The axis of power
The Royal Palace at one end, the Palace of the Nation at the other.
Michaelkmd at Dutch Wikipedia (Original text: Michaelkmd) — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Johan Bakker — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Leo Van Vreckem — CC BY 4.0 · Leo Van Vreckem — CC BY 4.0
Brussels Park is the great formal park at the heart of the upper town: a classical rectangle of 1776 with straight geometric paths, tall trees, fountains and statues, stretching between the Royal Palace at one end and the federal Parliament (the "Palace of the Nation") at the other — the axis of Belgian power in a garden. The battles of the 1830 revolution that gave birth to Belgium were fought here: the insurgents fought the Dutch troops among these trees, and the park witnessed the state's birth. Today it is a calm green lung for office workers and visitors, with a summer café, a bandstand and a small theatre, and hosts events on the National Day (21 July). Free and open, and a natural passage between the Royal Palace and the cathedral or museums — a short stroll rather than a destination, but Brussels' finest formal façades surround it.
The Royal Palace at one end, the Palace of the Nation at the other.
Witnesses to the 1830 battles and the state's birth.
Parc de Bruxelles, 1000 Brussels
BOZAR Centre for Fine ArtsBrussels's principal arts centre, in a building designed by Victor Horta and com4 minutes walk4.6
BELvue MuseumThe museum of Belgian history, in an eighteenth-century mansion directly facing 4 minutes walk4.3
Royal Palace of BrusselsThe Royal Palace is the official palace of the King of the Belgians — not his re4 minutes walk4.6
Musical Instruments Museum (MIM)The Musical Instruments Museum is among the world's most important instrument mu5 minutes walk4.3
CINEMATEKBelgium's royal film archive, housed inside the BOZAR building. It preserves one5 minutes walk4.7No — it is a passage and a short stroll rather than a destination, but you will inevitably cross it between the Royal Palace, the cathedral and the museums. Sit a few minutes on a bench facing the palace, and in summer the park café is pleasant. Visiting on 21 July: the National Day festivities fill it.