Jeanneke Pis

Description

Picture this: you’re wandering through the charming streets of Brussels, maybe a bit lost (as we often are in new cities), when suddenly you stumble upon a cheeky little surprise. There she is, Jeanneke Pis, the sassy sister of the more famous Manneken Pis. Now, I’ll be honest, when I first saw her, I couldn’t help but chuckle. This pint-sized statue of a young girl, well, let’s just say she’s not afraid to make a splash!

Created in 1987 by Denis-Adrien Debouvrie, Jeanneke Pis is a relatively new addition to Brussels’ quirky statue family. She’s tucked away in a small alley called Impasse de la Fidélité, which is ironically right next to the red light district. Talk about an interesting neighborhood!

Standing at just 50 centimeters tall, this bronze girl might be small, but she’s got a big personality. She’s squatting, with her hair in two pigtails, eternally… relieving herself. Yeah, you read that right. It’s not exactly what you’d expect from a city monument, but that’s what makes her so endearing.

Now, I’ve gotta say, opinions on Jeanneke Pis are pretty mixed. Some folks absolutely love her, seeing her as a symbol of equality (if the boys can do it, why can’t the girls?). Others… well, they’re not so impressed. But hey, isn’t that what art is all about? Stirring up conversations and emotions?

One thing’s for sure – Jeanneke Pis definitely adds a unique flavor to Brussels’ already eclectic collection of statues. She might not be as grand or as old as some of the city’s other monuments, but she’s got spunk. And in my book, that counts for a lot.

Key Features

• Bronze statue of a young girl, eternally… well, you know
• Created in 1987 by Denis-Adrien Debouvrie
• Located in Impasse de la Fidélité, near the red light district
• Stands at 50 centimeters tall
• Often decorated or dressed up for special occasions
• Surrounded by a small iron fence for protection
• Has a coin collection box at her feet (proceeds go to cancer research)
• Considered the “sister” of the famous Manneken Pis statue
• Symbol of Brussels’ quirky sense of humor
• Subject of many tourist photos and selfies

Best Time to Visit

Alright, let’s talk timing. When’s the best time to pay our little friend Jeanneke a visit? Well, I’d say anytime is a good time, but there are a few things to consider.

If you’re not a fan of crowds (and let’s face it, who is?), early morning is your best bet. I once stumbled upon her at around 7 AM while on a jet-lagged walk, and it was magical. The alley was quiet, the morning light was soft, and I had Jeanneke all to myself. Plus, there’s something oddly peaceful about seeing a peeing statue at dawn. Trust me on this one.

That being said, if you’re looking for a livelier atmosphere, evenings can be fun too. The nearby bars and restaurants start buzzing, and you might catch some locals sharing a laugh over Jeanneke’s antics. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait if you want that perfect photo op.

As for seasons, Brussels can be pretty unpredictable weather-wise. I’ve seen Jeanneke in both sweltering summer heat and bone-chilling winter cold. She doesn’t seem to mind either way! But if you’re visiting in winter, do bundle up. That little alley can get pretty drafty.

Oh, and here’s a little insider tip: keep an eye out for special events or holidays. Sometimes, Jeanneke gets dressed up for the occasion. I once saw her sporting a tiny Santa hat in December. It was absolutely adorable and definitely worth braving the cold for!

How to Get There

Finding Jeanneke Pis is half the fun, I swear. It’s like a little treasure hunt in the heart of Brussels. Now, don’t worry, I’m not gonna leave you hanging. Here’s how to track down our cheeky little friend.

First things first, you’ll want to head to the Grand Place. It’s pretty much impossible to miss – it’s that jaw-droppingly beautiful square in the center of Brussels. Got it? Good. Now, from there, you’re gonna want to walk towards Rue des Bouchers. It’s a bustling street full of restaurants, and trust me, your nose will probably lead you there before your eyes do.

Once you’re on Rue des Bouchers, keep your eyes peeled for a narrow alley on your right called Impasse de la Fidélité. It’s easy to miss, so don’t be afraid to do a double-take or two. I remember walking past it at least three times before I finally spotted it. Talk about embarrassing!

Now, here’s where it gets a bit tricky. The alley is pretty short, and Jeanneke is tucked away at the end. You might think you’ve taken a wrong turn, but keep going. Just when you’re about to give up hope, boom! There she is, in all her pint-sized glory.

If you’re not up for the walk (or if you’re like me and your sense of direction is… let’s say “challenged”), you can always hop on the metro. The closest stop is Bourse, on lines 3 and 4. From there, it’s just a short walk to Jeanneke.

And hey, if all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask a local. Brusselians are pretty friendly folks, and most of them speak English. Just be prepared for a chuckle or two when you explain what you’re looking for. After all, it’s not every day someone asks for directions to a peeing statue!

Tips for Visiting

Alright, folks, gather ’round. It’s time for some insider tips on visiting our girl Jeanneke. Trust me, these nuggets of wisdom come from personal experience (and a few embarrassing moments).

First up, bring some coins. There’s a little collection box at Jeanneke’s feet, and tossing in a euro or two is considered good luck. Plus, the money goes to cancer research, so it’s a win-win. Just don’t be like me and empty your entire coin purse. The locals might give you some strange looks.

Next, remember your camera! Jeanneke is super photogenic, and you’ll want to capture the moment. But here’s a pro tip: skip the flash. The statue is in a narrow alley, and a flash can create some weird shadows. Natural light is your friend here.

Now, let’s talk timing. If you’re hoping for a photo without other tourists in the background, patience is key. I once waited for about 15 minutes to get a clear shot. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Did I feel a bit silly standing there with my camera ready? You bet.

Oh, and speaking of photos, be respectful. Jeanneke might be a cheeky statue, but that doesn’t mean you should pose inappropriately with her. Keep it classy, folks.

If you’re visiting in the evening, be aware that the area can get a bit rowdy. It’s close to some popular bars, and let’s just say that some folks like to recreate Jeanneke’s pose after a few too many Belgian beers. Consider yourself warned.

Lastly, make a day of it! Jeanneke is part of Brussels’ quirky statue trio, along with Manneken Pis and Zinneke Pis. Why not try to visit all three? It’s like a weird, wonderful scavenger hunt. Just maybe don’t mention it to your grandma when she asks what you did on your trip.

Remember, visiting Jeanneke is all about embracing the absurd and having a good laugh. So don’t take it too seriously. Snap your photos, toss in your coins, and enjoy this little slice of Brussels’ offbeat charm. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to start a peeing statue tradition in your own hometown. (On second thought, maybe don’t do that.)

Location

Places to Stay Near Jeanneke Pis

Find Tours in Brussels

Explore More Travel Guides