As the center of the European Union, NATO and other important political and economic organizations, a lot of people get the wrong idea and impression about Brussels.

They think it’s too serious and boring and that there really isn’t anything fun to check out in this very modern city. In fact, even I was kinda hesitant to visit the city because it lacks enough buzz and word of mouth from fellow travelers.

But in the interest of exploring Europe, beyond what I have already visited, I decided to throw away all of my preconceptions about the city, packed my bags and readied myself for a very uneventful, almost boring trip.

I made a decision to limit my stay to two days to avoid any serious heartache if I didn’t like it.

It was one of my biggest travel mistakes.

For a tiny city, Brussels packs a serious punch and I fell head over heels in love with it. There is so much to see, do and experience that I was zipping back and forth the city’s metro system just to maximize the time.

From medieval buildings to modern installations, Brussels has a lot of tricks under its sleeve and to help first-time visitors, here are some of the must-see sites in the city.

1.The Grand Place

Any visit to Brussels should start at its most majestic and awe-inspiring site, the Grand Palace. Boasting of ornate Gothic and Baroque inspired buildings, this is the main tourist destination of the city. It is also used as the main meeting place among locals. From its humble beginnings as a swampy sandbank between two brooks, it has become the center of commerce in the 13th century, and the medieval buildings were preserved perfectly up to this day. In the light of day, the buildings are a marvel to look at. When night falls, they become even more spectacular thanks to the light and sound display.

2. The Mannekin Pis

Even with the smallest of expectations, some people are shocked to realize how small the Mannekin Pis is. But no matter. This tiny statue of a little boy pissing peeing in a fountain, has won the hearts of many visitors since its installation in 1619, as it represents tiny Belgium, and it reminds people of Belgians’ irreverent humor. Moreover, this tiny statue commands so much attention that even visiting heads of states donate costumes for this little squirt. Since its too small, you may be lost for a few minutes finding it, but just follow the throngs of people towards Rue de L’Etuve & Stroofstraat and you’ll it.

3. The Atomium

Rivaling the Mannekin Pis in terms of popularity, the shiny Atomium is another well-known landmark in Brussels. Despite its location outside of the old town, and several metro stations away, people still exert the effort to view it. This mammoth 102 meter aluminum and steel installation was originally displayed in 1958 as part of the Brussels World Exhibition. But people loved it and they campaigned for it to stay where it is, and 58 years after, it still stands proudly, dominating the landscape of this modern city. Now, if you’re wondering what it is, the atomium is a scale model of the iron molecule magnified by 165 times. Visitors can go up the tower and check out a restaurant at the top.

4. The Royal Palace

In Central Brussels, you can find the Royal Square composed of various buildings and parks with connection to the Belgian monarchy. The grandest of these buildings, and I guess the most important is the Royal Palace (Palais Royal). The garden in front of the palace is impressive. The only drawback is that you cant get inside, but you can always pose in front of the grand wrought iron gates. Some of the buildings surrounding the Royal Palace are the Palais des Academies and the Palais des Beaux Arts.

Surprisingly, shopping in Brussels is quite a treat, thanks in part to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. This 19th century glass-roofed shopping arcade actually precedes that of the famous Vittorio Emmanuel II in Milan Italy and is the first shopping arcade in Europe. This arcade has restaurants, chocolate stores, and clothing clothes catering to the affluent Belgians.

6. Mont des Arts

If you are searching for a good view of central Brussels, look no further than the Mont des Arts situated between the Royal Palace and the Grand Place at the Boulevard de l’Empereur. This hill features a striking garden, and a grand fountain with 9 jets of water. A granite statue of King Albert 1 serves as the centerpiece of the site. Surrounding the garden are the Royal Museums of Fine Art of Belgium, the Royal Film Library and the Museum of Cinema.

