Brussels teems with historic art and architecture, making this city a must-see for a glimpse into Europe’s history. The streets are lined with gothic and baroque buildings and squares, and even the Brussels Stock Exchange is housed in a Neo-Renaissance building accented by sculptures by artists like Auguste Rodin. Throughout the city, you’ll find contemporary art exhibits like the Atomium building, a giant stainless steel molecule built for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, and more carefree pieces like Manneken Pis, a bronze sculpture of a young boy urinating into a fountain.
Belgium’s capital city is also the European Community’s de facto capital and serves as a home for international institutions like NATO and the European Parliament. The city is a business hub during the week, so it may actually be easier to visit Brussels on a weekend.
Here is a photo tour of this international city.
(Main image: Nikos Roussos)
