Where to go from Brussels for 1 day. How expensive is it to visit Brussels and what to see there? Pissing girl and Delirium bar

As the capital of Belgium, the city of Brussels is the main center of the country and the entire European Union. It's no surprise that Brussels offers visitors a wealth of exciting attractions, including street markets, a stunning royal palace, over a dozen fantastic museums, and a variety of breweries and shops. All these places guarantee you maximum pleasure. When visiting Brussels, do not forget that there are also very interesting places outside the city. These day trips from Brussels cover not only Belgium, but also neighboring countries. So, let's begin our exciting journey around Brussels.

About an hour's drive west from Brussels, the Belgian city of Tournai has a unique history. For a short period of time, the city was under British rule, which is reflected in its architecture and culture. Today, many visitors head to Tournai to see its magnificent cathedral. Be sure to climb the bell tower, which offers stunning views of the entire city center. Much of the architecture around the cathedral dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, so even a short self-guided tour can provide a fascinating insight into medieval history. The Tournai Museum of Fine Arts is significantly underrated and houses works by Rubens, Monet and Van Gogh. Thus, after sightseeing in Brussels, you can diversify your holiday and visit other cities in Belgium.

Even if you don't consider yourself a history buff, you've probably heard about the Battle of Waterloo. It was in this historic battle that Napoleon lost his final battle against the Duke of Wellington. Today you can visit the site of this epic defeat in 1815. The site is marked by an artificial hill and is known as Lion's Mound. Climb the steps to the top of the mound where there is a delightful lion sculpture. The observation deck offers a 360-degree view of the entire battlefield. On the weekend closest to the anniversary of the battle (June 18), large-scale reconstructions are held, which attract tens of thousands of spectators. Waterloo is located just 30 km south of Brussels, making it an ideal day trip.

A two-hour train ride north of Brussels takes you to Amsterdam. The Dutch capital is a breathtaking city with incredible scenic beauty. Nicknamed the Venice of the North, Amsterdam has many canals that stretch throughout the city and far beyond its borders. If you come here for just one day, then it is better to spend it in the medieval city center. This part of Amsterdam is famous for the 17th century Royal Palace, as well as the home of the legendary painter Rembrandt. Also don't miss the slightly touristy but undeniably beautiful floating flower market on the Singel Canal.
Dinant

Located in the southwestern part of Belgium, Dinant is in the French-speaking region of Wallonia, just 90 minutes from Brussels. Dinant is located on the banks of the Meuse River, and among its main attractions is the striking Citadel of Dinant. The citadel was built in the 19th century on the coastal cliffs, offering breathtaking views. To get to the Citadel of Dinant, you will have to climb several hundred steps carved into the cliff, or take the cable car. Don't miss the chance to see the adjacent museum with medieval exhibits and interesting art from the region. Dinant is included in the list of the most beautiful cities in Belgium that are worth visiting.

A short 45-minute train or car journey north of Brussels takes you to Antwerp. This city is known as the center of trade and economy in Belgium. Antwerp has a thriving fashion and jewelry industry, but it also has plenty of cultural attractions. If you love art, then definitely take the time to visit the so-called Rubenshuis. The Baroque painter Rubens once lived in this house. Also don't miss the chance to visit the Antwerp Art Museum. To buy souvenirs, head to Meir, one of the most famous shopping destinations in all of Belgium.
Maastricht

To the east of Brussels is the Dutch region of Limburg, where the extremely interesting city of Maastricht is located. The city is a true melting pot of architectural styles and culture thanks to its location just a few kilometers from Germany and Belgium. While walking around Maastricht, you should definitely visit the two largest squares: Markt and Vrijthof. In addition to the historic architecture and world-class museums, guests may be intrigued by the caves. These caves were created as a shelter in centuries past, and famous works of art were hidden here during World War II.
Luxembourg

Just two hours southeast of Brussels is Luxembourg. The capital Luxembourg is divided into different districts. If you are interested in medieval architecture, then you should concentrate on the High City, or Ville Haute. Be sure to visit the Bock, a series of natural fortifications built in the 10th century. They were designed to protect the city from invasion and have survived to this day. Those looking for something a little more contemporary will love the Grand-Duc Jean Museum of Contemporary Art, known to locals simply as MUDAM. Here you can find many outstanding works from famous contemporary masters.
Ghent

Just north of Brussels, Ghent is a city with a unique blend of history and modern attractions. During the Middle Ages, Ghent was the main center of Belgium, and this influence is clearly visible when walking around the city. Ghent is also famous for its beautiful 15th-century Ghent Altarpiece, or Van Eyck's painting entitled The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. Today this wonderful work of art is located in the Cathedral of St. Bavo. Ghent canal cruises are also incredibly popular. This is a great way to see more of the city's attractions on a day trip from Brussels.
Bruges

Heading north-west from Brussels towards the North Sea, you'll reach Bruges in about one hour. Bruges is a beautiful Belgian city that has retained much of its past charm. The city's largely pedestrianized historic center is best explored on foot. Bruges is surrounded by a circular canal, which makes it easy to navigate the city. The central square, Grote Markt, is home to the famous bell tower. You can climb to the top and be rewarded with amazing panoramic views of the city.

