Brussels Day Trip - 8 Nov 2023

I got up before the sun to take the train to Brussels for the morning. I walked to the train station in the dark but look how pretty it is at night.

I watched the sunrise from the train.

Here is my route.

I arrived in the Brussels Centraal train station. I walked around the area. By the way, I felt so underdressed the whole time I was in Belgium. People dress really nice here.

I walked by the Jardin du Mont des Arts to the Art Mountain for this great viewpoint.

I continued walking up the hill to the Brussels Palace (Palais de Bruxelles). I passed the Old England building, which I think is an instrument museum.

This was a really pretty area. It wasn't very busy, although most people were probably just waking up.

I walked by this clock, Klokkenspel van de Kunstberg. I loved it. My favorite was, 7, the guy holding his head.

I decided that I had to have a Belgian waffle while here, so I hiked over to the Waffle Factory. I was overwhelmed with all the different options, not just toppings, but the waffle itself. I asked the guy to give me his favorite and it was terrific.

I really enjoyed just walking around. Not to mention drooling at the chocolate stores.

I found the Manneken Pis statue. This little guy is famous and has a bigger wardrobe than I do. I was a little disappointed he wasn't dressed today. There are a few legends as to the origin of this statue. My favorite is that the boy saved the city by peeing on a bomb fuse.

Brussels actually has 3 peeing statues, so I decided to hunt them all down. I love this place. The history, the uniqueness and beautiful make it fun to walk around.

I found Het Zinneke, the second peeing statue.

I was amazed at how old some of these buildings are. The one on the right was built in 1537.

As I was walking, the coolest squares and buildings appeared. This is the Brussels Stock Exchange.

When I came up on this, I got so excited. The purple lights, the mix of styles, so cool.

This is the Grand Place. So many amazing buildings and lots of activity. I felt a little silly standing there turning in a circle to see it all but then I realized everyone else was doing the same.

This was my favorite. I am not sure what the building is, but I really want to live in the very top.

Still walking around Grand Place.

This one hurt your neck trying to take it all in.

Godiva has a store here.

I needed a break because I just didn't know where to look. So, I went looking for the 3rd statue. This one was tucked away in an alley, and I almost missed it. This is Jeanneke Pis.

After walking a bit, I was ready to go back to Grand Place and explore some more.

This one was built in 1699.

I can see where taking a tour would be beneficial. I am sure each of these statues tells a story.

This door, within a door, within a door lead to a courtyard with fountains. I loved this door.

For such tall buildings, the details are amazing. Seems like the taller the building, the less need for decoration.

I would love to know what inspired this.

I like when they tell you a name. Then I can research it.

Here are some clips of my walk about. Ignore that I keep saying Grand Palace, it's Grand Place. I was expecting to see some princes and princesses though.

Here is the route I took.

I rode the train back to Antwerp, which was nice because my feet hurt. I worked and then for my lunch break as I was getting food, I saw Grote Markt in the rain.

I think the rain made it more beautiful.

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