Brussels isn't one of my favorite European cities, but it has a certain charm that left an impression on me. It may be a small city, but it packs a punch when it comes to architectural wonders. From Gothic buildings to whimsical Art Nouveau facades, this city offers a captivating walk through time.
I spent one day walking around with no itinerary in mind, and every corner unveiled a hidden gem, waiting to be captured in a photo or simply admired. I didn't even know what some buildings were called, but I still took photos of them because they looked beautiful.
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| located across Place du Grand Sablon |
This one street, in particular, named Rue Lebeau, has this row of stunning buildings that left me in awe. Some of them might even be just ordinary residential buildings, but their facade was so intricately designed that I couldn't resist walking back and forth a few times to take photos.
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| Rue Lebeau |
Another building that captivated me was the Musical Instruments Museum inside the Old England department store, which was built in 1899. Housed in a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture, this building boasts a facade rich with swirling curves, intricate ironwork mimicking plant life, and large windows – all signatures of this artistic movement that embraced new materials and celebrated nature's elegance. It was a real visual treat.
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| Musical Instruments Museum on the right |
The buildings next to it are no slouch either. They come in different architectural styles, and they all look beautiful, making for another interesting row of buildings in the city. Across the buildings, you'll find a steel sculpture called L'oreille Tourbillonante, created by Alexander Calder.
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| L'oreille Tourbillonante with the backdrop of beautiful buildings, including the Musical Instruments Museum |
Another thing that I love about Brussels is its vibrant street art scene. Beyond the grand architecture, many buildings are adorned with colorful murals, paintings, and art installations, transforming the city into an open-air art gallery.
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| one of my favorites - this building with painted bicycles |
Keep your eyes peeled for whimsical depictions of everyday life, poignant social commentary, or even playful tributes to Belgium's beloved comic book characters.
One of them is the Broussaille Wall, which was the first comic strip mural ever to be painted. Based on a comic series created by Frank Pé, the wall shows a couple, Broussaille and his girlfriend, going for a walk around the city.
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| the Broussaille Wall |
Another notable mural is Olivier Rameau’s Wall, which was based on the fantasy series invented by cartoonist Dany and writer Greg.
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| Olivier Rameau’s Wall |
And remember what I said about the Manneken Pis statue being in costume sometimes? Well, I got to see it. Apparently, this little guy has a wardrobe of over 800 outfits. I didn't know what this particular costume was called, but seeing him all dressed added a fun surprise.
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| Manneken Pis in costume |
Brussels isn't just about grand buildings and pretty squares. It's the kind of place where you can stumble on hidden gems, quirky art on the walls, and even a mischievous little statue with a fashion sense. So, if you're looking for a city that's both beautiful and interesting, Brussels is definitely worth a visit.
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