Brussels in Belgium symbolizes for many visitors mostly EU, as the EU’s “capital”, and as the bureaucrats’ center of power. You may be critical of this fact or not. That is politics. But the city is much more. Here are a few good reasons to take a perhaps short trip to Brussels. Excuses to go, if you need them, range from “I must try the exquisite beer in Belgium” to “I want to see this famous Manneken Pis Statue” kind of like seeing the little mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark. No big thrill, but it is a tourist “must see”, and even if you do not identify yourself as a tourist, you may well still go see it. But is Brussels as a travel destination underestimated? Probably. No, actually, for sure. Let’s provide a little inspiration.
There should be no visit to Brussels in Belgium without a visit to the Grand-Place. It is the most famous place in the Belgian capital. It is also one of Belgium’s biggest tourist attractions and is considered one of the world’s most beautiful urban spaces. The beautiful and homogeneous space is surrounded by private and public buildings, which dates back to the late 17th century, after a French bombardment in August 1695 had destroyed the original area. The French King Louis XIV was somewhat lacking in respect for the place, and he destroyed effectively most of the buildings. His guns were aimed at the town hall, which ironically was the only thing, that was not hit. The square was rebuilt and serves today as a symbol of invincibility.
