Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Brussels!
Welcome to the foodie heaven – Brussels is a well know city for its beer, waffles, french fries and chocolate! This beautiful city is not only the gourmet capital it’s also the capital of Europe, EU institutions like the European Commission, the European Council, Council of the European Union and European Parliament call Brussels “home”.
Eager to find out more fun facts about Brussels, keep reading!
What has Brussels to do with the Brussels sprouts? We reveal this with other fun facts about Brussels!
#1 Brussels’ International Airport is the world’s largest chocolate selling point
Belgians love their chocolate, but the visitors too! It’s no wonder that Brussels’ International Airport is the largest chocolate selling point in the world. Our favorite Brussels chocolates spots are: Maison Pierre Marcolini, Belvas (they offer gluten and sugar free options) & Patrick Roger.
#2 Brussels has 138 restaurants per square mile
Welcome to the foodie heaven, you will not stay hungry here that’s for sure. Brussels seems to have it all, from the cheaper options to the most special fine dining experiences, healthy, local, street food, sea food, you name it. What we definitely recommend you is to try the Moules Frites (mussels and fries), dish originating from Belgium! Here our top 3 restaurants where you can give it a try: Le Pré Salé, Le Zinneke & In’t Spinnekopke.
#3 Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert – the oldest shopping arcades in Europe
Europe’s oldest shopping arcades, the “Galeries St Hubert”, was opened in 1847 in Brussels. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert are still one of the most visited spots in the city. The gallery includes luxurious shops, elegant cafés and restaurants.
#4 Dive in into the world’s second deepest swimming pool
The world’s second deepest swimming pool, reaches 35 meters in depth, has several simulated underwater caves and it’s located in Brussels. Nemo 33 held the record for the deepest indoor swimming pool in the world until 2014 when the Y-40 pool opened in Padua, Italy. It is a practice ground for scuba divers.
#5 There are two types of Belgian waffles
Did you know there are actually two types of Belgian waffles? There is a Brussels Waffle and the Liege Waffle. Brussels Waffle is right angled corners, bigger than the other waffles, it’s crunchy on the outside, airier and lighter on the inside. Liege Waffle has no right angled corners, it’s not crunchy from the outside, it’s doughier and sweeter.
#6 Brussels sprouts have been grown in Belgium for over 700 years
Brussels Sprouts has a reputation as a very strong flavored vegetable, you love them or you hate them 😄! Brussels sprouts are indeed named after the fact that they were cultivated in Belgium in the 16th century.
#7 Belgium is a home of the many famous comic artists
Did you know that beloved comic heroes, like Tin Tin, Lucky Luke, Gaston, Gil Jourdan and Marsupilami are “Belgians”? City of Brussels is paying tribute to them, so pay attention to the facades when you walk trough the city and you will notice many comic book references on them. More than 50 colorful mural paintings can be found around town.
#8 There are three official languages in Belgium
Belgians do not share one common language, there are 3 official languages in Belgium. In Brussels people mostly speak French and Flemish Dutch, in other parts of country you can also hear German, which is the third language spoken in Belgium.
Fun Facts Brussels: FAQs
Why is Brussels known as the 'Capital of Europe'?
Brussels is often referred to as the "Capital of Europe" because it hosts several major international institutions including the headquarters of the European Union (EU) and NATO.
Is Brussels a bilingual city?
Yes, Brussels is officially bilingual. The city's two official languages are French and Dutch, reflecting the two main communities in Belgium – the French-speaking Walloons and the Dutch-speaking Flemish.
What is the historical significance of the Grand Place in Brussels?
The Grand Place is a central square in Brussels known for its ornate buildings, including the stunning Town Hall. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.
Is Brussels known for any particular food items?
Brussels is famous worldwide for its gastronomy, particularly for Belgian waffles, Belgian chocolate, and French fries, which despite the name, are actually believed to have originated in Belgium. The city also lends its name to Brussels sprouts.
What is unique about the Atomium in Brussels?
The Atomium is a landmark building in Brussels, originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (Expo 58). It represents a unit cell of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times and serves as a museum today.
What role does Brussels play in the comic book world?
Brussels has a strong connection to comic books and is often referred to as the "Capital of Comics." It's the birthplace of famous comics like The Smurfs and Tintin, and is home to the Belgian Comic Strip Center.
Is Brussels a green city?
Indeed, Brussels is one of the greenest cities in Europe. Almost half of the city's territory consists of green areas, including forests, parks, and gardens. The Sonian Forest, located at the city's edge, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What is the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken?
The Royal Greenhouses of Laiken is a vast complex of monumental heated greenhouses within the Royal Castle of Laeken's park. Built in the 19th century, it's home to a significant collection of exotic plants and flowers.
How is Brussels connected to the Art Nouveau movement?
Brussels is known for its Art Nouveau architecture, thanks to the work of architects like Victor Horta and Paul Hankar. Buildings such as the Horta Museum showcase the ornate and organic characteristics of this artistic movement.
Are there any famous personalities born in Brussels?
Famous personalities born in Brussels include singer Lara Fabian, actress Audrey Hepburn, and fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.
Looking for a family hotel in Brussels? Our hotels are located near city center which gives our guests access to the entire city with ease via excellent public transport connections.
