Jana & Spencer
Things To Do
Atomium
Along with Manneken Pis, the Atomium is Brussels' best-known landmark attraction, and although it's a bit of a journey by tram to get out here, the bizarre 102-meter-high steel and aluminum structure, designed by the architect André Waterkeyn for the 1958 Brussels World Exhibition, is the city's most surreal sight. The building represents a molecule of iron magnified 165 million times. Today, visitors can enter the building to explore its sci-fi-style interiors. The lower spheres are home to a permanent exhibition on the history of the structure. The upper sphere has incredible panoramas across the city.
Grand Place
Right in the heart of Brussels Old Town, the city's main plaza (known as Grand Place) is one of the best preserved in Europe. Much of the square's elegant character is due to the unique architecture of its elegant Gildehuizen (guild houses) with their magnificent gables, pilasters, and balustrades, ornately carved stonework, and rich gold decoration. Grand Place's defining character is its uniformity of Baroque style, with some Flemish influences. The harmony of its architecture is achieved by the short period of construction here, with most buildings raised between 1696 and 1700. The history of the Grand Place dates back much earlier though. It was first established in the 11th century and evolved soon after, to become the political and economic center for the city.
Manneken Pis
Along the Rue de l'Etuve is Brussels' best-known landmark, the Manneken Pis, usually besieged by a throng of tourists. Although he can be traced back to at least 1388, nothing much is known about the origin of the figure of a little boy urinating, popularly referred to as "the oldest citizen of Brussels." The Manneken is, however, surrounded by various legends. According to one, the fountain is a memorial to a courageous infant who averted a conflagration, according to another, it commemorates the son of a count who succumbed to a pressing urge while taking part in a procession. The present statue was made in 1619 by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder and has been stolen on several occasions though always recovered. During major celebrations, events, and festivals in Brussels, the statue is famed for being dressed in costume
Mont des Arts
The Mont des Arts was created between 1956 and 1958, occupying the elevated site between the Place Royale and the Place de l'Albertine. The architecturally imposing complex of large buildings includes the Bibliothèque Albert I and the strikingly modern Palais de la Dynastie and Palais de Congrès. From the square between them is a fine view of the lower central city. The Bibliothèque Albert I was founded during the period of Burgundian rule and comprises more than three million volumes together with a valuable collection of manuscripts and several interesting museums.
Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
For those who like to shop, this is one of the best places to visit in Brussels. Built in the middle 1800s, this indoor shopping center is much more beautiful than your average mall. The ornate decoration, arched windows, and rustic styling makes the shopping center a stunning place to visit even if you don't plan on shopping. There are three halls: the King's Gallery, the Queen's Gallery and the Princes' Gallery. All three are long and spacious with high ceilings, so this is the perfect place to come and window-shop on a rainy day.
St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels
Dedicated to St. Michael and St. Gudula (the patron saints of Brussels) this Gothic church was first founded in 1225 but only completed in the 15th century. The facade is impressive, rising majestically above a broad flight of steps and crowned with twin 69-meter-high towers designed by Jan van Ruysbroeck. The beautifully proportioned interior (108 meters by 50 meters) is lavishly furnished and is home to some outstanding stained glass windows created by Bernard van Orley. Head to the transepts to see the finest examples depicting Charles V and Isabella of Portugal (south transept) and the Hungarian royal pair Louis II and Mary (north transept), and then into the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, to the left of the choir, where the window illustrates the story of the Miracle of the Host.
Royal Palace of Brussels
The Royal Palace of Brussels used to be the home for the Royal Family, but they now live in the Royal Palace of Laeken just outside the city. But the King of Belgium still used the Palace of Brussels as his headquarters, so it is a very important building to the city and the country. Brussels Park, also known as Warandepark, is located right next to the palace and is the largest public park inside the city center. So if you don't have enough time to venture to one of the further parks, this is a great stop inside the city for a picnic or a stroll.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Also known as Jubelpark, this wide green space has lots of museums and monuments in addition to the beautiful gardens, picnic tables, and fountains. The park was built in the 1800s by King Leopold II in order to celebrate 50 years of Belgian independence. There are three museums in the park: Autoworld, the Royal Military Museum and the Cinquantenaire Museum of Art. The most famous landmark in Cinquantenaire Park is the Arcade du Cinquantenaire, which is a magnificent and regal triple arch right in the middle of the park.
