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 Tribute to science |
Atomium Square Brussels 1020 Belgium +32 (0)2 475 4777 http://www.atomium.be/ info@atomium.be |
This unique structure is located near famous places of interest such as Brupark, Oceade, Mini-Europe and Brussels' Exhibition Park. Engineer André Waterkeyn designed this wonderful building for the 1958 World Exhibition. It is a crystal molecule of iron atom that has been magnified billions of times. Nine massive irons spheres (representing the nine Belgian provinces) are held together by iron corridors. The construction is 102m high and weighs no less than 2,400 tons. You can take a lift, once the fastest in the world, to the top for a view of the city. There's also an exhibition of the Atomium in comics from 1958 to the present, and a film on the building's construction. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: O Belgos |
 Photo: Colin O'Brien  |
 Photo: Simon Laird |
 Photo: peter.ca |
 Photo: zeroK |
 Photo: ray-gun |
 Photo: jaqian |
 Photo: Vincent Birlouez |
 Photo: David Harding |
 Photo: Irene Ruscalleda |
 Photo: Vincent Halsberghe |
 Photo: Patrick Wilken |
 Photo: Jeffrey Gelens |
 Photo: Christian |
 Photo: Eric Schweichler |
 Photo: Jean Smith |
 Photo: grrrrl |
 Photo: Dave Hobson |
 Photo: Paul Van Praet |
 Photo: Peter Gutierrez |
 Photo: Jenny |
 Photo: Wolfensteijn |
 Best of world music |
4 Avenue Ernest Claes Tour & Taxis Brussels 1160 Belgium +32 (0)900 2 6060 (Informatie) http://www.couleurcafe.be/ news@couleurcafe.org |
For three days in June and July, Brussels is transformed into an unspecified, but warm, hot, exotic city. The world music festival Couleur Café brings together a variety of groups, performing on 3 stages (in tents for 12,000, 4,000 and 2,500 people). Past acts have included Alpha Blondy, The Wailers, The Skatalites, Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Fred Wesley and Youssou N'Dour. But even more than music, this great festival provides a fantastic atmosphere, with world cuisine, cocktails, shops and fireworks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Dudley Curtis |
 Photo: Frank Dhooghe |
 Photo: Christopher Soghoian |
 Photo: Peter Forret |
 Photo: Aeclectrick Records |
 Photo: Riccardo Bonuccelli |
 Photo: Riccardo Bonuccelli |
 Photo: Cheryl Cooper |
 Photo: Pieter Dewulf |
 For kids great and small |
Boulevard du Midi Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 513 8940 (Informatie voor toeristen) |
The largest fair of the country, Foire du Midi offers everything a kid, big or small, could dream of. Hundreds of fairground attractions, both hyper-modern and traditional, and lots of stands selling the traditional fairground food: croustillons, macarons, waffles of all sorts, etc. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Frank Dhooghe |
 Photo: Séverine Pouplard |
 Photo: nil ramos |
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Brussels Belgium |
In the lower city you'll find Grand Place and the famous Manneken Pis, the symbol of Brussels, a small, sometimes clad, statue of a peeing boy. Sights such as the Cathedral of St. Michel, Place du Sablon and Mont des Arts and the city's main shopping complexes are also located here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Garth |
 Photo: Zoe Jackson |
 Photo: Meredith Adams-Smart |
 Photo: Zoe Jackson |
 Photo: Meredith Adams-Smart |
 Photo: H Anderson |
 Photo: Megumi Ito |
 Photo: Jiri Bures |
 Photo: José L. Roldán |
 Photo: Darren Wilson |
 Photo: Jeff |
 Photo: Stuart Carrison |
 Photo: Darryl Jacks |
 Photo: Stéphane Vervalle |
 Photo: Daniel Rhatigan |
 Photo: irenejshen |
 Photo: dvd2layer |
 Photo: Sarah Clarke |
 Photo: Chris Lock |
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Most splendid square in Europe |
Grote Markt Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 513 8940 (Informatie voor Toeristen) |
This has been called the most splendid market square in Europe. Its esplanade is completely enclosed by tall, gabled, Flemish Renaissance buildings dripping with ornamentation and statues. It is alive with daily commerce and a colorful flower market. Impressive as it is by day, it is even more beautiful at night in the golden glow of floodlights. During spring and summer evenings there is a light show that shouldn't be missed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Lee Braverman |
 Photo: Elena Merelo Molina |
 Photo: Mel & John Kots |
 Photo: David M. Smith/KPC |
 Photo: Lesley Trites |
 Photo: Niels Heyvaert |
 Photo: Stompy |
 Photo: Lee Braverman |
 Photo: Gonzalo Rojas |
 Photo: Tim Zunneberg |
 Photo: Pernilla Lindquist |
 Photo: bram_souffreau |
 Photo: Vitor Cunha |
 Photo: marionnetje |
 Photo: Irene Brand |
 Photo: Dirk |
