If you already took a look at the wonca main conference website you’ve probably noticed the Atomium. This emblematic monument consisting of multiple spheres was built for Brussels World’s fair in 1958 and represents an elementary iron crystal. If you’re only during the preconference in Brussels you better admire the atomium during a Monopoly board game round. However if you stay in Brussels for the weekend, the detour is worth it. Combine your visit with the Japonese Tower or the Royal Palace nearby.
Everyone will agree that the “Grand Place” is THE must-see attraction of Brussels. She offers you a different atmosphere at any time of the day: at 7 oclock in the morning when she is totally empty, at 8 PM when she is full of people that are ending or starting their evening in the city. Personally I challenge myself to pass the place every single time when she is more or less on my route.
There are not that many green spots in the city center. You will find one in the Parc Royal around the Coudenberg Palace where the King is sometimes working. This place is only open to the public during the summer holidays but you can enjoy the nice view of the city from the “mont des arts”.
Place Poelaert is famous for 2 reasons (3 for the moment because of the Ferris wheel): the first reason is that everyone is laughing with the fact that they recently had to renovate the scaffolds that protect the courthouse since they started renovating it …. 40 years ago…
Secondly the place offers a hell of a panoramic view to our capital as good or even better as Where is Wally. Can you find the Koekelberg Basilica, the Atomium, the city hall en the writing “Hollywood”?
I have to admit that I’m having a lot of fun asking people what they know about Belgium. Often they answer ‘beer”, “fries” and “chocolate” (I refer you to our Belgian food top 5). However I was very surprised when one day in a remote place someone answered “Tintin”. And yes indeed a lot of known comic books were born in Belgium before they became American 3D films such as the Smurfs. The pedestrian area of the city center is covered with mural paintings representing the Belgian comic characters. https://www.parcoursbd.brussels/parcours/