Landmarks
Mini-Europe
Hosts a set of scale models of famous European structures.
Atomium
Unavoidable icon of Brussels and Belgium, important place for international tourism, unique creation in the history of architecture and emblematic vestige of the World Fair in Brussels Expo 58 the Atomium continues to embody its ideas of the future and universality, half a century later. In its cultural programme it carries on the debate of 1958: What kind of future do we want for tomorrow? Our happiness depends on what? Its recent renovation in 2006 gave its original brightness back, and the new equipments guarantee its durability. Five of the nine spheres are open to the public so they say, but not really true. One of them is housing a permanent exhibition dedicated to Expo 58 just some small models of some countries pavillions. Another sphere is dedicated to temporary exhibitions with scientific themes often closed when there is no exhibition. The upper sphere offers spectacular views of the city of Brussels. When the sky is clear, the view reaches till Antwerp. Palais de Justice/Justitiepaleis There is a "kids zone" sphere which staff will happily direct you to even though you can never go in, it is only open to touring schoolchildren, and there is nothing inside except places for kids to sleep. In truth there are only three spheres: the top restaurant, middle snack bar and bottom; the only thing to see really is the view; rather expensive at 11 â¬. The restaurant, also situated at the top, is open every day till 11.00 p.m. At night, the nine spheres are lit up with 2,970 lights that offer a very special show. To enrich your visit: audioguides in EN but also in F, NL, ES, IT and RU are available at the cash desk for 2â¬. Visio-guides are also available â¬2 for the deaf and hard of hearing people. In August 2010, a zip-line was available from the top of the tallest sphere 102m; the "Death Ride" run by former members of the Belgian Special Services is a separate 25â¬, and offers a rather unique view of the insides of the Atomium and the surrounding city.
Manneken Pis
Just a short walk from the Grand Place-Grote Markt is the Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue thought to represent the "irreverent spirit" of Brussels. This statue of a child performing one of Nature's most basic functions. Belgians have created hundreds of outfits for this statue. There are many stories of the statue's significance. It is believed to have been inspired by a child who, while in a tree, found a special way to drive away invading troops. Another story goes that a father was missing his child and made a declaration to the city that when he found him he would build a statue of him, doing whatever it was that he was doing. It has also been said a witch turned him to stone for peeing on her property. None is definitively true.
Grand Place-Grote Markt
Surrounded by the city tower and a range of beautiful 300 year old buildings. In the evening, surrounded by bright lumination, it is simply ravishing. Some evenings a music and light show is provided with the buildings serving as a canvas. Have a "gaufre de Liège-Luikse wafel" here Belgian waffle with caramelized sugarâthe best ones are available from the little shops off the northeast corner of the Grand Place-Grote Markt.
Palais de Justice/Justitiepaleis
Larger than St. Peter's basilica in Rome, it cost 45 million Belgian Francs to construct in 1866.
Statue of Europe
Also referred to as Unity in Peace, this sculpture symbolises peace through European integration, while at the same time aiming to demonstrate the motto of the European Union EU, United in Diversity. It is located in the garden of Convent Van Maerlant the library of the European Commission Van Maerlant street, in the European Quarter of Brussels.
Parc du Cinquantenaire-Jubelpark
Definitely check out the Arc de Triomphe-Triomfboog on the east side of town. It's in the Parc du Cinquantenaire-Jubelpark. It is possible to go up to the terrasse above the arch, from where you'll have a good view of the city. Entry is through the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History and is free. Take Metro line 1 east, exit Schuman and walk east or exit Mérode and walk west.
Museums and galleries
Natural Sciences Museum of Belgium
. The museum is well-known for its famous collection of iguanodons dinosaurs discovered in a coal-mine in Belgium. The dinosaur collection has been refreshed in October 2007 and includes discovery activities for the children. The other parts of the museum are also interesting, as an exhibit of all animals that live in our houses and a collection of mammals.
Musées Royaux d'Art et d'Histoire (MRAH) - Koninklijke Musea voor Kunst en Geschiedenis (KMKG)
This museum has an important collection of art objects from different civilizations from all over the world. The museum was founded in 1835 and was located in the Hallepoort/Porte de Hal, one of the last remaining medieval city gates of Brussels.
Musées d'Extrême-Orient - Musea van het Verre Oosten
Intriguing complex of three buildings in the Laaken area, not far from the Atomium. They comprise a Japanese tower, a Chinese pavilion, and a museum of Japanese art. The architecture and decor may seem over the top to today's tastes, but there are some outstanding examples of Chinese export porcelain, and rotating exhibitions of Japanese artefacts from the Edo period 1600-1868.
Musées Royaux des Beaux Arts de Belgique - Koninklijke Musea voor Schone Kunsten van België
Features both historical art and modern art in the one building. In a vast museum of several buildings, this complex combines the Musée d'Art Ancien-Museum voor Oude Kunst and the Musée d'Art Moderne-Museum voor Moderne Kunst under one roof connected by a passage. The collection shows off works, most of them Belgian, from the 14th to the 20th century, starting in the historical section, with Hans Memling's portraits from the late 15th century, which are marked by sharp lifelike details, works by Hiëronymus Bosch, and Lucas Cranach's Adam and Eve. You should particularly seek out the subsequent rooms featuring Pieter Brueghel, including his Adoration of the Magi. Don't miss his unusual Fall of the Rebel Angels, with grotesque faces and beasts. But don't fear, many of Brueghel's paintings, like those depicting Flemish village life, are of a less fiery nature. Later artists represented include Rubens, Van Dyck, Frans Hals, and Rembrandt. Next door, in a circular building connected to the main entrance, the modern art section has an emphasis on underground works - if only because the museum's eight floors are all below ground level. The collection includes works by van Gogh, Matisse, DalÃ, Tanguy, Ernst, Chagall, Miró, and local boys Magritte, Delvaux, De Braekeleer and Permeke. Don't miss David's famous "Death of Marat."
Musée BELvue - BELvue Museum
Features Belgium's history. Before it became a museum, the former 18th century luxury hotel was a royal residence.
European union
European Parliament
Multimedia-guided tours in all official EU languages. Don't forget to bring an ID card/driver License with you.
European Council
Guided tours not available. Presentations available for groups of 15 or more, booked in advance.
Brussels is considered to be the de facto capital of the European Union, having a long history of hosting the institutions of the European Union within its European Quarter. The EU has no official capital, and no plans to declare one, but Brussels hosts the official seats of the European Commission, Council of the European Union, European Council, as well as a second seat of the European Parliament.
European Commission
Guided tours not available. Presentations available for groups of 15 or more, booked in advance.
A Brussels Card is available for discounts at many attractions:
Brussels Card
(http://www.brusselscard.be). Available in 24h â¬24, 48h â¬34 and 72h â¬40 versions, it offers a free guidebook, free entry to many museums, free use of public transit, and discounts at various shops, restaurants and attractions. May not be worth it to those who already receive discounts children, students, etc. The card can be purchased online in advance for a discount, or at the tourist offices at: Grand-Place, Midi/Zui station, BIP. Some museums also sell the card.
Cantillon Brewery
The last traditional gueuze/lambic brewery in Brussels, Cantillon still uses natural yeast fermentation not injected like almost every other beer. The lambics and gueuzes are made in original style with no sweetners or syrups added. Only 100% bio organic and natural fruits are used creating a distinctly sour drink. This museum-esque atmosphere is still a functioning brewery. The tour includes two small glasses of lambic and gueuze, and if you've never had a natural beer before, then you will be pleasantly surprised by the taste. An absolute must for beer lovers, save room in your luggage to take bottles back with you!