Manneken Pis, Brussels

If you like to drink beer from a statue that changes clothes most days, this is maybe a good idea.

When thinking a bit more, the colour of the beer wouldn't make me want to drink it... just a thought.

But of course, since this statue by Jérome Ducuesnoy made in 1619 is the most known tourist attraction in Belgium, you might as well go there and take the photo for the album.

Fun Alternatives: If you are a bit insolent you could always try to join the boy on the statue... but it's probably not such a good idea.

"Is that it?" everyone says, just like they do with the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, and it is perhaps the best comparison as it has the same tourist trap feel to it, but at least Manneken has several advantages that Mermaid has not. One being that it is only a couple of blocks away from the centre and not in a windy harbour, the other that the area where it is has lots of souvenir shops to keep you busy on your way there and back.

Unique Suggestions: Buy sea fruit chocolate at Moeder Babelutte and a quality Belgian t-shirt in the t-shirt and sweater shop.

Fun Alternatives: Visit Janneke Pis - the lady variety a few blocks away :)))

Manneken Pis : New York has the Statue of Liberty, Copenhagen has the mermaid and Brussels has the ...... Manneken Pis. This statue of a little boy in a somewhat compromising position has since several centuries been a major tourist attraction in the city. When most people see our 'manneken', the first reaction is always one of amazement: 'Look, how small he is ! Why does everybody want to see him ?' The people of Brussels, however, accept him the way he is. After all, it doesn't always have to be big to be beautiful. Imagine he would be the size of the Statue of Liberty : Brussels would be continuously flooded !

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!

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.

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....

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!

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!

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.

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...