The Atomium was originally built for the 1958 World Fair and since its construction it has become the symbol of Belgium. The 102-metre-tall steel and aluminum structure is meant to be a symbol of the atom concept, increased by 165 billions times! It offers a superb panoramic view of Brussels and its surroundings.
The Belgian Comic Strip Centre (Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée)
The Belgian Comic Strip Centre is housed in a charming art nouveau building designed by the creator of Lucky Luke, Spirou, the Smurfs and Gaston Lagaffe - Victor Horta. In the museum you will see how cartoons are made, learn about production techniques and see antique cartoon strips of many recognisable characters. The museum shop, packed full of books, gadgets and posters, is well worth a visit.
The Grand Place & Hôtel de Ville
Described by Victor Hugo as "the most beautiful square in Europe," the Grand Place is located in the very heart of Brussels. The square contains numerous impressive baroque and gothic buildings, many of which have dazzling gilt details. The Hôtel de Ville (town hall), a gothic masterpiece dating from the early 15th century, is also located in the square. Don’t miss a guided tour of the town hall, which takes you into many of its art-adorned rooms. During the summer months there is free nightly entertainment including fireworks and light shows.
The Manneken Pis
Measuring just 30cm, this little bronze boy having a pee has been the pride and joy of the inhabitants of Brussels for centuries! Nobody actually knows why the Manneken Pis is there and much mythology surrounds him. He also has a collection of more than 500 costumes, which are on display in the Musée de Ville in the town. He received his first costume as far back as 1698. You’ll find the Manneken Pis on the corner of Stoofstraat/Rue de L'Etuve and the Eikstraat/Rue du Chêne.
The Brussels Gueuze Museum (Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze)
Brussels' Gueuze Museum is located in the last artisan brewery of Gueuze Beer in Brussels. Gueuze is a dark, semi-sparkling beer, slightly acidic and often regarded as "the burgundy of beers." It is a speciality of Brussels. This museum includes a brewery tour which allows you to taste the beer.
The Cinquantenaire Museum (The Royal Art and History Museum)
The Cinquantenaire Museum houses a very valuable collection of works from different civilizations throughout the world. Its artefacts give an overview of the history of mankind in five continents (with the exclusion of Africa) from prehistory to the present day. Recently modernised and expanded, the new "treasure room" is worth a look as well as old favorites like the array of European decorative arts, the folklore section and the antiquities.
The Atomium was originally built for the 1958 World Fair and since its construction it has become the symbol of Belgium. The 102-metre-tall steel and aluminum structure is meant to be a symbol of the atom concept, increased by 165 billions times! It offers a superb panoramic view of Brussels and its surroundings.