To put it bluntly, Brussels is not the cheapest European city. Partly due to the fact that it is not the capital of the cheapest European country, partly due to the fact that the headquarters of many political institutions, such as NATO and the European Parliament, are located here. But Brussels has very beautiful medieval monuments and delicious waffles and chocolate. Let's calculate how much the trip might cost.

1. How expensive.

Air tickets Moscow - Brussels - Moscow will cost . The cost of housing will naturally depend on the option you choose. You can stay in a hostel on a very budget - a night will cost a little. If you prefer comfort, then choose a hotel. This is, of course, more expensive, but not as much as it might seem, for example, for 3,000 rubles per night.

Brussels is a small city, all attractions are within walking distance of each other, so the easiest way to get around is on foot. But if you don't want to, use the metro. One trip on the subway will cost you about 2 euros. By the way, you can travel around the entire city by bicycle in just 4 hours.

Thus, a week in Brussels will cost you 20-30 thousand rubles + expenses for food and leisure.

2. What to see.

Brussels is famous for its architecture. First of all, go to the historical Grand Place - centuries-old buildings and modern buildings coexist harmoniously here - take a look at the Town Hall and the King's House. Also not far from the square is the most famous sculpture in Brussels - “The Manneken Pis”. According to a long-standing tradition, the statue is periodically stolen and dressed up in themed costumes.

Complement your acquaintance with architecture with a tasting of local cuisine. The best chocolate is sold in the legendary chocolate shops Wittamer (Place du Grand Sablon, 6), Mary Chocolatier (Rue Royale, 73), Passion Chocolat (Rue Bodenbroek 2/4). By the way, you can watch the chocolate production process in the museum-factory La Maison des Maitres Chocolatiers Belges.

Among the attractions, look at the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula, this is one of the most grandiose representatives of Gothic architecture. It is open daily from 6am to 8pm. A visit to the Chinese Pavilion and the Japanese Pagoda may be a surprise. Once upon a time, King Leopold II saw oriental buildings at an exhibition in Paris and ordered the construction of the same ones in Belgium.

Be sure to visit the Rene Magritte Museum! The appearance of the building already looks like a work of art, and the canvases of the Belgian artist will not leave indifferent even a person far from art. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, ticket price for students is 2 euros.

City per day 02/14/19 21,903 1

Route to the main attractions of Brussels

I've been to Brussels three times. In my opinion, one day is enough for it.

Ekaterina Sokolova

was in Brussels

You can walk around the center in a few hours. During this time you have time to feel the atmosphere of the city and see the main attractions. If you have more time budgeted for your trip to Belgium, I advise you to go to neighboring Bruges and Antwerp: they are much cozier.

I have compiled a 4 km route through the center of Brussels. To get from the airport to the first point on the map, Brussels Cathedral, take bus number 272 or number 471. They stop at the North train station. From there it is a 15-minute walk to the cathedral. Ticket costs 3 € (225 RUR).

You can also get to the center by train. It’s faster, but more expensive: travel will cost 11 € (825 RUR).

Route

Brussels Cathedral, or the Cathedral of Saint-Michel-et-Gudul, built in the Gothic style. It is reminiscent of Prague's St. Vitus Cathedral and Notre Dame de Paris. Inside there are stained glass windows and massive columns with statues. It’s worth going there to feel the power and grandeur of medieval art. The entrance is free.

Park Brussels, The royal palace and royal museums are the historical part of the city. The park can be called a masterpiece of park art: there are beautiful fountains, hedges and statues. Not far from it is the official residence of the Belgian king and museums: arts, musical instruments, the history of Belgium and the surrealist artist Rene Magritte.

Creative people might like the Museum of Musical Instruments. There are 8,000 exhibits there: for example, harp, guitars with three necks, bagpipes and even a two-hundred-year-old orchestrion - a mechanically wound organ. If you take an audio guide for 2 € (150 R), you can hear how the instruments sound. Entrance ticket for an adult costs 10 € (750 RUR).

