10 Best Famous Buildings In Belgium

1. Law Courts of Brussels

A magnificent building that even won the stone heart of one of the most tyrannical rulers of the past and inspired the construction of the Supreme Court of Peru, the Law Courts of Brussels is one of the largest courthouses in the world and once the biggest building in the world. With a total ground surface of 26,000 square metres (280,000 square feet), the edifice is even larger than St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The magnum opus of architect Joseph Poelaert, the Law Courts of Brussels is an eclectic representation of the entire history of humanity in a single point.

Law Courts of Brussels

Address: Place Poelaert 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Website: Law Courts of Brussels

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed Sat & Sun)

Price: Free

2. Justus Lipsius Building

Previously home to one of the greatest global superpowers, the Justus Lipsius building was the former headquarters of the Council of the European Union. With over 40,000 square metres (over 430,000 square feet) of office space, the press centre on-site seats up to 600 people and it’s linked to the Europa building by two skyways.

Join a guided tour to gain a deeper insight into the decision-making process of the Council of the European Union and where laws are drafted. This is one of the rare opportunities where you can pull back the curtain on the inner workings of the world’s second-largest joint economy.

Justus Lipsius Building

Address: Rue de la Loi 175, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Website: Justus Lipsius Building

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10.30am - 4pm (Closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free

3. Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp

This stunning cathedral is a hallmark of gothic architecture. With a range of beautiful assets, the Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp has a breathtaking carved exterior and stained glass windows that give a new dimension to the traditional cathedral, elevating it to something out of this world. The lovely monument is not only historically significant but also culturally monumental, with four masterpieces by Rubens and several more skillful sculptures sprinkled around the cathedral.

Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp

Address: Groenplaats 21, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Website: Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm

Price: Free

4. La Monnaie De Munt, Brussels

Situated at the heart of Brussels, the Royal Theatre La Monnaie is the largest theatre in Belgium and one of the most beautiful in Europe. One of the greatest driving forces for the arts, La Monnaie is also the most historically significant opera house in Belgium, after having survived two world wars and even the flames of a raging fire. Since its construction, the theatre has gained world recognition for the superb quality and boldness of its productions.

La Monnaie De Munt, Brussels

Address: Place de la Monnaie, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Website: La Monnaie De Munt, Brussels

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 6pm (closed Sun & Mon)

Price: Free

5. Brussels Town Hall

Widely considered the highlight of the world’s most beautiful city square, Brussels Town Hall is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the last remaining medieval building in the Grand Place. Dating back to the Middle Ages, this elegant asymmetrical building stands proudly across from the Brussels City Museum, with its intricate touches on display for all to marvel at. Curious visitors of this gentle giant may also join a guided tour of its sumptuous interior to gain a fuller understanding of the depth of Brussel’s prosperity.

Brussels Town Hall

Address: Grand Place 1, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Website: Brussels Town Hall

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 5.30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free

6. World Trade Center of Brussels

The World Trade Center of Brussels consists of three tall skyscrapers in the central business district of Brussels. The headquarters for much of the city’s economic proceedings, the World Trade Center of Brussels is a highly important space for big wigs, such as CEOs and presidents of official bodies, to confer and forge strong international and domestic ties. Though the building is not usually open to the public, its towering facade is still impressive to admire from below!

World Trade Center of Brussels

Address: Boulevard Simon Bolivar 30, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Website: World Trade Center of Brussels

Opening hours: Not open to the public

7. Historical Leuven Town Hall

The pride of Leuven, the Historical Leuven Town Hall is one of the most famous Gothic buildings in the world. Built in the 1400s, it features intricate lace-like detailing and hundreds of ornate stone carvings depicting biblical scenes. This building is a breathtaking work of art against a vibrant blue sky, simply viewing its exuberant beauty feels like an honour. Be sure not to miss out on this brilliant monument.

Historical Leuven Town Hall

Address: Grote Markt 9, 3000 Leuven, Belgium

Website: Historical Leuven Town Hall

Opening hours: 3pm - 4pm (daily)

Price: Free

8. Le Berlaymont

Home to the European Commission, this cross-shaped building has become an iconic symbol that has garnered as much criticism as praise for its uniqueness. A product of ingenious engineering, Le Berlaymont consists of four wings suspended over a huge esplanade by a covert suspension system, thereby creating the illusion of a gargantuan building hovering in place, held by nothing except a stalk. Passers-by may also visit the nearby Schuman roundabout for an excellent view of this historical site and the Justus Lipsius Building.

Le Berlaymont

Address: Rue de la Loi 200, 1049 Bruxelles, Belgium

Website: Le Berlaymont

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 6.30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free

9. Charlemagne building

The Charlemagne building is a stunning high-rise in Brussels, housing the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, among other important governmental bodies. An important monument in itself, the Charlemagne building is an impressive modern giant of steel and glass. With a dynamic shape, each corner of the building has a gorgeous facade which embodies all the steely resolve, efficacy and elegance of Belgium’s economy.

Certainly worth a look, visitors may admire this magnificent structure, along with Le Berlaymont and other important buildings, as a day trip.

Charlemagne building

Address: Rue de la Loi 170, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium

Website: Charlemagne building

Opening hours: Not open to the public

10. Museum aan de Stroom

The Museum aan de Stroom is the largest in Antwerp and is housed in a handsome warehouse with incredibly unique architecture. Each room is stacked on top of each other like crates and has huge windows spiralling upwards, offering tantalising views of the city below. Meaning the Museum by the River, the Museum aan de Stroom, on the banks of the River Scheldt, is made of a vibrant Indian sandstone and built in the Art Deco style.

It houses over 400,000 items, which focus on the connection between Antwerp and the rest of the world. Its exhibitions are an interesting commentary on local and global culture and art.

Museum aan de Stroom

Address: Hanzestedenplaats 1, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Website: Museum aan de Stroom

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 10 EUR (10.79 USD) 26 to 64 years; 8 EUR (8.63 USD) 12 to 25 years and 65+; 12 and younger free

A dynamic cityscape

Belgium is a lovely country with an incredible synergy between history, culture and modernity that manifests itself even in the buildings themselves. Each building on this list of the best famous buildings in Belgium embodies a new and interesting facet of the nation and its prosperity. Well worth a look, be sure not to miss out on them during your stay.