Zoo

Cost: €19.50; concessions €15.50; 3-11s €14.50; under 3s free
Laid out just outside the city walls in the mid-19th century, Antwerp Zoo is now at the heart of town next to the central station. The zoo houses more than 6000 animals of 750 species in modern open-plan enclosures. Recent additions have given the... Continue reading

Abbaye de la Cambre

Cost: Free
Leave the traffic of Avenue Louise behind with a visit to the Abbaye de la Cambre, surrounded by perfectly manicured French gardens. Founded by Cistercian monks in the 13th century, it's a green sanctuary right in the middle of Ixelles.... Continue reading

Atomium

Cost: €11; concessions €6-€9; under 6s free
Halfway between design and architecture, the Atomium is a 102-metre-high representation of iron crystal molecules, designed for the 1958 World Fair. Reopened in 2006 after extensive renovations, it now illuminates Brussels' skyline at night. Try th... Continue reading

Autrique House

Cost: €6; concessions €3-€4.50
Set in the Schaerbeek district, Autrique House is the first hôtel particulier designed by Art Nouveau darling Victor Horta in 1893. Now a museum, the house is filled with graceful corridors, asymmetrical shapes, curvy staircases and Horta's revolu... Continue reading

Belgium's second city

Cost: Not Specified
Belgium's second city has an elegant medieval old town dating from the city's period as a trade powerhouse and home of diamond preparation. The present-day city has reinvented itself as a stylish destination that looks forward as well as back.... Continue reading

BELvue Museum

Cost: €5; concessions €4; under 18s free
Adjacent to the Royal Palace, the BELvue Museum is dedicated to the history of Belgium. Despite its petite size and relatively young age, the country has a fascinating history and now plays a predominant role as the "capital of Europe". From the p... Continue reading

BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts

Cost: Not Specified
Built in 1928 by Victor Horta, Belgium's best and most important Art Nouveau architect, the Palais des Beaux-Arts, or BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts is a flourishing centre of cultural life offering top-notch cinema, theatre, talks and exhibitions.... Continue reading

(Bruges)

Café Vlissinghe

Cost: Not Specified
Set in a poky alleyway, Café Vlissinghe dates back to 1515 and is Bruges' oldest pub. Its authentic Flemish interior boasts Epoque furniture, while the restored two-storey bar offers over 130 beers, notably the potent 'tripel' ale.... Continue reading

Cantillon Brewery

Cost: €6 (includes beer tasting)
Since the 19th century, the Van Roy-Cantillon family has been producing Lambic, Gueuze and Kriek beers at these small premises near the Gare du Midi. Highlights of the tour include the gleaming barrels, brewing process, and the complimentary glass ... Continue reading

(Bruges)

Choco Story

Cost: €6; concessions €5; 6-12s €4; under 6s free
Belgian chocolate is world-famous and the Choco Story museum, housed in a wine tavern dating back to 1480, tells its story in full. Learn about the history, cultivation and preparation of the irresistible confection we all know and love.... Continue reading

Cinquantenaire Museum

Cost: €5; concessions €4
Highlights at the Cinquantenaire Museum include a Roman, 4th-century AD mosaic from Syria, Chinese treasures and a gigantic Easter Island statue. You'll also find a good selection of Decorative Arts, from Roman times to Art Deco. The creator of Ti... Continue reading

Comme Chez Soi

Cost: Not Specified
It's best to book three weeks in advance to be sure of a table at the legendary Comme Chez Soi, near Brussels' Midi Station. Serving fine Belgian cuisine, the setting is sumptuous, in Victor Horta's Art Deco style. Try classic dishes such as the sl... Continue reading

(Bruges)

Concertgebouw

Cost: Not Specified
Bruges' concert hall, designed by architects Paul Robbrecht and Hilde Daem, opened in 2002 as part of the city's European City of Culture celebrations. This modern music temple is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, making for excellent acou... Continue reading

Cospaia

Cost: Not Specified
Great for people-watching or romantic dining, Cospaia is just off smart Avenue Louise. Dress up and choose from terrace dining among the bamboo, the dazzling main room or private dining decorated in black velvet. You'll be seduced by foie gras with... Continue reading

David and Alice van Buuren Museum

Cost: €10 museum and garden; €5 garden only
David and Alice were passionate collectors who decorated their home in Art Deco style. Filled with artwork spanning five centuries, including Van Gogh sketches and a Bruegel, it is now a museum. Don't miss the garden with maze and sculptures.... Continue reading

(Bruges)

De Halve Maan Brewery

Cost: €5.50
Bruges' De Halve Maan (the Half Moon) Brewery was resurrected in 2005 and is currently the only brewery still working in the centre of this ancient city. It offers the chance to tour the facilities and sample its produce.... Continue reading

(Bruges)

Diamond Museum

Cost: Museum only €6; concessions €3Museum and demonstration €9; concessions €6
Bruges' Diamond Museum is located in the city where the art of diamond polishing was invented. The museum contains a mock-up of a diamond workshop, a replica of the crown of Margaret of York, old mining equipment and more.... Continue reading

European Parliament Complex

Cost: Free
The European Commission and the Council of Ministers both have their seats in the European Quarter of Brussels. Visit the Parliament building and, during part-sessions, attend a parliamentary sitting of this political powerhouse and see democracy i... Continue reading