Manneken Pis, Brussels

I know this is one of the things EVERY tourist books lists as a must-see in Brussels, but I highly recommend not ever worrying about it. I honestly had more fun posing in the life-size cut-out of the little boy, where I could stick my head in to replace his.

Unique Suggestions: Check beforehand to see if he will be dressed up in a costume for the day. I've heard his Elvis outfit is highly entertaining.

Fun Alternatives: I recommend just wandering the cobblestone streets surrounding MANNEKEN PIS, as there are many little stores and restaurants you will stumble upon. These are more the heart and joy of Brussels, as you never know what language of the world you will encounter in this city!

Down an alley off the Grand Place is the Mannekin Pis. One of the most photographed items in Brussels - don't know why but it seems to be the thing to do. You can also buy a humungous array of figurines of the boy in all sizes and materials. Yay? - well, I purchased one & the nephews & nieces think he is very funny.

Unique Suggestions: If you go - have your look and walk away fast - I'm sure you'll get your photo though..... just like I did....

Mannekin Pis is probably the most famous attraction in Brussels, but don't get your hopes up. Yes, go see it if only to be able to say you have, but don't expect anything big. Literally. The statue is maybe a foot tall, set into a dark corner, and peeing into a little pool. Not illuminated at night either.

Fun Alternatives: Bring home some kitschy Mannekin Pis-shaped chocolates from a nearby chocolaterie!

This is a very small fountain of a boy relieving himself. It is a short walk from Grand Place. For some reason, this gets a lot of attention from visitors. There is even an entire wardrobe for the statue. All over town, you can buy replicas of the fountain in various sizes. Some of them even have a pump so that you can shoot water through it. Fortunately, it costs nothing to see it. However, if you do miss this site in Brussels, you are not missing too much.

Unique Suggestions: Be advised that it is very small and is in a type of enclosure. If you blink, you might miss it.

On our way to Manneken Pis, we found, as many other innocent tourists, this dummy in front of the shops.
Of course it is put there to seduce tourists to come closer to the shop, and if possible get them in and buy souvenirs.
But we did as many others: we just posed… well Jeff did hahaha
Mariangela and me didn’t have anything to hold!
This Manneke Pis must have been almost as much photographed as the real gamin a little further.

Unique Suggestions: Get that picture and post it on VT :)
Thanks Jeff for being such a great model!

So, if you ever wonder around Brussels old city district, and you heard about the Maneken Pis... don`t even bother to try and find it... it`s a total waste of time. It`s a tiny, ugly little monster of a child-statue...

Fun Alternatives: It is much better to visit any of the confectioner`s shops in the area, and try out a praline...

Although this statue is a must-see in Brussels, you will be disappointed, because the statue is so small.
If you don't look carefully, you'll pass him without noticing. But as their is always a big crowd on the corner of the street, it won't be difficult to find him.

Unique Suggestions: Take a pic.

Fun Alternatives: As it is unique, there is no alternative.

It's not many cities that have a small boy peeing as one of their major tourist attractions!!!

The manneken pis - pretty small & surrounded by tourists queueing up to take photos. Nice to say you've seen it but if you're stuck for time give it a miss.