Cinquantenaire District

The basics

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.

Things to know before you go

• Parc du Cinquantenaire hosts several outdoor festivals, concerts, and events, so make sure to check before traveling that it is open to all.
• In summer, take a picnic—it’s the perfect place to enjoy peace and nature in the city's heart.
• Visit the Royal Museum of Art and History for a look at its exclusive classical antiquity collection.
• Car fans should take a trip to Autoworld, a collection of 350 vintage automobiles.
• Exhibits from World War I, World War II, and several aircraft, can be seen at the Belgian Army Museum and Museum of Military History.
• On bright sunny days, the white stone used in buildings and monuments here can be dazzling—bring sunglasses even in the winter.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

Shopping in the Cinquantenaire District

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.