In 2008, I saw the Colin Farrell-starrer ‘In Bruges”, a crime/action drama about a hired assassin who escaped to the outskirts of Belgium, in order to lie-low and hide from his mortal sin. It was a gripping tale, for sure, but the backdrop city of Bruges stood out and captivated me so much so that when the opportunity came, I immediately took the two-hour train ride from Brussels to the city, even without prior plans.

As a city I have dreamed of visiting for the past years, I had high expectations with the city. On my very first hour in Bruges, all these expectations had been met and far exceeded by the city and everything it has to offer. It was love at first sight.

As the capital and largest city of West Flanders, Bruges is a historic city centre and it has been declared as a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the well-preserved Gothic and neo-Gothic buildings, churches and other establishments.

One of these is the Belfry, which dominates the landscape of Bruges’ market square. It was a central part of the 2008 movie. But even before that, the belfry has already been the most visited and photographed landmark in the historic city because of impressive medieval architecture.

Built in the 13th century, the belfry has been an important observation spot to watch out for fires during the medieval period. It formerly housed a treasury and archives in the past. Nowadays, it accommodates throngs of visitors who flock from nearby Brussels. Most of these travelers pay the required fee to climb the 366 steps leading to the large bells.

I attempted to climb the steps but midway the trip, my legs tried to give up. But for the sake of the experience, I persevered and soldiered on to the top.

Once there, visitors get a stunning view of the Bruges skyline. Immediately below them lies the lively market square edges by historical buildings, open air restaurants, souvenir shops and museums.

At the center of this city square is the all important monument to Pieter De Coninck and Jan Breydel who led to the Bruges uprising that led to the Battle of the Golden Spurs in the early 14th century. It was a bloody revolt that saw many Frenchmen killed in the Flemish city.

All around the square, you will horse-drawn carriages and rolling carts selling waffles, arguably the most famous food associated with Belgium. This particular spot is long considered as the main nerve of everyday life in Bruge. So I guess, I can be forgiven if I spent a few hours just walking around and watching people go about their usual routines.

Another highlight of Bruges I really enjoyed is the dramatic Basilica of the Holy Blood in Burg square which houses drops of Jesus Christ’s blood.

Some stories say that after the crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea wiped drops of blood from Jesus Christ’s body of Christ and preserved them. The preserved blood was kept in Jerusalem until the Second Crusade. It was then gifted by the King of Jerusalem to his brother in law Count of Flanders Diederik van de Elzas, who in turn transported it to Bruges in April 1150. Other stories meanwhile place the origin of the holy blood in Constantinople. The relic was supposedly stolen by the Crusader army and brought to Bruges.

The altar of the Basilica of the Holy Blood

No matter which way, the blood arrived in the city, it remains one of the most important holy relics in the world. Because of its importance, the blood is rarely showed to public.

I was fortunate enough though to chance upon it during my visit. Seeing it was a very religious experience. The walls and glass stained windows of the church all of which depict stories of how the blood arrived in Bruges, add to the unreal experience.

The church, its walls and windows all date back to the early 13th century.

On top of the historical and holy buildings in the city, Bruges is famous for its beautiful canals. Not a few times, Bruges has been called the Amsterdam of the North due to the similarities of the city’s canals to those seen in the Dutch capital.

The clean canals reflect 13th century houses made of bricks, and buildings sporting Gothic and neo-Gothic styles.

All around the city, you can find chocolates shops and souvenir stores that cater primarily to the visiting crowds. Bruges is also famous for its artisan beers. Enter any pub in the city and you can be guaranteed to enjoy a specialty crew you wont find anywhere else in Europe. Needless to say, I partook in some mild brews, as any decent visitor should do.

As is common in most European cities, there are no skyscrapers in Bruges. The belfry is already the tallest structure, and that’s okay. The simplicity and the rustic feel of the city only adds to its charms and feel.

I arrived in the city as a curious traveler. I left it, as a devoted fan and lover.

Bruges is so picturesque that you won’t help but shoots picture after picture. But to best enjoy this historic city, spend a whole day admiring its old buildings and beautiful canals.

It would be an experience you won’t be able to forget.