What to visit in brussels. The central square is Grande Place. Church of Our Lady of Sablon
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Brussels in One Day – City Route and Map
Brussels is a controversial city that tries to contain everything - old and modern, beautiful and repulsive, but at the same time impressive. In some places everything is harmonious, in some places it is awkward. So that you can fully enjoy the originality of the city, we have prepared an itinerary that includes both iconic and little-known sights of Brussels. If you have 3 days left, then go ahead along our route!
Your first day in Brussels will be very eventful! We suggest you start your acquaintance with this city from its historical center. The well-preserved Old Town of Brussels is full of interesting sights. It is simply impossible to get around them in one day. Therefore, today we propose to see only a part of the center in order to return here tomorrow.
Manneken Pis
This fountain is the main symbol of Brussels. Therefore, it is from here that we advise you to start your acquaintance with the capital of Belgium. However, tourists are often disappointed with the "Boy". In the photographs, it looks like a monumental structure, although in reality the height of the statue is only 61 centimeters. It was installed in 1691. On holidays, instead of water, beer or wine flows from the fountain.
There are many legends associated with Manneken Pis. According to one of them, the inhabitants of Brussels decided to perpetuate the memory of the boy who saved their city from a fire in such a natural way. Another legend says that the boy was a big prankster. One day he decided to relieve himself under the sorceress's door. Noticing this, the witch forever bewitched the boy.
The townspeople are very fond of the boy and periodically try to dress him up, the boy's costumes are kept in the King's House. In the wardrobe of the “young man” there are, for example, the attire of a Zulu leader, a Mexican gaucho sombrero, a Chinese mandarin robe. There are even two Russian sets - a space suit and pants with a kosovorotka. The costume change process is a colorful ceremony that is often accompanied by music.
The Manneken Pis sculpture stands behind a wrought-iron fence. The lattice did not always save the sculpture, and it more than once became the prey of robbers, so the statue that we see today is only a copy of the one that was originally installed.
Address: Rue de l'Etuve, 46, Brussels
How to get there: by train to Gare de Bruxelles-Central station, by tram 3, 4, 32 (Anneessens stop), by buses 48, 95 (Cesar de Paepe) or 86, N04-N06, N08-N13, N16 (Cesar de Paepe)
Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate (Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate)
Belgium cannot be imagined without beer and, of course, without chocolate (they even produce chocolate beer especially for tourists). No wonder the museum dedicated to this delicacy is located in the very heart of the city! You can literally find it by smell.
Even if you do not belong to the sweet tooth party, you will still be interested in the museum, where they tell and show how pralines, truffles, bars and other sweets are made. Yes, they not only tell, but let them participate in this exciting process, and then taste the resulting delicacy.
In addition, at the exhibition you will learn how cocoa trees began to be cultivated in the time of the Aztecs and Mayans, and how after that the drink of the Gods won the hearts of Europeans. And in the shop at the museum you will find the widest selection of Belgian chocolate.
Address: Grande Place, 13, Brussels
How to get there: by train to Gare de Bruxelles-Central station, by metro (lines 1 and 5) to Gare Centrale station
Grand Place
This is the heart of medieval Brussels. Once upon a time there was a huge market here, holidays and knightly tournaments were held, courts were held. TO XVII century The appearance of the square was completely formed. In 1695, when the city was blockaded by the French army, the buildings around the Grand Place were destroyed, but they were soon rebuilt. The facades of buildings were generously decorated with carvings, columns and garlands. Each of these structures is worthy of a separate story, but we will focus only on the most significant ones and talk about them below.
Every even year in August, the Grand Place turns into a flowering field - the area is covered with a carpet of flowers. To admire this miracle, tens of thousands of tourists come to Brussels, although the Flower Carpet festival lasts only three days.
King's House (Maison du Roi)
In the House of the King, the king, to be honest, never lived. This name was fixed in those days when Napoleon conquered the country. To govern the country, the emperor appointed governors of Belgium, endowed with royal privileges. They lived in this house.
Previously, this building was called the Bread House - the city's stocks of bread were stored here. By the way, the older name “bread house” is still used in the Dutch language, and in French this building is called “king's house”. Currently, the Museum of Brussels is located here, where you can learn everything about the history of the city. In particular, over 650 costumes for the bronze statue of Manneken Pis are exhibited here.
We add that around the Grand Place is the "Sacred Island", where modern construction is prohibited. Therefore, any building in the vicinity of the square has a historical value.
Working hours: Tue-Sun from 10 am to 5 pm, Thu to 8 pm, closed on Mondays
Address:grand place
How to get there:
Ticket price: 8€ for adults, free for children under 18. Admission is free for everyone on the first Friday of the month. You can buy a single ticket to this and two other museums (the Costume and Lace Museum and the Sewer Museum) - pay 3 for the price of 2
City Hall (Stadhuis, Hotel de Ville)
The Brussels City Hall, or city hall building, is a true masterpiece gothic architecture. Its construction began in 1401. The height of the tower is 96 m, it is crowned with a three-meter gilded figure of the Archangel Michael. During the siege of 1695, the Town Hall miraculously survived. In 1998, the Brussels City Hall, and with it the entire Grand Place ensemble, received the status of an object world heritage UNESCO.
If you look closely, you can see that the Town Hall building is not symmetrical. According to legend, the architect, realizing that he made a mistake in the calculations, threw himself off the tower. However, in fact, the asymmetry is due to the conditions of local development. Today, part of the town hall is available for inspection, and the mayor's residence is located in the premises closed to tourists.