 Photo: Laura Rebreanu |
 Photo: _ |
 Photo: flo21 |
 Photo: laurakgibb |
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Connecting upper and lower Brussels |
Naamsestraat 10 Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 507 1212 (Informatie voor toeristen) http://www.kunstberg.be |
The old Mont-des-Arts (Arts Hill) was a series of stairs bordered by statues and trees, connecting uptown (Place Royale) and downtown (Grand Place). In 1958, it was reshaped and two enormous buildings arrived - the Congress Centre and the Royal Library Albert 1, better known as Albertina, where nearly 4 million books are housed. The Belgian state has also endowed the site with scientific, economic and cultural institutions, such as the Rijksarchief (National Archive) and the Paleis voor Schone Kunsten (Palace of Fine Arts). From the French terrace garden you have a beautiful view of the city centre. Under the archway there is a large clock with moving statuettes. The chimes in the clock play by turns - following Belgian tradition - a Flemish and a French song. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Stijn Nieuwendijk |
 Photo: Mel & John Kots |
 Photo: Michel Raj |
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A wee boy who attracts attention from all |
Rue de L'Etuve Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 513 8940 (Tourist Information) |
Manneken Pis means as much to Brussels as the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty mean to Paris and New York. The tiny statue was cast in bronze in 1619 by Jerome Duquesnoy but was unfortunately destroyed. Another was cast to replace it in 1630. Seemingly destined to doom, the replacement was repeatedly attacked by the English and the French. The spirit of the tiny boy could not be annihilated however, and his remaining fragments were gathered up and used to form the mould from which today's Manneken Pis was cast. During high season, visitors from around the world gather to see the little, weeing statue's ever-changing wardrobe. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Po Chin Tan |
 Photo: Nate Little |
 Photo: Graham Newson |
 Photo: Eva Hansson, Sweden |
 Photo: spencer0 |
 Photo: Emma Line |
 Photo: Martijn Herrman |
 Photo: Carina Ong Su Yin |
 Photo: Noriko Okumura |
 Photo: Silviu Simbotelecan |
 Photo: ridefrenzy |
 Photo: Easy Skywalker |
 Photo: Andy O'Donnell |
 Photo: Craig Smith |
 Photo: Jay |
 Photo: Eric A. Seiden |
 Photo: Lokhin Tsui |
 Photo: Alvaro Arce |
 Photo: Joanna Barczuk |
 Photo: joywowjoy |
 Photo: tatikprice |
 Photo: Stelian Trandafir |
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Europe at your feet |
1 Avenue du Football Brussels 1020 Belgium +32 (0)2 474 1313 http://www.minieurope.com/ info@minieurope.com |
Visit all of Europe's highlights in miniature form. No need for the Chunnel: Big Ben is really just a few paces from the Eiffel Tower. Added to the fun is the fact that you don't just admire Mini Europe's sights, you can also participate. Want to erupt Vesuvius? Just press the button. Want to tear the Berlin Wall down once again? Go ahead. The miniature trees and plants in the park make everything appear realistic in scale. On weekends during the high season you can also visit at night and watch the musical firework display. Fun for young and old. Check website or call for admission details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Michael Tokar and Li |
 Photo: Jeremy Bassett-Smith |
 Photo: Laela Z. |
 Photo: simonprice |
 Photo: Timothy E Baldwin |
 Photo: Colin Hodges |
 Photo: Samie333 |
 Photo: Redo Egzital |
 Rich Belgian chocolates |
1 Boulevard de Waterloo 1 Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 514 1965 http://www.neuhaus.be/ |
This chocolatier has been around since 1857 and is known for its rich and pricy pralines. The chocolatier guarantees satisfaction, however, or your money back. Their slogan is, "In Belgium praline means fine chocolate and Neuhaus means 'the finest Praline'". Pralines come filled with fresh cream, caramel, liquor and fruit. Neuhaus also sells truffles. There are several other locations throughout the city—hit the website for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Klara |
 Photo: Ludovic Copéré |
 Photo: Dolan Halbrook |
 Photo: sogarsichselbstbezwi |
 Photo: Christian Glatz |
 Photo: Andrew Nolan |
 Photo: Amanda Jin |
 Photo: Lillian Kim |
 Photo: Ignacio Seron Holley |
 Photo: Mark J. Levitt |
 Photo: Gunnar Hovgard |
 Photo: mycookinghut |
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Colossal justice building |
Poelaertplein Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 508 6578 |
