CITY TOUR BY BUS

© OPT/JP Remy

We are not responsible for possible price changes. Please contact the organiser before you go.

This is a trip along the major sights of Brussels for those who have little time, but want to see everything. Step on the bus, hear the commentaries in your own language and descend where you want.

© Brussels International Tourism & Congress

Comment:

Interesting sights... (See also the list with tourist information linked to this walk).

Louise District
Cinquantenaire
Art Nouveau District of Brussels
European District of Brussels

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Tourist information linked to this suggestion:

ATOMIUM (LAEKEN) © Marie-Françoise Plissart/asbl Atomium The Atomium, a mythical building from the 58 world expo, is shining brightly. You can discover several exhibitions in the spheres, during an original trail. You will also be able to enjoy the exceptional view on the city of Brussels. One sphere is designed by Alicia Framis and is reserved for children and schools: it is destined to the organisation of urban educational workshops and can accommodate school groups for "city classes". Animations, film screenings, a boutique and a restaurant at the top complete your visit to one of the most terrific buildings from the 50s. Address: Square de l'Atomium 1020 LAEKEN Tel.:+32 (0) 2 475 47 71-72 know more...

BRUSSELS CITY TOURS (BRUXELLES) © OPT / Mohamed Samahi Since the summer of 2000, the blue double-decker buses are all over Brussels. 14 bus stops allow you to get on or off the bus whenever you like at the price of one single journey. A commented city tour of 90 minutes in 6 languages. Large radius: the Art Nouveau area of the Ixelles ponds and the Heysel are included. Address: Rue du Marché aux Herbes 82 1000 BRUXELLES Tel.:+32 (0) 2 513 77 44 know more...

CATHEDRAL OF SAINTS MICHAEL & GUDULE (BRUXELLES) © Andreas Lechtape, Münster, Germany. Built on the top of a hill, the cathedral reflects the three stages of the gothic style in its construction. It is a remarkable building because of the remnants of the old Roman collegiate church, its 16th century stained-glass windows, the statues of the apostles in the nave, the baroque style "chair of truth", its treasure and its large organ. Address: Parvis Sainte-Gudule 1000 BRUXELLES Tel.:+32 (0) 2 217 83 45 know more...

CONGRESS COLUMN (BRUXELLES) © Karina Nestler Built in 1850, the work of Poelaert is surmounted by a statue representing Leopold I. The Column commemorates the National Congress of 1831 which proclaimed the Belgian Constitution. At the foot of the monument burns the eternal flame, homage to the Unknown Soldier of the First World War (1914-1918) and to the heroes of the 1940-1945 war. Address: Place du Congrès 1000 BRUXELLES Tel.:+32 (0) 2 513 89 40 know more...

GRAND SABLON SQUARE (BRUXELLES) © OPT/ J-P REMY This pleasant architectural ensemble has houses from the 16th to the 19th century. Today it is essentially home to high-class antiques shops, typical restaurants and chocolate sellers. The square is a good meeting point for dinner or a weekend brunch, or for an atmospheric walk. Every weekend the antiques market on the church side enlivens the square with its red and green awnings, pulling in crowds of curious onlookers. Address: Place du Grand Sablon 1000 BRUXELLES Tel.:+32 (0) 2 513 89 40 know more...

GRAND-PLACE (BRUXELLES) © OPT - Ricado De La Riva The Grand-Place is an exceptional example of the eclectic mix of architectural styles and artistic characteristics of the culture of society in this region. Because of the quality of its architecture and remarkable value, the Grand-Place illustrates the remarkable evolution and the success of a mercantile city in the north of Europe at its apogee of prosperity. The Grand-Place of Brussels is a homogeneous whole of private and public buildings, dating principally from the end of the 17th century. The architecture summarizes and illustrates vividly the social and cultural quality of this important political and commercial centre. Address: Grand-Place 1000 BRUXELLES Tel.:+32 (0) 2 279 43 65 know more...

LAW COURTS (BRUXELLES) © Karina Nestler Built in the grand ancient style by architect J. Poelaert. The buildingwork began in 1866 and finished in 1883 during the reign of Leopold II. A veritable labyrinth, it covers a surface area of 26,000 m² and was one of the largest buildings in Europe at the end of the 19th century. Address: Place Poelaert 1000 BRUXELLES Tel.:+32 (0) 2 508 65 78 know more...

