Brussels is a lively city that’s always on the go. It has an incredible wealth of culture, heritage and architecture just waiting to be discovered. Explore its must-see places, museums, exhibitions, quirky corners and vibrant events.

Grand-Place

Often considered the most beautiful square in the world, the Grand-Place of Brussels' reputation precedes it! Today, it still has a political and administrative function as it houses the City of Brussels Town Hall, which remains the workplace of the mayor and most of their aldermen. As a prestigious venue, it hosts many festive events - concerts, fairs, folklore events, the Christmas tree and nativity scene, sound and light shows, the flower carpet in the summer, etc. - or symbolic events, such as the celebration of sportsmen and women after fine performances. Its story began as a market square in the 12th century. Gradually, the square was filled with houses and halls, then primarily made of wood. The splendid Gothic town hall was built in the 15th century in three phases; the same 15th century saw the installation of trade guilds in the houses that border the Grand-Place. Even more so than at present, the square was the nerve centre of Brussels life: economically, as already mentioned, with intense sales activity (several halls devoted to the sale of bread - the present King's House or Broodhuis in Dutch -, meat, linen, etc.), culturally (theatrical performances), judicially (with executions taking place on the square) and, of course, local politics. It was bombarded by Louis XIV's troops in 1695 and was subsequently almost entirely rebuilt. It underwent further major renovations and modifications during the following centuries, especially in the 19th century, which gave it its current appearance. The Grand-Place of Brussels has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

Grand-Place

Atomium

Halfway between sculpture and architecture, the Atomium was designed and built for the Brussels World's Fair (1958), for which it was the flagship building and emblem. Representing an iron unit cell (9 iron atoms) magnified 165 billion times, the monument with its unique silhouette has, over time, grown to become the symbol of Brussels and Belgium. On the inside the Atomium offers, not just the most beautiful view of Brussels, but also an entirely astounding and surreal ride through its interior spaces and volumes which alone makes a visit worth it. The Atomium ticket automatically includes the entrance to the Design Museum Brussels (150m away).

Atomium

Manneken-Pis

This little bronze statue, produced in the 17th century by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder, is the current embodiment of the rebellious spirit of Brussels. Also known as 'Petit Julien', due to confusion with another fountain, het Julianekensborre, it was, since the Middle Ages, one of the many fountains supplying the city with water. From being a public fountain, it now has legendary status. In addition to its purely material aspect, Manneken-Pis gradually took on the symbolic roles of protector of the city and spokesman for the people of Brussels, embodying them with an often mischievous and irreverent tone. It has become customary to dress the little man up for special occasions and festivities. The proud owner of countless costumes and decorations, his wardrobe includes some 1,000 pieces, which can be admired at the GardeRobe MannekenPis, a museum opened in 2017. The oldest was donated by the Elector of Bavaria in 1698. Unfortunately, Manneken-Pis has suffered from numerous acts of vandalism. He was first removed by the English in 1745. Two years later, he was stolen by the French. Louis XV was informed of this and offered him a rich suit of gold brocade as reparation for this outrage and awarded him the Cross of Saint Louis. In 1817, the statuette, stolen this time by a pardoned French convict, was found broken. The fragments were used to make the statuette that now adorns the ancient fountain.

Manneken-Pis

City of Brussels Town Hall

Of all of the town halls in the country, the City of Brussels town hall is undoubtedly one of the most majestic! This Gothic building, built in the 15th century, is enhanced by its setting on the Grand-Place, often described as the most beautiful square in the world... Admire the accuracy of its proportions, the countless sculptures that adorn its facades and the incomparable brilliance of its tower, whose spire supports the archangel Saint Michael, the city's protector. This City of Brussels laid the first stone of the sumptuous building back in 1401. In 1695, during the bombardment of the city by Louis XIV's troops, the town hall was burned down, but the walls and the tower remained standing. Its reception rooms and aldermen's chambers contain beautiful Brussels tapestries from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, sumptuous Gothic woodwork, coats of arms of the old guilds and paintings from the City of Brussels museum's collections.

