Visits

Free guided tours behind the scenes at the Kaaitheater, formerly known as Lunatheater and built in the late 1920s.
By appointment only (in French and Dutch).

e-mail: publiekswerking@kaaitheater.be

Free guided visits to the churches of Brussels. Details on the association website.

Online: www.kerkentoerismebrussels.beExternal link

Every year, at the beginning of May, on the anniversary of the historical Declaration of Robert Schuman, the European institutions open their doors.
You can visit The Berlaymont building, the Parliament's Hemisphere, the Committee of the Regions, and many others.

Online: www.european-union.europa.eu/europe-dayExternal link

Find out all about the history of Europe and the workings of the European Parliament at the Visitors Center (Parlamentarium).

Online: www.visiting.europarl.europa.eu/parlamentariumExternal link

Have yourself guided around the Brussels Parliament by people who work there (groups of at least 15 people). Book in advance through the public relations department.
The Brussels Parliament also opens its doors to all-comers during the Fête de l'Iris (Iris day) in early May.

Online: www.parlement.brusselsExternal link (FR/NL)

What does the Flemish Parliament and how does it work? Take a guided tour to find out about the architecture of the building and the contemporary art it holds. Book at least two months in advance through the public relations department.

Online: www.vlaamsparlement.beExternal link

Over 150 construction firms open their worksites to the general public: major projects, restorations, sustainable building, craft and more

Online: www.journeechantiersouverts.beExternal link (FR/NL)

To find out what goes on behing the walls of a business: a chocolaterie, a jeweller’s, a panel-beater’s, your local town hall, etc.
Early October each year.

Online: www.jde.beExternal link (FR) or www.openbedrijvendag.beExternal link (NL)

If you'd like to explore the city or one of its neighborhoods with someone who lives there, you need the Greeters! Find out what they love, what they hate, where they like to go and more

Online: www.greeters.brusselsExternal link

Aquiris organises guided tours around the water purification plant. Opened in March 2008, the plant treats the waste water of 1.1 million inhabitant equivalents. This visit provides a clearer understanding of the purification process which the water undergoes before being discharged into the Senne.
The plant is located along the canal, near the Pont de Buda (between the avenue de Vilvorde and the maritime canal).
The visits last one-and-a-half-hours and are organised in groups of 20 people on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, at 10.30 am and at 1.30 pm.

Phone: +32 (0)2 243 96 60
Online: www.aquiris.beExternal link

The Royal Chapel, which was built in 1760 as a private chapel in the Palace of Charles of Lorraine, is open for the public every Thursday, from noon tot 5 pm. The complete programme can be found on the website.

Online: www.eglisedumusee.beExternal link (FR)

Many Brussels celebrities have chosen the cemetery of Ixelles/Elsene as their final resting place. In 1877 the cemetery was designed according to the necropolis model such as Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris.
Renowned architects, such as Horta and Delune, have designed several notable monuments including their own sepulchre.
During a stroll in its 15 hectares of nature and history the visitor can  recharge his batteries.
Every Thursday from 2pm to 3.30pm, the cemetery custodian organizes free guided tours of the site. Advance booking is required.

Phone: +32 (0)2 515 66 77
e-mail : debbie.hastat@ixelles.be

The streets, parks and gardens and facades of Ixelles/Elsene: they invite you to come for a walk.
The Heritage Service is staging free tours of some of the neighborhoods.
The schedule of visits can be found in the website of Ixelles. Advance reservation is required.

e-mail : patrimoine@ixelles.be
Online: www.ixelles.beExternal link (FR/NL)

They are held each year in Brussels on the second or third weekend in September. Their purpose is to raise awareness among local inhabitants of their civic heritage.
They allow the public to discover free of charge places that are usually inaccessible or hard to get to.

Online: www.patrimoine.brusselsExternal link (FR/NL)

Garden of medicinal and aromatic plants, living and scientific garden, arboretum, nature reserve, orchard and more.
Paid guided tours. Close on Saturday, Sundays and on public holidays.

Online: www.sciences.brussels/jardinmassartExternal link (FR)

Free guided tour every last Sunday of the month at 2 pm (registration requirred).
Open every day from 31 April to 1st October, from 9 am to 6 pm.

Online: www.uclouvain.be/jardin-des-plantes-woluweExternal link (FR)

Since 1965 the tradition is that the Royal Palace of Brussels be open to the public who can come and admire the splendid suites, laden with history.
Visits can be made in the summer, after the National Day on 21 July until early September, every day (except on Monday's) from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm.

Online: www.monarchie.beExternal link

The first permament garden of contemporary sculpture in Brussels.
On the site of Louvain-en-Woluwe.

Online: www.uclouvain.be/jardin-des-sculptures-woluweExternal link (FR)

On the top storey of the buildings of the ULB, come and see the stars, free, each Wednesday (it’s better in winter) with explanations by professors and students of astronomy. In French.

e-mail : pourbaix@astro.ulb.be
Online: www.astro.ulb.ac.beExternal link (FR)