Brussels - A Quick Overview

Brussels is a conglomeration of Flemish and French cultures and you will see evidence of their influence all around Brussels in the language (Dutch and French are the official languages), the Medieval and Gothic architecture, and the Classic and Art Noveau styles of art to say the least.

BRUSSELS – Sights, Attractions and Activities

- The Grand Place (Grote Markt) – is one of the most famous landmarks in Brussels and has been a World Heritage site since 1988.  It is located in the central market square of Brussels together with the city’s Gothic Town Hall, the guild houses, the Bread House and the Flower Carpet.

-  St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral – is located at the Treurenberg Hill.  The church was originally Romanesque in appearance until it underwent renovation in the 13th century.  Now, its Gothic architecture and richly decorated stained glass windows are a sight to behold.

-  The Manneken Pis – is another of Brussels’ most recognizable monuments. It is a bronze sculpture of a small peeing boy and is located at the Rue de L’Etuve. On occasion, he gets dressed up in costumes, maintained and managed by “Friends of Manneken Pis” and if you’re lucky during your visit, he may pee beer instead of water.

- The Atomium – A very distinct Brussels attraction, it is a 102-meter tall model of an iron crystal originally unveiled at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair convention. The spheres contain exhibition spaces and the tubes connecting the spheres enclose the escalators. The topmost sphere gives a bird’s eye view of Brussels.  You can find the Atomium beside the King Baudouin Stadium in Heysel Park.

- Mini-Europe – Right next to the Atomium is Mini-Europe.  It has 1:25 scaled reproductions of the most famous landmarks across Europe, like the Eiffel Tower, Acropolis, Leaning Tower of Pisa, to name a few. To date, it represents 80 cities and about 350 buildings.  What makes it even more realistic is the addition of live action models like trains, cable cars and even the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. You’ll also enjoy the “Spirit of Europe” exhibit and play with the interactive multimedia games at the end of the tour.

- Heysel Park – Aside from the Atomium and Mini-Europe, Heysel Park also has “Oceade”, an indoor and open-air tropical beach theme park with giant and mini slides, swimming pools.  The Kinepolis is a moviegoer’s haven. It has 24 cinemas and an IMAX Theater.  The Bruparck is a true Belgian village with its cafes and restaurants.  A perfect beginning or the perfect end to your trip around the Park.

- Belgian Comic Strip Centre – If you want to see and experience the history and emergence of Belgium’s comic strip industry - including Tintin - then this is the place to visit. It holds thematic exhibits, has an extensive library and a very “animated” cafeteria. To further enhance your comic strip experience, it is recommended that you take the Comic Strip Trail which shows you the many walls around the city that are painted with very colorful and hilarious comic strips.

- Cinquantenaire Park – is an urban public park in the European district.  It is composed of the Cinquantenaire Arch, the Royal Museums for Art and History, the Royal Army and Military Museum and the Autoworld automobile museum

- The Royal Greenhouses (Laeken) – In the Royal Residence in Laeken lies the botanical gardens designed by Architect Alphonse Balat and young Art Noveau architect Victor Horta. 

- Breweries – A trip to Brussels will not be complete without the taste of beer. The Museum of Gueuze in the Cantillon Brewery is well known for its authentic Lambic and Kriek beers. There are numerous cafes and pubs that serve authentic Belgian beer.