Travel Guide to Brussels, Belgium

If you come to Brussels, it may simply turn out that you will physically have not enough time for visiting all the sights, monuments and historical buildings of this city. Atomium is known as the symbol of modern Brussels. The sight was projected by A. Waterkeyn for the 1958World's Fair in Brussels. The spheres of Atomium symbolize atoms in a model of an iron crystal, which is enlarged in 165 billion times. The tubes that connect the molecules of iron symbolize the connecting strength. Recently, Atomium has undergone a large restoration. For example, the aluminium facing was changed for a non-rusting one.

The Grand Place. The Grand Place, or Grotte Markt in Dutch, was almost totally ruined by the French artillery in 1695, only the City Hall remained untouched. The reconstruction of the square started without any delay and after this the Grand Place turned into one of the most beautiful squares in the world. The front of every building is unique, but it doesn't prevent the square from looking harmoniously and laconically. The Grand Place is surrounded by the City Hall, The Royal House and The Guild Houses with their fabulous golden fronts in the Flemish style. The Brewers' Guild House is the location of the Museum of Beer and The Royal Palace hosts the exhibition of the National Museum.

Cinquantenaire Park. Cinquantenaire Park is an ideal place for travellers, who would like to spend their free time far from stress and noise of big city, and who would like to learn something new. This park was created for the anniversary of the independence of Brussels in accordance with the project of Leopold II. The marvellous triumphal arch is the main distinguishing feature of the park. Famous French Arc de Triomphe was the prototype of this arc. In Cinquantenaire Park you will find many interesting museums, such as the Autoworld Museum, the Royal Museum of Fine Art and the Museum of the Army. This beautiful park is simply the best place for making an unhurried walk and enjoying the beauty of nature.

St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral. St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral connects the uptown and the downtown. Its two obtuse towers remind of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. Even Victor Hugo called it a true gothic cathedral. The process of building of the church started in the beginning of the 13th century, and it was finished only in the end of the 15th century. Because of this St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral has the elements of both early and late gothic styles. The building is 108 meters tall, 50 meters wide and the distance between the highest towers and the ground is about 69 meters. The cathedral has become home to approximately 1200 precious paintings. St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral wasn’t restored for a long time, and after many centuries its stone-work became very dark. However, the cathedral underwent a painstaking restoration, and now everyone can enjoy its beauty in original white color.

The Royal Castle of Laken. Thanks to Leopold II the Royal Castle of Laken strikes visitors with its richness and gorgeousness. Leopold II was constantly widening the territory of the castle by buying housing estates from his peasants. The castle has become the residence of the Royal Family of Belgium since the 19th century. While walking in the park you'll surely see various places of interest, such as the Royal Palace, the China Tower, the central dome of the royal greenhouses or the China Hall.

The Royal Palace. The Royal Palace is one of the most fabulous official buildings in Brussels. It symbolizes Belgium monarchy. This is the place where the king fulfils his duty as the head of the country, solves governmental questions and holds audiences. Everyone can visit the Royal Palace and its terraces from the 21st of July till the beginning of September.

Read more about Brussels:
Restaurants and cuisine in Brussels
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Brussels
Nightlife and attractions in Brussels
Preparing for Brussels: Advices
Brussels photogallery