Brussels (Belgium)

My best friend was in Brussels last weekend, so I thought to talk about this beautiful city this week.

On the northern border with France, just an hour and a half by train from Paris, it’s a perfect getaway with these beautiful Spring days.

After Madrid, Athens and Paris, let's discover together this other European city.

Brussels is the capital of Belgium with nearly 180,000 inhabitants, but it’s also the headquarters of the European Union.

Rich in history dating back to the Roman period, this city has preserved many buildings and remains of all ages, giving it a nostalgic and timeless charm.

Walking around the different areas of the city, you’ll travel through time, discovering the countless artistic and architectural vestiges: the Brussels Stock Exchange, the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula, the Royal Conservatory, The Fountain of Minerva, the Palace of Justice, the Porte de Hal, the European Quarter, the Museums of the Far East ...

But also, the royal district with the Royal Palace of Brussels, the Brussels Park, the Mont des Arts, the Parliament, because as a reminder Belgium is a constitutional monarchy. And if you wish to see the residence of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, you’ll have to go to the Royal Castle of Laeken which is in the North of the city.

For a panoramic view, nothing better than the Atomium, built in 1958 with 102 metres high.
Brussels is also full of atypical museums such as the MOOF Museum, the Museum of Musical Instruments, and the Magritte Museum.
Many festivals are held all year, don’t hesitate to check in advance.

 
Just like Montreal, which I mentioned in a previous article (Montreal Canada), Brussels is full of culinary specialities.

My favourites are:

• Stoemp: a green purée made of mashed potatoes with spinach, usually served with bacon and sausages.
• Belgian fries with or without mussels ... The peculiarity of these chips is a double frying with beef fat at two different temperatures. This makes all the difference!
• Brussels waffle or Belgian waffle: large rectangular waffle with 15 or 20 holes, made from wheat flour, eggs, milk, sugar, without yeast but with melted butter. I love it even more with speculoos ice cream - a biscuit with cinnamon - another speciality of the region. Be careful not to be confused with the Liège waffle which you will also find in Brussels, a waffle without corners, with 24 holes, which contains cinnamon, and sugar balls, and no milk. Its texture is denser and sweeter.
• Belgian beers worldwide recognised, the most varied and the most numerous in the world. There would be over 2,500 beers brewed. In addition, beer is widely used in Belgian cuisine such as Flemish carbonade or Gueuze rabbit.
• And of course, you wonder when I'm going to talk about chocolate! With nearly 2,000 Belgian chocolatiers and some houses dating back to the 19th century, no doubt you will find your happiness at every corner! So, indulge yourself with chocolate benefits (Reread my article Chocolate Sweetheart).

Brussels is undoubtedly a dream destination for food lovers.

​Let's continue the visit not far from the Grand-Place of Brussels, with the most famous attraction: the Manneken-Pis.

Small bronze statue of 55.5 centimetres dating from 1619, and whose name means little man who pisses. It’s disguised throughout the year and it has no less than 1,000 different costumes (costumes that you can see at the Museum of the City of Brussels), so there is little chance that you see him dressed the same when you visit.

But it has its female equivalent too, Jeanneke-Pis much less famous and yet it is padlocked. This bronze statue of 55cm was created in 1985 and it's at Impasse de la Fidélité in Brussels.

​And for those who wish to immerse themselves further, a video at the end of the article.
 
Have a good week!
​
Love & Chocolate,
L.