Destination
Things to see and do in Brussels : Tourism and activities
10 addresses
Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale
Leuvensesteenweg 13 Brussels • +32 2 769 5211Description:
TERVUREN. Originally, the Royal Museum of Central Africa chronicled Leopold II's private holdings and colonial ventures in the Belgian Congo. Today, the region is known as the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the museum broadly instructs visitors about the entire African continent. Sculpture and art, colonial-era firearms, animal dioramas, and displays on the environment and desertification educate visitors about many of Africa's issues. Allow yourself time to stroll the magnificent grounds.
Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale detail
Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée
Rue des Sables 20 Brussels • +32 2 219 1980Description:
LOWER TOWN. Often considered laughter-provoking, comic strips in Belgium are serious business, to the point of being referred to as the "ninth art." Belgium's best-known comic export is Tintin, the boy and his dog created by Herge in 1929. Along with Tintin, the Belgian Comic Strip Center pays homage to Asterix, Thorgal, the Smurfs, and Willy and Wanda, along with Andy Capp, Charlie Brown, and some familiar superheroes. The museum is housed in a renovated Art Nouveau building designed by Brussels' native son, Victor Horta.
Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée detail
Quartier Européen (EU)
Rue de la Loi BrusselsDescription:
ETTERBEEK. Brussels, the "Capital of Europe," has more than 12 million square feet of office space dedicated to the 20,000 "Eurocrats" who work in the city. Their large complex includes a number of buildings, including the commission's first headquarters, the Palais de Berlaymont, which is undergoing renovations. The Consilium (you'll know it by its beautiful rose granite façade) is home to the Council of Ministers. The European Parliament and International Conference Center is an ultra-modern glass and marble marvel. For an interesting architectural juxtaposition, take the passageway through the center of the complex and emerge in Place Leopold, a traditional European square.
Palais Royal
Pl des Palais Parc de Bruxelles, Brussels • +322 551 2020Description:
UPPER TOWN. The traditional palace of independent Belgium now houses the king's office, the crown prince's residence, and a small museum with artifacts from the royal dynasty. The palace overlooks Parc du Bruxelles and the parliament building. If the national flag is flying outside the palace, you'll know that the king is in town, despite the fact that he lives in the castle of Laken. During the summer, visitors can tour the building for free and see the impressive Throne Room, with its mosaic parquet floor, and the Music Room, which features an ebony piano inset with copper and semi-precious stones.
BELvue
Place des Palais 7 Brussels B-1000 • +32 2 511 5578Description:
UPPER TOWN. The BELvue Museum covers the history of Belgium from its creation in 1830 to the present day. The story is told in photos, documents, film archives and bric-a-brac, including a collection of objects formerly owned by King Baudouin I. Before it was converted a museum, the grand 18th-century building spent time as a luxury hotel and was also a royal home. Recent work has restored it to its former glory.
Coudenberg
Place des Palais 7 Brussels B-1000 • +32 2 545 0800Description:
UPPER TOWN. The original palace of Brussels was built on this site, Coudenberg Hill, beside the current Royal Palace in the late 11th century. Having been rebuilt and extended several times, it was occupied by the Dukes of Brabant, then the Dukes of Burgundy, and later Emperor Charles V. For several hundred years it was the regional center of power. Unfortunately it was destroyed by a massive fire in 1731, and never rebuilt. What remained disappeared under a new citywide development in the late 1700s. Rediscovered only in recent decades, the lower walls and foundations from parts of the surrounding town have been excavated, and make for a fascinating underground tour beneath the Place Royale.
Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles
Grand Place Brussels • +32 2 279 4350Description:
LOWER TOWN. This museum, which chronicles the economic, social and political history of the city, first opened in 1887. Located in the "King's House" on the Grand-Place, it tells Brussels' story through old paintings, historic documents, rich tapestries, and a scale reproduction of the city. Although exhibits are not labeled in English, an English-language brochure is available. One exhibit you can't miss is the third floor's collection of several hundred of Manneken Pis's outfits. These costumes, designed for the city's most famous statue, come from foreign heads of state and represent the dignitary's native land. They're typically presented to Brussels during the statesman's first visit.
Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles detail
Grand Place
Grand Place BrusselsDescription:
LOWER TOWN. This square, one of Europe's most ornate, is the spiritual heart of Brussels. Even today, most of the city's free concerts, fairs, parades and pageants make use of the Baroque masterpiece. In the 17th century, a bombardment devastated the area, but Brussels' craftsmen leapt to action. Within four years, guild houses were built on the north side of the square, residences filled the south side, and large buildings on the east and west flanks were completed. Today the town hall (and the tourist bureau's main office) are located in Grand-Place, as is the City Museum. Several smaller museums are located in old guild buildings, and shops and cafes fill ground-floor storefronts. A great first stop during your visit to Brussels.
Musée des Brasseurs Belges
Grand Place 10 Maison des Brasseurs, Brussels • +32 2 511 4987Description:
LOWER TOWN. The Confederation of Belgian Breweries owns and operates this small museum, which is the last of the original Grand-Place guild houses still owned by the guild. Included in the collection are holdings that demonstrate both modern and ancient brewing techniques. Also on display are paintings celebrating the art of beer brewing, decorative stained-glass, and old pitchers, steins and beer pumps. Admission includes a beer brewed on the premises.
Musée des Brasseurs Belges detail
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts
Rue de la Régence 3 Brussels • +32 2 508 3211Description:
UPPER TOWN. Together, the Museum of Historical Art and the Museum of Modern Art comprise the world-class Royal Museum of Art. To orient yourself to its collections, pick up a color-coded, English-language map that's included with admissions. The "ancien" museum features works from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Bruegels are in the blue area, and works by Reubens are in the brown section. The "moderne" museum showcases art from the 19th century through the modern day. Its highlights include Ensors in the yellow section, and Magrittes in the green section. Although each museum closes for lunch, hours are staggered so that visitors don't have to leave the premises.
Best of the City
Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée
Rue des Sables 20 Brussels • +32 2 219 1980Description:
LOWER TOWN. Often considered laughter-provoking, comic strips in Belgium are serious business, to the point of being referred to as the "ninth art." Belgium's best-known comic export is Tintin, the boy and his dog created by Herge in 1929. Along with Tintin, the Belgian Comic Strip Center pays homage to Asterix, Thorgal, the Smurfs, and Willy and Wanda, along with Andy Capp, Charlie Brown, and some familiar superheroes. The museum is housed in a renovated Art Nouveau building designed by Brussels' native son, Victor Horta.
Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée detail
Palais Royal
Pl des Palais Parc de Bruxelles, Brussels • +322 551 2020Description:
UPPER TOWN. The traditional palace of independent Belgium now houses the king's office, the crown prince's residence, and a small museum with artifacts from the royal dynasty. The palace overlooks Parc du Bruxelles and the parliament building. If the national flag is flying outside the palace, you'll know that the king is in town, despite the fact that he lives in the castle of Laken. During the summer, visitors can tour the building for free and see the impressive Throne Room, with its mosaic parquet floor, and the Music Room, which features an ebony piano inset with copper and semi-precious stones.
Coudenberg
Place des Palais 7 Brussels B-1000 • +32 2 545 0800Description:
UPPER TOWN. The original palace of Brussels was built on this site, Coudenberg Hill, beside the current Royal Palace in the late 11th century. Having been rebuilt and extended several times, it was occupied by the Dukes of Brabant, then the Dukes of Burgundy, and later Emperor Charles V. For several hundred years it was the regional center of power. Unfortunately it was destroyed by a massive fire in 1731, and never rebuilt. What remained disappeared under a new citywide development in the late 1700s. Rediscovered only in recent decades, the lower walls and foundations from parts of the surrounding town have been excavated, and make for a fascinating underground tour beneath the Place Royale.
Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles
Grand Place Brussels • +32 2 279 4350Description:
LOWER TOWN. This museum, which chronicles the economic, social and political history of the city, first opened in 1887. Located in the "King's House" on the Grand-Place, it tells Brussels' story through old paintings, historic documents, rich tapestries, and a scale reproduction of the city. Although exhibits are not labeled in English, an English-language brochure is available. One exhibit you can't miss is the third floor's collection of several hundred of Manneken Pis's outfits. These costumes, designed for the city's most famous statue, come from foreign heads of state and represent the dignitary's native land. They're typically presented to Brussels during the statesman's first visit.
Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles detail
Grand Place
Grand Place BrusselsDescription:
LOWER TOWN. This square, one of Europe's most ornate, is the spiritual heart of Brussels. Even today, most of the city's free concerts, fairs, parades and pageants make use of the Baroque masterpiece. In the 17th century, a bombardment devastated the area, but Brussels' craftsmen leapt to action. Within four years, guild houses were built on the north side of the square, residences filled the south side, and large buildings on the east and west flanks were completed. Today the town hall (and the tourist bureau's main office) are located in Grand-Place, as is the City Museum. Several smaller museums are located in old guild buildings, and shops and cafes fill ground-floor storefronts. A great first stop during your visit to Brussels.
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts
Rue de la Régence 3 Brussels • +32 2 508 3211Description:
UPPER TOWN. Together, the Museum of Historical Art and the Museum of Modern Art comprise the world-class Royal Museum of Art. To orient yourself to its collections, pick up a color-coded, English-language map that's included with admissions. The "ancien" museum features works from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Bruegels are in the blue area, and works by Reubens are in the brown section. The "moderne" museum showcases art from the 19th century through the modern day. Its highlights include Ensors in the yellow section, and Magrittes in the green section. Although each museum closes for lunch, hours are staggered so that visitors don't have to leave the premises.
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts detail
Le Cinquantenaire
Parc du Cinquantenaire Brussels • +32 2 741 7211Description:
UPPER TOWN. For Belgium's golden jubilee in 1880, Leopold II built this park to showcase the country's finest arts and crafts. Today, its massive buildings house three city museums: Autoworld, the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History, and the Royal Museum of Art and History. Autoworld displays more than 400 rare and vintage cars, including ones owned by John Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt, and the Belgian royal family. In the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History, more than 100,000 artifacts chart the past; the facility is one of the largest of its kind. In addition, the history of the Belgian Army is detailed, and an impressive display of military aircraft is presented. The Royal Museum of Art and History is so massive and comprehensive that visitors are encouraged to use an index and a map to chart what they want to see. The museum's most prestigious collections deal with European decorative arts, including spectacular Belgian tapestries and lace.
Musée des Instruments de Musique (MIM)
Rue Montagne de la Cour 2 Brussels • +32 2 545 0130Description:
UPPER TOWN. More than 1500 instruments from around the world are featured at this museum, which occupies one of the city's most beautiful and historic Art Nouveau buildings. Highlights include an entire 17th-century orchestra, a spinet-harpsichord from 1619 (one of only two in the world), and a variety of creations by Adolphe Sax, the Belgian musician best known for inventing the saxophone. Entry ticket includes headphones, which allow you to hear the sounds of each instrument as you approach the display cases. The basement offers a special hands-on section for kids, and a sixth-floor restaurant serves sandwiches and boasts a panoramic view of Brussels.
Musée des Instruments de Musique (MIM) detail
Musée René Magritte
Rue Esseghem 135 Brussels • +32 2 428 2626Description:
JETTE. Surrealist painter René Magritte was one of Belgium's most famous artists. He and his wife Georgette lived in this suburban house for 24 years, during which time he produced his most famous art. Most people think "bowler hat" when they hear his name, and indeed, the artist's own topper is on display, along with sketches, his very first childhood painting, and the only work he owned by another artist, a photo by Man Ray. The museum does a first-rate job capturing how Magritte lived and painted, but to see his body of work, it's best to visit the Modern Art building of the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts.
