Cinquantenaire Park Brussels:
This post wraps up our lovely visit to Belgium. We had fun in Bruges. We certainly liked Brussels a lot, and we loved Ghent. One of the places in Brussels that is easily overlooked is the Parc du Cinquantenaire or Jubelpark. It is a national landmark. The name translates to mean “Park of the fiftieth anniversary”. It was built to celebrate 50 years of Belgian independence during the reign of Leopold II.
The Cinquantenaire Park is located close to the European Quarter, where the E.U council and all the other important buildings are. We found the park one day as we were coming out of the Central train station. There is an arch that is impressive from afar (looked like Berlin’s Bradenburg gate). We thought we’d investigate.
We had the opportunity the next day, after our visit to see the Brussels Atomium. It looked to be about a mile away, and since the weather was okay at that point, we walked towards it. Let me just say looks are deceiving, and it was actually over 3 miles away, it was that big to be seen from afar :-). I almost wanted us to turn back, but my pride wouldn’t let me. I was glad we didn’t because it’s a beautiful park.
I only wished we had started out earlier, because we arrived at the park a few minutes before 5 pm. There was no problem enjoying the park itself, but we discovered that the Royal Army Museum was on one side of the arch, and the Autoworld Museum was on the other…and they both closed at 5!!! Be smart and plan right as l think the Royal Army Museum is definitely one of the highlights of Brussels.
Cinquantenaire Bruxelles: Royal Army Museum
The Royal Army Museum, unfortunately, was closed for refurbishment anyway at the time of our visit. I recommend anyone visiting Brussels to visit the park and all its offerings. There is an elevator that takes you up to the top of the arch and gives you a spectacular view of the city, and it’s free.
There are also about 150 old war planes on display, along with trenches and old war uniforms, etc. There is no fee to enter the museum either! Free! How often do you hear that at any touristy sight? Except for London that is, where you get into most museums for free. It adds up, especially when prices are very high. I consider the Royal Army Museum a must-see in Brussels.
You might enjoy: Brugge
Cinquantenaire Museum:
The Autoworld Museum, which was on the other side was also closing, but we did get inside for a minute (to ask about closing time) and even though we didn’t get to visit, there was this awesome old bike in the lobby. It was a Norton 750cc motorcycle, one of my two favorite bikes in the world,
The other was a Triumph bike, so l was happy. They have a car collection that spans the twenties to the modern day. I was okay not seeing it. As you know, the auto museum in Malaga rocks as well. If you’re a car buff, l think you should visit. The entrance fee was €5.
The Cinquantenaire Park itself was quite beautiful. The arch to me looks like a combination of the aforementioned Brandenburg and Arc de Triomphe of Paris. I find the combination more beautiful than either of them, l think it is the curves that do it for me, very sexy!
There were families having picnics, people playing football and frisbee. There were also joggers, roller skaters, and sun worshipers. It wasn’t even that warm, certainly not by the time we got there. The sun was going down, and there was a chill in the air. Being close to the E.U. places, you heard so many different languages, which was pretty cool.
This is another place that l think deserves a visit in Brussels. I know Cinquantenaire Park is one of the stops on the hop-on, hop-off bus. If you go that route, you should definitely get off and explore some of its many acres, don’t just take a picture from the bus.
We got sandwiches and drinks from a nearby cafe and enjoyed some time with the locals in the park. Then, we took the subway back. I’m not an idiot ;-). The station to get off is Merode or Schuman by the way. One leads you to the front with the museums, and the other through the back by the European Parliament.
Royal Museum of the armed forces and military history opening hours:
The Royal Army museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays 9:00 AM – 5 PM
Closed on Mondays.
The entrance fee to the Royal Arm Museum is €5.
Pinnable:
Have you been to Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels? If so, did you like it? If not, do you think you would like to visit it?
awe sad that the park was closed, and yes that’s a very cool motorcycle. Looks like a beautiful place!
Yeah.. I was bummed :-). It would have been nice to see the awesome view as well as those old planes that saw action! The park was nice though, so we had a nice late picnic..
When I saw the arch in your first photo, I also thought that it looks a lot like the Berlin gate 🙂 It seems that building things like that was a thing back in the days 🙂 Too bad the timing wasn’t great for visiting the musem(s), that bike certainly made you want to see more 🙂
I know right? The bike looked awesome!!! I was trying to charm the guard into letting us in for just the 3 minutes left, but he wasn’t having any if it.. :-). There will be a next time, and l will be ready, l want to see those planes and the view too.
The park is beautiful, my thoughts on King Leopold…not so much.
That bike is beautiful, it looks like it would be the perfect size for me. Traffic in Nairobi has been a nightmare and that bike would be handy for getting around.
You made me laugh about King Leopold :-). I could totally see you zipping around Nairobi on that bike too. It is my dream bike. It just looks so cool!
What a peaceful looking park. It’s pretty huge! I’d love to visit the Royal Army Museum – I’m a sucker for fighter planes. Great photos!
Thanks :-). Knowing how much you like Parks, l think you would really enjoy this one. It is quite big, and shaped like a pentagon. Yeah..I would have loved to see the planes.
Beautiful. I love the architecture! I really want to visit that region of Europe. I will eventually!
I agree, it is quite beautiful. With your knack and know how for finding the best deals, l am sure you will make it sooner than later. 🙂