City of Brussels Town Hall

The Bois de la Cambre

The Bois de la Cambre, one of the largest parks in the Brussels-Capital Region, owes its name to La Cambre Abbey. It's laid out in an English style and resembles a forest, with walks, pony rides, jogging and playgrounds. Nestled in the heart of the Bois de la Cambre, Chalet Robinson welcomes you in its restaurant and offers boats and pedalos or a game of pétanque. Located on Robinson Island, the origin of the name is unknown but, according to legend, a group of walkers who were lost in the Bois de la Cambre saw a captain appear on the water in his boat, and he took them to this green island. The Le Flore bar offers tapas made with fresh seasonal produce, while the Woodpecker is ideal for a snack. The nearby Villa Lorraine, Villa in the Sky and Villa Emily are fine, gourmet restaurants. Looking to go out in a club? Head to Les Jeux d'Hiver, one of the most famous in Brussels. Just a short distance away is the Villa Empain, an Art Deco jewel which today houses the Centre for Art and Dialogue between Eastern and Western Cultures. DROHME Park leisure park at the former Boitsfort hippodrome lies on the southernmost edge of the Bois de la Cambre.

The Bois de la Cambre

Museum of the City of Brussels

Two majestic buildings that stand opposite each other on Brussels' Grand Place have a long-standing rivalry: on one side you have Brussels' City Hall, and on the other the Broodhuis (Bread House), a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses the Brussels City Museum. The rivalry between these two buildings is no coincidence. In the 15th century, the Duke of Brabant replaced the 13th century wooden bread market building with a prestigious building that would be a symbol of his power and face off against the imposing building on the other side of the Grand Place that symbolised the city's independence. The building owes its French name of Maison du Roi (King's House) to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who once ruled over a large part of the globe and once owned the Bread House. After being destroyed in the 16th century, it was rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style in the 19th century by city architect Victor Jamaer. But it's not all about the Broodhuis' history and facade. Inside the Brussels City Museum gives a comprehensive overview of Brussels' history, with particular attention given to the arts, crafts,urbanism and architecture . The original Manneken Pis is also housed here for security reasons, but as for his wardrobe, which is a thousand times larger than even the most passionate fashionista's, you can marvel at that in its dedicated museum on Rue du Chêne - Eikstraat. Combined ticket giving access to the Brussels City Museum -Maison du Roi and the Garderobe MannekenPis.

Museum of the City of Brussels

Museum of Natural Sciences

Are you looking for a spectacular and exclusive location for your event ? Whether for a conference, a product launch or a gala dinner, the Museum of Natural sciences offers you and your guests the event of a lifetime! When the Museum closes its doors to the public, we open again for business: we host receptions on the Dinosaur Gallery Mezzanine, organize cocktails in the BiodiverCITY Lobby, or welcome guests for a seated dinner amongst our dinosaurs. Whether an intimate dinner for 15 people or a spectacular evening for 1,500 guests, the Museum makes your event unforgettable. During daytime, our meeting rooms and auditoriums are available as well, for small business meetings or large conferences up to 150 people: we have the solution, and your participants will be thrilled to spend some working hours in our Museum. Our Museum is also the ideal setting to organize your company's Family Days or a teambuilding event. You're one mail away from a possible marvelous event.

Museums & tourist attractions

Museum of Natural Sciences

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium assemble six different museums: the Oldmasters Museum, Modern Museum, Meunier Museum, Wiertz Museum, Magritte Museum and the Fin-de-Siècle Museum.

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Train World

Train World is a unique railway experience that takes you from the very first steam locomotives to the flashing high-speed trains! It is a universe that appeals to all the senses in order to grasp the many different dimensions of the railways. A visit to Train World is an active and surprising outing. You can walk among locomotives, take a seat in 100-year-old trains, visit a railway house and walk across a real railway bridge. You will even experience how it feels to drive a train!

Train World

MIMA the Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art

The MIMA is situated on the remarkable site of the former brewery Belle-Vue beside the canal in the center of Brussels. The MIMA is a new museum with an international vocation that advances contemporary, accessible and viral creations such as Street Art. The MIMA presents temporary exhibitions, encounters, projections, concerts, performances as well as a permanent collection. It also houses an art shop, a restaurant and two magnificent panoramic viewing points over the canal and Brussels in a magnificent building covering four different floors.

