Beginning of main content

Atomium

Trip Type
Flight 1
Flight 2
Flight 3
Flight 4
Flight 5

Atomium

The strangest piece of architecture in Brussels is a series of steel spheres that can be seen from across the city. The site houses a restaurant and museum.

The Atomium is one of the most recognizable structures in Brussels, and one of the strangest. The futuristic steel building features nine stainless steel balls connected by large metal tubes to resemble an iron crystal. It was originally constructed as the centerpiece for Belgium’s 1958 World Expo. Today, the newly renovated Atomium can be seen from across town or photographed from below in the beautiful Ossegempark. The public can visit four of the Atomium’s upper spheres. One of the spheres contains a restaurant while others contain permanent exhibitions. The Atomium is the most popular attraction in Brussels and will appeal to families, history enthusiasts and those with an appreciation for innovative design.

Approach the Atomium from the southeast to appreciate its stature against the beautiful surroundings of Ossegempark. The Atomium is located at the park’s northwest corner. The best photo opportunities can be found on the promenade that flanks the park.

Once you reach the Atomium, take an escalator to reach the upper spheres. Visit the permanent Expo 58 exhibition and learn about the story behind its creation. While an engineer designed the outside, the inside is the work of two Belgian interior architects. The apartment-sized spheres are spacious and otherworldly. Photographs, brochures and stories from the Expo appear throughout the exhibition. Another sphere hosts revolving temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Take the central elevator to reach the topmost sphere, home to a panoramic restaurant. Enjoy stunning views across the city as you order from the restaurant’s a la carte menu. International fare and Belgian classics are offered at reasonable prices. Reservations are needed only in the evening.

The Atomium is located on the edge of Ossegempark and can be reached by car or metro. Streets surrounding the complex have paid parking. The Atomium is open daily and there is a modest admission fee.

Guide to Exploring Atomium

Mont des Arts

Climb to the top of this hillside arts precinct for views across the city and then visit some of the city’s best-known cultural institutions.
See hotels near here

Cathedral of St. Michael

Admire the Gothic architecture of this historic cathedral, visit the Roman ruins beneath or listen to the 49 bells chiming from the top of its towers.
See hotels near here

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Watch a play in the Royal Theatre or shop for gifts, fashion and books beneath the arched ceiling in this grand arcade complex.
See hotels near here

Cantillon Brewery

Sample the centuries-old recipe and discover how the beer is made at this famous Belgian brewery.
See hotels near here

Mini-Europe


Hundreds of replicas of Europe’s most famous attractions can be found at this amusement park located beneath the Atomium.
See hotels near here

Place Royale

An important site in Belgian royal history, this square, surrounded by neoclassical architecture, offers some of the best views of the city.
See hotels near here

Jubilee Park

Pass through a large triumphal arch to a tranquil park that also houses classic cars, military history and sprawling gardens.
See hotels near here

Bellevue Museum

Belgium’s royal, political and military history can be found at the most comprehensive national museum in Belgium.
See hotels near here

La Grand-Place (Grote Markt)

The former food market is still a popular spot for fine Belgian cuisine and is a protected World Heritage site.
See hotels near here

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

See important classical collections and groundbreaking contemporary art at the most comprehensive art museum in Brussels.
See hotels near here

Place du Grand Sablon

This central square is the place to eat, drink and be seen in Brussels. It’s packed with restaurants, antique dealers and chocolate shops.
See hotels near here

Royal Palace of Brussels

Enjoy a rare glimpse of a palace interior or admire the facade of the royal palace from Brussels Park. You might even see the King or Queen of the Belgians.
See hotels near here

Manneken Pis Statue

This small statue of a urinating child has brought joy to Belgians for centuries and is now a national icon.
See hotels near here

Brussels Park

Stroll the avenue between the Royal Palace and Belgian Parliament to discover the beauty of one of the largest parks in Brussels.
See hotels near here

Center for the Belgian Comic Strip

Learn the stories behind Tintin, the Smurfs and Asterix at this fun and quirky comic strip museum.
See hotels near here
Map

Top Hotel Deals

See all 507 Hotels near Atomium
£76
See details
Le Centenaire Brussels Expo

Le Centenaire Brussels Expo

Avenue Jean Sobieski 84, Brussels
1.8
of 5, from 4 reviews
2.0 out of 5.0

Located in Heizel, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Atomium and Mini-Europe. Oceade and Bruparck are also within 15 minutes.

£77
See details
ibis Brussels Expo-Atomium

ibis Brussels Expo-Atomium

Romeinse Steenweg 572, Brussels
3.0
of 5, from 13 reviews
3.0 out of 5.0

Located in Heizel, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Brussels Expo, Atomium, and Mini-Europe. Bruparck and King Baudouin Stadium are also within 1 mi (2 km).

£58
See details
Eurocap Hotel

Eurocap Hotel

Chaussee de Dieleghem 114-118, Brussels
3.1
of 5, from 40 reviews
2.0 out of 5.0

Located in Brussels West, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Erasmus College, Mini-Europe, and Atomium. Oceade and King Baudouin Stadium are also within 2 mi (3 km).

£56
See details
Hotel Iris Expo - Auberge van Strombeek

Hotel Iris Expo - Auberge van Strombeek

Temselaan 6, Grimbergen
2.6
of 5, from 28 reviews
3.0 out of 5.0

Located in Heizel, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Brussels Expo, Atomium, and Mini-Europe. Bruparck and Oceade are also within 1 mi (2 km).

£77
See details
Best Western Hotel Expo

Best Western Hotel Expo

Avenue Houba De Strooper 600, Brussels
3.6
of 5, from 83 reviews
3.0 out of 5.0

Located in Heizel, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of King Baudouin Stadium and Mini-Europe. Atomium is 0.6 mi (0.9 km) away.

£43
See details
Value Stay Brussels Expo

Value Stay Brussels Expo

Luitberg 1, Brussels
3.2
of 5, from 13 reviews
3.0 out of 5.0

Located in Strombeek-Bever, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Brussels Expo and Atomium. Mini-Europe is 1.3 mi (2.1 km) away.

£95
See details
Metropole Hotel

Metropole Hotel

31 Place de Brouckere, Brussels
4.1
of 5, from 1,190 reviews
5.0 out of 5.0

This grand and gracious building is a block from Brussels' Rue Neuve shops and 500 meters from Grand Place, the Chocolate Museum, and the Parc de Bruxelles.