On the roof of the museum there is a Rooftop Cafe with beautiful views of the city. A signature Belgian dish - mussels with fries (moules et frites) - and a glass of draft beer will cost 27 € (2025 RUR).

Mountain of Arts is a park overlooking the city and the spire of the city hall. It's especially good here at sunset. To the left of the Mount of Arts is the Royal Library of Belgium, or Albertina. Inside is a museum of the history of books, writing and libraries. It is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00 and admission is free.

Pissing boy- symbol of Brussels and Belgium. According to one legend, the sculpture was erected in memory of a child who, during the siege of the city, peed on an explosive fuse and extinguished it.

You can get acquainted with the history of the genre at the Belgian Comics Center. Entrance ticket for an adult costs 10 € (750 RUR). The exhibition includes original works, short films and mystery comics.

Exchange in Brussels was founded by order of Napoleon. Rodin himself worked on the building - it turned out to be a real architectural masterpiece.

There are a lot of locals on the steps, listening to music, having lunch, and meeting friends. You can just sit at the exchange and watch the city. To avoid getting dirty, I advise you to take a free newspaper from any cafe.

"Delirium"- a legendary bar with 3000 varieties of Belgian beer. It's tasty and unusual - it's worth trying, even if you, like me, don't like beer. There are many varieties with interesting flavors, such as mango, grapefruit, banana and chocolate. For those who prefer a classic taste, there are hundreds of light, dark, filtered and unfiltered beers. Every Thursday, Delirium hosts live improvisational performances by local musicians.

Half a liter of draft beer costs from 5 € (375 R) to 9 € (675 R), a 0.3 liter bottle - from 4 € (300 R) to 6 € (450 R). If you don’t want to make a mistake with your choice, you can sample 0.15 liters of draft beer for 2.5 € (187 RUR).

To the Big Market, or Market Square, it’s better to go when it gets dark: backlit buildings look more beautiful and majestic than during the day. Every Christmas a huge Christmas tree is installed on the square, and every two years in mid-August a carpet of flowers appears here.

Details

Atomium- a structure that symbolizes the peaceful use of atomic energy. If you have time, I advise you to go see him. I was impressed by the scale of the monument, the escalators between the spheres and the panoramic view of the city. Entrance ticket for an adult costs 15 € (1125 RUR).

You can get to the monument by city tram number 3, stop Esplanade. A one-time pass costs 2.10 € (160 RUR), a daily pass costs 7.5 € (560 RUR).

European Parliament. Brussels is the capital of the European Union. The European Commission, the European Parliament and NATO headquarters are located here.

French fries and Belgian waffles- popular dishes in Belgium. Don't leave until you try them. This is a mandatory item on the tourist program, like pretzel in Germany or trdelnik in the Czech Republic.

French fries began to be prepared in Belgium at the end of the 17th century. Now they sell it on every corner. Belgian fries are cooked in beef fat, not oil like McDonald's. They are reminiscent of homemade fried potatoes, only with a crispy crust. It's also not as salty as fast food.

On average, a serving of French fries costs 2-4 € (150-300 RUR). I recommend trying it at cafe Fritland, Maison Antoine, Frit Flagey.

Belgian waffles come in both salty and sweet varieties. The classic combination is with strawberries and cream. At Los Churros & Waffle, a small waffle costs 2.9 € (217 R), fruit - 2 € (150 R), and toppings - 1 € (75 R).

Wine. Those who don't like beer can enjoy wine cocktails at the Coupil Le Fol bar. This is a very atmospheric place: the interior is decorated with items from flea markets, and an old jukebox plays in the hall.

How to get to other cities in Belgium. You can get from Brussels to Bruges and Antwerp by Flix-bus buses. A ticket to Bruges costs 5-6 € (375-450 RUR), the average travel time is one and a half hours. You can get to Antwerp in an hour and 4 € (300 R).

What to see in Brussels in 1, 2 and 3 days. How to get to the city, where to stay, interesting places and attractions.

It is best to combine a trip to Brussels with a visit to neighboring cities, which can be reached by train in an hour and 10-15 €. At the same time, you can spend the night in Brussels to save money, you can also buy a Russian-language one.

How to get to Brussels

: buses from Stib and De Lijn go to the city for 3-4.5 €, as well as trains for 8.8 €. Tickets are sold at, to purchase enter Brussels (BRU) - Brussels.
: You can leave from here to the capital by direct buses for 5-14 € or with a transfer to for 15.5 €. Tickets are on sale.