In luxurious halls, decorated with gilded mirrors, a collection of handmade tapestries is exhibited. Visitors can also go to the balcony, which offers a magnificent view of the square. When a flower carpet is laid out on the Grand Place, a line of tourists line up to this balcony.
Working hours: Tue-Sun from 10 to 17
Address: grand place
How to get there: by train to Gare de Bruxelles-Central station, by metro (lines 1 and 5) or bus (29, 48, 66, 71, 86, etc.) to Gare Centrale station
Ticket price: 2,5€
Monument to Charles Buls
In a cozy square on the Grasmarkt there is a fountain with a figure of the burgomaster of Brussels Charles Buls. Sitting on a bench near a fountain, a man with a lush mustache pets his little dog. Buls was the mayor of the capital of Belgium for 18 years - from 1881 to 1899.
The sculpture was made with donations from the residents of the city as a thank you for the order brought by Buls in the historical center of Brussels. Thus, Buls restored the beautiful Grand Place. In addition, he found funds for the restoration of the complex on the Mount of Arts. You will see it on the second day of your trip.
Address: corner of Rue de la Montagne and Rue du Marché aux Herbes
How to get there: 2 minutes walk from Grand Place
Plaza de España (Place d'Espagne)
On the Plaza de España in Brussels, which is the sister city of Madrid, there is a monument to Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. This monument is a copy of the one installed in Madrid at Plazade Espana. The figures of the heroes of the greatest work of Spanish literature are installed on a high pedestal, from which they can see beautiful view on Old city and the City Hall building.
How to get there: located directly opposite the Gare Centrale main station
Royal Galleries of St. Hubert (Royales Saint-Hubert Galleries, Koninklijke Sint-Hubertusgalerijen)
The Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert is the very first shopping arcade in Europe. It was founded in 1846 by King Leopold I. On the site of dim lanes, magnificent Royal Galleries were erected in ten years. Shops, restaurants, theaters are now located along the galleries, apartments are located on the second floor.
The name "Galeries of Saint Hubert" was given to the entire complex only in 1965. The two main galleries, the Queen's and the King's, are separated by a colonnade at the intersection with the Rue de Bouchers. This street houses the "Womb of Brussels".
Address: Galerie de la Reine, 5
How to get there: 2 minutes from the Grand Place, right next to the square with the monument to Charles Buls
"Belly of Brussels"
The Belly of Brussels, or Butcher Street, is the main restaurant place in the Belgian capital. There are so many cafes and restaurants here that it is simply incomprehensible to the mind! Traditional Belgian dishes are served at every turn - lobsters, oysters, mussels with french fries, Belgian beer and chocolate. Near each restaurant there are barkers, ready to tell in any language of the world why you should come to their institution.
It should be noted that the prices in local restaurants are not democratic at all. If you decide to have a bite to eat in some particularly popular place in the evening, then it is better to book tables in advance.
Address: Rue des Bouchers
How to get there: the exit from the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert just leads to this street
Where to eat in Brussels on the first day
Bar Delirium
The Delirium bar has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as a place where they serve the largest number varieties of beer. This is a real paradise for beer lovers! To try as many varieties as possible and keep your mind sharp, drop the usual 0.5 and go for 0.3.
The bar is located on three floors. On the top, as a rule, it is always quiet and not as crowded as on the first two. By the way, please note that this bar does not cook food, but only serves snacks and beer snacks.
Address: Impasse de la Fidelite 4A
Working hours: Mon-Sat from 10 am to 4 am, Sun from 10 am to 2 am
Poechenellekelder
According to many tourists, this pub is the best in Brussels. Here you will find a large selection of excellent Belgian beers that can be tasted along with Italian cuisine. The owner of the establishment and all the staff are very hospitable and take care of each client.
But in Poechenellekelder, not only treats and service are amazing, but also the interior. This is the place where you can sit the whole evening and never get bored. That's why it took an honorable second place in the TOP ranking of restaurants in Brussels according to Tripadvisor.
Address: 5 Rue du Chene
Working hours: Tue-Thu, Sun from 11 am to 1 am, Sat-Sun from 11 am to 2 am
Pasta Divina
This small and very cozy restaurant serves Italian cuisine. Residents of Brussels often visit Pasta Divina, which characterizes it only on the positive side. The restaurant is owned by immigrants from Italy, all dishes are prepared by the wife of the owner of the restaurant. The food she cooks is delicious and filling.
Address:Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, Bergstraat 16
Working hours:from 11:30 to 15 and from 18 to 22,daily except Mondays
Maison Dandoy
This is a great place to relax after long walk. Here they prepare the famous Liege waffles, as well as other pastries. They are usually served with coffee or hot chocolate. The price of treats here is a little higher than in other places, but it's worth it.
Address: Rue Charles Buls 14
Working hours: Mon-Sat from 10:30 to 19, Sun from 10:30 to 19
20 places to visit in Brussels
Brussels is known to everyone primarily as the "capital of the European Union": the city is literally crammed with the headquarters of various administrative institutions. But this does not mean that the tourist has nothing to do here, because there is another Brussels: fabulous, elegant and unique. It is about him that our today's twenty must see.
The majestic square in the Gothic style - the best option begin . Amazingly beautiful buildings surrounding the Grand Place are full of rich carvings, columns, statues and ornaments. It is noteworthy that each old house has its own name, so you can test your skills as a detective and find some of them, such as She-Wolf, Fox, Cart or Star.
