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Impressive squares,
magnificent churches,
urban vibes and comics too.
Belgium's capital Brussels has all that and more.
On social media, the city
looks exciting and multifaceted.
But is that the case in real life?
Brussels is known for its landmarks
as well as its culinary specialties.
It attracts millions of tourists every year.
Let's check out some of the most
popular spots to see if they live
up to their reputation.
Reality check No. 1: the Grand-Place —
the heart of the historic old town.
The square has been a UNESCO
World Heritage Site since 1998.
What is really special about the Grand-Place
is of course the city hall, which is this
magnificent 15th century
building right in front of us.
But what is also very special about the Grand-Place
are all the houses around it,
which are the former guild houses.
They show a lot about the economic history of Brussels
and the economic importance of this square.
Each guild house represents a trade or craft —
like the brewer's house.
Many of these buildings date back to the 17th century.
If you want to find out more about the history
of the Grand-Place and Brussels,
you can visit the Brussels City Museum
in La Maison du Roi.
For a bird's eye view of the Grand-Place,
you can go up to the balcony of the City Hall —
or go even higher to the tower.
From there, you can enjoy
a panoramic view of the city.
You can access these areas
on weekends with a guided tour.
The City Hall is also open to visitors on selected days.
For opening hours, it's best
to check the city's website.
A visit to these indoor attractions
is a great way to avoid the rain.
But despite the bad weather,
Grand-Place still has plenty of visitors.
Historical.
It's so nice.
The weather is not so good, but we enjoy it.
We tried the French fries and
the famous waffles.
The waffles are amazing.
There are numerous places
around the Grand-Place
where you can sample this Belgian specialty.
But keep in mind that not all
Belgian waffles are the same.
Antoine Akayyan offers a wide selection of waffles.
This is the Brussels version.
So what's our conclusion?
As with any vacation, you need
a bit of luck with the weather.
But despite the drizzle,
the Grand-Place is still popular with visitors.
And you can always find other
ways to explore the area —
perhaps by eating waffles!
Reality Check 2: The Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert.
Since 1850, citizens of Brussels have been strolling
through these Renaissance-style galleries.
These days you'll find luxury
stores, cafés and chocolatiers
in the three arcades.
They're a hit with tourists.
It's very nice.
This is my first time to come here.
I like the structure of the building.
It's wonderful just to kind of look at this,
and to have so many options around here as well.
Our conclusion?
The galleries are definitely worth a visit.
But for the best photos, get there very early
or visit in the off-season.
Reality Check 3: The Atomium.
What would Brussels be without the Atonium?
Built in 1958, it was set to be
demolished after the World's Fair,
but it stayed and now sees
over 800,000 visitors per year.
The silver spheres really make an impression,
both in real life and in pictures.
Inside you'll find a permanent
exhibition with all you need to know
about the structure's history.
There are also rotating exhibitions,
installations
and of course,
a great view.
So what's the verdict?
The Atomium, which is located just
outside the historic city center,
should not be missed.
With so much to see and do
in Brussels, we think the city
definitely lives up to its image
on social media, even in the rain.
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