Dit is de lelijkste stad in Europa die je kunt boeken als citytrip
So don't go there: save yourself the trouble. Because this is absolutely the ugliest city in all of Europe: Brussels. Brussels has a rich historical heritage, with beautiful architecture, medieval squares, historic buildings, and sights like the Grand Place, the Atomium, and the Royal Palace. At least, that's what you think. That it's beautiful. Because it's just a serious city. The administrative center of the European Union: you would think there would be something nice? Well, it disappoints terribly. It's hideously ugly.
Brussels: no charm, just concrete
When you think of the capital of the European Union, you think of grandeur, history, and a hefty dose of style. Unfortunately. What you get: faded glory, gray concrete blocks, and a Manneken Pis that is literally smaller than your hand.
The Atomium: a steel disgrace
Okay, let's talk about the Atomium. Once intended as a futuristic symbol of progress, now mostly a gigantic misunderstanding. Whoever thought it still had something exciting in real life: think again. It looks like a poorly executed science fiction set. But without charm.
The Grand Place (barely makes it)
To be fair: the Grand Place is nice. As in: okay-ish. You can have a coffee there and pretend you're in a cozy European city. But it's a small island of beauty in a sea of faded hope. Walk three streets further and you're surrounded again by gaudy souvenir shops and peeling facades.
Hospitality at a premium
You think: let's make up for it with good food. But even that disappoints. Yes, there are nice places, but you pay top dollar for a limp waffle or a cold glass of beer. And way too many dusty cafes where time has stood still since 1987.
Other cities you should better avoid
In our opinion, Brussels is at the top of the list of ugliest cities in Europe, but it has some “competition.” Here are a few gems you should skip:
Charleroi (also Belgium): repeatedly named the ugliest city in Europe. Rightfully so.
Duisburg, Essen, Oberhausen, Gelsenkirchen (Germany): factories, smoke, and an overall greyness. As if you're walking through an industrial nightmare.
Sheffield (United Kingdom): gray, dreary, and just depressing.
Le Havre (France): sorry, architects, but concrete remains concrete.
Most (Czech Republic): once demolished and rebuilt. You can feel it.
Prague: controversial, but for some just too much of everything (tourists, kitsch, cheap shots).
Almere (Netherlands): well. Even in our own country, we have to be honest.
Why you would still go to Brussels (but really shouldn't)
Of course, you can have meetings there, or quickly pass through. Maybe you're going for work or a concert. And yes, they have pretty okay fries. But for a weekend getaway, a spontaneous city trip, or a romantic mini-break? Just. Don't. Do it.
