Serious
& Absurd. 🎩
Brussels is a paradox. It is the boring bureaucratic heart of the EU, yet it is also the birthplace of Surrealism and the Smurfs.
From the golden lace of the Grand Place to the Atomium's shiny spheres, this guide explores the "Surreal Grid"—a city where high art meets deep-fried potatoes.
The Sweet Grid. 🧇
The praline (filled chocolate shell) was invented here in 1912. Chocolate shops are more common than pharmacies.
The Grand Place
The most beautiful square in Europe. Victor Hugo lived here. At night, the gold leaf on the guildhalls glows under the lights. It feels like a movie set.
Pierre Marcolini
The haute couture of chocolate. His shop in the Sablon looks like a jewelry store. Try the Earl Grey truffle; it will ruin supermarket chocolate for you forever.
Berlaymont
The Starship
The Power Grid. ⚖️
This is where decisions affecting 450 million people are made. It is a forest of glass and steel, but it has its own weird charm.
Parlamentarium:
The visitor center of the European Parliament. It's free, interactive, and surprisingly fascinating. It explains how this massive political machine actually works.
The Comic Grid. 🗯️
Belgium has more comic strip artists per square kilometer than any other country. Tintin, The Smurfs, and Lucky Luke were all born here.
Street Art Route:
Look up. Over 50 massive comic strip murals are painted on the sides of buildings across the city. It's a free open-air museum hunt.
Hergé
Destination Moon
Choose Your Reality. 🍏
Will you indulge in pralines, navigate the EU labyrinth, or hunt for murals?