Every tourist destination has it’s attractions. However, because every tourist is different, these attractions have greater or lesser value. In this series Gary’s gives his reasons for traveling to a particular place. Hopefully some of his thoughts will entice you to consider adding this particular place to your itinerary. The entire series is being categorized under the heading, “Spotlights.” You may find more about these locations in the archives of this website, under headings such as, “Great Places,” “Things to Do in,” “Best of,” “Top 10” and “Places of a Lifetime.” In addition, there may be “Walking Tours” of these places available for purchase on the website for the low price of $1.49 each.

Brussels, Belgium sports one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The city is an important financial center for the European Union but retains much of its Old World charm. Be sure to travel to Brussels when visiting the Benelux countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) for at least the following reasons:

1. Brussels’ Grand Place is aptly named. It is, without doubt, one of Europe’s most elegant squares. The square is lined with Guild Houses, designed to display the wealth of medieval unions.

Guild Houses on Grand Place

2. Also on the square is the Gothic City Hall of Brussels.

City Hall

3. The symbol of Brussels is a very small and unusual sculpture, known as Manneken Pis, a small boy urinating.

Manneken Pis

4. On the outskirts of the city, a remnant of the Universal Exhibition of 1958 still sits prominently in a park. It is actually a model of the iron atom and symbolizes scientific advancement.

Atomium

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