Brussels , is well known for its beer, waffles, french fries and chocolate. This beautiful city is  also the capital of Europe and home for EU institutions like the European Commission, the European Council, Council of the European Union and European Parliament. 

Interesting facts about Brussels

1. The largest chocolate selling point worldwide is near Brussels. The international airport of the Belgian capital is the world’s biggest chocolate selling spot. It exports roughly 800 tonnes annually. Belgians love  chocolate and visitors as well.
2. Brussels is home to 800+ beer brands. 
3. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart (also known as the Koekelberg Basilica) in Brussels is the fifth biggest church in the world. It is also the third-largest cathedral in the country and the single biggest building of the Art Deco style in the whole world.

4. The Royal Palace of Brussels is similar looking to the famous  Buckingham Palace in London , only  it is 50% longer. If you’d like to pay the Royal Palace of Brussels a visit, just remember that it opens its doors to the public only in summer.

5. Chips, commonly known as french fries, were created in Brussels. People first began frying potatoes in Belgium in the late 1600s. The city has an impressive 138 restaurants per square mile and at almost all of them you can find some variation of french fries on the menu.  You may not believe it but there is also a fry museum !!

6. Brussels is quite small in size. The city is only 62 sq. mi (161 sq. km). That might explain the crazy traffic jams. But it also makes Brussels’ center easily walkable. 

7. You can find the world’s largest courthouse in Brussels. The Palais de Justice (Justice Palace) measures 490 by 520 ft. (150 by 160 m), with a total surface area of 280,000 sq. ft. (26,000 sq. m). In fact, at the time of its construction – at the end of the 19^th century – it was the world’s largest building.

8. Go for shopping at the oldest shopping arcades at Brussels’ Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. The arcades date back to 1847 and they’re still one of the most visited places in the Belgian capital today. In the gallery, you’ll find high-end stores, cafés and exquisite restaurants.

9. The symbol of Brussels (and Belgium) is a tiny urinating boy. It measures 2 ft. (61 cm) and goes by the name of Manneken Pis. The little boy attracts throngs of tourists. His wardrobe, which includes more than 1000 costumes as of 2018, is kept in the “Maison du Roi” museum on the Grand-Place.

10.  Brussels is famous for its iconic landmark, the Atomium.

This futuristic stainless steel structure was built for the 1958 Brussels World Expo and offers panoramic views of the city.

11. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels house an extensive collection of art.

From medieval masterpieces to modern works, art enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of artistic brilliance here.

12. Brussels is home to Mini-Europe, a miniature park showcasing famous landmarks from across Europe.