Brussels and its heritage: the city’s most breathtaking views

29 October 2024

Vue sur Bruxelles depuis le toit du Wiels à Forest

Brussels is beautiful from every angle, but you already knew that! So, how about you discovered the capital in a new way. Why not admire the breathtaking views from the top of some of Brussels' most emblematic buildings? From Forest to Koekelberg, via the city centre, here are some of the best spots to take in the sights.

National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg

Did you know that you can get a view of Brussels from the top of the Basilica of Koekelberg, the fifth largest church in the world? Climb to 52.80m - don't worry, they have lifts - and enjoy a breathtaking view of the capital and further still to Flemish and Walloon Brabant.

Did you know? On a clear day you can even see as far as Mechelen Cathedral and the Ronquières Inclined Plane!

View of the two towers of the Koekelberg Basilica

The Arcades of the Cinquantenaire

Top tip alert: climb to the top of the Cinquantenaire arcades via the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History. Get your camera ready for a unique view of the impressive Cinquantenaire Park AND the capital.

Did you know? The Cinquantenaire park was built to celebrate 50 years of Belgian independence.

Wiels

Aaah, Wiels really does have EVERYTHING you could dream of: bold programming, diverse activities, a real hub for innovative ideas and creative practices AND a rooftop with a UNIQUE view of the Saint-Gilles town hall, the Atomium, the impressive railway junction that is Brussels-South station and much more.

Halle Gate

You won't find a damsel in distress or a princess at the top of the Halle Gate, but there is a spectacular view of Brussels! Take the walkway to the top and enjoy a real breath of fresh air above the city. Don't forget to visit the Halle Gate museum, which will transport you back in time with its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions devoted to medieval Brussels.

Vue depuis le sommet de la tour de la Porte de Hal

58 Rooftop & Panoramic eatery

Need to renew your driver's licence or identity card in Brucity? Kill two birds with one stone and climb to the gigantic rooftop overlooking the absolute centre of Brussels!

It's time for an aperitif on the rooftops of Brussels!

When you think of rooftop bars you think of trendy sky-high oases in Singapore, New York or Bangkok. Well, Brussels is right up there too. You'll also find many terrace bars with breathtaking views of the capital, because here too, the phenomenon is on the rise!

Let's go!

Saint Augustin church - Altitude 100

A jewel of Art Deco, Saint Augustin church stands enthroned on Altitude 100, one of the capital's highest points. You can climb the tower in small groups of 15 people maximum.

Did you know? To be precise, Altitude 100 is located at ninety-three metres above sea level and not 100m... It's another case of typically Belgian surrealism!

Bourse/Beurs - Brussels’ former stock exchange

Ready for a delicious visit to the Brussels Stock Exchange? In addition to hosting the Belgian Beer World museum, the Stock Exchange also offers a rooftop bar - The Beer Lab - with an exceptional panoramic view of the historical centre of Brussels. Wow! You can end your visit with a tasting at the top of this building designed by Léon-Pierre Suys.

Did you know? You will be able to choose from their selection of no less than 1,300 beers! 😉

Close-up of the tympanum of the Brussels Stock Exchange

albert

The KBR, otherwise known as the Royal Library of Belgium, is packed full of treasures: the splendid illuminated manuscripts of the Library of the Dukes of Burgundy, 150km of shelves spread over 17 floors... and an unusual rooftop perched at the top of this emblematic building. Make your way to the 5th floor, to the albert restaurant and admire an exclusive view of the Mont des Arts.

COOP

Nestled in the former Moulart mill on the banks of the canal in Anderlecht, Coop has become a genuine hub for the people of the neighbourhood! Educational activities, exhibitions, a professional area AND a cafe with probably the best view of Brussels and the Senne valley.

Basilica of Koekelberg - Panorama

This is the fifth largest church in the world and the largest Art Deco edifice ever built. It houses the Musée des S Òurs Noires (museum of the black sisters) (open Wednesday 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. and by appointment) and the Musée d'Art moderne religieux (museum of religious modern art) (open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. and by appointment). Warning : the panorama is open in winter (from the end of October to the end of March) from 10 am to 4 pm. The rest of the time, it is accessible from 9am to 5.30pm.

Basilica of Koekelberg - Panorama

Cinquantenaire Park

Built in 1880 to mark the 50th anniversary of Belgium's independence, Cinquantenaire Park is both a collection of French-style gardens and a historical site that's home to monuments, sculptures and museums. It's dominated by a triumphal arch with three arches and a bronze quadriga at its summit, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the capital. The wide paths lead to the Pavilion of Human Passions designed by Victor Horta, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, the Art & History Museum and Autoworld, the car museum. Take part in events here throughout the year: sporting events, festivals, concerts, fireworks... In the summer, you can enjoy a short break at the Guinguette Maurice pop-up bar.

Cinquantenaire Park

Royal Museum of the Army & Military History

The museum houses around one hundred thousand items (weapons, uniforms, scale-models, documents), making it one of the world's largest military museums. You'll see: a section weapons and armours from the Middle Ages, a beautiful collection about Napoleon and the French Empire, the Belgian army from 1831 to 1914 with display cases devoted to King Leopold I and Leopold II, the development of weapon technology (up till the mid-twentieth century), the First and Second World Wars (uniforms, equipment, photos and documents), armoured vehicles and warships. The museum's "Air" section includes a complete range of aircrafts, around 80 of which are on display. Don't miss our educational games for all ages. The documentation centres are open to the public. Spectacular panorama overlooking the city from the arcade. Temporary exhibitions about varied subjects.

Museums & tourist attractions

Royal Museum of the Army & Military History

Wiels - Contemporary art centre

It was the brewer Léon Wielemans who asked his friend, the architect Adrien Blomme, to design and build the new buildings of his brewery in Forest. It became the leading monument of industrial archaeology in the art deco style, and houses now Wiels, an international laboratory for the creation and the diffusion of contemporary art. Focusing on visual arts, but granting a particular attention to the crossings and interactions with other disciplines, the centre wishes to present contemporary art in all its diversity and to offer a permanent dialogue with the developments and the most recent debates of the art world. The Art centre has a shop, a café and offer an impressive panorama on the city.

Cultural centres

Wiels - Contemporary art centre

Musée de la Porte de Hal

Although thousands of people pass every day close to this remaining part of the second surrounding wall of Brussels, along the "petite ceinture" between the Place Louise and the Midi Station, very few of them are conscious of its eventful history. This fairytale monument, more than 600 years old is in fact the most remarkable witness of the City's medieval past. After renovation work, the Halle Gate houses now a permanent presentation dedicated to the medieval City of Brussels. Don't hesitate to come and learn the history of the building and of City life in the Middle Ages, and at the same time admire the most important items of this rich past !

Museums & tourist attractions

Musée de la Porte de Hal

Église Saint-Augustin

COOP

The best views in Brussels

Are you looking for the best views of Brussels? Here are some of the top spots to admire the myriad landscapes the capital has to offer.

Discover our spots!