Choose from 89 Fun Things to Do in Belgium
Hill 60
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Graslei and Korenlei
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Belfry and Lakenhalle (Bell Tower and Cloth Hall)
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Henri Chapelle American Cemetery
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Atomium
Reaching up to 335 feet (102 m) the Atomium underwent a much-needed and rigorous facelift in the early 2000s; the spheres were originally made of an aluminum skin but this has been replaced by stainless steel. An elevator shoots up the central column to the five spheres that are currently open to the public; three provide a permanent record of Expo 58 and two host temporary interactive art and science displays.
The highest sphere stands at 300 feet (92 m) above the ground and now has a glass roof, allowing 360° views across the Heysel Plain towards Brussels; on a clear day Antwerp’s cathedral spire can be spotted on the horizon. This level is also home to Atomium Restaurant, which serves brasserie-style dishes with the finest views in Belgium. At night all nine orbs are illuminated with nearly 3,000 twinkling lights.
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Groeningemuseum
Other works on display include Hans Memling’s Moreel's Triptych; Hieronymus Bosch’s The Last Judement, Gerard David’s Judgment of Cambyses, which depicts the corrupt Persian judge Sisamnes being flayed alive, and other pieces by early Flemish painter Rogier van der Weyden and the surrealists Magritte and Paul Delvaux.
The museum is small but thoughtfully arranged so that the layout of its 11 rooms follow a chronological order. Unlike many European art museums, the Groeningemuseum does not suffer from large crowds, even in the peak summer tourist season. The museum is set back from a main street in a small park behind a medieval gate. When you have finished inside the building, the surrounding gardens make an attractive place to spend some time.
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Beguinage (Begijnhof)
- Entrance to the Beguinage is free, but there is an entrance fee for the Beguinage Museum.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on walking to the Beguinage—the area around the Beguinage is made up of flat cobblestones and narrow waterfront lanes.
- The Beguinage is mostly wheelchair accessible, although some parts of the historic buildings are not.
Choco Story
If you stick with the tour, however, you will find that weighty historical detail is livened up with displays of antique chocolate-related equipment; a fun cartoon character that explains the virtues and purported health benefits of chocolate, and demonstrations of chocolatiers at work. Best of all, visitors get a sample of the freshly made pralines at the end.
The museum is located in Bruges’ city center, not far from The Burg and the market square, and tours are offered every day. If you have some extra time, you can join a chocolate-making workshop at the museum and learn how to make your very own pralines and truffles.
Chinese and Japanese Towers
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Essex Farm Cemetery
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Historic Centre of Bruges
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Belfry (Belfort)
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Diamondland
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Gravensteen Castle (Castle of the Counts)
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Butcher's Hall (Vleeshuis)
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Herge Museum
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Grand-Place
- Grand Place is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, although access may be limited during special events. Admission is free.
- The best initial view of the Grand Place may be from the Rue des Harengs, one of six narrow side streets leading to the square.
- The cobblestone-covered square may be challenging for those in wheelchairs or with strollers.
European Union Parliament
Brussels is the administrative heart of the European Union and the Espace Léopold buildings are where parliament meets throughout the year to debate and discuss the future of Europe. The main building of the European Union Parliament complex is the Paul-Henri Spaak building, an impressive glass structure with a distinctive arched roof, it’s been nicknamed "Caprice des Dieux" (whim of the gods) after a similarly shaped French cheese.
The hemicycle is where parliament debates; it seats the 736 Members of the parliament, numerous translators and a gallery for the general public. The semicircular shape is designed to encourage consensus among the political parties.
There are a number of interesting works of art on public view including May Claerhout’s sculpture Europa, which has become a favorite among tourists.
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Work is continuing on a state-of-the-art visitors center, but in the meantime guided multimedia tours are available on weekdays. When parliament is sitting the public are allowed to sit and watch proceedings from the public area.
The closest bus stop is Luxembourg Square and any bus that stops there will drop you at the entrance between the Willy Brandt and József Antall buildings - walk between these buildings to reach the Paul-Henri Spaak building.