Le Roy d'Espagne, Brussels

After taking pictures of the magnificent Grand Place, stop by the famous Le Roy for a beer with a view. Despite having served as the original house of the bakers' guild, the building draws its name from the bust of Charles II which is incorporated into the 2nd-floor facade. As the ruler of the Spanish Empire, Charles II was the undisputed sovereign of Southern Netherlands, which included present-day Belgium when the building was completed.

Some of the notable features of the King include the statues on the roof and dome, while on the dome's very top is a gilded weathervane symbolizing Fame, which adds to the square's elegance. The six statues on the roof each represent one of the six items needed to make bread; from left to right, when facing the building, they are strength, wheat, wind, fire, water and foresight. Above the door is a gilded bronze bust of Saint Aubert, the patron saint of bakers.