Il municipio di Bruxelles è un'elaborata meraviglia gotica che costituisce il punto focale dell'iconica Grand Place di Bruxelles ed è senza dubbio uno degli edifici civili più sontuosi della città. Il progetto dell’edificio fu sviluppato a quattro mani. L'ala sinistra dall’architetto Jacques van Thienen nel 1402 e l'ala destra dall’architetto Jean van Ruysbroeck nel 1445-1450. Le due ali retrostanti sono state aggiunte molto più tardi, nel 1712, ma sono state pensate per essere armonia con lo stile architettonico dell'edificio originale a forma di "L". Sulle pareti esterne del Municipio si trovano numerose statue che raffigurano santi, nobili e altri personaggi, ognuno dei quali è una rappresentazione accurata delle persona alla quale è ispirata. La suggestiva e raffinata torre gotica al centro fa da liaison a tutto l’insieme ed è sormontata da una statua di San Michele, il patrono di Bruxelles. All'interno, le eleganti sale sono decorate con arazzi e dipinti del XVI, XVII e XVIII secolo. Il municipio di Bruxelles offre uno spettacolo impressionante, soprattutto quando è illuminato di notte.
Con la sua facciata maestosa, gli interni sfarzosi e i lussureggianti giardini, il Palazzo Reale è la dimora ideale per il Re e la Regina del Belgio. Le camere sono sontuosamente decorate con lampadari di cristallo, dettagli dorati, mobili antichi, opere d'arte e intagli dettagliati. Degna di nota è l'opera d'arte che adorna il soffitto della Sala degli Specchi, composta da oltre un milione di carapaci di scarabeo che intarsiate disegnano motivi intricati. Ogni estate il palazzo viene aperto al pubblico; una tradizione consolidata che consente l'accesso a questo simbolo della fiorente monarchia belga.
Creato dall'ingegnere André Waterkeyn e dagli architetti André e Jean Polak per l'Esposizione Universale del 1958, l'Atomium è un edificio simbolo ispirato alla struttura dell’atomo. Per essere più precisi, il progetto si basa sulla forma di una cella unitaria di un cristallo di ferro, amplificata 65 miliardi di volte per raggiungere un'altezza totale di 102 metri. Le nove sfere scintillanti sono tenute insieme da tubi e ogni sfera rappresenta una delle nove province belghe. L'effetto finale è quello di un enorme atomo geometrico composto interamente di metallo. Le sfere sono rivestite in acciaio inossidabile e ospitano sale espositive e altri spazi pubblici, mentre la sfera più alta ospita un ristorante con vista panoramica sulla città. Nei tubi di collegamento ci sono scale mobili, ascensori e scale che permettono di accedere a tutte le sfere.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg is the fifth largest church in the world. Situated on the Koekelberg Hill, the church, dedicated to Sacred Heart, draws its inspiration from the one in Paris. The construction of the church started in 1905 under the reign of King Léopold II, but was put on hold during the two World Wars and was not completed until 1970. The huge structure (about 100 feet tall) is made of bricks and terracotta, with two towers on each side of the entrance, and an Art Deco edifice. A sight to behold, the magnificent church is a major religious as well as architectural landmark.
Situated at a short bus ride from the town of Bornem, Kasteel d'Ursel is classic 17th Century European castle that served as the official residence for the dukes of Ursel and their families for more than four hundred years. The elegant interiors and the rooms of the castle are still intact, which one can observe while on tour. Today, this sprawling castle and it's complex has turned into a cultural institution where concerts, festivals and other events are held regularly. Looking for a splendid venue for wedding? Then one can also book the castle for rent and host a grand celebration.
Belgian chocolate is known around the world as one of the country's sweetest products. On the Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour, you will get to immerse yourself in the beauty of Brussels as well as all things chocolate. This four hour walking tour will take you past many of the most iconic landmarks of the city as you learn about the history of Belgian chocolate. After you've got the history down, you will get to sample the goods in several famous chocolate boutiques, as well as a one hour workshop where you will learn all yhe basics of making your own chocolate. You even get to bring your creations home with you to enjoy!
Iteco is a center dedicated to development of countries and intercultural training. This may sound a bit heavy-handed, but in Brussels, these people have specialized in the organization of "colored walks" through town, which try to show you the Turkish or Morrocan Brussels from the inside.
Belgian chocolate is known around the world as one of the country's sweetest products. On the Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour, you will get to immerse yourself in the beauty of Brussels as well as all things chocolate. This four hour walking tour will take you past many of the most iconic landmarks of the city as you learn about the history of Belgian chocolate. After you've got the history down, you will get to sample the goods in several famous chocolate boutiques, as well as a one hour workshop where you will learn all yhe basics of making your own chocolate. You even get to bring your creations home with you to enjoy!
The two founders and owners of Brasserie de la Senne met in 2002, and after moving around quite a bit, the Brasserie de la Senne brewery was up an running by 2010. Since then, this small brewery has been producing traditionally unfiltered and unpasteurized Belgian beers. Try out brews like their Stouterik Belgian stout, Zinnebir golden blonde or the Brusselier, among other collaboration beers, experimental beers and more. Brewery tours are available for groups of 15 or more by appointment, and the taphouse is open during the week.
Belgium is world renowned for its beers, and where better to sample them than Brussels? On the four-hour Brussels' Beer Tasting Tour, you'll get to see Brussels' historic center on foot while going between different bars and taverns. Your guide will give you all kinds of information about the history of the city, of Belgian beer and how to taste and appreciate the beers. Your tour includes eight tastes of beer, snacks and cheeses, and a visit of the Royal Puppet Theater Toone.
Explore Brussels in a new way with Brussels Bike Tours. Starting at Grand Place, this 3 1/3 hour cycling tour takes you all over the city. Enjoy the leisurely bike ride as you see at least 12 major sites and learn about the city's interesting history. Halfway through the tour you'll take a break to try some of the country's world famous fries. Brussels Bike Tours provides a bike you can use for the tour.
Get to know the beautiful city of Brussels without denting your wallet on Sandeman's popular free walking tour. Over two and a half hours, your guide will show you all the major sights and attractions of the city, including Manneken Pis, the Grand Place, Town Hall, the birthplace of the TinTin comic and many more. Along the way, your guide will share all kinds of interesting historical facts and fun anecdotes about the city past and present.