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12 Unknown Facts About Brussels You Need to Know

Sai Kardile
Brussels has long been viewed as a standoffish, bureaucratic bastion—an antithesis to its creative, free-spirited cousin Antwerp.
But as you begin to peel the layers of this seemingly staid city, you will uncover a hotbed of art deco buildings, ambrosial varieties of Belgian chocolate, magnificent churches, and a lot more.
#1: As the capital of the European Union, Brussels is occupied by a diverse population comprising 40,000 EU employees and 4,000 NATO employees with foreigners making about 27% of the population.
#2: 48 rue Keyenveld in Ixelles is a glamorous address in Brussels for its resident was none other than the legendary actress, Audrey Hepburn.
#3: At 28,000 square feet, Brussels's Palais de Justice (The Palace of Justice) is one of the world's largest colossal courthouses and one of the most spectacular buildings in the entire Europe.
#4: The ever teeming and iconic Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert in Brussels threw its doors open in 1857 lending itself as a stomping ground for many a great painter and artist of the 18th century.
Today, it has become a must-visit tourist attraction—as who wants to miss the opportunity to experience the cool, hopping vibe of hip cafes, cultural spaces, auditoriums, vintage shops its peppered with?
#5: Remember the kid in the candy shop? You'll be that kid just as soon you land in Brussels Airport as it happens to be the largest chocolate hub in the world selling over 800 tonnes every year!
#6: Brussels is also known as the Comic Capital of Europe, with alleyways throbbing with vibrant murals celebrating the much-loved characters such as Tintin, Gaston, Lucky Luke, and more.
The Belgian Comic Strip Center is one of the most exciting places in Brussels. Contained within an elegant Art Nouveau building, it boasts the world's largest comic book titles!
#7: Brussels' humorous side is notably evinced through Manneken Pis—a wee boy relieving himself into a fountain's basin. At 50 com, this little boy is unmissable.
#8: Ensconced firmly in the illustrious firmament of Michelin starred cities—Brussels offers a smorgasbord of tantalizing options ranging from fine dining to unconventional delicacies to decadent treats to everything in between.
#9: The famous literary mavens', Charlotte and Emily Brontë, studied at the Pensionnat Heger school in Brussels. While the landscape has altered over the years, what remains today is a reminder of a school the famous sisters' once attended.
#10: Up until 2014, Brussel's Nemo 33 held the title of being the deepest indoor swimming pool. It houses a snazzy, spherical restaurant offering an underwater fine-dining experience to divers.
#11:Brussels is dotted with outre and offbeat museums—from Clockarium that's dedicated to art deco faience mantel clocks to the Sewer Museum (yes, you heard that right) to the Museum of Fantastic Art featuring an assemblage of outlandish art, the city abounds in wackiness.
#12: Brussels sprouts, the namesake vegetable, which largely remains unpopular with the kids in the United States, began to be cultivated in Brussels during the 16th century.