Entertainment

There's plenty to do in Brussels to keep visitors occupied. From museums and galleries to shopping in one of its many squares, the possibilities are endless.

Museums and Galleries

The Royal Museum of Art and History is the finest museum in the country, with 650,000 pieces of art and exhibitions that help visitors to learn more about the history of Belgium. The Museum of Costume and Lace is also a popular stop, since Belgium used to be known as a top producer of elegant lace in all forms, both clothing and decorative pieces. Part of the Royal Museum, the Jubelparkmuseum holds a massive collection of Asian, Greek and Roman art with everything but painting represented. For those interested in photography, Contretype is a must-see. Its extensive and unique collection of photographs has made it a world-renowned destination for photography buffs.

Music

The Auditorium Jacques Brel frequently hosts concerts and other cultural entertainment. St. Peter's Church (Sint-Pieterskerk) is filled with 15th Century artwork and a common place for classical music performances, while the St. Franciscuskerk te Groningen (Eglise Saint-Francoise d'Assise) hosts smaller orchestral groups and has a 12th Century statue of the Virgin Mary that attracts many visitors.

Brussels boasts six opera houses, the grandest being the De Munt/La Monnaie. This opera house was fully renovated in 1986 and is now one of the most modern opera houses in Europe. The Grand Foyer upstairs, where you can enjoy an intermission drink, has not really changed. The parquetry flooring and rococo decor have been retained, but the original ceiling in the main dome has been restored.

Festivals

The Brussels European Film Festival is an annual event where filmgoers can check out the latest in film from around Belgium. The Christmas Creche and Illuminations is an annual holiday celebration that is popular among families. Every December to January, a manger display and brilliant lights are strung to help mark the occasion. Another citywide celebration is the European Christmas Market which runs along the Place St. Catherine. All of Europe's different Christmas customs are represented.

Shopping

On weekends there are many markets that take place throughout the city - it is hard to know which to visit first! The bird market held every Sunday is probably the best-known market and also a popular Sunday daytrip for neighbors from Holland. In Place du Grand Sablon you'll find the hippest of flea markets. Here, there's an abundance of the nicer, pricier things of life, such as paintings, antiques, objets d'art, etc.

Of course there are also a great number of wonderful shops in Brussels where you can purchase antiques, jewelry, infamous Belgian lace, the equally famous Belgian chocolates, books, crystal, and more. There are also a number of late night shops in Brussels, mostly situated in the vicinity of Grote Markt / Grand Place. They sell anything from groceries to books and tobacco.