This old theater housed in what was once the guildhall of local market vendors is located near the stock exchange. After WWII, the building was renovated and eventually turned into a modern, soundproof concert hall. Its famous performers have included The Clash, The Cure, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Lou Reed, among others. Every year dozens of concerts take place in the AB, as the hall is locally known.
Built in 1929 in an art deco style for the Dutch banker and art collector David Van Buuren, this beautiful mansion was turned into a museum in 1973 featuring fine tapestries, blown glass and paintings by modern and classic masters. The most famous are Breughel's The Fall of Icarus and works by Ensor and Van Gogh. Contemporary sculpture exhibitions are organized in the garden.
Belgium's iconic Grand Place stands as a testament to the city's glorious cultural and economic legacy. Recognized as one of the most splendid market squares in Europe, its arcade is completely enclosed by tall, gabled Flemish Renaissance buildings decorated with intricate ornamentation and carved statues. Of the buildings that surround the square, the Town Hall with its Brabantine Gothic tower and the Neo-Gothic Brussels City Museum are especially remarkable. Impressive as it is by day, the square is even more stunning at night under the golden glow of street lights. During spring and summer evenings there is a light show that brings to life the city's musical and cultural heritage.
Brussels Town Hall is an intricate Gothic marvel that forms the focal point of Brussels' iconic Grand Place and is easily one of the city's most lavish civic buildings. The Town Hall was chiefly designed by two architects: the left wing by Jacques van Thienen in 1402, and the right wing by Jean van Ruysbroeck in 1445-1450. The two rear wings were added much later in 1712 but were designed in harmony with the architectural style of the original, L-shaped building. The exterior walls of the Town Hall feature numerous statues that depict saints, nobles, and other figures, each a vivid image of the people they represent. Uniting these efforts is the striking and exquisite Gothic tower at the center topped by a statue of St. Michael, the patron saint of Brussels. Inside, the elegant rooms are decorated with tapestries and paintings from the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries. Brussels Town Hall is an arresting sight, especially when lit up at night.
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is the location for Belgium's royal weddings and funerals. It started its construction in the 13th Century and it was completed two centuries later. Various chapels were added during the 16th and 17th centuries. A striking figure of precision and symmetry, the cathedral serves as a monumental example of Brabant-Gothic architecture. Outside, two awe-inspiring towers attract attention and it is hard not to admire the intricate stained-glass windows. The remnants of the 10th-century Romanesque church, on top of which the cathedral was built, evoke considerable awe as well. Concerts featuring religious or classical music are also regularly held here.
Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique (Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium) is the largest museum complex in Belgium, and houses an array of museums including the Magritte Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Located in the heart of Brussels, this museum has a rich collection of 15th-century fine art and artifacts, as well as modern artwork. Its prized possessions include a collection of magnificent paintings and sculptures, along with a plethora of documents and drawings. The museum offers guided tours and special packages for students.
This cyclist's association was founded in 1992. It not only offers bikes for hire, but the group has built up a great reputation with their guided city biking tours. There are 11 different circuits ranging from Treasures of the Art Nouveau and Brussels, greenest of cities to Brussels by Night, each generally lasting three to four hours. Tours can be arranged for groups. Information on prices can be obtained from their website. They also give Bikes on rent for all those who wish to explore the place on their own.
Matongé is a Brussels district that is named after its namesake Kinshasa neighborhood in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This popular neighborhood has over 40 nations represented here. Established in the 1950s, it is a popular area for locals as well as tourists for its specialized shops, restaurants and more. It is probably the best place in town to get a glimpse into the African culture through its various craft shops, restaurants, fashion stores, music stores, bookshops and more.
This small square has a grassy patch for you to sit and relax. Square de Meeûs features a lovely bronze sculpture of an angel and a bust of Barthélémy de Theux de Meylandt. The angel was created by Jules Lagae in memory of Julien Dillens in 1909. You will also find many cafes and restaurants around the square.
This cinema is among the most beloved in Brussels. Specializing in screening classic films, it's truly a gem in the city for movie-lovers. With its five screens, it provides variety without being too big. It is one of the venues that hosts the Brussels Festival of Short Films in April and May.