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To see the Grand Place in all its glory, it is best to climb the balcony of the Town Hall, which is open to everyone especially for this purpose.
Once a royal residence, today the palace serves only for official receptions, and the rest of the time it is open to tourists and guests of the city, and at the same time ... absolutely free! Take the opportunity to see with your own eyes the chambers and halls of the palace in all its splendor: the Mirror Room, the ceiling of which is decorated with the wings of scarab beetles, the Imperial Room, where eleven flowers are planted in eleven golden pots - according to the number of provinces of Belgium and, of course, the majestic Throne Room.
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The palace is open to the public from July to September, from Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 - 17:00).
3. City Hall
Another swatch ancient architecture and a living piece of the history of Brussels, the City Hall is one of the symbols of the Belgian capital.
The famous 96-meter tower of the Town Hall with the figure of St. Michael, the patron saint of the city, serves as an excellent landmark in the streets of Brussels, and the building itself, made in the Brabant Gothic style, amazes the imagination with an abundance of decor. The facade of the Town Hall is decorated with arched windows, carved columns, as well as sculptures of all the Dukes of Brabant from 580 to 1564.
You can admire the Town Hall not only from the outside, but also from the inside: access to it is open at any time when there are no city council meetings. And if you want to see the Grand Place in its entirety at once, go up to the balcony that serves as an observation deck.
Entrance to the Town Hall is paid, a ticket costs € 3 (the tour is paid separately). Group tours (minimum 12 people) must be booked in advance. Private English-speaking tours are held in winter (October 1 to March 31) and summer (April 1 to September 30) on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 15:15.
Brussels is famous not only for Belgian chocolate and the richest cultural heritage but also by its architecture. Especially worth noting are the cathedrals of the Belgian capital.
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One of them is the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula on Trorenberg hill (address: Parvis sainte-Gudule - 1000 Bruxelles).
The cathedral was built in the Romanesque-Gothic style, with the usual abundance of decorations on the facade and characteristic lancet, "carved" architecture. But you will get the most complete and deep impression only by going inside. Inside, the temple is strikingly beautiful: a colonnade stretches along the main aisle, decorated with full-length baroque sculptures of the apostles, the windows are decorated with stained-glass windows, most of which were created during the Renaissance. The whole atmosphere here is saturated with antiquity and peace.
The cathedral is open to visitors from Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 18:00, on Saturday - from 07:30 to 15:30, on Sunday - from 14:00 to 18:00. Free admission.
Perhaps the most unconventional religious building in Brussels. How many temples do you know, in which, in addition to their main functions, there is also a Catholic radio station, a restaurant, a theater, museums and even ... a training ground for climbers and speleologists?! Hardly. So it's definitely worth a look here.
In addition, the basilica impresses not only with its appearance, but also with its interior decoration, made in the style of cubism and minimalism. No wonder this temple is considered a symbol of Art Deco architecture.
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If you just want to see the cathedral from the inside, you don’t need to pay an entrance fee, but to climb to the observation deck, you will have to pay €5. The site is open at summer time from 09:00 to 17:00, and in winter - from 10:00 to 16:00.
Basilica address: Parvis de la Basilique, 1. The nearest metro station is Simonis (Leopold II). You can also take tram 6 at the Rogier stop near Grand Place and get off at Elisabeth, and then take bus 87 (direction Beekkant) at the Simonis stop and get off at Riethuisen.
An authentic example of Brabant Gothic, the Church of Our Lady will be of interest to guests of Brussels with an almost detective story associated with her name. The thing is that the church gained popularity among the parishioners (as well as its name) after the statue of the Virgin was placed in it, which was stolen by a certain pious lady in Antwerp and brought to Brussels.
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Like it or not, but it was this event that caused the reconstruction of a simple chapel into a Gothic temple. The interior of the temple is also worth attention, especially the colorful illuminated stained-glass windows that create a mysterious and enigmatic atmosphere.
Address: Rue Bodenbroek 6, near the Little Sablon park. The nearest metro station is Porte de Namu. Entrance to the church is free, opening hours: Mon. – Fri. from 09:00 to 17:00. On weekends - from 10:00 to 18:30.
If you get tired after a long walk in the center of Brussels, then the 50th Anniversary Park, not far from the Grand Place, can be a great place to relax. Moreover, it is easy to find it: the entrance to the park is crowned by the Arc de Triomphe, which is hard to miss. The closest metro stations to the park are Merode and Schuman.
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The 50th Anniversary Park is like a piece of Paris, miraculously found itself in the heart of the Belgian capital. With its neat lawns and symmetrical paths, it is a bit reminiscent of the gardens of Versailles, and the already mentioned Arc de Triomphe further emphasizes the similarity.
For those for whom one walk through the park is not enough, the Museum of the History of the Army and the World of Auto Museum operate on its territory. The Army Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 16:30 (from 12:00 to 13:00 break), admission is free. The World of Auto Museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 in winter), the entrance ticket costs €8.
8. City Museum in the King's House
This graceful, as if "openwork" building on the Grand Place is a real chameleon. Since the 13th century, it has managed to change several “professions”: it was a bakery warehouse, a prison, a tax office, and even the residence of the Dukes of Brabant. And after the conquest of Brussels by the French, it became known as the House of the King, since the governors who were under the tutelage of the French monarch lived here.
Today it houses the City Museum, where visitors can get acquainted with works of Belgian art. different centuries, and also see the collection of costumes of the famous Manneken Pis (there are already 650 of them!), which were presented to the statue by high-ranking guests of the capital in different years.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, on Thursday - until 20:00. Closed on Mondays, as well as January 1, May 1, November 1, November 11 and December 25.
