Atomium

Atomium featuring a city
Atomium showing art
Atomium featuring art, modern architecture and outdoor art
Atomium
Atomium featuring a city


This unique structure, made up of nine stainless steel spheres, has been called Europe's most bizarre building, and is the number one attraction in Brussels.

Iconic and otherworldly, the Atomium is architecture at its most futuristic. Designed to resemble a unit cell of an iron crystal, it was built in 1958 as the showstopper for the Belgian World Expo. Metal tubes link its nine gleaming orbs, four of which are open to the public and house exhibitions and a restaurant.

It's not hard to find the Atomium, as it can be seen from across the city, towering above the north-western corner of the magnificent Ossegempark. Approach it from the opposite end of the park in order to appreciate the full splendour of its sculptural silhouette against the lush vegetation. The promenade that leads to the Atomium is also a great vantage point from which to get some snaps of this architectural behemoth.

Kids, adults, history buffs and design aficionados the recently renovated Atomium has something for everyone. The upper sphere (accessed by escalator) is a good place to start. This is home to a permanent Expo 58 exhibition, which explains how the building was conceived. An engineer was responsible for the external structure, while the futuristic, apartment-sized interiors were designed by two of Belgium's foremost interior architects. This exhibition also features a wealth of photos and memorabilia relating to the 1958 Expo.

A variety of fascinating temporary exhibitions occupy one of the Atomium's other spheres, while its topmost globe is given over to a stunning restaurant. Pop in for an à la carte lunch with city views to die for, or reserve a table for your evening meal. Either way, you'll be treated to Belgian classics and international cuisine that won't break the bank.

The Atomium is open every day and charges a small entrance fee. The restaurant is accessed via the central lift. You can come by car or metro. If you're driving you'll find paid parking on the nearby streets.

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The Hotel

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Atomium

Discover a vibrant array of activities near the Atomium, including engaging art exhibitions and live music performances that cater to art lovers. Enjoy accessible recreational activities that allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture while exploring the iconic structure. Don't miss the chance to take guided tours that provide deeper insights into this architectural marvel and its artistic significance.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is at Docks Bruxsel, just 3.2km from Atomium, offering a lively atmosphere with entertainment and family-friendly options. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, 4.8km away, features charming shops, while Midi Market, 6.4km away, showcases local business vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore more shopping options beyond that.

Recreation

At King Baudouin Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying various sporting events. For a tranquil outdoor experience, head to Brabantse Golf, where you can unwind amidst beautiful landscapes. Finally, relax at Centre Des Sports D'Etterbeek, offering a serene environment perfect for wellness and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Brussels Kart EXPO, located 4.8km from Atomium. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Hop Bicycle Trail offers scenic rides 14.5km away, while the Duvel Bicycle Route, 19.3km from Atomium, provides picturesque landscapes for cycling adventures.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Atomium offers a delightful mix of culture and entertainment. Enjoy a performance at the Cirque Royal, just 4.8km away, or explore the fascinating Planetarium of the Royal Observatory, a mere 322m from Atomium. For a charming experience, visit the Royal Theatre Toone, also 4.8km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Atomium

The Atomium in Brussels offers a variety of attractions for visitors, including the vibrant piazzaSquare, engaging artMuseum, and versatile eventConferenceVenue. These points of interest provide a rich cultural experience, catering to families and travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the city's unique charm. Whether you're exploring art or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there is plenty to discover around this iconic landmark.

  • La Grand Place: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this stunning square is adorned with opulent guildhalls and the impressive Town Hall. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, especially during festivals and markets, where the city’s rich culture comes alive just 4.8km from the Atomium.
  • Brussels Expo: Located a mere 0.4.8km away, this expansive exhibition centre hosts major events and conferences. Experience the dynamic business environment while exploring innovative displays and networking opportunities in this bustling venue.
  • Tour & Taxis: Situated 3.2km from Atomium, this historic site has been transformed into a modern convention centre. It offers a unique blend of heritage and contemporary design, making it an ideal spot for business events and cultural activities.

Best time to go to Atomium

The best time to visit Atomium is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April50.2°F (10.1°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
July65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
November45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Atomium

To save money on your trip to Atomium, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January, February, or August, and book your hotel about a month in advance. Saturdays typically offer the lowest accommodation rates, while Tuesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to refine your hotel search based on budget and preferences, and look for last-minute deals. For public transport, explore affordable options like trams and buses. Additionally, combining hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to further savings. Don’t forget to seek out free activities around Brussels for added enjoyment without the expense.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Atomium are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Atomium about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Atomium is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Atomium is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it advantageous to save money by combining your Atomium hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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