Sanjay G.
Yelp
The Manneken Pis is undoubtedly the most visited landmark in Brussels. While visitors may skip many of the fine museums, no one leaves Brussels without visiting the Manneken Pis: a unique water fountain that features a naked little boy urinating into a fountain. This odd statue has risen to fame and is a popular tourist attraction in the city. The name simply translates to "little man pee" and it has been given this name for obvious reasons. The statue isn't always naked, however, as it has a wardrobe that would make any celebrity jealous: It has 900 costumes that are changed frequently. Visitors can view them at the City Museum.
This little boy has put Brussels on the tourist map; people travel to this city from all over the world just to catch a glimpse of him urinating. The legend behind the Manneken Pis (which translates to a little peeing man in Dutch) varies widely depending on who you ask. One popular story is of a little boy relieving himself on a witch's doorstep. Catching the boy in the act, the witch wished to punish him by turning him into stone, forcing him into that compromising position for eternity. A local, who witnessed the entire incident, ran to the boy and replaced him with a statue in the nick of time, making the boy miss the curse entirely. Another very popular story is that of a little boy stopping Brussels from meeting its demise. Enemy forces, intent on destroying Brussels, lit a small fire with the hopes it would spread and burn the city to the ground. A wandering little boy, who apparently really needed to go to the bathroom, saw the fire and put it out with his natural resources, thus saving the city.
The statue takes a little bit of skill in hunting down (unless you see it as part of a tour) but it is worth persevering. You will find it by taking the right lane away from the town hall.
If you are curious enough, then you can see the other 2 pissing statues apart from the Manneken Piss (the little boy). Jeanneke Pis (the little girl), and Zinneke Pis (the dog). Manneken can be found very close to Grand Place. Jeanneke was semi-hidden down a small side street downtown and protected by an iron gate, so getting a photo without metal bars in the shot was more than a little tricky (I went there drenching, my friend was pissed at me, she was like why do you want to see pissing girl and I was like I need to complete the trio). Zinneke (pissing dog)- I did not find.
Love him or hate him, there is always a reason to return to the Manneken Pis -- whether it's to see what he's wearing or to watch him spout wine or beer (which happens several days each year).