Entrance to the museum costs €8 (full), €6 (pensioners), €4 (students), children 6-18 years old are free. There is also free admission every first Sunday of the month.
Do you know what an iron atom looks like? No? Then you definitely need to see the Atomium! This 102-meter futuristic structure is a 165 billion times enlarged model of the iron atom, symbolizing the peaceful possibilities of the atomic age.
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But the Atomium is remarkable not only for this. Six of its nine spheres are open to the public, and the pipes that connect them contain escalators and corridors for moving around the metal giant. In the spheres there is a hotel, a cafe, as well as various expositions.
Here you can learn about the 1958 World's Fair, about the way of life in Europe in the 50s, and also about the latest scientific achievements. And be sure to climb observation deck, which offers a stunning panorama of Brussels, the whole city is visible at a glance.
You can get here by metro (get off at Heysel station) or take tram number 81 in the city center and get off at the stop with the same name (you won’t miss it, because this is the final one).
The Atomium is open from 10:00 to 18:00. December 24 and 31 - from 10:00 to 16:00, and on December 25 and January 1 - from 12:00 to 16:00. The ticket costs €11 (full), €8 (children 12-18 years old), €6 (children 6-11 years old) and free for children under 6 years old.
10. Park "Mini Europe"
If Brussels is the first European capital you have visited, and you would like to see others, then nothing could be easier! It is enough to go to the Mini-Europe park, where you can feel like a sort of Gulliver, walking among the reduced copies leaning tower of pisa, the Athenian Acropolis and other historic buildings. The park is "inhabited" by tiny figurines of residents, and there is also a mini-transport (by the way, a working one).
Address: the park is located near the Atomium, next to the final metro station Heysel (6th, blue line). Opening hours: 9:30 - 18:00, in July and August - until 20:00. Closed from 5 January to 13 March.
The ticket costs €14.30, but if you plan to visit the Atomium as well, then it makes sense to buy a combo ticket "Atomium + Mini-Europe" for €23.50. The savings are not particularly significant, but still.
In fact, this is an artificial hill, created specifically for International Exhibition in 1910. And the arts are here despite the fact that several of the most popular museums of the city are concentrated here, for example, the Royal Museum fine arts and the Museum of Musical Instruments. Combine the useful (visiting museums) with the pleasant - climb to the top of the hill: in clear weather, you can see the Atomium and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica from there, and the park also invites you to relax after the ascent.
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Mount Arts is located between the Royal Palace, the Parliament and the Palace of Justice. Open for visits on Monday-Friday from 09:00 to 18:00, on weekends - from 10:00 to 18:00. Closed December 25th and January 1st.
Address: Rue du Musee, 6.
Did you know that Brussels has its own shopping galleries older than the famous Vittorio Emanuele in Milan? If you didn’t know, then you need to visit the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert.
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Here, under one roof (or rather, a glass dome), in the galleries of the King, Queen and Princes, all kinds of shops and boutiques are collected, as well as cafes, pastry shops, cinemas and jewelry stores. Prices, of course, are far from budget, but the galleries are worth seeing for their architecture and exquisite design.
Address: The galleries are located next to the Grand Place at rue Galerie de la Reine, 5.
13. Rene Magritte Museum
Even if you do not consider yourself to be an amateur or connoisseur of painting, the museum of Rene Magritte, a Belgian surrealist painter, is worth a visit. What is the facade alone, designed in the form of a sketch for one of the painter's paintings (the canvas "Empire of Light")!
The museum's collection contains more than 200 paintings, drawings, sculptures, sketches and photographs, as well as some of the artist's personal belongings, which tell about the artist's creative path. There is also a cinema where you can watch a film about the famous Belgian.
The entrance ticket costs €8, for people over 60 years old - €6, for young people under 26 years old - €2. The museum is located on the Royal Square and is open from 10:00 to 18:00 from Wednesday to Sunday (except December 25 and January 1).
For those whose curiosity knows no bounds, the doors of the Brussels Museum of Natural Sciences are always open. Of course, it will be especially interesting for children, but adults will also find a lot of interesting things. Here you can learn everything (well, or almost everything) about the inhabitants of our planet who lived thousands of years ago, study a huge collection of minerals, moonstones and meteorites (2000 in total), and also find out how and where writing and counting appeared.
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Oh yeah, and don't forget the biggest meteorite ever to hit Europe! And for those who are not averse to testing their deductive skills, the attraction “Murder of the Museum Director” is arranged every day: everything is as it should be, with evidence, suspects and intrigue.
Museum opening hours: Tuesday-Friday - from 09:30 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - from 10:00 to 18:00. Tickets cost €7 (adult) and €4.50 (children aged 6-17) for the permanent exhibitions and €9.50 and €7 respectively for the permanent+temporary exhibitions.
Address: The museum is located next to the building of the European Parliament. You can get here by bus number 38 (stop Idalie) or 95 (stop Luxembourg), as well as buses number 34 and 80 (stop "Museum" directly opposite). By metro - line 1 or 5 to Maelbeek/Maalbeek station or lines 2 and 6 to Troon station.
Brussels is the capital of chocolate, which almost everyone knows about. And where, if not in local chocolate shops, to try this amazing delicacy? One of these stores is Leonidas at Boulevard Adolphe Max, 49. Chocolate of this brand has been among the favorites of not only locals, but also among city visitors for more than a hundred years, and all thanks to carefully kept recipes and craftsmanship.
