Brussels Things To Do

Grand Place
One of the world's most beautiful squares lies in the heart of the Lower Town (Down Town). The baroque and gothic architecture can been seen in the merchant guild houses that line the square. The magnificent gothic Hotel de Ville (City Hall) was built in the 15th century and is adorned with numerous sculptures and an intricate 96 metre high tower topped by a gilded statue of St Michael. It was one of the only buildings in the square to survive the French bombardment in 1695. Work begun to restore the square to its former glory and within 5 years most of the guild houses had been rebuilt. Today it is one of Brussels main tourist attractions and many of the guild houses are open to the public displaying tapestries and murals depicting the history of the city. There are numerous cafes and restaurants spilling out onto the square and more located in the surrounding cobbled streets making it a perfect location for sampling one of Belgium's famous beers. The square is well worth a visit in the evening as well, as the buildings are beautifully illuminated.

City Hall (Hotel de Ville), Grand Place
It is possible to view the elegant official rooms in the City Hall, amongst them the flamboyant 18th century Council Chamber with its tapestries and frescoes.

Manneken-Pis
This tiny statue is famous as Belgium's national symbol. Sculpted in bronze in 1619 it replaced the stone version nicknamed "Little Julian" which stood in the same site since the 14th century. The statue is now so well known the city has appointed a special keeper to give him a daily polish and dress him in one of the many ceremonial costumes sent from around the world and now displayed in the Museum of the City of Brussels.

St Nicolas Church, 1 Rue au Beurre
Brussels oldest church was founded in the 11th century and along with the City Hall survived the bombardment of 1695. Today it is a calm oasis of medieval sanctity with some services in English.

Royales Galeries Sint-Hubert
North east of the Grand Place is Europe's oldest glass arcade designed by JP Cluysenaer and opened by Leopold I in 1847. Restored to its former glory in 2000, the iron and glass arcade comes complete with marble columns, statues and lamps and is home to the Theatre Royal des Galeries, many old fashioned boutiques selling fabulous jewellery, lace, hats and bags as well as trendy cafes. Well worth a visit for the stunning architecture alone.

Theatre de la Monnaie, Place de la Monnaie
This neo classical opera house was the site of the Belgian uprising in 1830 when the audience were so inspired by the song "Sacred Love of the Fatherland" they rushed outside to join the protesting workers. Together they attacked the Dutch garrison and the flag of Brabant was raised. Belgium achieved independence within the year. The beautiful ornate interior as well as the historical importance of the Opera House makes it well worth a visit.

Atomium, Boulevarad du Centenaire
The space age atomium, which was built for 1958 International Exhibition, is a model of the nine atoms of an iron molecule magnified 165 billion times. A high speed elevator takes you to the top sphere offering a panoramic view of the city.

Place des Martyrs
The square, lined with neo classical buildings and its monument of mourning angels in honour of the 445 revolutionaries who gave their lives for their country in the fight for independence in 1830, is currently under renovation and being restored to its former glory.

Notre Dame de Bon Secours, Boulevard Anspach
Designed by Willem de Bruyn and built in the 17th century this baroque masterpiece is a beautiful example of Flemish Renaissance style.

Notre Dame aux Riches Claires, 21 Rue des Riches Claires
Built in 1665, this delightful asymmetrical church reopened in 2000 after extensive renovations that have restored it to its former glory.

Royal Palace (Palais Royal), Place des Palais
The original Royal Palace was destroyed by fire in 1731 and was replaced by the current building in the 19th century. Late summer gives visitors a chance to see some of the state rooms which are opens to the public. Changing of the guard happens daily at 2.30pm.

Cathedral of St Michel and Gudule (Cathedrale de Sts Michel et Gudule)
Although only a 5 minute walk from the Grand Place, it often gets overlooked by visitors as it's surrounded by modern buildings and somewhat lost between the Lower and Upper Towns. Named after Brussels two patron saints the cathedral has undergone an extensive renovation and restoration programme and scaffolding finally came down in time for the royal marriage of Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde in 1999. Work started on the cathedral in the early 13th century and was finally completed by the end of the 15th and consequently displays many different architectural styles.

Palais des Beaux-Arts, 23 Rue Ravenstein
Built in 1928 the Palais des Beaux-Arts was the first building in the world to house concert halls, theatres, cinemas, restaurants and shops all under one roof. Designed by Victor Horta, it is a fine example of art nouveau and elegantly combines all its separate elements. Acoustics were improved when renovations were completed in 1996 and the Palais now plays hosts too many exhibitions, concerts and dance performances.

Palace of Justice (Palais de Justice), Place Poelaert
The Palace of Justice was, on completion in 1883, the biggest building in Europe. Most people find it an imposing building both outside and in and its sheer size is equally daunting. There is a public lift (open Summer 2002) that links upper and lower town and a good view over northern Brussels from the terrace at the front of the building.

Palace of Charles V (Palais Coudenberg)
The former home of the Dukes of Burgundy was burnt down in 1731 and then built over and forgotten about. In the 1930s the site was rediscovered and work started on its excavations but it is only since the year 2000 that the public are able to visit. The restoration work revealed the Aula Magna, a huge ceremonial room once used by the Dukes of Burgundy and the Emperor Charles V along with a chapel and underground street Rue d'Isabelle.

St Jean Baptiste au Beguinage, Place du Beguinage
This church is one of the finest examples of Flemish baroque architecture in the city. Its interior is full of light and filled with paintings by the 17th century Belgium painter Van Loon.

Notre Dame du Sablon, 3B Rue de la Regence
Built in the 15th and 16th centuries and with its 14 metre high stained glass windows, this is without a doubt one of the most beautiful gothic churches in the city.

Place du Grand Sablon and Place du Petit Sablon
South west of the Royal Quarter and a 10/15 minute stroll from the Grand Place, is the delightful Sablon district. With its restaurants, bars and cafes with tables spilling out onto the streets, the Sablon area is worth a visit even if you are not hunting antiques from one of the many shops and dealers that the area is famous for. At the weekends the neighbourhood turns into a teeming market with stalls selling antiques, art and quirky home furnishings.

Palais de Charles de Lorraine, 1 Place du Musee
The Royal Library owns this 18th century building which opened to the public for the first time in 2000. It contains art, furniture, photography and documents from the time when Charles was governor general of the Austrian Netherlands.

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