Discover Brussels: Culture, History and Family Experiences

Brussels combines impressive squares, European history, science and Belgian culinary culture. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Brussels can tailor their trip to their own interests: the Grand-Place and the Town Hall offer an introduction to the city’s history, the House of European History and the Parlamentarium focus on Europe, while the Institute of Natural Sciences and the Atomium offer further unusual discoveries.

Grand-Place and Town Hall: Brussels’ History in the Cityscape

An important starting point for exploring the city’s history is the Grand-Place. The paved rectangular market square is already mentioned in the earliest references from the 12th century. At the same time, it is considered an exceptionally successful example of the eclectic combination of architectural and artistic styles of Western culture. The Grand-Place also particularly testifies to Brussels’ achievements as a trading city in northern Europe at the height of its prosperity.

The Brussels Town Hall stands on the square and was built in the Gothic style in the 15th century. Its historic furnishings include Brussels tapestries from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, Gothic wood panelling, coats of arms of former guilds and paintings from the collections of the City Museum. Those interested in architecture, craftsmanship and urban history will find several themes here that can be combined when planning a trip.

Europe as a Museum Experience

The Parlamentarium presents European integration and the European Parliament through an interactive multimedia tour. At the House of European History, the permanent exhibition explores the myth of the goddess Europa, Europe’s ancient roots, the shared heritage of European traditions, Europe’s path to modernity in the 19th century and reconstruction after the Second World War. A multimedia guide is available there in 24 languages.

The House of European History offers families special activities and discovery areas where children can understand the history of Europe. This also makes the visit interesting for travel groups that want to explore historical topics not only through texts but also through different approaches.

Dinosaurs, Evolution and the Atomium

The Institute of Natural Sciences houses Europe’s largest dinosaur gallery. Exhibits include the Bernissart Iguanodons, T. rex, Triceratops and Diplodocus, as well as 34 other species. The institute also includes the Gallery of Humankind, focusing on human evolution and how the human body functions; the Gallery of Evolution; BiodiverCITY; the Mosasaur Hall; and the Mineral Hall.

The Atomium offers another perspective on Brussels’ history. Its permanent exhibition traces more than 60 years of the history of the World’s Fair and the former pavilion of Expo 58. Since 21 July 2020, the permanent exhibition has also included a model of the Expo 58 site created by Etienne Tollenaere. It was made as a sign of his support for the Atomium.

Park, Views and Belgian Beer Culture

The Parc du Cinquantenaire is a complex of French gardens and also a historic site with monuments, sculptures and museums. It is dominated by a triumphal arch with three arcades, a bronze quadriga carriage enthroned above it and a panorama offering an impressive view of the capital. The park thus creates its own distinctive blend of garden art, monument and museum culture.

Belgian beer culture is also one of the possible travel interests. The tour at Belgian Beer World covers the history of beer and its production, includes a test to determine your preferred beer and a tasting in the Skybar. With a ticket, you also receive a 33 cl glass at Rooftop The Beerlab, as well as a tasting during the visit. Bourse metro station is located directly in front of Belgian Beer World.

Which Location Suits Your Holiday Apartment

When choosing a holiday apartment in Brussels, it is worth deciding in advance what you want to focus on during your days there. Culture enthusiasts can prioritise the Grand-Place, the Town Hall and European history; families can include the House of European History and the natural science collections in their plans. Those who also want to experience architecture, Expo history, parks or Belgian beer should take these preferences into account when choosing their base.

Further Places for Trip Planning

If you would like to compare further local pages within the selection, you can find them here: Watermael-Boitsfort/Watermaal-Bosvoorde, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre/Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, Ixelles/Elsene, Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode/Sint-Joost-Ten-Node, Schaerbeek/Schaarbeek, Ganshoren and Forest.

For the overarching travel overview: Brussels-Capital Region.