoor malls, these glass covered promenades host restaurants, chocolate shops and high end stores for fashionistas.
Lastly, eat, drink and be merry! Belgium is known for some of the best beer, chocolate and waffles! Visit Delirium Monasterium, considered the temple of Belgian beer, serving countless selections of beers from over 60 countries. Relax at the bar and let the bartender choose a flight of beers for you to try! You won’t be disappointed…but maybe a little tipsy!
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Delirium Monasterium
- http://www.deliriumvillage.com/
- Address: Impasse de la Fidelite 4 | Getrouwheidsgang, Brussels
- Hours: Monday thru Saturday, 1000-0400, Sunday, 1000-0200