MIMA the Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art

Centre for Fine Arts - Bozar

It’s impossible to talk about culture in Belgium without mentioning the Centre for Fine Arts located in Brussels. Whether it comes to exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, movies or projects concerning literature and architecture, BOZAR will always put originality and innovation first. They prove to keep a finger on the pulse with their varied and sophisticated programme. Besides emphasizing the importance of creation, quality and a rich artistic offering, BOZAR is especially concerned about the total experience of the visitors.

Centre for Fine Arts - Bozar

Comics Art Museum - CBBD

The Center’s prestigious great hall, light pit, mezzanines, auditorium and side rooms are available for hire throughout the year for dinners, cocktail parties, press conferences etc. Guests at these events may visit the center’s exhibitions free of charge. With absolute respect for the general public of the Center, cocktail parties, gala dinners, seminars, press conferences and high-level meetings can be held in the same venue, either outside opening times if located in areas normally open to the public such as the light pit or the famous entrance hall with its emblematic street lamp, or during opening hours if they are held in side rooms not open to the public. Every year the BCSC hosts over 120 events: press conferences, seminars, business meeting and presentations, weddings and private parties… These can take up to 1,200 persons standing.

Historical venues

Comics Art Museum - CBBD

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Atomium

René Magritte Museum (house)

The René Magritte Museum is situated in the house where the famous, surrealist artist lived and worked for 24 years (1930-54). Magritte lived on the ground floor and built in the back of the garden Studio Dongo, where he executed designs for publicity work. He painted most of the time in the living room annex atelier. In that room he would produce more or less half the amount of his paintings and gouaches. The headquarters of the Belgian Surrealists was also in the Esseghemstraat 135, where they held their meetings on Saturday evenings and where they organized several tableaux vivants. Since November 2019, a new museum of abstract art has opened next door. Both museums are connected with each other www.abstractartmuseum.be

René Magritte Museum (house)

Museum for Abstract Art

The Museum for Abstract Art is the first one of Belgium and the fourth in the world. It is located just next to the house in Jette were René Magritte lived for many years (www.magrittemuseum.be). Both buildings are connected with each other. The museum shows mainly Belgian, abstract art. A collection of more than 750 works of which a third will be shown permanently. The second floor contains the historical avant-garde from the 1920s, with important names such as Servranckx, Vantongerloo, Peeters or Flouquet. In the beginning Magritte also painted in this style and was a friend of them. The ground floor and the third floor contain the second generation of abstract artists (from the 1950s to the 1980s and further), including geometric and lyrical abstract artists (such as Alechinsky, Pol Bury, Bertrand, Rets, Delahaut).

Museum for Abstract Art

Parlamentarium

Have you ever wondered how the European Union works and how it affects your daily life? The Parlamentarium has it covered! Thanks to its interactive tools like a 360° cinema, a role play game for students and a giant interactive floor map, you’ll learn everything there is to know about the European Parliament. Discover the path that led to today’s European Union and what Members of the European Parliament are doing to tackle Europe’s biggest challenges. * Free * Available in 24 languages * Book online : see practical information

Parlamentarium

The Giant Wheel: The View

A new permanent tourist attraction in Brussels, the giant Ferris wheel known as "The View", invites you to climb high above the city and enjoy an unforgettable experience. As the highest point in Brussels, it offers you a breathtaking panoramic view of the capital. The giant Ferris wheel is itself illuminated at night, thanks to its multicoloured lighting, making it an imposing sight on the Brussels skyline! The View was designed and developed following the success of the Budapest Eye. Like in Antwerp, it is 55 metres high and can accommodate 8 passengers per cabin, of which there are 42. Whether you are an adult, a child or a person with reduced mobility, The View is suitable for everyone and its semi-enclosed cabins give you a feeling of security. Open to all, it welcomes people of all ages, for an intergenerational experience. First it was Paris, then Budapest, and now it's time to discover Brussels in a different way and enjoy a special moment with your family on "The View"! Technical information: Height: 55 metres 42 cabins, 6 people per cabin An audio presentation of Brussels is available in each cabin

