A Famous Park In Brussels Is Abundant In Nature And Family-Friendly Activities To Enjoy

Vibrant and charming, Brussels combines a rich cultural heritage with modern dynamics that make it the perfect place for curious travelers to explore. From its Art Nouveau architecture that dots the cityscape to its contemporary art galleries, cozy cafes, and world-class chocolate shops, the city has a little something for everyone. Because Belgium has been lauded as one of Europe's best-kept secrets by travel writer and expert Rick Steves, it's an ideal European destination for people who hate crowds.

Outside of the historic city center and grand market square, one of Brussels' most beloved attractions is the impressive Cinquantenaire Park. Built in 1880 to mark the nation's 50th anniversary, the 74-acre, French-style park features a majestic arch as its centerpiece. Along with beautiful gardens, winding pathways, and peaceful green spaces that make it easy to find a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle.

Beyond its historical significance, the park also serves as a cultural hub. Housing three major museums — including Autoworld, which is considered one of the best museums in Brussels — Cinquantenaire Park offers visitors a chance to explore both history and art all in one place. Plus, once you've finished exploring the exhibitions, the grounds also double as a recreational space where locals and visitors alike can come together all year for sporting events, cultural festivals, and relaxing evening walks.

Culture enthusiasts can spend an entire day exploring the park's three museums in Cinquantenaire Park. For starters, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History has a world-class collection that focuses on Belgium's military heritage. With impressive aircraft and armor displays, visitors can trace the evolution of warfare from medieval times to the present day. As for planning your visit, admission starts from 12 euros for adults and 7 euros for children — with the first Wednesday of every month offering free access from 1 p.m. until closing.

Meanwhile, car lovers can flock to Autoworld — a museum dedicated to automotive history — to admire its vast collection of classic and vintage cars, as well as check out rotating expos that feature everything from motorsport icon celebrations to jaw-dropping restorations. As for admission, tickets start from 17 euros for adults and 9 euros for children. Lastly, the city's Art and History Museum is home to everything from ancient Greek and Egyptian artifacts to European ceramics, glassware, and pre-Columbian art. With adult tickets starting from 10 euros, the museum promises an affordable and educational day out for the whole family.

Outside, the park comes alive throughout the year with a variety of events that bring the community together. From open-air concerts to month-long festivals, Cinquantenaire Park is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Things hit their peak on July 21 — aka the Belgian National Holiday — when a massive fireworks display fills the sky. Even on regular days, you'll find runners jogging along the tree-lined paths, families picnicking on the lawns, and food trucks serving up classic Belgian waffles.

While Cinquantenaire Park is easy enough to explore on your own, nothing beats the insights of local expertise. With over 20 options to choose from, Viator's Cinquantenaire Park tour packages include plenty of ways to combine a visit to the park with more of the city's landmarks and cultural attractions. 

For travelers who prefer flexibility, the hop-on-hop-off bus tours starting from $30 let you explore Brussels at your own pace while hitting all the major attractions, including Cinquantenaire Park. Alternatively, for a more personal experience, a privately-guided tour starts from $90. Pairing you with a local expert who can share hidden gems and stories about Brussels beyond the guidebooks, which expert Rick Steves is the best thing to splurge on during a European vacation. From secret gems near the park to the best spots in town to find some truly authentic Belgian chocolate to bring home, a tour experience is one way to truly enrich your European vacation in Brussels.