Around The World: Bellying Up To Brussels!

Jennifer Merin

London is famous for Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, Paris boasts the Eiffel Tower and Arch de Triomphe, and Rome has the remarkable Colosseum and Vatican City.

What do tourists head for first in Brussels? Well, the most celebrated tourist attraction in the sophisticated city that is at the very heart of the European Union is the Mannikin Pis, a 24-inch tall statue of a little boy urinating. Yes, urinating. Imagine that!

Located at Rue du Chene and Rue de l”Etuve, Mannekin Pis has charmed local folk and travelers from afar since the 15th century. Several noteworthy admirers -- Louis XIV and the legions of American troops stationed in Belgium after the end of World War II among them-- have swathed the beloved statue in ornate costumes, many of which are now on display in the Brussels Museum, which is centrally located on the nearby Grand Place.

Despite the comparatively diminutive size and quirky nature of its landmark tourist icon, Brussels is a very sophisticated, extremely important and intoxicatingly charming international hub city.

As headquarters for the European Union (EU) and home base for literally dozens of influential international agencies -- including NATO, UNESCO, UNICEF and the Red Cross -- Brussels serves as the old-worldly capital of the new Europe. It is a city that proudly plays its unique role as the melting pot for contemporary European politics, economy and culture. Everyone is multilingual, speaking Flemish and French as their native tongues and English as a pervasive second or third language -- one that‘s always only an earshot away.

In catering to a full complement of international diplomats, bureaucrats and businessmen, the city provides a more-than-satisfying collection of fine restaurants featuring all sorts of classical, nouvelle and ethnic cuisines. The city’s chic shops display an embarrassment of riches, and Brussels supports a roster of cultural events that is sure to satisfy.

And for those seeking that intoxicating charm, Brussels is a beer taster’s paradise, a haven for those who love a great brew. Beer is Belgium’s favorite beverage and Brussels is the place to imbibe. Grand Place, the city’s historic heart, is widely considered to be one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. With the inspiring Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) and its 298-foot spire dominating one side of the square and several ornate 17th century guild houses lining the other three sides, Grand Place is indeed a scene of true Gothic grandeur.

The cobblestone square, reserved for pedestrian traffic only, is also the setting for nonstop bustling activity. Flower stalls, lace shops, chocolatiers, sidewalk artists and artisans entertain browsers, while outdoor cafes and pubs cater to people who want to do nothing but relax while enjoying watching other people stroll by.

Each evening, particular during the summer months, the square is likely to reverberate with pumped-in classical music. On Sunday mornings, there are birds all atwitter as avian dealers sell canaries and other exotic tropical bird species.

Several museums are on or near Grand Place. The ‘Golden Tree” guild house at No. 10 Grand Place was once the headquarters of Brussels’ brewers. It now houses the Brewery Museum, dedicated to the art of making and drinking beer. Ah, there‘s that tempting Belgian brew again.

The King’s House, across from Town Hall, is the city museum where the Mannekin Pis outfits are displayed, along with superb collections of 18th and 19th century ceramics.

The Museum of Ancient art, housing fine Flemish masters’ works and the Museum of Modern Art, featuring stunning works by Belgian artist Rene Magritte and other surrealists, and by neo-impressionist painters. Both museums are within walking distance of the Grand place.

Also near Grand place, lining Rue des Bouchers (Butchers’ Street) are dozens of superb restaurants-- popular with both locals and tourists -- featuring mussels and other fresh seafood, pheasant. waffles, fried potatoes (the Belgians acutally invented French fries) and other Belgian specialties.

After dining, a Belgian brew is in order. Yes, beer again. Moerder Lambik and other pubs around Grand Place offer an excellent sampling of some of the 400 labels of fine beer brewed in Belgium. 400 labels! No wonder we keep coming back to the subject of beer.

The brewing process is revealed at Van Roy-Cantillon, a family brewery at 56 rue Gheude. The brewery has been family owned and operated since 1900, and little has changed since its founding. It’s a great place to see brewing, bottling, cleaning of the barrels or the making of fruit beers during summer -- depending, of course, on what the workers are doing during the day’s visiting hours. Anyway, the age-old tools of brewers are on display, and there are wonderful samples to sip. All for the admission price of 5 Euros.

A shopping spree along post Avenue Louise introduces you to Europe’s top designers and their latest collections. Beautiful lace and tapestries are also famous Belgian products, and there are hundreds o shops offering them for sale.

While having a stroll around Place Sablon, you’ll find yourself in the very heart of Brussels’ very highly-regarded antiques dealers’ district. On weekends, Place Sablon has an open air flea market featuring everything from antique postcards and prints to art nouveau jewelry to 1960-s bric-a-brac. All of it is easy to pack and bring home. Some of it is affordable.

Speaking of savings, the Brussels Card -- available in 24, 48 or 72 hour denominations -- provides discounts in eateries and shops, plus free admission to museums and unlimited access to public transportation, including local busses that actually are an excellent way to see and get around the city. Priced from 20 Euros for 24 hours, these are excellent buys. There is also a Museums Bus, which is the best way to go from one museum to another.

For more information on travel to Belgium and attractions in Brussels, browse http://www.visitbelgium.com, where you will also find links to other informative sites.

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COPYRIGHT 2009 JENNIFER MERIN

Copyright 2009 Jennifer Merin