Spend some time in Brussels’ Cinquantenaire District and discover that Belgian culture is more than Tintin, beer, and frites. Built around Cinquantenaire Park, which celebrates Belgian independence and is home to museums depicting Belgium’s rich history, the neighborhood is also a gathering point for festivals and outdoor concerts—even the Brussels Marathon starts here.
Get to Cinquantenaire Park in the morning and you’ll find the place quieter and more geared towards runners, walkers, and sightseers. It’s the best place to head to if you want a central spot to base yourself to see the Triumphal Arch and the Royal Museum of Art and History, the Belgian Army Museum and Museum of Military History, and Autoworld. Each museum is in the park, with many historical statues, public artworks, and even waterfalls.
The Cinquantenaire District is also home to the European Union, Europe’s parliament, and the European Commission. Walk around the neighborhood to find hidden Art Nouveau gems or a trendy coffee spot or restaurant. The Cinquantenaire District is also known for its boutiques and bistros—it’s not all politics and museums. Stroll down the grand 19th-century streets, admire the park’s landscaping, and marvel at a different side of busy, historical Brussels.
Getting to the Cinquantenaire District using Brussel’s reliable public transport system is really simple. Lines 1 and 5 will both get you there—alight at Schuman station to arrive at the bottom of the park on the western side or Morode station to arrive at the top, eastern end.
In the winter, the Cinquantenaire District is a refreshing change from the Christmas markets and packed shopping streets of the town center. It’s also a picturesque place to walk with a dusting of snow on top. In summer, the Parc du Cinquantenaire is brimming with greenery and floral borders, but it can get busy, especially during events and late afternoon.
Inhabited by politicians, dignitaries, and ambassadors from all over Europe, the Cinquantenaire District is a place of multiculturalism and plenty of places to shop. Head to the western side of Cinquantenaire Park to find boutiques and shops along the Rue de Tongres, Avenue Georges Henri, and the Shopping Linthout mall. The Avenue du Celts, just a bit further south, also has cafés, restaurants, and wine shops to peruse.