Atomium
Blvd du Centenaire Brussels • +32 2 475 4777Description:
HEYSEL. The most immediately recognizable symbol of all Brussels, the Atomium finally reopened after a much-needed facelift. The once grubby, sad interior of this "giant silver atom," built for the 1958 Expo, has been spruced up, and it's worth heading to the top of the structure for a grand view across the city. Note that there can be long queues for the elevator at weekends. Wondering about the inspiration for the design? It's intended to represent an iron "crystal, magnified 165 billion times." Ticket office closes one hour before closing.
Art Museums
Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale
Leuvensesteenweg 13 Brussels • +32 2 769 5211Description:
TERVUREN. Originally, the Royal Museum of Central Africa chronicled Leopold II's private holdings and colonial ventures in the Belgian Congo. Today, the region is known as the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the museum broadly instructs visitors about the entire African continent. Sculpture and art, colonial-era firearms, animal dioramas, and displays on the environment and desertification educate visitors about many of Africa's issues. Allow yourself time to stroll the magnificent grounds.
Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale detail
Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée
Rue des Sables 20 Brussels • +32 2 219 1980Description:
LOWER TOWN. Often considered laughter-provoking, comic strips in Belgium are serious business, to the point of being referred to as the "ninth art." Belgium's best-known comic export is Tintin, the boy and his dog created by Herge in 1929. Along with Tintin, the Belgian Comic Strip Center pays homage to Asterix, Thorgal, the Smurfs, and Willy and Wanda, along with Andy Capp, Charlie Brown, and some familiar superheroes. The museum is housed in a renovated Art Nouveau building designed by Brussels' native son, Victor Horta.
Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée detail
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts
Rue de la Régence 3 Brussels • +32 2 508 3211Description:
UPPER TOWN. Together, the Museum of Historical Art and the Museum of Modern Art comprise the world-class Royal Museum of Art. To orient yourself to its collections, pick up a color-coded, English-language map that's included with admissions. The "ancien" museum features works from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Bruegels are in the blue area, and works by Reubens are in the brown section. The "moderne" museum showcases art from the 19th century through the modern day. Its highlights include Ensors in the yellow section, and Magrittes in the green section. Although each museum closes for lunch, hours are staggered so that visitors don't have to leave the premises.
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts detail
Le Cinquantenaire
Parc du Cinquantenaire Brussels • +32 2 741 7211Description:
UPPER TOWN. For Belgium's golden jubilee in 1880, Leopold II built this park to showcase the country's finest arts and crafts. Today, its massive buildings house three city museums: Autoworld, the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History, and the Royal Museum of Art and History. Autoworld displays more than 400 rare and vintage cars, including ones owned by John Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt, and the Belgian royal family. In the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History, more than 100,000 artifacts chart the past; the facility is one of the largest of its kind. In addition, the history of the Belgian Army is detailed, and an impressive display of military aircraft is presented. The Royal Museum of Art and History is so massive and comprehensive that visitors are encouraged to use an index and a map to chart what they want to see. The museum's most prestigious collections deal with European decorative arts, including spectacular Belgian tapestries and lace.
Musée René Magritte
Rue Esseghem 135 Brussels • +32 2 428 2626Description:
JETTE. Surrealist painter René Magritte was one of Belgium's most famous artists. He and his wife Georgette lived in this suburban house for 24 years, during which time he produced his most famous art. Most people think "bowler hat" when they hear his name, and indeed, the artist's own topper is on display, along with sketches, his very first childhood painting, and the only work he owned by another artist, a photo by Man Ray. The museum does a first-rate job capturing how Magritte lived and painted, but to see his body of work, it's best to visit the Modern Art building of the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts.
Musée Horta
Rue Américaine 25 Brussels • +32 2 543 0490Description:
SAINT-GILLES. Native son Victor Horta developed Art Nouveau style, which is arguably Belgium's most influential aesthetic movement. Inspired by English Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau is characterized by flowing, organic shapes that show underlying structure but remain beautiful. Nowhere are Horta's principles more evident than in the home he designed and lived in for more than twenty years. Glazed skylights softly filter light, and gentle curves lead naturally from room to room. Muted fabrics and honey-toned woods add to the ambiance. Horta designed every aspect of the house, down to the intricate hinges on the French doors. No English-language descriptions are available, but Horta's artistry speaks for itself. Try to tour the house early on, because the architectural style is apparent in buildings around the country.
