Buy here the tickets for the best attractions and museums in Brussels.
top 10 attractions in Brussels
1 The Atomium
Most iconic attraction in Brussels!
The Atomium was built to be the Belgian pavillion during the Brussels World's Fair in 1958, the so-called Expo 58. It represents one elemental cell of pure iron that played an important role in the optimistic view of development in the 1950s. It has the cubic spatially centered structure, like pure iron at room temperature and under atmospheric pressure. It was decided during construction that the spheres should not be made of steel, but of aluminum, an emerging material at the time. Pobably the reason was that aluminum was significantly more resistant to corrosion than steel at the time. According to the original plan, the building would not remain in place for more than six months. At the end of the World's Fair, however, it was decided to leave the building, which had meanwhile become very popular and well-known among Belgians and tourists. The Atomium is a steel construction consisting of nine spheres, each with a diameter of 18 meters. The building was designed by engineer André Waterkeyn. Five of the nine spheres are open to the public. |
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2 Mini-Europe
Mini-Europe is a miniature park situated at the foot of the Atomium.
The visitor can take a walk in a domain of 2.5 ha along miniature versions of the most representatives buildings and monuments in the European Union. All models are designed on a scale of 1:25. Today Mini-Europe welcomes more than 400.000 visitors each season from all over the world. The monuments have been selected for their architectural quality and for their European symbol. After this first selection, you have to find the plans and photos. Parts are constructed from various materials and then copied by molding silicone. The final copy is made of epoxy resin (at the beginning) and polyester (currently). The models are then enriched with details such as statues. Then comes painting on the Mini-Europe site. Finally, the monument is installed on site with decorations and light. The tower of Pisa and the castle of Chenonceau are made of real marble. A new computer milling technique was used for three models. Santiago de Compostela required more than 24,000 hours of work. |
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3 Choco Story museum & workshop
This interactive museum was founded in 1998 on the initiative of Jo Draps, the daughter of Pierre Draps, one of the founders of the famous Belgian chocolatier Godiva.
By visiting the interactive Choco-Story Brussels, you will learn how first the Mayas, then the Aztecs, grew cocoa trees, how the cocoa bean conquered Europe and how cocoa is made into chocolate. Two old Belgian families passionate about chocolate joined forces to offer a playful and gourmet museum, a showcase for quality chocolate. Tasting chocolate is of course a part of the tour and there is a shop for those of you who want more! A master chocolate maker makes artisanal pralines every opening day under the eyes of visitors. |
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4. Hop on hop off toots bus
Uncover the city's hidden gems with a hop-on hop-off bus ticket. Enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace, hopping off at whatever stops catch your eye. See the city's most iconic sights – and maybe even some off-the-beaten-path treasures – with both the blue and the red lines.
Hop on the red route and see top sights including the Palace of Fine Arts, the Sablons quarter, and the European Parliament. Look out at museums including the Musical Instruments Museum, Horta Museum, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. Stop at Place Royale and enjoy breathtaking views. On the blue route, admire Saints-Michel-et-Gudule Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens, and the famous Atomium. Experience the city's authentic side and visit the Marolles neighborhood. This vibrant area offers a mix of old and new, traditional cuisine, vintage shops, and a festive atmosphere. |
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5. Old Masters & FIn-de-siècle Collections
Founded in 1801 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium gained significance in 1830 with Belgian independence.
Explore Brussels' history (1868-1914) at the Fin-de-Siècle Museum, featuring diverse art forms from Impressionism to Symbolism. Notable artists include James Ensor, Victor Horta, and Paul Gauguin. In the Old Masters collection (15th-18th centuries), discover masterpieces by Rogier van der Weyden, Hans Memling, Hieronymus Bosch, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder. The 17th and 18th centuries highlight Flemish artists like Rubens and Van Dyck, along with French and Italian masters. |
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6. Magritte Museum
The Musée Magritte Museum, located in the heart of Brussels, brings together the world's largest collection of the renowned surrealist artist René Magritte: 230 works and archives are displayed. The multidisciplinary space houses paintings, gouaches, drawings, sculptures and painted objects, as well as advertising posters, musical scores, photographs and films.
The selection of works exhibited in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium is constantly expanding with a changing selection of external loans. The Musée Magritte Museum has already received 8 nominations and prizes. Every year more than 300,000 visitors come here for all over the world to discover the life and the works of René Magritte. |
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7. Brussels Card
Choose from a 24, 48, or 72 hour option and a large variety of popular museums and attractions in Brussels. Visit the same museum as many times as you like with this easy-to-use Brussels Card. You’ll have free access to all permanent collections of the museums. The discounts for the various attractions, tours, shops, restaurants, and bars provided in the booklet you’ll receive when you exchange your voucher are for single use only, but the discounts remain valid even after the Brussels Card has expired.
Museums (Free entry): AfricaMuseum Art & History Museum Art & Marges Museum Autoworld Brussels Autrique House Belgian Beer World Belgian Chocolate Village Belgian Comic Strip Center Belgian Museum of Freemasonry BELvue Museum Fashion & Lace Museum Fin-de-Siècle Museum, etc. Attractions (discounts), Shops (discounts), Restaurants and Bars (discounts), Alternative Transportation |
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8. Belgian Beer World
The Belgian Beer World is an interactive learning experience.
Immerse yourself in the history of Belgian beer brewing on a fun journey through innovative exhibits and see why national beer is globally recognized with a delightful tasting. Located in Brussels' Stock Exchange (Bourse) building, step into Belgian Beer World, a tribute to Belgium's rich beer brewing heritage. Journey through the history and artistry of more than a hundred Belgian breweries, ranging from quaint family-run businesses to large-scale operations. Delve into the fascinating stories of brewing families, uncover the secrets behind the brewing process, and admire the amazing variety of beers. Interact with informative installations that capture the essence of Belgitude and enjoy a tantalizing tasting session to end your adventure. Included: 1 beer tasting at the rooftop of the Museum with a stunning view on the city. |
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9. The World of Banksy Museum
Banksy is undoubtedly today’s most famous and controversial street artist. Visitors will discover the master of street art in a comprehensive and immersive experience.
The Banksy Museum gives a new lease of life to Banksy’s street creations – as many of them have disappeared. Over 130 pieces of art and real-size murals are presented in the unique premises of a previous fabric house in the city centre, near Place De Brouckere. The Museum resolutely sets out to introduce Banksy and his unusual approach through the creativity he has shown in the streets all over the world. We welcome you in a magical place, full of history and we give you the opportunity to discover Banksy in all tranquillity. |
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10. LEGO Discovery Centre
Allow your kids to live out their craziest fantasies with a visit to Brussels' interactive LEGO Discovery Centre. Explore more than 3,000 m2 of games and 12 activity zones, in a unique immersive place dedicated to children between 2 and 10 years old, as well as their families.
Build your own Minifigure and begin your adventure with them. Marvel at MINI WORLD created from bricks, play with over 2 million LEGO bricks, attend a creative workshop led by Master Model Builders, take a train ride through LEGO world, and watch exclusive LEGO movies in the 4D Cinema. |
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