Where to stay in Brussels

Hotels: A search engine will help you avoid overpaying when booking. The site compares hotel prices in booking systems and shows where to book cheaper without sacrificing comfort. Including comparing sentences with. Don’t forget about the one that allows you to return 10-20%
Apartments: If you prefer apartments, then look on. Private housing provides the opportunity to cook and reduce costs. Using it you can get a good discount.

Sights of Brussels

I will provide several links to tickets and excursions that will help you plan your vacation and not waste time on the spot.

— 25€
(30 museums + city transport pass) – 31.5 €
— 12€
— 15,3€
in Russian – 20€.

What to see in Brussels in 1 day

The first day in Brussels is best spent on the standard tourist route and exploring its historical center. In order not to mix everything into one heap, the walk can be divided into 3 parts. I wrote a separate story for each part.

First part includes the most important attractions of Brussels and its symbols such as Grand-Place,Atomium and Basilica of Sacre Coeur (Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) .

Second part The route is very short and is dedicated to one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, the Royal Palace. After visiting the palace, it is best to go to Brussels Park (Royal Park) and, if desired, have a snack there, surrounded by greenery and fountains.

Those who want to learn more about the monarchy and the Belgian kings can visit a thematic excursion -.

Royal Palace

Third and the last one Part- one of the most unusual, this is a route along the famous pissing sculptures of the historical center. The most famous is “Pissing Boy”, followed by the lesser known “Pissing Girl” and for a snack you can find “Pissing Dog”.

But these are not all funny sculptures; not far from the center you can find a very funny sculpture “A Joke on the Policeman”.

What to see in Brussels in 2 days

When the tourist route is over, it’s worth heading to the remote areas of Brussels. To do this, we go down to the metro and go to the building that is shown in almost all the news about the European Union.

This, and in addition you can look at EU Parliament,Cindylet Park and Maelbeek metro station where the terrorist attack took place, and as a bonus there are two more beautiful public gardens located nearby.

To get to all this, you need to get off at the already mentioned metro station Schuman or Maelbeek where the tragedy occurred and the explosion occurred. We were here just 2 months after the events, but the memorial wall still existed at this station, maybe it is still there.

Coming from Maelbeek station to the surface there is a walking route of 4-5 km, approximately as on the map shown below.

At first we are not heading to the most interesting place, but since we have already arrived here and have time, why not visit two public gardens Marie Louise Square And Ambiorix Square .

Between the two squares you can see many historical houses. If you look at a detailed tourist map of Brussels, there will be a lot of marks next to these squares; apparently these houses have some kind of historical significance for the city or even for the whole of Belgium.

Old buildings of Brussels

The two squares are connected by a small alley and Palmerstonlaan street; if you cross the road you will see Ambiorix square .

European village

From the Ambiorix square there is a straight street called Archimedesstraat European Commission building . Just 200-300 meters on foot and in front of us is modern Brussels again. Now every time you see news about Brussels or the EU on TV, you will have attacks of nostalgia, and news with this building is shown very often.

There is a thematic excursion in Russian on the history of the development of the European Union with reference to the purpose of most of the buildings in this quarter.

Fiftieth Anniversary Park

From the European Commission building we head to Fiftieth Anniversary Park, founded in honor of the 50th anniversary of Belgian independence in 1880.

A big plus of the park is the almost complete absence of tourists and the opportunity to relax like on the Champ de Mars before. When heading here, be sure to grab a couple of sandwiches, they will be very appropriate.

Part of your time in this park can be devoted to visiting Belgian Museum of the Royal Army and Military History . The entrance to the museum is located behind the arch on the left side.

Working hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00.
Admission ticket: 26-65 years old - 5 €, 6-26 years old and after 65 years old - 4 €.
For free: Every first Wednesday of the month from 13:00 to 17:00.
Directions: Metro - lines 1 and 5, stop Schuman; Bus - 22, 27, 80 stop Merode; Tram - 61, 81, stop Merode.

Parliament of the European Union

After the museum, all that remains is to visit Parliament of the European Union . To do this, you need to go back from the park and walk about 2 km, or take the 27 or 80 bus to the Luxemburg stop.

Parliament is not one building, but a whole complex and it is impossible to photograph everything at once, so below are a couple of photos.

And a sign on the wall of the building for those who doubt where it is located, that this is the European Parliament. The inscription is in many languages, including Russian.

What to see in Brussels in 3 days

If after two days you are still wondering “What to see in Brussels,” then move on. Today we will go to the outskirts of Brussels to the Laeken/Laken quarter. The Atomium is located in the same area, but this time it will not be the target, and today’s attractions of Brussels will be quite far from it.

