The Atomium In Brussels - A Complete Guide

This is definitely one of the top attractions in Belgium’s capital city, so here’s my Atomium in Brussels guide to help you with your visit.

Table of Contents

How To Get To The Atomium

The Atomium is located on the Heizel Plateau in Laeken in the north of the city. Getting around Brussels couldn’t be easier.

There are generally 3 options:

By Public Transport:

You can buy a Brussels Card with STIB Public Transportation, which allows unlimited use of all STIB buses, trams or metro lines for 24, 48 or 72 hours in the Brussels Region.

The Brussels Card also gives free access to 41 museums in Brussels, plus discounts on the most popular attractions, so it’s certainly worth the investment. (We can certainly recommend a visit to the MIMA Museum.)

By Hop On Hop Off Bus:

Standard buses are available around Brussels with the Public Transportation Card.

However, there is also of course the famous Brussels Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Bus.

This bus lets you jump on and off throughout the city, and explore monuments including the Atomium, the European Parliament and the Museum of Fine Arts.

This option is always popular among tourists, and a is great way to see many famous landmarks around Brussels at ease.

By Tour:

Some of the best days out we’ve had in Brussels have been on private tours.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

Atomium Entrance Fee

Adult – €16

Child – €8.50

You can book your tickets in advance at Brussels Atomium Entry Ticket with Free Design Museum Ticket.

The Atomium In Brussels — The famous Atomium from beneath.

Atomium Opening Times

Open daily from 10 am to 6pm.

The Atomium View In Brussels — The view from the first floor.

Best Time To Visit the Atomium + Tips

The busiest time is usually between 11am and 3pm, so get there early or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Give yourself a couple of hours to have a good look around. Or longer if you fancy a stop off in the restaurant.

At the right time of year, you can catch a beautiful sunset from the top spheres of the Atomium before it closes at 6pm.

Also, it looks stunning at night when it’s all lit up. Great for some beautiful insta shots.

What To Pack

Reusable Water Bottle

Sunscreen

Lightweight Rain Jacket

What To Expect At The Atomium

Possibly the most recognised landmark in the city and the most popular thing to do in Brussels.

The Atomium was originally built in 1958 as a temporary structure and part of Brussels World’s Fair (Expo 58).

Standing 102 metres (335 ft) tall, this unique and spectacular silver structure is pretty impressive as you approach it.

Its nine massive spheres are connected together to represent a single unit of iron crystal magnified 165 billion times!

The tubes connecting the spheres enclose stairs, escalators and an elevator to allow public access to six of the spheres.

In the upper sphere (level 7) you will find the main Panorama area which gives one of the best 360 degree views across the city of Brussels. Along with lots of information panels about Expo 58 as well as other fascinating facts.

However, the Viewpoint (level 6) in one of the lateral spheres, is recommended as the best spot for some great arty photos, as it offers views of the city through the structure of the Atomium.

In the very highest sphere (level 8) is a restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, all accompanied by stunning views of Brussels.

Throughout the building you will find permanent and temporary exhibitions with themes about Belgium and digital arts.

The Atomium in Brussels is a unique building that offers a unique experience and is a must when visiting the Belgian capital.

The Permanent Exhibition

Stretching over 3 levels is a permanent exhibition of 3 parts. The lower sphere (levels 1 and 2) houses a exhibition telling the history of the old pavilion of Expo 58, including the only 3D representation of the site of the 1958 World’s Fair.

Here you will also find a section dedicated to the decline of the building in the nineties and the major renovation between 2004 – 2006. Followed by the subsequent reopening of the Atomium in 2006.

The last part of the permanent exhibition is up in the panorama area (level 7). Here you can compare today’s view with the view you would have been able to see way back in 1958.

The Atomium Elevator In Brussels — Taking the lift to a higher viewpoint.

Smurfs At The Atomium In Brussels — The Smurfs have visited the Atomium.

Where To Stay In Brussels

Luxury – Hotel Metropole

This Art Deco hotel dating from 1895 is situated in the historical centre of Brussels, a 10-minute walk from Grand-Place and Brussels Central Station.

The marble staircases in the lobby lead up to the rooms, which include a TV with internet access.

The Hotel Metropole also offers 24-hour room service.

The breakfast room has the same layout and design as the Akshardham Temple in Delhi, India.

There is also Cafe Metropole where you can enjoy a premium brasserie-style cuisine in Brussels typical tradition. Guests at Hotel Metropole benefit from 6 free minibar drinks.

Mid-Budget – Vintage Hotel

Offering free WiFi throughout the property, this hotel has rooms with 70s-style décor and flat-screen cable TV.

It includes a stylish boutique wine bar and a spacious courtyard terrace. Vintage Hotel Brussels is also only 50 yards from the fashionable Avenue Louise shopping area.

Each of the rooms at Vintage Hotel Brussels includes work desk, a modern bathroom and an iHome docking station with music player, radio and alarm functions.

Guests can make use of the free WiFi. A buffet breakfast featuring fresh fruit, coffee and pastries is available daily.