Stumbling into a Fairytale Kingdom Around Every Corner in Brussels — Europe’s Capital Isn’t as Serious as You Think

When in Brussels, be sure to visit one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — theGrand Place of Brussels. Though not large in size, it is surrounded by charming medieval guildhalls that exude old-world charm. The tallest building in the square is the tower of the Town Hall, a structure with over 600 years of history. However, the square doesn’t feel dull just because it’s historical — it’s actually full of life. Surrounding the square are various bars, chocolate shops, and restaurants, with many people sitting leisurely enjoying the atmosphere.

The surrounding European-style buildings exude an avant-garde artistic vibe, and the restaurants lining the streets wait lazily under the sun each day for guests to come and enjoy some of the world’s best beer.The famous French writer Victor Hugo once lived in the room with red glass on the second floor of the restaurant opposite the Town Hall and even praised it as “the most beautiful square in the world.”Meanwhile, prominent Marxist figures Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels lived at the Swan Restaurant and completed the famous Communist Manifesto there.

Turn a Corner and Meet Tintin? Don’t Miss the Street Art

If you’ve had your fill of the grandeur of the Grand Place and historic architecture, the city has even more refined culture to offer. Strolling along cobblestone paths, you’ll encounter unique cartoon-themed murals around almost every corner. These vivid artworks blend naturally and playfully with their surroundings, creating an illusion of stepping into a fairytale kingdom. Even the famed comic Tintin can be spotted on the walls of a corner building, with the beloved hero making an appearance.

▲Whimsical comic book walls can be found all over the streets of Brussels, including the famous Tintin adventure series (left).

Brussels is a city that feels relaxing, comfortable, and laid-back. Although some may misunderstand its style due to its political significance in Europe, Brussels is far more interesting than people imagine. Otherwise, how else would the iconicManneken Pis”((pictured above, right)be celebrated as the city’s mascot, and the quirky and adventurous Tintin be immortalized as a globally beloved comic figure? Perhaps Brussels is indeed filled with busy official duties and bureaucratic vibes, but it remains vibrant and full of charm.

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Belgium Travel Information

● Geography: Located in northwestern Europe, bordered by Germany to the east, the Netherlands to the north, France to the south, and the North Sea to the west, across from the UK.

● Population: 10.36 million people. French and Dutch are the official languages, with 60% of residents speaking Dutch as their mother tongue, though most also speak French. Coastal port cities also commonly use Spanish and Portuguese.

● Climate: Temperate broadleaf maritime climate

● Currency Exchange: 1 Euro ≈ 41.76 New Taiwan Dollars

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