Every visitor to Brussels ends up at Manneken-Pis, and almost every visitor says the same thing: it is smaller than they expected. The little bronze boy, barely half a metre tall, stands on a fountain on a street corner a few minutes from the Grand-Place, and he has been a symbol of the city's irreverent humour for centuries. The figure you see is a copy; the original is kept in the Brussels City Museum on the Grand-Place. What makes him special is his wardrobe: several times a month he is dressed in one of his many costumes, donated by countries, regions and associations, and the nearby GardeRobe MannekenPis museum displays the collection. There is also a female counterpart, Jeanneke-Pis, in an alley off the Rue des Bouchers, and a dog, Zinneke, on a nearby corner.
Working the visit: it takes five minutes, so combine it with the Grand-Place and the waffle and chocolate shops on the streets between them. Check the visit.brussels calendar if you want to see him in costume.
Finding the others: Jeanneke-Pis is in a small dead-end off Rue des Bouchers, and Zinneke the dog is at the corner of Rue des Chartreux. Spotting all three makes a fun mini-hunt with children.
Practical notes: the corner gets crowded at midday. Early morning or evening is quieter, and the costume museum gives a better idea of the tradition than the statue alone.
What to expect
The experience
A small bronze fountain statue on a street corner, often dressed in costume, with a costume museum nearby.
Best time
Early morning or evening to avoid the midday crowds.
How long
Fifteen minutes, longer with the costume museum.
Tips
Check the costume calendar, and find Jeanneke-Pis and Zinneke too.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers who want to tick off the city mascot.
- Families
- Children love it, especially when he is in costume.
- Couples
- A quick stop on a walk between the Grand-Place and dinner.
- Pair with
- The Grand-Place and Choco-Story Brussels.
- Time needed
- Fifteen minutes.
Good questions
Is the statue the original?+
No, it is a copy; the original is in the Brussels City Museum on the Grand-Place.
Why is he wearing clothes?+
He is dressed in costumes several times a month for events and anniversaries; the collection is shown at the GardeRobe MannekenPis museum.
How far is it from the Grand-Place?+
A few minutes on foot.
Is there a female version?+
Yes, Jeanneke-Pis, in an alley off Rue des Bouchers.
Is it worth the visit?+
It is a quick, free stop and part of the city's humour, so yes, if you set expectations.