Musées d'Extrême-Orient
Av Van Praet 44 Brussels B-1020 • +32 2 268 1608Description:
KOEKELBERG. Three attractions in one, the Museums of the Far East comprise the Japanese Tower (actually a pagoda), the Chinese Pavilion, and the Japanese Museum of Art. The pagoda is particuarly attractive as it is surrounded by elegantly formal Japanese gardens.
Musées d'Extrême-Orient detail
Bruparck
Blvd du Centenaire 20 Brussels • +32 2 474 8383Description:
HEYSEL. Spend a day with typical Belgian families at Brussels' Bruparck. Bring your swimsuit, and take a dip at the Oceadium. The Kinepolis is a movie lover's paradise; with 24 screens and an IMAX theater, it's one of Europe's largest cinemas. Merry Belgium, another World's Fair holdover, is a "restaurant row" with cute cafés and welcoming terraces that invite visitors to dine and relax. A playground, Internet café and antique carousel complete the available amusements. Admission to the park is free, but individual attractions have varying ticket prices. Combo tickets are available.
History Museums
Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale
Leuvensesteenweg 13 Brussels • +32 2 769 5211Description:
TERVUREN. Originally, the Royal Museum of Central Africa chronicled Leopold II's private holdings and colonial ventures in the Belgian Congo. Today, the region is known as the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the museum broadly instructs visitors about the entire African continent. Sculpture and art, colonial-era firearms, animal dioramas, and displays on the environment and desertification educate visitors about many of Africa's issues. Allow yourself time to stroll the magnificent grounds.
Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale detail
BELvue
Place des Palais 7 Brussels B-1000 • +32 2 511 5578Description:
UPPER TOWN. The BELvue Museum covers the history of Belgium from its creation in 1830 to the present day. The story is told in photos, documents, film archives and bric-a-brac, including a collection of objects formerly owned by King Baudouin I. Before it was converted a museum, the grand 18th-century building spent time as a luxury hotel and was also a royal home. Recent work has restored it to its former glory.
Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles
Grand Place Brussels • +32 2 279 4350Description:
LOWER TOWN. This museum, which chronicles the economic, social and political history of the city, first opened in 1887. Located in the "King's House" on the Grand-Place, it tells Brussels' story through old paintings, historic documents, rich tapestries, and a scale reproduction of the city. Although exhibits are not labeled in English, an English-language brochure is available. One exhibit you can't miss is the third floor's collection of several hundred of Manneken Pis's outfits. These costumes, designed for the city's most famous statue, come from foreign heads of state and represent the dignitary's native land. They're typically presented to Brussels during the statesman's first visit.
Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles detail
Musée des Brasseurs Belges
Grand Place 10 Maison des Brasseurs, Brussels • +32 2 511 4987Description:
LOWER TOWN. The Confederation of Belgian Breweries owns and operates this small museum, which is the last of the original Grand-Place guild houses still owned by the guild. Included in the collection are holdings that demonstrate both modern and ancient brewing techniques. Also on display are paintings celebrating the art of beer brewing, decorative stained-glass, and old pitchers, steins and beer pumps. Admission includes a beer brewed on the premises.
Musée des Brasseurs Belges detail
Le Cinquantenaire
Parc du Cinquantenaire Brussels • +32 2 741 7211Description:
UPPER TOWN. For Belgium's golden jubilee in 1880, Leopold II built this park to showcase the country's finest arts and crafts. Today, its massive buildings house three city museums: Autoworld, the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History, and the Royal Museum of Art and History. Autoworld displays more than 400 rare and vintage cars, including ones owned by John Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt, and the Belgian royal family. In the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History, more than 100,000 artifacts chart the past; the facility is one of the largest of its kind. In addition, the history of the Belgian Army is detailed, and an impressive display of military aircraft is presented. The Royal Museum of Art and History is so massive and comprehensive that visitors are encouraged to use an index and a map to chart what they want to see. The museum's most prestigious collections deal with European decorative arts, including spectacular Belgian tapestries and lace.
