marrit-westerweelThe capital of Belgium has a lot to offer to its visitors, but besides the paid experiences there are also a lot of free activities that can be found. An overview of five places that do not charge entrance fees.
1. Parlamentarium
What is the European Parliament doing and why is it working in three different places? The answers to these and other questions can be found in the Parlamentarium, the visitors’ centre of the European Parliament. The Parlamentarium explains visitors the work of the Parliament and the European integration through for example a history area and a virtual trip through Europe. Until 20 November an exhibition takes place titled ‘the family meal’. The Parlamentarium can be visited with a media guide that is available in all 24 languages of the EU.
Free admission.
Where: Rue Wiertz 60/ Wiertzstraat 60, Brussels
When: 7 days a week. Mon: 13:00-18:00. Thu-Fri: 09:00-18:00. Sat-Sun: 10:00-18:00.
2. Manneken-Pis
Manneken-Pis l MR
In the centre of Brussels a small statute of a naked urinating boy can be found; Manneken-Pis. The statute is regularly dressed in a costume and its wardrobe consists of over 900 outfits. Although small, the statute is one of Brussels most famous symbols. Manneken-Pis was created in 1619, but the original is no longer on the street corner. After it was stolen in 1965, a copy was put there to fill the space. The original can be seen in the Museum of the City of Brussels at the Grand Place.
Free admission.
Where: Corner of Stoofstraat/Rue de l’Etuve and Eikstraat/Rue du Chêne, close to the Grand Place.
When: 24/7.
3. Tour in the European Parliament
European Parliament l Marrit Westerweel
Always wanted to see where the members of the European Parliament are holding their sessions? Then take a 30 minute tour in the European Parliament. The multimedia guided tour gives the visitor information on the Parliament and shows a small part of the building including the Plenary Chamber.
Free admission.
Where: Paul Henri Spaak Building, Rue Wiertz/Wiertzstraat 60, Brussels.
When: Mon-Thu: 10.00, 15:00. Fri: 10:00. Arrive 15 minutes before the tour at the visitor’s entrance. Important, visits are not possible during Brussels plenary sessions.
4. Comic strip walk
An original way of discovering Brussels is by doing the comic strip walk. All over Brussels painted walls can be found with comics on them, famous examples include Tintin, Asterix and Obelix and Lucky Luke. To find where to find which characters see this list. For a small map see here.
Free admission.
Where: Different places in Brussels
When: 24/7
5. Royal Palace
Royal Palace l MR
Every summer the Royal Palace opens its doors for visitors. The palace is the official residence of the Belgian King and is being used as a work palace. During the summer the public can visit certain rooms as the hall of mirrors and the throne room. For more details on the opening times in 2016, see www.monarchie.be.
Free admission.
Where: Place des Palais / Paleizenplein
When: Summer 2016