Museum of Natural Sciences
Discover nature at the Museum of Natural Sciences in Brussels, where you can explore human nature, our evolution and biology, in the brand new Gallery of Humankind: from Sahelanthropus to Homo sapiens; from embryo to adult. But that’s not all! In the rest of the Museum you’ll find the largest Dinosaur Gallery in Europe, you'll be able to study the 1000+ specimens in the Gallery of Evolution, to dive with gigantic sea lizards from the Cretateuous period in the Mosasaur Room, to embark on an urban safari in BiodiverCITY and to discover 250 years of the history of Natural Sciences through 14 iconic specimens. With rooms dedicated to subjects as diverse as minerals, insects (with the Vivarium where you can observe amongst others live tarantulas and stick insects) and shells, there’s always something to discover in the permanent collections.
Comics Art Museum
This gorgeous 1906 building, designed by Victor Horta, is home to the wonderful Comic Strip Center, devoted to the history of cartoons and comic strips in the country that gave the world The Smurfs and Tintin. A constantly rotating exhibition of 200 original comic strip drawings by Belgian and French comic artists is shown here. In addition, the museum documents the rise in popularity of Belgian and French comic strips through a cleverly curated collection of original manuscripts, draft sketches, and imaginatively reconstructed sets including Lucky Luke's saloon and Tim, Struppi, and Captain Haddock's moon rocket.
Train World
Train World will exceptionally be completely closed to the public from Monday 12 October to Monday 19 October because of the assembly of our following exhibition. We apologize for this inconvenience. Train world is a unique rail experience that will take you from the very first steam locomotives to high-speed trains! It’s a universe that calls on all the senses to understand the railways in its multiple dimensions. It is an active outing for all ages. Walk among the locomotives, climb aboard 100 year old trains, visit a small railway house and cross a genuine railway bridge. You can even experience what it feels like to drive a train!
Parlamentarium
How do you explain how the European Parliament works, in a simple and engaging way? The Parlamentarium has it covered with interactive tools like a 360° cinema, a role play game for students and a giant interactive floor map. Dive into the ins and outs of the European Parliament, like the path that led to today’s European Union and what Members of the European Parliament are doing to tackle Europe’s biggest challenges. Discover the world of the European Parliament at the Parlamentarium and see why more than 2,5 million people have visited already.
European Commission & European Council
Brussels is the headquarters for the organization that serves to guide and unite some countries in Europe through economics, politics, and social rights: the European Union. This is such an influential part of European culture and history, so it is cool to see the place where all the magic happens. The European District is the area where all the European Union offices are based, including the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of Ministers. In the evenings, lots of EU employees hang out in the nearby parks and bars, so it is a very lively area to experience at night.
European Parliament
Brussels is the headquarters for the organization that serves to guide and unite some countries in Europe through economics, politics, and social rights: the European Union. This is such an influential part of European culture and history, so it is cool to see the place where all the magic happens. The European District is the area where all the European Union offices are based, including the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of Ministers. In the evenings, lots of EU employees hang out in the nearby parks and bars, so it is a very lively area to experience at night.
Delirium Café
Delirium Café is the most famous place to drink beer in Brussels. This café holds the Guinness World Record for the most beers offered in one establishment. They sell over 2,000 beers, so you have lots of options when ordering a drink!
Place Saint-Géry
This is a bustling square built around a small indoor market great for bars and restaurants at any time of the day and night.
Madame Moustache
Madame Moustache is neo-cabaret in the heart of Brussels, on the Place du Marché aux Poissons, a stone's throw from Ste. Catherine. Expect an original and people-friendly atmosphere, which will take you back to the Edwardian era! Dress code is casual and the music depends on the programme of the night.
Spirito Brussels
Spirito Brussels, the temple of the night, located in Brussels, in an old anglican church. In an innovative decor made of crystal and gold, Spirito offers a huge dance floor in an incredible ambience. Tinted glass railings, mirrors and clean lines make the place’s exceptional environment. Particular attention was paid to the lighting of the club, where the 'RGB lights' created a unique and mysterious atmosphere. Indeed, in a report by the edge channel 7, Spirito has been ranked as one of the most beautiful clubs in the world. Dress code is pretty dressed up, so you won't be able to pass the bouncers in white sneakers or blue jeans.