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Those with a sweet tooth will find more than a hundred types of sweets with various fillings, as well as marzipans, chocolate-covered fruits, truffles and much more. Democratic prices will also please.
The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:30.
16. Gastronomic paradise on Rue des Bouchers
To diversify the impression of the Belgian capital, we advise you to arrange a mini-gastronomic tour and look into the place known as the "Womb of Brussels". Behind this frightening name lies a restaurant street filled to capacity with establishments of all sorts and stripes.
Brussels always turned out casually, on a tangent. A quick look at the main sights of Brussels: the Grand Place, Mannequin Pis, the Royal Palace, the Church of Saints Michael and Gudula, Belgian waffles, chocolate, cherry beer, lunch with a saucepan of mussels - and further: in, Bruges, Antwerp, ...
For the first time, the Grand Place blew me away. Indeed, this is the first attraction of Brussels, in this city (and, perhaps, in the whole of Europe) nothing compares to it.
Then there were two or three more such passages through Brussels. Grand Place was still delightful, but dissatisfaction settled in her soul. I saw beautiful houses in the Flemish style interspersed with modern glass-concrete buildings, well-groomed parks, representative churches. I wanted to master this space, to be an idle reveler in it, to feel its spirit.
The opportunity finally presented itself. Looking for tickets to, I found a good option with a transfer in Brussels. At 5 pm we arrived in Brussels from Moscow and a day later went to Milan.
Well, great. We took tickets, found a hotel in Brussels for the night. We chose the Hotel Windsor (13, Place Rouppe) - for walking distance to the Grand Place. The hotel is modest, 55 euros per night without breakfast. Does not take prepayment, cancellation up to two days before arrival - no penalty.
At 5 pm our plane landed at international airport Brussels.
Trains run from the airport to the city center (approximately every 15 minutes). Following the signs, we went down to the trains, bought a ticket from the machine.
There are three train stations in the center of Brussels: Brussels Nord (North), Brussels Centrale, Brussels du Midi (South). Another station was indicated on the map - Brussels de la Chapelle, between Centrale and Midi, and it was she who was closest to our hotel. But the train doesn't stop there.
So we got to the last station - Midi. From the airport to the city center, the train takes about a quarter of an hour.
Evening stroll around the Grand Place
By the time we left the station, it was already dark. It was raining. From Brussels du Midi, we had to go to Stalingrad Avenue and walk along it to Rupe Square, where our hotel was located.
The beginning of the avenue was not immediately found, we did circle. And the area seemed to us unpleasantly Arab, scary. And somehow there were few people on the streets.
Finally we found a "white" man - local resident with a dog, which put us on the straight highway of the avenue. And along it we have already cheerfully reached the Windsor Hotel.
Our room turned out to be small, but warm and cozy (in Lombardy, we appreciated what a blessing it was - the owner of the hotel severely saved on heating).
We dropped our things and went for a walk around the city. Stalingrad Avenue after Rup Square continued with Midi Street. We followed it.
At first deserted, as we approached the center of the rue du Midi, it became more and more lively.
And now, in the alley above the roofs of the houses, the tower of the Town Hall appeared, and in front there were the buildings of the Stock Exchange and the Church of St. Nicholas.
I didn't even realize it was that close.
There were brightly lit shops with souvenirs, with chocolate (God, what sweets were not there!).
At the chocolate shop
The Grand Place seemed unusually quiet. And it was somehow good - soft, quiet, calm. Illumination of buildings - silver-gold.
Evening Grand-Place
House of the King
In the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert (they are also called the “umbrella of Brussels”), a few tourists walked around.
Tulips at Hubert Gallery
On the rue de Boucher, nicknamed "the belly of Brussels," forks clinked as some dined at tables outside, but most sat inside the café. Through the windows one could see the open fire on the braziers.
Stained glass windows of the Church of St. Madeleine
On the streets of Brussels in the evening
An impromptu concert was going on in the square with the monument to Burgomaster Charles Buls. Apparently, the professional choir decided to sing for the soul, to the delight of others, and dispersed so much that it gathered a large crowd.
We first looked: people in jackets, on the street, some kind of amateur performance. But after listening to how harmoniously they sing, they decided that with such a repertoire and such voices it is quite possible to perform on a professional stage.
Entrance to the Toone Puppet Theater
In Brussels, there are often drawings on the facades of houses
Map of Brussels with attractions
Our route of the 2nd day on the map:
Brussels, Lower City
The next morning we woke up from the sound of the bell calling respectable parishioners to the service. I looked out the window: two bell towers rose above the roofs, well, not far away.
We soon left the hotel. By the way, we looked at Rup Square in daylight. It turned out to be quite pretty, with a fountain in the center.
Roop Square
Very quickly we found ourselves near the railway tracks, which in this place go along the border of the Lower and Upper cities.
A sharp rise - and we are near Notre Dame de la Chapelle, the 12th-century church in which Pieter Brueghel the Elder is buried (and he lived next door - on rue Haute).
Notre Dame De Chapelle
Before that, we walked through a completely empty city. The church was filled with people, there was a service.
Leaving Notre-Dame-de-la-Chapelle, we again went down to the Lower City and headed to the center.
Just houses
This is such a fun showcase.
Stumbled upon the remains of an old fortress wall.
Remains of the fortress wall
The city was also deserted. On Sunday morning, it must be assumed, part of the Belgians sits in churches for services, the other sleeps off. In any case, walking through the deserted European capital is a special pleasure.
