Comic icons
Surrounded by historical buildings and beautifully illuminated at night, the Grote Markt is one of Brussels’ main tourist hubs. Within walking distance of the square are two iconic statues that encapsulate the charming irreverence of Belgian humour – Manneken Pis and Jeanneke Pis. Manneken Pis, located on the Rue Charles Buls between chocolate shops and souvenir stalls, is a fountain statue of a small boy urinating and is often dressed up to match various national holidays. Jeanneke Pis is the female counterpoint, erected more recently in 1987.
Guildhalls, churches and museums
If you’re looking for impressive architecture, The Grand Place features a range of stunning buildings to see including a number of former guildhalls. Former residents of this area include Victor Hugo and Karl Marx. For an insight into Brussels’ past, make your way to the Gothic Église Notre-Dame du Sablon, which used to be the guild chapel for the archers in the 14th century. An example of Brussels’ more recent architectural heritage is the Old England Building, a striking Art Nouveau former department store that today contains a music museum with over 2,000 different instruments on display.