The first place we will go will be a piece of Asia in Brussels. This Japanese Tower and Chinese Pavilion . The easiest way to get here from the center is by 3rd tram, it passes through the historical center and the Bruxelles Nord station. It takes about 25 minutes by tram to De Wand stops . If you look at the map, you can see stops much closer to these attractions, but they do not have access to them, although they are located nearby.

Chinese pavilion

The first stop on the way will be the Chinese Pavilion. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century. This is a complex of a building, a gazebo and a Chinese garden behind the building.

During our visit, most of the garden was closed for restoration and we were able to photograph very little, and the building itself was partially surrounded by scaffolding.

Even the gazebo was locked due to renovations; it was surprising that one of the entrances was open. We even had a suspicion that the workers simply forgot to close the entrance and we were very lucky, because... the front entrance was chained shut.

Japanese tower

You can see the following object directly from the Chinese Pavilion Japanese tower . But the entrance to these buildings was tightly closed and there was no information on how to get there, and it also could not be found on the Internet. If anyone knows how to get there, please share in the comments.

Japanese tower

After the Japanese Tower you will have to walk several kilometers, because... There is practically no transport here, and even if it fits according to the schedule, it will not be much and will help by taking only 1 stop to Laeken Palace . To catch the bus you will have to go back to the tram stop, so it will take even longer, so I recommend walking.

Brussels is the capital of Belgium. It is considered one of the most interesting places in Europe. People come here from all over the world to experience the history, culture and art of Belgium.
Gourmets who want to taste chocolate, waffles, French fries and, of course, the famous beer also like to visit Brussels. If you have learned everything that interested you in Brussels, and still have a few free days, you can take day trips to other cities. We will tell you where to go from Brussels in your free time.

Situated 100 km northwest of Brussels and just 15 km from the North Sea, Bruges is also known as the “Venice of the North”.
This medieval city attracts with its architecture and beautiful winding streets. In the city center there is a medieval bell tower, as well as the famous St. John's Hospital and Salvator's Cathedral.

Medieval Ghent is a cultural center. Music, theater, cinema and fine arts rule the roost here. The best way to explore the city is on foot to admire its incredible medieval architecture up close.
Visit the Cathedral of Saint Bavo to see the "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" created by the Van Eyck brothers.
Visit Ghent's bell tower, the town hall, and learn about the city's trading history at the Old Fish Market.

Exploring the capital of the Grand Duchy should begin with the Kirchberg quarter, where important buildings such as the European Court of Justice and the European Commission are located. Then you can admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral, whose architecture perfectly combines late Gothic with Renaissance decorations. You should definitely see the palace of the Grand Duke and the fortifications of the city.

History buffs will be interested in visiting the city of Ypres, which is surrounded by battlefields. The bloodiest battles of the First World War took place here. The city has many museums and memorials that introduce the horrors of war, its heroes and villains.
The most important sights are the Langemarck - the German cemetery, the Menin Gate and the Chapel of St. George.

Leuven is famous for its breweries. Here you can also visit the Grote Markt or Plaza Mayor, admire the Peter's Church and the famous town hall - a magnificent monument of Brabant Gothic.

Hasselt can be reached within an hour and you can spend the day surrounded by peaceful, exotic landscapes. Learn history at the open-air museum and be sure to have fun at the amazing theme park with rides and a great outdoor area!

Waterloo Battlefield

Just 30 kilometers from Brussels is the famous Waterloo battlefield, which will certainly be of interest to history buffs. Its most important attraction is the Lion Mound. A must-see is the 1815 Memorial, an underground museum that tells the story of the historical significance of the battle. You can also visit the Wellington Museum in Waterloo.

Tournai is a city with a unique history. The short period of time it was under British rule is very interesting.
The main attraction of Tournai is its magnificent cathedral, surrounded by architecture from the 12th and 13th centuries.
Climb the bell tower and admire the view of the city center. And in the Museum of Fine Arts you can see stunning works of masters.

Aalst is located just 30 kilometers from Brussels. The city has a rich history and many attractions.
A must-visit is the UNESCO World Heritage Site - the House of Elders (old town hall) and the bell tower attached to it. Don't miss the 15th century bell tower located next to the town hall. Check out the "unfinished" Collegiate Church of St. Martin.
You can also visit old breweries that work according to their own recipes.

The city is located between two rivers and is surrounded by castles. Stroll through its graceful alleys and admire attractions such as St. Alban's Cathedral and the Felicien Rops Museum of Erotic Prints.

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