Morning Brussels
So going down narrow street and turning our heads left and right, we suddenly found ourselves in front of the most famous fountain in Brussels - Pissing Boy (Dummy Pis) who, at this early hour, stood in utter solitude. Unusual picture.
Mannequin Pis
When we got to Grand Place, then for a while they were almost alone there. They walked across the deserted square from one house to another, examined. No, it is impossible to get used to beauty. Every time is like the first time.
Leaving the Grand Place
A film crew arrived, began filming something about Houses of the King. Flower growers appeared, began to arrange flower pots.
Film crew in front of the King's House
From the Grand Place, past Exchanges we walked to St. Catherine's Square.
Sculptures on the frieze
Behind the back of the Church of St. Catherine stands Black Tower, left from the fortress wall of the 12th century. The neighboring house (Novotel Brussels hotel) flows around it from three sides.
Black tower (which, in general, is not black)
Church of St. Catherine
On the left of Church of Saint Catherine begins a long narrow square. On one side is the Wood Quay (Quai Au Bois a Bruler), and on the other side is the Brick Quay (Quai Aux Briques). It looks like there used to be a canal here. Now in the center of the square is the metro station Sainte-Catherine.
Side facade of St. Catherine's Church
Pavilions in the center of the square - Sainte-Catherine metro station
The canal square ends with the Anspach fountain with an obelisk, sculptures, crocodiles. I was surprised to learn that the monument was erected in honor of Burgomaster Jules Anspach. Why are crocodiles here?
Fountain-monument to Burgomaster Aspakh
From the square at the end of one of the streets one could see the facade Church of John the Baptist at the Beginage.
Church of John the Baptist on the Beguinage
We went there. Inside the church, we felt completely alone for some time, until we came across two rows of tents set up in the side nave. From the sign it was clear that this was an Afghan refugee camp. We ran all the way to Brussels. And now they live in the church in tents.
Inside the church. Magnificent carved pulpit
Tents inside the church
Afghan refugee camp at the Church of John the Baptist
Two more churches followed: Saint Nicholas And Cathedral of Saint Michel and Saint Gudul.
Inside the cathedral
Cathedral decorated with stained glass windows
There were services everywhere and there were a lot of people.
Brussels, Upper City
From cathedral we climbed the steep streets to the Upper Town and very soon found ourselves near Palace of Nations. In the depths of the Rue de la Loie, with a strong approximation of the lens, one could see Triumphal Arch set before Ciftieth Anniversary Park.
In front of the Palace of Nations there is a small pleasant park with sculptures. The branches of the trees are twisted and ruthlessly stretched, so that they stretch along the frame in straight parallel lines.
Palace of Nations
Park between the Palais des Nations and the Royal Palace
Once upon a time, the Russian Tsar Peter and his retinue bathed in one of the fountains of this park. In one of the ravines, a monument was erected to the wonderful Russian Tsar.
Behind the park - wide Palace Square With royal palace.
Royal Palace
The flag at the Royal Palace is half-mast - enachit, the king is absent. In the absence of the king, tours of the palace are held.
Near the right wing of the Palace is the Museum of Dynasties. Between the palace and the museum there is a passage to the courtyard. There we found summer cafe and a magnolia garden.
patio with magnolia
Behind the Royal Palace is another big square: Royal. In the center of it is an equestrian monument to Gottfried of Bouillon, one of the leaders of the first crusade.
Monument to Gottfried of Bouillon
The rider looks at the Lower City, which is perfectly visible from the square; a steep, wide descent leads to it. Between the Lower and Upper towns on this slope there is a terrace with monumental buildings and a luxurious flower garden - Mount Arts.
Gottfried looks up at the spire of the Town Hall. Between them - Mount Arts
At the very beginning of the descent, on the right, there is a remarkable Art Nouveau building - Old England. Now there is a museum of musical instruments. Visitors are given headphones and when approaching some musical instrument the melody played on this instrument sounds in the headphones.
Museum of Musical Instruments
Behind the horseman's back is a high light temple with a representative portal on columns - Church of St. James on Kudanberg. Secular buildings adjoin it on both sides, so you can’t immediately say that this is a church.
Church of St. James on Kudanberg
Inside, it is trimmed with white stone, light and solemn, without frills. Lots of photos of the royal family. This main church armed forces of Belgium.
Church inside
Photograph of the royal family
The church also houses the genealogical tree of the royal family - a very modest
A little obliquely from it - which consists of two museums: old masters and modern art. Tickets to each museum are separate, cost 8 euros. When buying a ticket at the box office (the box office is general), you need to clarify what you need: “old masters” or “art modern”.
The museum is amazing, lovers of Old Flemish painting will be delighted. Bosch, Memling, Brueghel, Rubens ...
Phantasmagoria Bosch
Brussels is a city built on a swamp
The street in front of the Museum of Fine Arts (rue de la Regens) is closed by a huge Palace of Justice. In the people, he is nicknamed "mammoth". In our time, its facade was covered with scaffolding.
Palace of Justice, or "mammoth"
On the way to the Palace of Justice, we passed a gothic church made of light beige stone - Notre Dame du Sablon, went into a lovely garden Petit Sablon, along the perimeter of which there are sculptures depicting representatives of various crafts.
Notre Dame du Sablon
Petit Sablon Garden
Artisan figurines
In the depths of the garden is a fountain-monument to Egmont and Gorn, fighters for the independence of the Low Countries from Spain, beheaded on the Grand Place.
