Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a relatively small town, which doesn't need many days to be visited, because the main tourist spots are close together. Just like most European cities the best way to move around is walking, even though there is public transportation. In our case, the city wasn't in our travel plans, but it's strategic position between two of our dream cities, Paris and Amsterdam, made us spend two days there.

 

(Sun and cold in Brussels)

Even though it is a small and not as famous country, compared to its neighbors, Belgium also offers some interesting attractions. For those who like cartoons, it's the land of Tintin and the Smurfs. If you like eating, it offers excellent chocolate, the traditional French fries, and the world class beer.

 

(Tasting the famous beer)

In the heart of the city we found the Grand Place, it is beautiful! Of all the places we visited in Europe, in my opinion, this was the most beautiful square. Visiting it alone, was worth the trip to Belgium. What architecture! The square is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the town hall (Hôtel de Ville). As we went there during winter, that floor covered with a thin layer of snow made it even lovelier!

 
 

(Grand-Place of Brussels)

Going down a street out of the square, rue de L' étuve Stoof, corner of rue du Chêne Eikstraat, you arrive at the Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue representing a naked boy urinating in a bowl of the fountain. It is one of the symbols of the city, and for this reason we really wanted to visit. To tell the truth, I did not see anything special in it. The original monument was built in 1388, but it was stolen and destroyed. Then, it was rebuilt in 1619 and maintained until now on the same spot. It's amazing how tourists around the world come together here, in this small area. There is a legend that people who throw coins into the fountain basin will have their wishes fulfilled. Once we there, we did that, but I must confess that I have forgotten my request and I do not know if it works...

(The small statue of the Manneken Piss)

Another must-see attraction is the Atomium, a building shaped like an atom, which was created for the World Exhibition in 1958, to be exposed temporarily. It was so successful that even today this ultramodern invention creates a futuristic atmosphere in this part of the city and attracts visitors from around the world. Unfortunately, we could not visit it because of the amount of snow.

 

(Hard winter)

I don't know if we were unlucky or if it is usual, but we found the Belgium people extremely reserved, a bit unkind and not very helpful! We noticed that at the train station, in the hotel and on the streets. Of all cities we visited in Europe, Brussels was the only one that we met bad tempered people, almost rude. I don't think I would go back to visit!

  

(Going around town)