Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and of Brussels Capital Region. French and Dutch are the two majorly spoken languages, and the city is at the centre of European culture and traditions. The best part, however, is that summers are cool and pleasant - which would be a nice change for UAE residents. With input from our friends at Visit Brussels, here's why you should visit the city.
Flight duration from UAE 7 hours 25 minutes
Non-stop flights offered by Emirates
Other flights Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss among others
Average cost of flight Dh2400
Time difference 2 hours behind UAE time
1. Visit to the Atomium
Considered as an icon to Brussels, the Atomium was designed by André Waterkeyn for Expo 58, the 1958 Brussels World’s fair. Today, it stands as a symbol of scientific progression and offers panoramic views of the city. Also perched 100m above ground in the top sphere is Restaurant de L'Atomium serving gastronomic Belgian cuisine.
2. Take a Whistle tour of Mini Europe Park
Located at the foot of the Atomium, Mini Europe is the only park providing a whistle tour of Europe in few short hours. Stroll down the park as the Big Ben chimes, discover the gondolas in front of the Doge’s Palace while marveling at the Eifel Tower.
FInd more information about the park here
3. The Parlamentarium
How do you go about explaining how the European Parliament works, in an appealing way? The Parlamentarium takes on the challenge with interactive tools such as a 360 degree digital film, role playing for school children and an interactive floor map.
The ins and outs of how the European Parliament works, about the European unification how Members of the European Parliament address today's challenges are explained in an easy and accessible way. This is also the largest parliamentary visitors’ centre in Europe.
4. Stroll through Art Nouveau houses
Known for its architectural wonders and heritage sites, Brussels features some prominent Art Nouveau houses such as the Tassel House and the Solvay House that are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Opt for a private guided tour to know more about their history.
5. Museum of Natural Sciences in Brussels
Curious about evolution and biology? Head down to the Museum of Natural Sciences in Brussels and study through over a thousand specimens in the Gallery of Evolution.
6. Musical Instruments Museum
As soon as it opened at the end of the 19th century, the luxurious Old England department store earned an excellent reputation for its highly distinctive building. The entrance to the building is a jewel of the Art Nouveau style, while the rest is in perfect harmony with the neoclassical ensemble on the Place Royale. The museum is just around the corner from the Grand Place and Central Station. With a wealth of some 9,000 instruments, some 1,200 of which are on permanent exhibit, the museum's reputation is mainly built on its extraordinary collections.
7. Shop for Antiques and Designer fashion
Glance through antiques in Place du Grand Sablon or discover latest designer fashion at Galeries Saint Hubert, Galeries du Roi and Galeries de la Reine.
8. A taste of Belgian cuisine
Experience authentic Belgian cuisine at Chez Leon restaurant. Located at the heart of Grand Palace, Chez Leon is a temple of mussels and chips and has been in existence for more than 100 years. What’s more tempting is they have created a Halal menu especially for guests from this region.
9. The Tram Experience of Belgian Gastronomy
Foodies are in for a real treat as they will be able to enjoy an entirely Belgian gastronomic menu created by prestigious Belgian chefs. Relish their reinterpretation of the timelessness of Belgian’s national cuisine as you cruise through the vistas of the city.
10. Visit Belgian Chocolate Village
Near the Basilica, the Belgian Chocolate Village (BCV), with an area of more than 900 square metres, is one of the largest museums dedicated to chocolate. The scenic tour displays and explains the stages of the manufacture of chocolate, its uses, history and benefits, along with its economy and diversity. It will appeal to all your senses, while a tropical greenhouse reproduces the conditions of cocoa cultivation.
