It opened its gates in 1930, has a capacity of 70 thousand seats and its name comes from King Baudouin, who was the son of Leopold and heir to the King of the Belgians (1951 – 1993). In 1995, ten years after the Hazel tragedy, several million euros were spent on its renovation, so that it is now one of the most beautiful and safest stadiums in Europe. It is the main home of the Belgium national football team. It has also hosted rugby and tennis matches.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO KING BUDOUIN STADIUM
*** BUS: 80, 240, 241, 242, 243, 250, 260.
*** TRAIN: S3, S4, S10, IC
*** SUBWAY: 6
BRUSSELS: THE CAPITAL OF BEER AND CHOCOLATE
This is the city whose inhabitants have a great sense of humor and generously offer their smiles, even though when you hear Brussels the first thing you hear is that it is the metropolis of the European economy. Walk the streets created by Tintin and see him painted on various walls. Browse its wonderful shops and restaurants to sample plenty of beer and chocolate. On the one hand, walk through its cobbled alleys, its wonderful gardens, its medieval historic center and its fantastic squares, and on the other hand, taste the aura of the European Commission and the Council of the European Union.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +32
Nearest airports from city center: Brussels Airport (12km), Antwerp Airport (48km), Charleroi Airport (61km), Lille Airport (112km), Eindhoven Airport (138km) and Rotterdam Airport (166km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** GRAND PLACE (Grote Markt, 1000 Brussels)
It is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. The baroque buildings, the golden hues, the town hall which is built in the 15th century, compose a magical scene of images.
*** ΑΤΟΜIUM (Pl. de l’Atomium 1, 1020 Brussels)
Made in 1958 at the International Exhibition, it is a depiction of a person 156 billion times its normal size. Definitely, you must visit it and see the 360° panorama of Brussels.
*** MANNEKEN PIS (1000 Brussels)
The bronze statue depicting a boy urinating in a fountain is a landmark of the city. It was built in 1619 and is only 61 cm high.
*** ROYAL MUSEUMS OF FINE ARTS OF BELGIUM (Rue de la Régence 3, 1000 Brussels)
In this complex of six museums you will see over 10 thousand works of art from the 15th century to the present day. You should definitely visit the Rubens room.
*** ΜΟΝΤ DES ARTS
The impressively manicured garden and the museums located in this particular area in the center of Brussels will make you love them.
*** CATHEDRAL OF SAINTS MICHAEL AND GUDULA (Pl. Sainte-Gudule, 1000 Brussels)
It took hundreds of years to build and opened its gates in 1519. It is Gothic and Brabantine Gothic in style and in this church, which is dedicated to Saint Michael and Saint Gudula, the various events involving the members of the Royal House take place country,
*** COMICS ART MUSEUM (Rue des Sables 20, 1000 Brussels)
Visit the museum to meet Tintin, the Smurfs, Lucky Luke and many more heroes. See the evolution of comics and go to the library to read thousands of comics.
*** PARC DU CINQUANTENAIRE
Admire the triumphal arch inaugurated in 1905 in iron, glass and stone to symbolize Belgium’s gateway to the industrial age. Stroll the park, gardens and visit the Armed Forces, Military History, Art & History and AutoWorld museums.
*** MUSEE MAGRITTE MUSEUM (Rue du Musée 9, 1000 Brussels)
Enjoy the collection of over 200 works by one of the leading Belgian artists of the 20th century, René Magritte.
*** MINI – EUROPE (Av. du Football 1, 1020 Brussels)
Near the Atomium you will find an innovative park that gathers the most famous monuments of Europe in small dimensions, such as the Colosseum of Rome, the gondolas of Venice, the Eiffel Tower of Paris and many more. It’s a nice experience.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** It is worth a walk to the Parlamentanium, so that you can see how the European Parliament works.
*** Visit Museum of Natural Sciences to see dinosaur skeletons, a piece of the Moon and millions of exhibits to “travel” back in time to the age of the Neanderthals.
*** Musee des Instruments de Musique will offer you a unique opportunity to see a collection of over 8,000 musical instruments.
*** Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate is a must-see.
*** The Place du Luxembourg is worth visiting and taking several photos.
FOOD AND DRINK
Brussels is the city where you will find all cuisines in their best version! If you want to taste Belgian delicacies, then you should eat steamed mussels or seafood with fries that are “bathed in mayonnaise”. Belgian chocolate praline has its place of honor in the city. Traditional dishes worth trying are pork carbonnade, Stoemp, Paling in’t groen and Boulet à la liégeoise. Accompany them of course with a cold beer!
WHERE TO STAY
In the historical center of the city you will find several hotels, most of them have high prices. But it’s worth staying close to the center. A little further from the center, you can find cheaper options for your stay.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** If you are a Tintin fan then you must get issues at the antique shops near the Grand Place.
*** A walk through the elegant galleries of the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert is a must, which will take you back to the 19th century and give you the opportunity to shop in a different mood.
*** For your shopping, go to the shops on Rue Antoine Dansaert Straat, Avenue Louise, Rue Neuve and Rue des Fripiers.
*** And the Marolles district deserves your attention for shopping.
*** Good options for your shopping are Anspach Shopping Center and Docks Bruxsel.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by bike οr by subway.
CITIES NEAR BRUSSELS
Major cities close to Brussels are Leuven (30km), Mechelen (31km), Ghent (55km), Antwerp (55km), Charleroi (75km), Genk (94km), Liege (96km), Lille (119km), Eindhoven (132km), Rotterdam (152km) and Amsterdam (209km).
