Brussels is fast getting rid of its dull and grey image and gaining itself a reputation as one of Europe's must-see short break destinations, with her human size, trendy bars and restaurants, fabulous food, great nightlife, fantastic shopping, numerous museums and other attractions such as the many interesting exhibitions and festivals of all kinds that are organized there every year. Brussels is also becoming well known as a Mecca of style, attracting more and more of the big names in national and international fashion to its growing shopping districts.
Here are some suggested places you might wish to pre-arrange a visit to while in Brussels. The concierge at the Radisson Blu is happy to assist you with arrangements.
Grand Place
The Grand Place, with its ornate baroque and gothic guild houses, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Built as a merchants market in the 13th century, it serves as the city center and a great place to enjoy Belgian hospitality at one of the many terrace cafes. It is also a venue for many concerts and events throughout the year and during the warmer months has a vibrant, daily flower market.
Town Hall (Hotel de Ville)
The first building you notice upon entering the Grand Place is the striking gothic town hall, which dates back to the 13th century. Its beautiful facade features the famous needle-like crooked spire which is 315 feet in height and is topped by the archangel St. Michael. Tours are available of the interior, which contains 15th century tapestries and works of art.
The Royal Palace (Palais Royal)
The official home of the Belgian king, you will always know if he is in the country when you see the Belgian flag flying on top of the building. The building is a highlight of Neo-Classical architecture and overlooks Brussels Park. The Royal Palace is open to the public during the summer months.
Manneken Pis
This famous statue of a little boy peeing in a fountain is a perfect representative of the irreverent Belgian humor. The unique Brussels icon has been amusing visitors on the corner of Rue de L’Etuve & Stroofstraat since 1619. Over time it has become a tradition for visiting heads of state to donate miniature versions of their national costume for the little naked boy. The wardrobe of Mannekin Pis can be seen at the Brussels museum and includes over 760 outfits–even an authentic Elvis jumpsuit.
Coudenberg
An underground trail to discover the remains of Emperor Charles V's palace. A fascinating walk under Place royale to discover the remains of the Coudenberg Palace, one of the main residences of Charles V in the past. The former Hoogstraeten house - and its magnificent and entirely renovated gothic gallery–houses the Museum of the Coudenberg where you'll be able to admire the most beautiful archaeological discoveries of the last 25 years of the Coudenberg excavations history...
Galeries St Hubert
This gorgeous, glass roofed arcade in the center of town, lined with cafes, theaters and luxury stores has the distinction of being the first shopping arcade in Europe. Built in 1847 and recently renovated, the Royal Galleries (Galerie de la Reine, du Roi and du Prince) are one of the most astonishing places to visit in Brussels.
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Atomium
Built for the 1958 World Fair, the Atomium represents a molecule’s nine atoms–magnified 165 billion times. Something of a symbol of the city, it provides a panoramic view of Brussels and its surroundings. The 9 spheres that make up the “atom” are linked by escalators. The Atomium hosts a museum and is also a venue for special events.
In the Summer: take part in a unique activity: a Death-Ride from the top sphere of the Atomium! A breathtaking descent of more than 100 meters!
Cathedral of Saints Michel and Gudule
This magnificent cathedral, tactfully dedicated to the male and female patron saints of Brussels, is located near the Central Station. It was completed by the end of the 15th century in the Brabant Gothic style, but was damaged by the French shelling of 1695. The white stone façade is from the year 1250 and the interior is splendidly proportioned and stuffed with treasures.
Place du Grand Sablon
This picturesque square is situated on the slope that divides Brussels between the upper and lower halves of the city. Decked out with chic boutiques, al fresco cafes, fashionable restaurants, and trendy bars, the Grand Sablon is most famous for its lively open-air antiques market which attracts antiques dealers from all over the world. Open every weekend (Sat 9-6, Sun 9-2).
Place du Petit Sablon
Just above the Grand Sablon is the jewel of a square - Petit Sablon. Originally a horse market, it was converted in 1890 into an elegant & charming flower garden with lavish fountains, surrounded by wrought-iron fences decorated with stone statuettes. Each figure represents a medieval trade or craft that brought prosperity to Brussels. Today it is a favorite area to relax while taking in the pretty view.
Rue des Bouchers
Known more for the atmospheric charm than the cuisine, Rue de Boucher is a walking thoroughfare abounding with 17th century stepped gables, decorated doorways, cafes and restaurants with lavish pavement displays of seafood, piled high on mounds of ice. It is not recommended to eat there and is often called a "tourist trap" in regards to menu prices and quality of food.
The Museum of Ancient Art
The Museum of Ancient Art has a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and drawings from the 15th until 18th century. Built up around a core of revolutionary captures and deposits of the French state, this collection was constantly enriched by the acquisitions, but also by gifts and legacies of numerous patrons. The paintings of the Ancients of the southern Netherlands make up an essential part of this collection (Rogier van der Weyden, Petrus Christus, Dirk Bouts, Hans Memling, Jérôme Bosch, Bruegel, Pierre-Paul Rubens, Jacob Jordaens, Antoine van Dyck).
The visit also includes an exceptional collection of terra cotta "modelli" from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as a beautiful series of paintings representing foreign schools.
Magritte Museum
In the building of the Royal Museums for Fine Arts of Belgium, visitors can discover the world's largest collection of René Magritte's works. The collection is a perfect proof of René Magritte's oeuvre and covers all the periods from his life. The works on display are mainly from the legacies of Irène Scutenaire-Hamoir and Georgette Magritte and from purchases made by the Royal Museums for Fine Arts of Belgium, completed with works on loan from private persons.
MIM (The Museum of Musical Instruments)
The Museum of Musical Instruments is a strikingly beautiful building in Brussels combining the architectural styles of Neo-Classic and Art Nouveau. Housed in the museum is a collection of more than 7000 instruments of varying kinds and origins. On the top floor, the indoor & outdoor MIM Restaurant provides visitors with a magnificent 360° view of Brussels.
Museum Horta
The former home of Art Nouveau’s best-known architect, Victor Horta, is now the Horta Museum –a showcase of stained glass and subway tile, pale wood and wrought iron whose every corner seems magically bathed in golden sunlight.
The Dinosaur Gallery at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences
Explore the largest dinosaur museum in Europe on permanent display at the Museum of Natural Sciences starting on October 27. This is a great exhibit for the whole family, with many new dinosaur skeletons to discover and learn about as well as hands-on activities for children.
The Belgian Center for Comic Strip Art
Housed in an art nouveau masterpiece designed by Victor Horta, this museum pays homage to a particular Belgian passion, cartooning. Tintin and the Smurfs are the most famous Belgian comic strip characters but the museum also displays artwork from over 670 cartoonists. Other displays detail the stages of putting together a comic strip, from examples of initial ideas and pencil sketches through to final publication. Arranged over three levels, the museum also has a library and an art nouveau brewery. Discover the centre of Brussels and its inhabitants by following the Comic Strip Route and admiring comic strip façades, walls and statues.
We hope that your travel schedule permits you to enjoy Brussels and experience the stunning museums, gardens, temples and shopping. Radisson concierge can assist you with tour packages and provide recommendations.