Brussels, a gastronomic haven famous for its Belgian waffles, sublime chocolate, and French fries which are ironically believed to have originated in Belgium.
Not just a treat for foodies, the capital city is a hive of activity boasting Art Deco taverns peppered throughout, an impressive collection of unique Flemish art and majestic Gothic cathedrals that dominate the skyline, cementing Brussels as a quintessential European gem.
Well over a million footfalls grace the city each year, with throngs of tourists flocking to the beloved Manneken Pis statue. Since 1619, this diminutive yet celebrated statue has stood although only measuring 55cmas the second-most visited site in Brussels, magnetising over 30,000 daily visitors.
However, despite its fame, some visitors have been left underwhelmed, branding the pee-boy figure “overrated” and disappointing, reports the Express. The captivating Manneken Pis, a quaint bronze sculpture depicting a young lad cheekily urinating into a fountain, might be small in height but remains big in allure.
Surrounded by myth, it’s said that the most famous legend narrates the story of a little lord who peed from an oak tree onto enemy troops below during battle, an act which apparently led his side to victory.
Manneken Pis, a Brussels landmark that’s a staple on tourist itineraries, has underwhelmed some visitors, despite its historical prominence. Judy S expressed their disappointment on Tripadvisor, saying: “Don’t bother…overrated and overcrowded! We arrived at the statue and found at least 100 others trying to get their picture taken with this tiny statue behind them. It was underwhelming at best and can easily be skipped.”
Notably dating back to the 15th century, the famed statue seldom stands bare; it boasts a collection of over 1,000 costumes and is often seen donning various elaborate outfits. Yet, not even these decorative garbs seem to captivate some tourists.
As another sightseer remarked on Tripadvisor: “Interesting only because it is so well known. Rather disappointing, tucked away literally on a street corner.”
Further dampening the allure, a third visitor left a review articulating their lack of enthusiasm: “Literally a two-minute trip to see what he is dressed up in and then get a quick picture. Don’t see what all the hype is about, actually find it a bit weird and even more so there are replicas in every shop window about the city.”
The Manneken Pis has company in the realm of underwhelming tourist spots. Rome’s Trevi Fountain, despite its allure, is swamped by crowds, as is Versailles Palace, whose splendour is often diminished by the throngs of visitors.
Moreover, Cinque Terre, hailed as one of the globe’s most scenic villages, can sometimes leave tourists feeling packed in like “sweaty sardines” because of its fame.