Sights
Atomium
Inaugurated on the occasion of the 1958 World Exhibition and fully renovated in 2005, the Atomium is built on the model of a metal crystalline molecule enlarged 165 billion times. The most spectacular views of Brussels and Brabant from the uppermost ball.
Manneken-Pis
He has been given numerous costumes and decorations and his wardrobe now comprises some 760 items, recently restyled in an appealing scenography (see Museum of the City of Brussels). The present-day bronze Manneken Pis was sculpted by Jerôme Duquesnoy in 1619, but a stone version - named Little Julian - stood here from the mid-14th century. The statue's origins are lost in legend: some say he's modelled on a boy who extinguished a fire, others say he was the son of a nobleman. Whatever, the people of Brussels have adopted him as the symbol of their indomitable and irreverent spirit.
The Grand Place (Grote Markt - Market Square)
"One of the most beautiful town squares in Europe, if not in the world", is a phrase often heard when visitors in Brussels try to describe the beauty of the central market square. The Grand-Place is the main tourist attraction of the City of Brussels. All through the year it is visited by thousands who like to spend some time wandering around and admiring the beautiful buildings, or sitting down on one of the many terraces having a good Belgian beer. Concerts and musical happenings are organized all through the year on the square. The most famous events that take place here are the annual Ommegang (an historical procession at the beginning of July) and the biennial flower carpet.
Rue des Bouchers
Leading off from Galeries St Hubert in a lively little quarter known as Ilôt Sacré is the famous Rue des Bouchers. Whether you decide to eat at one of the many seafood restaurants here or not, this pedestrianised cobbled street is a spectacle not to be missed.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace was built on the site of the former Palace of the Dukes of Brabant which was destroyed by fire in 1731. Started in 1820 under the reign of King William, it was modified in 1904 under Léopold II, who had it rebuilt in Louis XVI style. The side wings date from the 18th century and at the end of each wing there is a pavilion. On the left that of the Civil List and on the right the Hotel Bellevue which is currently the BELvue Museum.
Mini-Europe
Located at the foot of the Atomium, Mini-Europe is the only park where you can have a whistlestop tour of Europe in a few short hours. Enjoy a stroll taking in the typical atmosphere of the most beautiful towns of the old Continent. The incomparable chimes of Big Ben welcome you to the heart of London. The gondolas and mandolins invite you to discover the charms of Venice. Follow the TGV high-speed train from Paris to the other end of France. You can make the models work yourself: the eruption of Vesuvius, the fall of the Berlin Wall and many others. All in all, 350 models and sites with an unequalled level of craftsmanship. Visit also the European area, packed with interactive multimedia games and the exhibition “Spirit of Europe”
The Cathedral of Saints Michel and Gudule
A veritable juxtaposition of Brabant Gothic styles takes us back to the 13th century and the atmosphere of the great builders. Its two towers give it a very French appearance. Building of the cathedral started in 1226, whilst the facade dates from the 15th century. The prodigious stained-glass windows were inspired by the drawings of Bernard Van Orley and offered by Charles Quint and his family.
Brussels: City of Beer
Your stay in Brussels cannot be complete without a visit to one of the many typical and beautiful cafes and pubs that you will find here. Try the local beers of Brussels Gueuze or fruit beer (cherry beer, raspberry beer, peach beer ) or a wonderful Trappist beer, made in one of the Abbeys of Belgium. Be careful when drinking a Trappist beer. These beers tend to be very strong.
The Brewery Museum
Address:
Grote Markt 10, Grand'Place
Brussels Gueuze Mueseum
Cantillon Brewery
An introduction to the art of making Gueuze-Lambic, the mysterious local beer that is the fruit of spontaneous fermentation. A visit to this working museum offers you the chance to sample some of the most unique beers in the world.
Address:
Rue Gheude 56