Musée des Instruments de Musique (MIM)
Rue Montagne de la Cour 2 Brussels • +32 2 545 0130Description:
UPPER TOWN. More than 1500 instruments from around the world are featured at this museum, which occupies one of the city's most beautiful and historic Art Nouveau buildings. Highlights include an entire 17th-century orchestra, a spinet-harpsichord from 1619 (one of only two in the world), and a variety of creations by Adolphe Sax, the Belgian musician best known for inventing the saxophone. Entry ticket includes headphones, which allow you to hear the sounds of each instrument as you approach the display cases. The basement offers a special hands-on section for kids, and a sixth-floor restaurant serves sandwiches and boasts a panoramic view of Brussels.
Musée des Instruments de Musique (MIM) detail
Bruparck
Blvd du Centenaire 20 Brussels • +32 2 474 8383Description:
HEYSEL. Spend a day with typical Belgian families at Brussels' Bruparck. Bring your swimsuit, and take a dip at the Oceadium. The Kinepolis is a movie lover's paradise; with 24 screens and an IMAX theater, it's one of Europe's largest cinemas. Merry Belgium, another World's Fair holdover, is a "restaurant row" with cute cafés and welcoming terraces that invite visitors to dine and relax. A playground, Internet café and antique carousel complete the available amusements. Admission to the park is free, but individual attractions have varying ticket prices. Combo tickets are available.
Sightseeing
Quartier Européen (EU)
Rue de la Loi BrusselsDescription:
ETTERBEEK. Brussels, the "Capital of Europe," has more than 12 million square feet of office space dedicated to the 20,000 "Eurocrats" who work in the city. Their large complex includes a number of buildings, including the commission's first headquarters, the Palais de Berlaymont, which is undergoing renovations. The Consilium (you'll know it by its beautiful rose granite façade) is home to the Council of Ministers. The European Parliament and International Conference Center is an ultra-modern glass and marble marvel. For an interesting architectural juxtaposition, take the passageway through the center of the complex and emerge in Place Leopold, a traditional European square.
Palais Royal
Pl des Palais Parc de Bruxelles, Brussels • +322 551 2020Description:
UPPER TOWN. The traditional palace of independent Belgium now houses the king's office, the crown prince's residence, and a small museum with artifacts from the royal dynasty. The palace overlooks Parc du Bruxelles and the parliament building. If the national flag is flying outside the palace, you'll know that the king is in town, despite the fact that he lives in the castle of Laken. During the summer, visitors can tour the building for free and see the impressive Throne Room, with its mosaic parquet floor, and the Music Room, which features an ebony piano inset with copper and semi-precious stones.
Manneken Pis
Rue de l'Etuve and Rue du Chêne BrusselsDescription:
LOWER TOWN. This statue attracts more tourists and invites more speculation than almost any other site in Brussels. In the 1600s, a bronze statue of a little imp peeing was cast to replace a similar but aging stone statue. No one is sure of its original genesis, but some say that the statue represents a brave boy saving the city from fire, while others claim that a little lost aristocrat was found in a compromising position. Since the statue has been stolen several times through the years, he now rests behind protective bars. Starting in 1698, it became a tradition for visiting heads of state to dress the statue in outfits representing their home countries. Manneken Pis now has over 600 costumes, many of which are on display in the City Museum.
Atomium
Blvd du Centenaire Brussels • +32 2 475 4777Description:
HEYSEL. The most immediately recognizable symbol of all Brussels, the Atomium finally reopened after a much-needed facelift. The once grubby, sad interior of this "giant silver atom," built for the 1958 Expo, has been spruced up, and it's worth heading to the top of the structure for a grand view across the city. Note that there can be long queues for the elevator at weekends. Wondering about the inspiration for the design? It's intended to represent an iron "crystal, magnified 165 billion times." Ticket office closes one hour before closing.
To see, to do in Brussels
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