Belgium

Manneken Pis: Brussels' Beloved Little Statue

A small bronze fountain statue of a urinating boy, one of Brussels' most famous and quirky landmarks.

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About Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis, meaning 'little man pee' in Dutch, is a small bronze fountain statue of a boy urinating into a basin, standing at a street corner just off the Grand Place in central Brussels. Despite its modest size, barely 60 centimetres tall, the statue has become one of the city's most iconic and most photographed symbols, with origins dating back to a bronze version cast in 1619, itself likely replacing an earlier stone statue.

The statue's enduring popularity has led to the creation of a wardrobe of hundreds of miniature costumes, which are changed regularly for festivals, visiting dignitaries and special occasions, with the costume change ceremonies sometimes drawing their own small crowds. A nearby museum, the GardeRobe MannekenPis, displays a rotating selection of the statue's historic outfits for visitors curious about this uniquely Belgian tradition.

Why Visit Manneken Pis?

An Iconic Brussels Landmark

One of the city's most recognisable and photographed symbols.

A Centuries-Old Tradition

The bronze statue dates back to 1619, replacing an earlier version.

A Wardrobe of Costumes

Hundreds of miniature outfits changed for festivals and occasions.

Right Beside Grand Place

An easy addition to a visit to the main square.

A Quirky Piece of Local Culture

A uniquely Belgian sense of humour on display.

Local story

Good to Know

Manneken Pis suits families, couples and groups, for a quick stop of 15 to 30 minutes, usually combined with a visit to nearby Grand Place. The statue itself is free to view at any time, standing at a street corner behind a protective railing.

Check the small GardeRobe MannekenPis museum nearby, which displays a rotating selection of the statue's historic costumes, for those curious to see the wardrobe up close.

How to Reach Manneken Pis

  1. 01

    Pakistan to Brussels

    Fly from Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi to Brussels, usually with one connection through a European or Gulf hub. Check current routes and book early.

  2. 02

    Airport to City Centre

    Take the train from Brussels Airport to Brussels-Central, about 20 minutes.

  3. 03

    City Centre to Manneken Pis

    Walk about 5 minutes from Grand Place to the statue's street corner.

  4. 04

    Explore

    View the statue, check its current costume, and visit the nearby costume museum if open.

Things to Do in Manneken Pis

01

See the Statue

View this small but iconic bronze fountain at its street corner.

02

Check Its Current Costume

See which of its hundreds of outfits the statue is currently wearing.

03

Visit the GardeRobe Museum

See a rotating display of the statue's historic costumes nearby.

04

Photography

Capture this quirky, much-loved Brussels landmark.

05

Combine with Grand Place

Pair your visit with the main square, just a short walk away.

06

Sample Nearby Street Food

Try Belgian waffles or fries from vendors in the surrounding streets.

Best Time to Visit Manneken Pis

Excellent

Any Season

January to December

The statue is viewable outdoors year-round, with costume changes happening on various occasions throughout the year.

Recommended season

Travel smart

Travel Tips for Manneken Pis

A few useful things to know before you go there.

  1. Keep Your Visit Brief

    The statue is small and takes only a short stop to see.

  2. Combine with Grand Place

    The two sights are easily seen together on the same walk.

  3. Check for Costume Changes

    Special occasions sometimes bring small ceremonial crowds.

  4. Visit the Nearby Museum

    The GardeRobe MannekenPis museum shows off its costume collection.

  5. Manage Expectations on Size

    The statue is much smaller in person than many visitors expect.

  6. Watch for Crowds at Peak Times

    The street corner can get busy during the day in high season.

Nearby Attractions

Grand Place, Brussels

A UNESCO-listed square ringed by ornate guildhalls and the soaring Gothic town hall, the ceremonial heart of Brussels.

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Atomium

A striking 103-metre structure shaped like an iron crystal magnified billions of times, built for the 1958 World's Fair.

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Bruges Historic Centre

A beautifully preserved medieval city crisscrossed by canals, cobbled lanes and Gothic towers, often called the 'Venice of the North'.

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Belfry of Ghent

A soaring 14th-century bell tower crowned by a golden dragon, once the symbol of Ghent's civic independence.

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Gravensteen Castle, Ghent

A formidable 12th-century stone castle complete with turrets and a moat, standing right in the centre of Ghent.

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Antwerp Central Station

A grand, cathedral-like railway station often called one of the most beautiful in the world, blending ornate architecture with a functioning transit hub.

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Royal Palace of Brussels

The grand official palace of the King of the Belgians, opened to the public each summer with opulent state rooms on display.

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Location

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Frequently Asked Questions

It is a small bronze fountain statue of a urinating boy, one of Brussels' most iconic landmarks, dating back to 1619.

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