King Leopold II was an ambitious man. He was phenomenally rich and wished to turn his capital into the most impressive in the world. He instructed one of his favorite architects, Joseph Poelaert (1811-1879), to build a Palace of Justice on Galgenveld (Gallows Field, where criminals used to be hanged). Constructed during 1866-1883, it was for a long time the world's largest building. Poelaert went insane and died before his gigantic, neo-Gothic building was finished. Tours (lasting 1.5 hours) are free, but reserve two weeks in advance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Peter Forret |
 Photo: Larina |
 Photo: François Angers |
 Photo: Daniel M. Perez |
 Photo: Finn Pröpper |
 Photo: Janet Freysoldt |
 Photo: Daniel M. Perez |
 Photo: sussexhouse |
 Photo: JE Gutierrez Chavez |
 Photo: williamkrusche |
 Photo: Shannon |
 Photo: Brian Lenihan |
 Photo: Harish Krishnan |
 Photo: Elizabeth Anderson |
 Photo: Jessica Wright |
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Capital city |
Rue de Louvain 13 Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 549 81 36 (Informatie voor toeristen) http://www.senate.be/deutsch/i... |
This imposing neoclassical building is part of Belgium's government quarter, situated around Warandepark. Belgian Parliament consists of a Chamber of Representatives of the People and a Senate. Together with the king they form the executive branch of government. Since 1830, the parliament meets in the National Palace, built in 1779 when Maria-Theresia of Austria acceded to the throne. The building has two half-circle shaped meeting-rooms: the green one is reserved for the Chamber of Representatives, the red one for the Senate. Guided visits are possible by telephone appointment and only when no sessions are taking place. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Leo Koolhoven |
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A piece of local history |
Boulevard du Midi Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 534 1518 http://www.kmkg-mrah.be/ |
The Porte de Hal is the last remaining piece of the old wall that encircled the city until the 19th century, when the wall was taken down to make way for a much-needed road. The remnant of the ancient wall, which was built in the 14th century, now houses a museum of the city's history and traditions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Jennifer Kubus |
 Photo: Talia |
 Photo: modernemama |
 Photo: Robert Kerr |
 Photo: Michael Creek |
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The oldest mall in Europe |
rue des Bouchers or carrefour de l'Europe Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 513 8940 (Informatie voor toeristen) |
The King, Queen and Prince galleries of St. Hubert (which are over 200 years old) house expensive, old-fashioned boutiques selling a variety of accessories including gloves, hats, hand-bags and jewellery. In 1837, King Leopold I instructed the young architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaars to turn Rue Saint-Hubert into an arcade. Mission accomplished, this arcade, divided into the King's, Queen's and Prince's galleries, is now one of the most beautiful in the world. There is a nice restaurant, Taverne du Passage, a cosy coffee shop, Mokafe, an excellent cinema, Arenberg Galeries, and even a newsstand. Chocolate lovers should visit Neuheus (25 Galerie de la Reine) and ice cream fans can indulge at the Häagen Dazs located near the front entrance of the gallery. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Chiva Congelado |
 Photo: StaneStane |
 Photo: Eelco Kruidenier |
 Photo: StaneStane |
 Photo: Patty |
 Photo: Andrew Savory |
 Photo: terges |
 Photo: Fiona Daly |
 Photo: Frederic della Faill |
 Photo: dacoba |
 Photo: Amaury Henderick |
 Photo: Chris Buckridge |
 A million begonias on Grand Place |
Grote Markt Brussels 1000 Belgium +32 (0)2 513 8940 (Informatie voor toeristen) |
Every two years, Grand Place turns into a gigantic flower carpet—300 square metres large, consisting of nearly one million begonias. These beautiful, yet remarkably tough flowers are just laidt on the cobbles, and still they smile and shine for a period of four days. The carpet's design is the work of horticultural experts from Ghent, a city renowned all over the world for the quality of its begonias. The best place to get a really great view of this truly magnificent visual experience is from the balcony of City Hall. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Vladimir Blagojevic |
 Photo: Eisei. |
 Photo: でんたく |
 Photo: Meri Gallego |
 Photo: Bonnie Chan |
 Photo: JeanM |
 Photo: Eisei. |
 Photo: mike krzeminski |
 Photo: Rafael Gonzalez |
 Photo: Tom Kurland |
 Photo: J-J G |
 Photo: Bruce Charter |
 Photo: guillaumeo |
 Photo: Andreas Langer |
 Photo: Vincent D'Haeyere |
 Photo: Catharina Nes |
 Photo: Shawn Fuller |