Reading Week is supposed to help students catch up with their homeworks, to finish their readings and do some research. But honestly, who wouldn’t prefer to travel instead of sitting in the library with a pile of old books? I decided to spend my first precious RW at City wandering around the streets of the fascinating and mysterious capital of Belgium, Brussels.
Get ready to hear people talking in three different languages (officially French, Dutch and eventually German), to smell the delicious aroma of the famous Gaufre, best known as Waffle, and to visit one of the most important places in the history of the European Union. In case you ever stop by this city, here’s a list of the 5 things you shouldn’t really miss… Tested and reviewed by me!
1. Grand Place
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Grand Place is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, with its picturesque guild houses and unique (although annoying) pebbled floor. It is incredibly romantic in the early morning but it’s also a fantastic place to hang out at night. There is a large variety of local bars and cafes surrounding the Grand Place, but if you don’t want to risk it Starbucks will be there to reassure you (of course!). A piece of advice to all the girls reading this: do not wear high heels if you do not want to fall off!!!
2. Manneken-Pis (‘Pissing Boy’)
You definitely HAVE to stop by at the corner of rue de l’Etuve and rue Chêne to see an interesting and unique statue that will surprise you. It represents a cheeky, chubby-cheeked boy who is pissing in a fountain half naked (I’m not joking!). This lovely boy is considered to be the symbol of Brussels and attracts hundreds of tourists every day. However, if you are lucky enough, you will find him dressed up in one of his fancy outfits (about 600, to be precise).
3. Delirium Café
The famous Délirium Café is Recorded in the The Guinness Book of Records to offer the largest variety of beers’ brands (2,004!) from over 60 countries. With colourful and unique trays covering the ceiling, barrels instead of normal tables, a pink elephant on the entrance and walls decorated with beers’ posters, the interior will leave you gaping in awe. MAKE SURE NOT TO MISS IT!
4. Noordzee Mer Du Nord
This fish shop is definitely another must-stop. It seems like a bar but for seafoods, and you’ll be surprise by the Belgian style. You can enjoy the atmosphere with some delicious shrimp croquettes and a glass of wine. I personally fell in love with my meal, calamari and tuna fillet. Sunlight, friends, fresh fish… Just perfect!
5. Galerie de la Reine
This stunning gallery situated just next to the Grand Place will bring you back in time with its old French style. As soon as you walk in, look up! The roof is made entirely of glass. This way, the sky replaces an otherwise normal and boring ceiling. Home of (really) expensive boutiques and of the ‘Salon du Chocolate’, its luxurious style will seduce you. You will be tired (or maybe not) of tasting all the types of chocolates and macaroons served in there.
And final tip: try all of them because you only live once! Enjoy your trip!