The Giant Wheel: The View

House of European History

Get ready for a journey like no other! The permanent exhibition begins with the myth of the goddess Europa, exploring Europe’s ancient roots and the continent’s heritage of shared traditions, before Europe’s dramatic journey towards modernity in the 19th century and rebuilding process following World War II. A multimedia guide in 24 languages gives you new ways to interact with the exhibition, while special activities and Family Discovery Spaces allow children to grasp the story of Europe. Located next to the European Parliament in a striking Art Deco building in Parc Léopold, the House of European History is an essential part of any tour of the city. * Free * Available in 24 languages * Book online: See practical information

House of European History

The European Parliament Hemicycle

Visit the Hemicycle, the heart of the European Parliament in Brussels, where Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) hold their debates and take crucial votes for Europe. A visit to the Hemicycle is a great way to soak up the exciting atmosphere of the world’s largest transnational parliament. Come and find out about its powers and role and discover how your MEPS represent you. If you time your visit right, you might also be lucky enough to follow a plenary session from the visitors’ gallery. * Free * Free multimedia-guided visits, available in 24 languages * Interactive talks by experienced speakers: Mondays at 11:00 and 15:00 (in English and in French) * Book online: see practical information * A valid proof of identity is required (passport, identity card, etc.).

The European Parliament Hemicycle

Jewish Museum of Belgium

Located in the Sablon district of Brussels, the Jewish Museum of Belgium takes a fresh look at Jewish history and culture through exhibitions and activities focusing on sharing, discovery and accessibility for all sectors of the public. Firmly anchored in the present day, it is an artistic and cultural place that is lively, dynamic and multidisciplinary, led by a team that values openness, boldness and modernity, and whose goal is to promote a knowledge and understanding of Jewish history, religion and culture. Through its three principal missions, namely the preservation of Jewish heritage in Belgium, temporary exhibitions reflecting topical subjects and educational activities for school groups, the team is gradually constructing the public face of the New Museum that will open its doors by 2025. Pending the start of work, visitors can discover a selection of the permanent collection as well as several temporary exhibitions in two buildings covering a total area of five floors. At the same time, the Museum organises a wide range of activities such as conferences, concerts, workshops and literary evenings.

Jewish Museum of Belgium

Solvay House

Architect: Victor Horta - 1895/1898 This luxury townhouse was built by Victor Horta in 1894 for the son of captain of industry Ernest Solvay. The architect was given “carte blanche” and designed the interior and the furniture down to the smallest detail. On the façade, two symmetric bow windows surmounted by balconies are seen to protrude across two floors. Indoors it is a visual extravaganza, with the sheer range of red-orange hues on offer only acting to underpin the atmosphere of luxury and comfort. A must-see building.

Solvay House

Tram Museum

Trams, trolleybuses, buses, and taxis that have crisscrossed the capital for 150 years can be seen in these warehouses built in 1897. During the opening season you can make a trip with one of the historical vehicles and relive the atmosphere of the early 20th century on the Avenue de Tervuren and in the Sonian Forest. A dedicated Museum line with old buses takes you to the areas between the Museum and the Place Royale: Cinquantenaire Park, the European quarter, the squares quarter… Additionally, you can rent the vehicles as well as the museum halls for any kind of event.

Tram Museum

experience.brussels

The experience.brussels exhibition can be found in the heart of Brussels, on Place Royale and is the perfect place to discover or rediscover Brussels. This exhibition offers you a new way to see Brussels and will showcase various famous or little-known places, the institutions and secret spots, as well as the city's greatest asset: its inhabitants who live, build, create, act, come together and blossom in the heart of Europe. What is Brussels' greatest symbol? A giant atom? A little boy relieving himself? A golden square? Rainy weather? A portion of chips? At experience.brussels you discover the real Brussels in all its diverse, sometimes complex, but always stunning, charming and captivating beauty. The exhibition presents you with a different and personal overview of Brussels. Turn the pages of our giant book and discover the major moments of Brussels' history; take part in our interactive quiz and test your knowledge of the European Union; learn a few words of the old Brussels dialect! You will also meet genuine Brussels locals, singular and endearing characters who tell you their story, their anecdotes, their lives in the capital. Use our incredible interactive model and you'll soon have all four corners of the Brussels-Capital Region at your fingertips: its 19 communes and its interconnected neighbourhoods whose variety will amaze you. Expand your appreciation for how this multi-faceted capital works and houses 5 parliaments and go home with your own personalised post card! Whether you're in town for only a few days or born and raised in Brussels, you will dive into this city's great atmosphere and be stunned by how much Brussels has to offer. The experience.brussels exhibition is accessible to all and offers you amazing moments to enjoy with friends or family, in a group or alone... Welcome to Brussels!

