Explora la cultura de Bruselas (Bruxelles / Brussel): Tradición viva
Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de Bruselas (Bruxelles / Brussel) a través de sus museos y monumentos.
Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the de facto heart of the European Union, is a fascinating city of contrasts. It is a place where the golden opulence of the Grand-Place, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, coexists with the modern architecture of the European Quarter. Famous for its incredible cuisine – from mussels and fries to world-class waffles and chocolate – and an unparalleled beer culture, Brussels is also the birthplace of Art Nouveau and the comic book capital of the world. It is a multicultural and polyglot metropolis, at once historical and bureaucratic, surreal and pragmatic, which always offers something new to discover.
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Culture & Heritage
Discover the rich history, art and traditions of Bruselas (Bruxelles / Brussel)
A first-class cultural offer, from the Flemish Old Masters to the surrealism of Magritte and the art of comics.
Best of local culture
Museums & Galleries
Grand-Place (Grote Markt)
The heart of Brussels and possibly the most beautiful square in the world. A spectacular architectural complex of baroque guild houses, the Gothic Town Hall and the Maison du Roi.
atomium
An iconic structure built for the 1958 World's Fair. It represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. It offers exhibitions and panoramic views.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
A museum complex that includes the Museum of Ancient Art (with masterpieces by Bruegel, Rubens), the Museum of Modern Art and the Magritte Museum.
Belgian Comics Center
Housed in a magnificent Art Nouveau building by Victor Horta, this museum celebrates the rich history of Belgian comics, from Tintin and the Smurfs to more modern creations.
Festivals & Events
Brussels Summer Festival (BSF)
AugustA great urban music festival with Belgian and international artists.
Belgian Pride
MayBelgium's largest Pride parade, a massive celebration of diversity.
History
Origins
Founded as a small fortress in the 10th century on an island in the River Senne, Brussels grew to become an important commercial center, especially known for its tapestries.
Development
Its golden age was under the rule of the Dukes of Burgundy and later the Habsburgs, becoming a prosperous capital. In 1830, the Belgian Revolution began with riots following an opera at the La Monnaie theatre, which led to the independence of Belgium with Brussels as its capital. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city was a hotbed of artistic innovation, becoming the cradle of the Art Nouveau movement under architects such as Victor Horta.
Modern era
After the Second World War, Brussels was chosen as the headquarters of what would become the European Union and NATO, consolidating its status as an international capital. Today, it is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, a center of politics, business and culture that welcomes people of all nationalities.
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Culture
A first-class cultural offer, from the Flemish Old Masters to the surrealism of Magritte and the art of comics.
Heritage
Heart of the Burgundian and Spanish Netherlands, cradle of Art Nouveau and headquarters of the main European institutions.
Architecture
An architectural feast, from the flamboyant Gothic of the Grand-Place to the curvilinear elegance of Art Nouveau.
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Follow the Comic Route
Look for the comic mural route map ('parcours BD') and tour the city finding huge, colorful murals of Tintin, Asterix and other characters on the facades of buildings.
Visit the Marolles Flea Market
For an authentic experience, go to the daily market on the Place du Jeu de Balle in the Marolles neighborhood. It is a real flea market where you can find everything.
Surrealism is Belgian
The surreal spirit of artists like Magritte permeates the city. Look at the absurd and charming details, like the Manneken Pis.
tap water
Tap water is completely safe to drink.
Be careful at train stations
Pay special attention to your belongings at Midi/Zuid and Nord stations, which are known for theft.
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