In 2016, Donald trump called 'the country' Brussels a "hell hole" during his presidential campaign (Brussels is actually the capital city of Belgium to make that clear)
As a citizen of Belgium (and from the thought that negative publicity is publicity as well) I was deeply touched by the president's words.
Now that the summer of 2017 is here, let me show the real side of Brussels and convince you to visit our little capital city this summer!
- We have the best chocolate in the world
Yes, that is right. Probably half of you will be convinced by now but when in comes to chocolate, Brussels has a lot to offer. The tradition of making chocolate in Belgium started in the 15th century and has since than developed to become the best in its kind. When you'll visit Brussels, you will find hundreds of little 'chocolatiers' where pralines and truffels are freshly made; ready to taste and buy!
2.A fountain in the form of a small pissing boy
One of the most famous statues in Belgium is that of 'Manneke Pis' or 'pissing man'. As the name suggests, the statue is actually a fountain and the water is comming from.. well yeah you know. It is over 500 years old and only 61cm tall which makes it easy to go unnotices when you're not paying attention!
Also, the statue is occasionally dressed up for special events. Make sure to visit this beauty!
3.The atomium
The Atomium is probably the most iconic part of Brussels. It was built for the World exhibition in 1958 and was meant to symbolize the peacefull use of atomic/nuclear energy. It represents an iron atom enlarged a 165 billion times, making it a 102 meters tall. It consist of 9 interconnected spheres which are all open for visit, giving you a great view over the city when being at the top sphere!
4.The Grote markt or grand place
Close to the statue of manneke pis is the grand place. It is a square located in the middle of the city which is enclosed by the some of the most beautiful buildings in the city. These include the Town Hall which was built in the 15th century and "het broodhuis" (14th century). A lot of small waffle shops are located around this square so I advice any of you to buy a delicous waffle (with chocolate topping ofcourse) and enjoy the view!
5.Mini Europe
Next door to the Atomium is Bruparck, a 25 hectare leisure park of several amusements and attractions. One of these attractions is the Mini Europe park which displays some of the most famous and symbolic buildings of the countries of the European Union at 1/25th of the original size. You will see gondolas, a TGV train on its way to Paris even hear the unmistakable chimes of Big Ben. So why bother to visit all these places when you can see them all at once in Brussels?
6.Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Koekelberg Basilica)
This Art Deco church is the fifth largest church in the world with a height of 89 metres and 167 metres long. Though it is modelled on the Sacré-Coeur in Paris it is made of concrete, sandstone and red-brick and, unlike the original, is not gleeming white. King Leopold decided to build it in 1902 and he laid the first stone in 1905. It was finally completed in 1971 in time to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence.
The cupola platform, which has a diameter of 33 metres, gives an excellent view over Brussels and the surrounding area.
7.Shopping!
No city break would be complete without a spot of shopping.
Antique lovers should descend upon the antiques market in Place du Grand Sablon where on the square and the streets panning out from the square, the discerning antique lover may find that special piece. Rue de la Paille, Rue des Minimes and Rue de Rollebeek are particularly interesting.
Brussels has its own flea market – the Jeu de Balle Flea Market. Rummage around here for gems, secondhand good and period furniture bargains.
Hope to see you all in Brussels this summer!