Poelaert Square in front of the Palace of Justice is a match for the building itself, and, in general, in Belgium, as I understand it, they don’t save on squares and show the “goods” (i.e. palaces and churches) with their faces.
In the center of the square there is a war memorial crowned with a golden crown.
war memorial
And on the edge there is an observation deck from which Brussels, more precisely, the Lower City, is visible at a glance.
Observation deck
Directly in front of us was the bell tower of Notre-Dame-de-la-Chapelle, a little further - the white spire of the City Hall, and with a strong approximation, the crystal lattice was also visible Atomium.
Town Hall Spire
Atomium in the distance
To the left, another “mammoth, or even a “mastodon” bulged out of the thick of the city - Basilica of the Sacred Heart. When it was built at the beginning of the last century, it was assumed that the church could accommodate all the inhabitants of Brussels. The dome of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart can be reached by lift.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Marveling at lower Brussels, we approached the Palace of Justice.
Palace of Justice
Grandiose building. Everything is gigantic: columns, openings, flights of stairs, statues. You feel like an ant. I thought: maybe all this pomposity is a consequence of the smallness and youth of the state of Belgium. Probably, countries also have a “Napoleon complex”.
Another film crew
So observation deck we went down to the Lower City by elevator. There was only time to have lunch, and it was already necessary to move to the airport.
At first we wanted to eat a traditional mussel casserole, but for too long we walked around the city and among the paintings in the Museum of Fine Arts, so we ran into the first cafe we liked and contented ourselves with potatoes with sausages and a mug of beer.
While we were waiting for the order, we unfolded the map - which station should we run to next? Like Gare de Bruxelles Centrale is the closest.
We ate, went to look for the central station. And he ended up not far from the square with the mustachioed burgomaster, behind the high and narrow Church of the Magdalene. There begins a decline, I even thought that this was the entrance to some kind of underground museum. It turned out this Central station hidden underground.
There we spent some time looking for a ticket machine. Finally, tickets were bought, and we went to the airport, soon to soar into the sky and once again look at the suburbs of Brussels from above.
That's all we managed to see in one day in Brussels. The sights of Brussels and the surrounding area will be enough for more than one trip: the following times there are Atomium, Sacré-Coeur (in both cases go upstairs), Mini-Europe, numerous museums and parks.
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The tiny square is located right in the center of Brussels, attracting tourists with powerful trees, a pond with floating birds and a stunning sculpture of a girl. The first time you get into this square, you are overwhelmed by strange sensations: mysterious gothic and friendly birds.
Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis - 61 cm naughty, who glorified not only Brussels, but the whole of Belgium. The kid has a lot of admirers and every day the army of fans is growing relentlessly.
By the way, the baby has a touching life story. More precisely, there are a lot of them, but this one is the most well-known. In general, this story tells about a father who lost his son. After a long search, he found him pissing just in the place where the fountain is now located. The happy father was so moved that he erected this fountain as a token of gratitude to fate for saving his son.
Since then, the boy grants wishes. You just need to touch it, well, then believe.
The boy is popular all over the world. It has become a tradition to give him all kinds of costumes and uniforms. The first costume for Manneken Pis was sent by Maximilian Emmanuel of Bavaria in 1698. A lot of time has passed since then and now the boy's wardrobe consists of 700 suits.
By the way, not far from the boy, a girl is pissing (a pissing girl is a symbol of equality). They are accompanied by a pissing dog. She, according to the plan of her creator - the sculptor Tom Franzen, is a symbol of the unification of different cultures in Brussels.
In general, be careful when visiting the city.
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Atomium
The Atomium is a symbolic model of the iron molecule built for the 1958 World's Fair, right at the time of active research into atomic energy. The Atomium consists of nine spheres with a diameter of 18 meters, interconnected by special pipes. Six of the nine spheres are available for visiting. The Atomium was supposed to be dismantled after the exhibition, but since it became too popular place, it was decided to leave it.
Today, there is a museum here, where you can learn about the past exhibition and, in general, learn a lot about atomic energy. And having risen on the elevator to a height of 122 meters, you can admire the panoramic view of Brussels.
Brussels Airport is the largest airport in Belgium, located in the nearest suburb of Brussels, the city of Zaventem. More than once it was recognized as the best airport in Europe.
Today, Brussels Airport is able to serve up to 20 million passengers a year. The huge passenger terminal simultaneously employs about 15,000 people serving travelers who can use the services of 209 airlines.
It is Brussels Airport that has become home to Jet Airways, Brussels Airlines and EVA Air, which organize their flights to all parts of Europe, which makes Brussels perhaps the main airport in the region. This Belgian airport has been repeatedly awarded the title best airport Europe.
You can get to the airport by railway, which fits directly under the passenger terminal. You can travel by train to both Brussels and Paris.
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is located in Brussels. The exhibits of the museum began to be collected by the Austrian rulers who ruled on the territory of the modern Netherlands. At the end of the 18th century, there was an invasion of French troops, who subsequently began to export various paintings to Paris. Those exhibits that were the most fortunate were open to the public in an exhibition created by Napoleon.
Children's Museum
The Brussels Children's Museum is an exhibition and entertainment center dedicated to the all-round development of children. The museum regularly hosts exhibitions and interactive activities designed to help children get to know themselves and others better.
Exhibitions and games organized by the museum help children become more open, tolerant and hospitable towards others. Under the guidance of instructors, children discuss topics such as communication, fear, self-confidence, imagination and others to gain life experience.
