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Sightseeing

  Brussels, Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview: With the exception of Grand‐Place and the narrow streets nearby, sightseeing in Brussels is relatively crowd free. Brussels offers a remarkable choice of some 90 museums, some tiny and some international in scale. All museums have bilingual labelling (French and Dutch/Flemish). English is not always used but English‐language leaflets are usually available. In recent years, signposting (for drivers and pedestrians) of Brussels’ top museums and major monuments has been improved, making sightseeing even easier.

The historic centre around Grand‐Place – easily covered on foot – is home to a cluster of alluring museums, including museums dedicated to beer, chocolate and lace‐making. Certain sights and sensations are obligatory, such as glimpsing the trickle of water flowing from the Manneken‐Pis and making a wish while touching the ghoulish bronze statue of Charles‐Everard de T’Serclaes – said to bring good luck.

However, the city has much more to offer. The public transport system works well enough to safely deposit the walk‐weary tourist in Brussels’ distinct districts: the modern Quartier des Institutions Européennes; aristocratic Sablon, near the Place Royal; vibrant working class Marolles, south of Grand‐Place; St‐Gilles, with its splendid examples of Victor Horta’s Art Nouveau architecture; and Heysel, far out to the northwest, with its memories of the triumph of the 1958 Exhibition and the tragedy of the Heysel stadium disaster.

Tourist Information: Brussels International Tourism and Congress (BITC)
Hôtel de Ville, Grand‐Place
Tel: (02) 513 8940. Fax: (02) 513 8320.
E‐mail: info@brusselstourism.be

Opening hours: Daily 0900–1800 (Apr–Oct); Mon–Sat 0900–1800, Sun 1000–1400 (Oct–Dec); Mon–Sat 0900–1800 (Dec–Mar).

Passes
The Brussels Card gives free access to museums and STIB public transport for a period of three days. It also offers a 25 % discount for the Visit Brussels tourist bus (see Tours of the City), the Restaurant Léon de Bruxelles and the Théâtre de Toone. It costs &Euro;30 and is available in museums, tourist offices and hotels.