Manneken Pis, Brussels Capital Region Travel Guide

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Meet Brussels' most famous resident: a small, cheeky statue with a big history and an even bigger wardrobe. A true symbol of the city!

Manneken Pis, a small bronze fountain sculpture of a urinating boy, is a beloved symbol of Brussels. Located near the Grand Place, the statue embodies the city's humor and independent spirit, attracting visitors from around the world.

A brief summary to Manneken Pis

Brussels, Pentagon, 1000, BE
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Manneken Pis.

Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds and get the best photo opportunities.
Check the official website of the City of Brussels to see if Manneken Pis is dressed in costume during your visit.
Explore the GardeRobe Manneken Pis museum to see a collection of the statue's many costumes.
Don't miss the nearby Jeanneke Pis and Zinneke Pis statues for a complete tour of Brussels' peeing statues.
Enjoy a Belgian waffle, chocolate, or beer from one of the many shops near Manneken Pis.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Monument à la Gloire de l’Infanterie Belge

Mount of the Arts

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Grand Place

Atomium

Explore Manneken Pis on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Manneken Pis, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Manneken Pis is located in the heart of Brussels, just a few minutes' walk from the Grand Place. From the Grand Place, take the exit on the southwest corner and walk along Rue de l'Étuve. The statue is located at the intersection of Rue de l'Étuve and Rue du Chêne. The walk is short and easy, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of the city center. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

The closest metro stations to Manneken Pis are Bourse, Central Station and Anneessens. From Central Station, it's approximately a 7-minute walk. Alternatively, you can take bus lines 48, 95, N04, N05, N09, N10, N11, or N12 to the Plattesteen bus stop, which is close to Manneken Pis. A single ticket for public transportation in Brussels costs €3 and is valid for one hour.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Brussels. A taxi ride from Brussels Central Station to Manneken Pis typically takes around 3 minutes and costs between €6 and €8. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. Keep in mind that traffic can affect travel times and fares.

Discover more about Manneken Pis

Manneken Pis, meaning 'Little Pissing Man' in Dutch, is a landmark bronze fountain sculpture in the heart of Brussels, Belgium. This 55.5 cm (21.9 in) statue depicts a naked little boy urinating into a fountain's basin and has become one of the city's most famous and endearing symbols.Originally designed in 1388, Manneken Pis served as a public water source for the city. The current bronze statue was created by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder in 1619. Over the centuries, the statue has been stolen and damaged multiple times, with the original from 1619 now housed in the Brussels City Museum. A replica stands in its place at the junction of Rue du Chêne and Rue de l'Étuve, near the Grand Place.Manneken Pis is more than just a statue; it's a symbol of Brussels' rebellious spirit, humor, and folklore. Several legends surround the statue, including tales of a boy saving the city from fire by extinguishing a fuse with his urine and another about a boy punished by a witch for urinating on her door.One of the statue's most charming features is its extensive wardrobe of over 1,000 costumes. These outfits, gifted by dignitaries and organizations worldwide, are frequently changed to celebrate holidays, cultural events, and international traditions. Visitors can explore a selection of these costumes at the GardeRobe Manneken Pis museum.Manneken Pis embodies the spirit of Brussels, known for its 'zwanze,' a unique form of local humor that is witty and self-deprecating. The statue is part of a playful trio, including Jeanneke Pis (a peeing girl) and Zinneke Pis (a peeing dog), symbolizing the city's lighthearted nature.