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Top Attractions in Brussels |
The AtomiumThe Atomium was
originally built for the 1958 World Fair and since its construction
it has become the symbol of Belgium. The 102-metre-tall steel and
aluminum structure is meant to be a symbol of the atom concept,
increased by 165 billions times! It offers a superb panoramic view
of Brussels and its surroundings.
Website: The Atomium
The Belgian Comic Strip Centre (Centre Belge de la
Bande Dessinée)The Belgian Comic Strip
Centre is housed in a charming art nouveau building designed by the
creator of Lucky Luke, Spirou, the Smurfs and Gaston Lagaffe -
Victor Horta. In the museum you will see how cartoons are made,
learn about production techniques and see antique cartoon strips of
many recognisable characters. The museum shop, packed full of books,
gadgets and posters, is well worth a visit.
Website: The Belgian Comic Strip Centre
The Grand Place & Hôtel de Ville
Described by Victor Hugo as "the most
beautiful square in Europe," the Grand Place is located in the very
heart of Brussels. The square contains numerous impressive baroque
and gothic buildings, many of which have dazzling gilt details. The Hôtel de
Ville (town hall), a gothic masterpiece dating from the early 15th century,
is also located in the square. Don’t miss a guided tour of the town
hall, which takes you into many of its art-adorned rooms. During the
summer months there is free nightly entertainment including fireworks and
light shows.
The Manneken Pis
Measuring just 30cm, this little bronze boy having a pee has been the
pride and joy of the inhabitants of Brussels for centuries! Nobody
actually knows why the Manneken Pis is there and much mythology surrounds
him. He also has a collection of more than 500 costumes, which are on
display in the Musée de Ville in the town. He received his first costume
as far back as 1698. You’ll find the Manneken Pis on the corner of
Stoofstraat/Rue de L'Etuve and the Eikstraat/Rue du Chêne.
Website: Manneken Pis
The Brussels Gueuze Museum (Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze)
Brussels' Gueuze Museum is located in the last artisan brewery of Gueuze
Beer in Brussels. Gueuze is a dark, semi-sparkling beer, slightly acidic
and often regarded as "the burgundy of beers." It is a speciality
of Brussels. This museum includes a brewery tour which allows you to taste
the beer.
Galéries St. Hubert
The Galéries St. Hubert is a grand 19th-century shopping arcade near the
Grand Place in central Brussels which has been recently restored to its
original grandeur. Once the stomping ground of such names as Baudelaire
and Victor Hugo - who kept his mistresses in an upstairs apartment - the
arcade is now a welcome escape from modern day shopping. With its cinema,
cafés, bookshops and theatre, there is plenty to see and do. Indulge in some
chocolate tasting at the original Neuhaus shop - famous for Belgium Pralines -
which opened its doors back in 1857.
Brussels City Museum (Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles)
The city museum is located in the King's House on the Grand Place.
The museum tells the story of Brussels and how it grew from a tiny
village to become the capital of Europe. Probably the most interesting
exhibit is the outlandish collection of some 600 costumes donated to the
Manneken Pis over the centuries.
Website: Brussels City Museum
The Palais Royale
Located in the centre of Brussels, the sumptuous public apartments are
only open for about 6 weeks during the summer, starting from July 21st each
year. Originally a 12th century fortress, the building has since then
overlooked the Park of Brussels across the road. In 1731, the Palace burned to
the ground and the present neo-classical palace has been modified several
times during subsequent Austrian, French and Dutch rule. The palace is
currently used as the state offices of King Albert II as well as for state
receptions, royal audiences and court ceremonies. Take a guided tour and visit
the impressive 150 foot long Throne Room with its intricate mosaic
parquet floor and majestic chandeliers. The Blue Room, the Louis XVI Music
Salon, the Goya Room, the Empire and the Mirror Room are equally
breathtaking. If you’re in Brussels during the summer months, this tour is
not to be missed.
The Cinquantenaire Museum (The Royal Art and History Museum)
The Cinquantenaire Museum houses a very valuable collection of
works from different civilizations throughout the world. Its artefacts give an
overview of the history of mankind in five continents (with the exclusion
of Africa) from prehistory to the present day. Recently modernised and
expanded, the new "treasure room" is worth a look as well as old
favorites like the array of European decorative arts, the folklore section
and the antiquities.
Autoworld Car Museum
Strictly for the car mad, this museum has over 400 cars on display. The entire
20th century history of the motor vehicle is covered from 1886 to the 1970s.
There are rare pre-World War II models on show as well as cars from all over
the world.
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