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Palace of Justice
Brussels Palace of Justice, which houses the main judicial chamber of Belgium, is one of the main attractions of the city and architectural monument eclectic style. The building is considered the largest structure built in the 19th century.
The Palace of Justice is a huge building, with sides measuring 150 and 160 meters and an area of 26,000 square meters, which is larger than St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
The dome, soaring to a height of 104 meters, weighs 24,000 tons. In total, there are 8 courtyards, 27 large and 245 small courtrooms and other premises on the territory of the building. The view of the palace is impressive for its size and serves as an excellent landmark in the city.
The most popular attractions in Brussels with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places Brussels on our website.
Individual and group
More attractions in Brussels
Amazing Brussels! That is what tourists who came here for the first time call this city. The capital of Belgium can really surprise you, because the architecture of the city harmoniously combines several styles, from the Middle Ages to Art Nouveau.
Among the many sights of Brussels, graffiti in the style of comics are of particular pride. On the walls of houses here you can see illustrations fascinating stories from the life of famous characters, and then, walking around the square, be sure to taste hot chocolate and Belgian waffles, because this is also a national landmark!
Top attractions in Brussels
For those who are just going to Belgium, consider the TOP of the best attractions that you should definitely see in Brussels.
Historically, Brussels is divided into 2 parts, the upper and lower city. In ancient times, this division was not only territorial, but also class. Artisans and merchants lived in the lower part of the city, while the rich, nobles and representatives of the royal family lived upstairs. Today, this distinction is no longer on the map, but it is in appearance these areas. You can get from one part of the city to another along stone stairs and steep roads, which tell tourists about crossing the border of the region.
The lower city is a web of narrow paved medieval streets, where to this day there are souvenir shops, small shops, cozy cafes and small museums. It is from this part of the city that it is advised to start your an amusing trip experienced guides, because many interesting and unusual sights of Brussels are concentrated here.
The upper part of the city is significantly different from the lower. The streets here are spacious, there are many parks of squares and alleys. This part of Brussels is also famous for its unique churches, museums and magnificent palaces. It is here that the main historical monuments of the country are concentrated. IN Upper city and is now home to the reigning monarch's family. The royal residence was built in the 11th century and is still used for living.
Today, the upper part of the city looks mostly like many megacities in Europe, however, despite the massive construction of the 50s, there are still a lot of ancient buildings which are well preserved and still in use today. This unusual neighborhood of the Middle Ages and modernity makes the city unique in its own way. There are no old and new districts here, and in the center you can see beautiful palaces and major landmarks framed by modern buildings.
The Grand Place is the center of historic Brussels. Huge area, framed by majestic buildings, has rich history which is confirmed by the photo with the description. You can get to the square from any corner of the lower city, because all its streets lead here. In the very center of the square there is a magnificent flower bed. This carpet is made from millions of begonias, which create a single multi-colored ornament. It is noteworthy that a flower bed is planted once every 2 years, only in even years. This tradition dates back to 1971. total area The ensemble occupies 1800 sq.m.
The Grand Place is surrounded by magnificent majestic buildings. Here you can see the House of the Tailor, the House of the Boatman, the Baker, the House of the Star and even the House of the Swan. The Bread House is also located here, which today is commonly called the House of the King. Each of the buildings has its own architectural design, which makes the area unique in terms of mixing styles. This square is recognized as the most beautiful square in Europe.
This museum complex is one of the largest in the world, which contains a unique collection of paintings and sculptures of ancient and modern art. During the invasion of Napoleon, most of the exposition was confiscated and taken to Paris. It was possible to return the exhibits only after the overthrow of the Emperor. Today, the complex includes several museums, tickets for which must be purchased separately. The exhibition features works by such great artists as Van Gogh, Rubens, Hals, Rodin, David and others. The complex is located in close proximity to the Royal Palace and includes 6 separate galleries.
The gallery of ancient art is represented by paintings of the XIV-XVIII centuries. There are more than 1,000 items here, among which the collections of Dutch and Flemish paintings are of the greatest value. In the Museum of Modern Art, you can admire the paintings of Van Gogh, David and Rodin. The complex also includes the End of the Century Gallery, the Marguerite Museum, the Wirtz Gallery and the Meunier Gallery.
This exhibition is located in the upper part of Brussels and presents the most grandiose architectural structures in Europe in miniature. The park covers an area of 24,000 sq.m. A tour of the park will be interesting for both children and adults. Getting to this place, one gets the impression of a full-scale journey through the most beautiful places Europe. Here you will be met by the Eiffel Tower, the famous Big Ben, the Stockholm City Hall and other world-famous attractions. In total, the park has 350 miniatures from 80 cities. Mini Europe Park is not just a collection of miniature buildings, it is a living country where trains run, ferries cross the English Channel and even Vesuvius erupts!
For history buffs, there is a separate corner that will tell you about all the countries of the European Union separately. Here you can also find out the history of the creation of the union, and which states entered it. Theme park was created by the most famous architects of the country, who recreated each exhibit in great detail.
This magnificent temple of the mid-19th century is located on the outskirts of Brussels in the Muslim quarter. The church is unique architectural style, which today is commonly called neo-Byzantine. It is noteworthy, but this is the only building in this style in the country, which is why thousands of tourists from all over the world come to see the church every year. high towers and the spiers of the temple rise above the rest of the buildings of the quarter, and therefore the church is visible from afar. Today, services are not held in the temple, and the church has become an architectural historical monument. Excursions around the temple are also not carried out and it can only be viewed from the outside, due to the poor condition of the interior.