experience.brussels

Design Museum Brussels

The Design Museum Brussels, established after the acquisition of a private collection by the Atomium, is a place dedicated to design and its history. Since 2015, the museum's collection, the Plastic Design Collection, circumscribes the landscape of plastics in design from the 1950s to the present day. Alongside this collection, the museum opened Belgisch Design Belge, a new permanent exhibition space dedicated to Belgian design and its history. Enriched by a programme of temporary exhibitions, the Design Museum Brussels also explores other fields of design creation and its impact on society and our daily lives. Through exhibitions, guided tours, workshops, conferences and events, the museum aims to ensure that design is intelligible to one and all.

Design Museum Brussels

The Cauchie House

One of the most beautiful examples of Brussels Art Deco, and more specifically so called sgraffito and façade paintings, is the Cauchie House. The façade, architecture and interior of this building make it well worth a visit. Be advised, however, that it’s necessary to book your visit in advance. Paul Cauchie, the building’s original owner was, along with his wife Lina, a proponent of the decorative arts and painting, more specifically the creation of wall paintings, based on a centuries-old technique. Most similar houses in Brussels were also done by Cauchie and his wife. Nevertheless, an architect rather than a decorator, Cauchie built his own home, which was completed in 1905. The whole of the building’s façade is stunningly adorned with intricate decorations and acted as a shop window for the couple’s art business. Cauchie’s decoration of his own home served as a confirmation of the couple’s specialisation. The house’s façade is split by three doors: the middle one takes you down to the basement, the right-hand one leads to the reception rooms and the third is purely decorative. The inside of the house is equally beautifully decorated with numerous sgraffiti. Open every Saturday and the first Sunday of the month.

The Cauchie House

Choco-Story Brussels

An interactive and greedy travel at the Choco Story Brussels Museum. Take a dive in the universe of cocoa and chocolate, pass a Maya temple where cocoa beans have been consumed 5000 years ago, step aboard the boat of Cortez who imported the cocoa beans in Europe; discover how chocolate was being used at the French Court in the 17th Century and afterwards how the “praline” was crafted beginning of the 20th Century in Belgium. The cocoa culture and its transformation won’t have any secrets left for you. Demonstration, tasting and audio guide are included in the visit.

Choco-Story Brussels

Galila's P.O.C.

Through some twenty eclectic and humoristic themes (such as the eye, the book, the chair or recycling), Galilas' P.O.C. presents an extravagant and striking range of ultra-contemporary artists from the four corners of the globe; from established ones to others not (yet) represented by galleries. By choosing to guide the visits (in a reduced number) herself, Galila thus wishes to promote exchange, share her passion with visitors and take us out of our daily lives! Galila’s P.O.C. wants to be a place free from all prejudices and open to the world.

Galila's P.O.C.

Volume Brussels

To introduce as many people as possible to the many faces of the capital's nightlife, playasbl and visit.brussels are launching the Volume Pass. It guarantees you entry to Brussels' wildest nights out, and all for only €29! In addition to 10 Brussels nights out, the Volume Pass lets you complete the experience with an extraordinary daytime activity, giving you access to the Atomium, the monumental architectural landmark that symbolises the capital of Europe. The Volume Pass is an extraordinary nocturnal experience that’s unique in Europe! Discover it now!

Volume Brussels

Brussels Card

The best way to easily discover Brussels!

Free access to 49 Brussels museums.
Discounts at attractions, shops, restaurants, bars and tours.
Free information guide, city map and museum map.
Optional: unlimited access to public transport, Hop on Hop off buses and entry to the Atomium.

Educational offer

Take your class to discover the many museums and attractions in Brussels! In just a few clicks, find the ideal school outing, tailored to your programme and age group.