Jeanneke Pis

Description

I gotta tell you about this quirky little statue that’s become quite the talking point in Brussels! The Jeanneke Pis is basically the female counterpart to the city’s famous Manneken Pis, and honestly, she’s got her own special charm. Standing there in her signature squat position, this bronze gal has been doing her thing since 1987, making folks chuckle and raising eyebrows ever since.

Ya know what’s funny? While her “brother” gets all the glory, this little lady’s got her own dedicated following. She’s tucked away in a small alley, which honestly adds to her character – it’s like stumbling upon a secret that not every tourist knows about. The statue might be small, but she’s got attitude for days!

Key Features

• Bronze statue depicting a little girl in a squatting position
• Created by Denis-Adrien Debouvrie as a modern art installation
• Protected by iron bars (yeah, they had to – people can get weird!)
• Stands about 50 centimeters high
• Often decorated with costumes during special events
• Has a coin collection area at the base
• Includes an inscription plate telling her story
• Features running water (though it’s not always operating)

Best Time to Visit

Lemme level with you – this little statue is pretty much available for viewing year-round, but timing can make your visit extra special. I’d say early morning is your best bet if you wanna avoid the occasional crowd and snap some decent photos. During summer festivals, she sometimes gets dressed up in cute outfits, which adds an extra fun element to your visit.

Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, and if you’re around during Belgian holidays, you might catch her sporting a themed costume. Just keep in mind that the area can get a bit rowdy on weekend nights – this is near some popular bars, after all!

How to Get There

Finding Jeanneke can be a bit tricky – she’s playing hard to get! The statue’s tucked away in a small alley in the heart of Brussels. Your best bet is to head toward the Rue des Bouchers area. The nearest metro stations are De Brouckère and Central Station, both just a short walk away.

Look, I’m gonna be straight with you – Google Maps might help, but half the fun is actually hunting for her location. Just ask any local about the “sister of Manneken Pis” and they’ll point you in the right direction. Trust me, getting a little lost in Brussels’ charming streets isn’t the worst thing that could happen!

Tips for Visiting

Here’s the real scoop on making the most of your visit to Jeanneke Pis. First off, bring some small change – tossing a coin in the fountain is supposed to bring good luck (at least that’s what I like to think!). And don’t forget your camera – the lighting can be tricky in the alley, so maybe play around with your camera settings beforehand.

The area around the statue is packed with restaurants and bars, so why not make it part of a larger food and drink adventure? Just remember to be respectful – yeah, it’s a peeing statue, but it’s still a piece of public art that means something to the locals.

If you’re visiting with kids, maybe prep them beforehand about what they’re gonna see. And hey, if you’re into photography, morning light works best for capturing her in all her glory. The statue area can sometimes be a bit wet (duh, it’s a fountain!), so watch your step.

Oh, and one last thing – don’t be disappointed by her size or location. The charm of Jeanneke Pis isn’t about grand spectacle – it’s about discovering these quirky bits of Brussels culture that make the city so dang interesting. Sometimes the best travel memories come from these smaller, less obvious attractions, ya know what I mean?

I always tell people to combine this visit with other nearby attractions – make it part of your Brussels adventure rather than a standalone destination. And seriously, grab some Belgian fries or waffles while you’re in the area – you can thank me later!

Location

Places to Stay Near Jeanneke Pis

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