After an impressive train station architecture I saw in Antwerp, I was looking forward to seeing more in Brussels. What I arrived into was a plain boring building 
First impression upon arrival into Brussels were that the train stations weren't very mobility friendly. There were no lifts, and no downwards escalator, which meant I had to lug my now-extremely-heavy luggage down a few flight of stairs.
There were also a number of beggars and homeless people on the streets, so it didn't feel as pleasant as a few of the other cities which I had earlier visited in Europe.
However after spending a few days in Brussels, Brussels is a lot nicer than my 1st impression. There are some extremely nice spots around Brussels, particularly in the city centre, with beautiful architecture, such as the
Grote Markt (Main square with elaborately designed buildings in gold trimmings)
Stock Exchange (The Bourse)
Arc de Triomphe
Palais de Justice
St Jacques Church
Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium
On one of the days while walking past the Royal Palace, I was surprised to see groups of marching horses. I was told that it is a very rare sight, and could possibly because there is a special guest at the Palace.
Brussels is also home to the European Union (with 2 more satellite office in Strasbourg and Luxembourg). There are a couple of sections that are open to the public, such as the Parliamentarium and the Hemicycle, which I strongly recommend to visit.
Taking a free walking tour takes you through interesting parts of the city and gives more “story” and “depth” to the city.
It was also during the walking tour I learnt that Archery is a national sport of Belgium (surprise!), and apparently Belgium is also well known for a world famous boy pissing statue called “Mannekin Pis” (which I had never heard of until that day), wearing different costumes on festive occasions.
It is such a popular statue that the little boy even has its own museum to display its various costumes, with more than 900 costumes till date.
Belgium is also home to a number of comics, including Smurfs, Tin Tin, Gaston, and many others which I had not known of.
I enjoyed walking the streets of Brussels, and being pleasantly surprised by the many huge cartoon murals, adding character to the city.
The Brousaille Wall was the very first mural in the city, painted in July 1991.
To date, the Brussels Comic Book Route is said to have more than 50 murals dotted across the city.
The Lights Festival was also on while I was in Brussels. Together with Gregory, we went along the river to view the light displays that had been set up for the week. Many of the exhibits combined sound, as we watched the various multi-coloured light exhibits dancing to the music.
Gregory also showed me a “secret” museum that not many people know of, and it was free!
Hidden in a small path not too far from the European Union buildings, I was awed by the numerous HUGE floor to ceiling paintings that filled the room of The Antoine Wiertz Museum. Certainly recommend seeing in person.
First impression upon arrival into Brussels were that the train stations weren't very mobility friendly. There were no lifts, and no downwards escalator, which meant I had to lug my now-extremely-heavy luggage down a few flight of stairs.
There were also a number of beggars and homeless people on the streets, so it didn't feel as pleasant as a few of the other cities which I had earlier visited in Europe.
However after spending a few days in Brussels, Brussels is a lot nicer than my 1st impression. There are some extremely nice spots around Brussels, particularly in the city centre, with beautiful architecture, such as the
Grote Markt (Main square with elaborately designed buildings in gold trimmings)
Stock Exchange (The Bourse)
Arc de Triomphe
Palais de Justice
St Jacques Church
Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium
On one of the days while walking past the Royal Palace, I was surprised to see groups of marching horses. I was told that it is a very rare sight, and could possibly because there is a special guest at the Palace.
Brussels is also home to the European Union (with 2 more satellite office in Strasbourg and Luxembourg). There are a couple of sections that are open to the public, such as the Parliamentarium and the Hemicycle, which I strongly recommend to visit.
Taking a free walking tour takes you through interesting parts of the city and gives more “story” and “depth” to the city. It was also during the walking tour I learnt that Archery is a national sport of Belgium (surprise!), and apparently Belgium is also well known for a world famous boy pissing statue called “Mannekin Pis” (which I had never heard of until that day), wearing different costumes on festive occasions.
It is such a popular statue that the little boy even has its own museum to display its various costumes, with more than 900 costumes till date.
Belgium is also home to a number of comics, including Smurfs, Tin Tin, Gaston, and many others which I had not known of. I enjoyed walking the streets of Brussels, and being pleasantly surprised by the many huge cartoon murals, adding character to the city.
The Brousaille Wall was the very first mural in the city, painted in July 1991.
To date, the Brussels Comic Book Route is said to have more than 50 murals dotted across the city.
The Lights Festival was also on while I was in Brussels. Together with Gregory, we went along the river to view the light displays that had been set up for the week. Many of the exhibits combined sound, as we watched the various multi-coloured light exhibits dancing to the music.
Gregory also showed me a “secret” museum that not many people know of, and it was free!
Hidden in a small path not too far from the European Union buildings, I was awed by the numerous HUGE floor to ceiling paintings that filled the room of The Antoine Wiertz Museum. Certainly recommend seeing in person.
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