MINI-EUROPE (LAEKEN) © Mini-Europe Located at the foot of the Atomium, Mini-Europe is the only park where you can have a whistle-stop tour around Europe in a few short hours. A truly unique journey! Stroll amid the typical ambiance of the most beautiful towns of the Old Continent. The incomparable chimes of Big Ben welcome you to the heart of London. The gondolas and mandolins invite you to discover the charms of Venice. Follow the Thalys from Paris to the other end of France. You can make the models work yourself : the eruption of Vesuvius, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the bullfight in Seville and many more... In total 350 models and sites in a quite unequalled craftsmanship. Also visit the exhibition "Spirit of Europe" where you'll get to know the EU in a fun way. Mini-Europe... not to be missed during your visit to Bruss Address: Bruparck Avenue du Football 1 1020 LAEKEN Tel.:+32 (0) 2 478 05 50 know more...

MUSEUMS OF THE FAR EAST - ROYAL MUSEUMS FOR ART AND HISTORY (LAEKEN) © Karina Nestler Among the most peculiar architectural realizations of Leopold II are the Chinese pavilion and the Japanese tower. Open throughout the year, the Chinese pavilion contains a large collection of Chinese porcelain made for export whereas the Japanese tower offers an exceptional setting for temporary exhibitions on Japan. Both the collections and the buildings illustrate the history of the intriguing contracts between East and West. The Museum for Japanese art presents rich Japanese collections from the Royal Museums for Art and History. Address: Avenue Van Praet 44 1020 LAEKEN Tel.:+32 (0) 2 268 16 08 know more...

OPEN TOURS (GROOT-BIJGAARDEN) © Open Tours BRUSSELS CITY TOUR Duration +/- 1h30 Pick-up at the hotel 30 min. before departure. Every day at the Central Station at 10, 11 am, 12 o'clock, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 pm. You will discover the nicest places of Brussels : Place Royale, Sablon, Law Courts, Royal Palace, buildings of the EU, Atomium, Chinese Pavillion, Japanese Tower and Royal Palace of Laeken. BRUSSELS LUXURY CITY TOUR Duration +/- 2h30. Pick-up at the hotel 30 min. before departure. Every day from the Central Station at 10 am and 2 pm Begins with a visit on foot from the Grand Place. Then by bus we see : Place Royale, Sablon, Law Courts, Royal Palace, buildings of the EU, Atomium, Chinese Pavillion, Japanese Tower and Royal Palace of Laeken. With air-conditioned bus and professional guide. Address: Alfons Gossetlaan 15 1702 GROOT-BIJGAARDEN (DILBEEK) Tel.:+32 (0) 2 466 11 11 know more...

PALACE OF THE NATION - FEDERAL PARLIAMENT - CHAMBER OF REPRESENTATIVES - SENATE (BRUXELLES) © Chambre des Représentants Built in 1783, according to the plans of French architect Barnabé Guimard for the Sovereign Council of Brabant. Headquarters of the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate since 1830. The visit crosses the most remarkable rooms of the building and allows to better perceive the parliament's mission and activities. Address: Rue de Louvain 13 1000 BRUXELLES Tel.:+32 (0) 2 549 81 36 know more...

PLACE ROYALE/KING'S SQUARE (BRUXELLES) BRUXELLES Place Royale © OPT/J.-P. REMY After being successively named Place de la Cour, Place de Lorraine and Place Impériale, the square took the name of Place Royale despite the fact that no king had ever actually lived there. The square, notable for the symmetry of its architecture, is a typical example of the Louis XVI style, somewhat severe, of the neo-classicism of the 18th century and a style that took over from its baroque counterpart. When closed off, the rectangular courtyard allowed large deployments of corteges and equipment and enabled courtiers to move about easily. The centre of the square is dominated by the statue of Godefroid de Bouillon which, in 1848, replaced the "Liberty Tree" planted by French revolutionaries in 1794 on the site where the statue of Charles de Lorraine had once stood. Address: Place Royale 1000 BRUXELLES Tel.:+32 (0) 2 513 89 40 know more...

ROYAL PALACE (BRUXELLES) © OPT/Ricardo de la Riva Until 1731, this was the site of the former Duke's Palace. After it burnt down, architect Louis Montoyer built two family residences. Using these residences as the basis, William of Orange then set to work on a palace, which he saw as essential now that The Hague and Brussels were sharing the role of capital. Work was completed in 1829 only to start again in 1862 under the Duke of Brabant, or future King Leopold II. The building was extended and the interior decorations altered by the architect Balat. Address: Place des Palais 1000 BRUXELLES Tel.:+32 (0) 2 551 20 20 know more...

ROYAL PALACE OF LAEKEN (LAEKEN) © Willy Coppens Built in 1784, burnt down in 1890 and restored and enlarged in 1902. Classical, Louis XVI style. The King's residence since 1831. Address: Avenue du Parc Royal 1020 LAEKEN Tel.:+32 (0) 2 513 89 40 know more...