Atomium, Brussels, Belgium

4Peej M 5:00 PM Aug 25, 2022

Iconic and well worth a visit
It's quite amusing that a few reviews mention a fear of heights not being a barrier to this amazing attraction, it's very true! The iconic Atomium is an imposing sight - you can just about spot it from certain viewpoints in central Brussels but nothing prepares you for how big this is when you first approach it on the bus or taxi. We got entry as part of the Brussels Experience ticket (which is worth its weight in gold, allowing you entry to quite a few attractions including the nearby Mini Europe - which is surprisingly not as tacky as it looks). I would strongly recommend getting to the Atomium as early as you can to avoid the choking queues. I'd also recommend doing the 'high bits' first before working your way around the lower levels, as you have a long snaking queue for the lifts up to the highest points (which offer stunning views across Brussels and the Heysel area). Inside you'll find all sorts of exhibits and information about the Atomium and the festival which it was part of. I would offer a strong warning that if you have any epilepsy sufferers in your party that you avoid the lower levels entirely, as there's a lot of flashing lights - and no warnings, so if flickering lights are a trigger for you, you're better off avoiding it altogether). It's quite a strange building (obviously) so be prepared to take quite a winding route through the insides of this amazing installation, with escalators and staircases for the lower routes, and an express lift to the top. Probably one of the best places for photo opportunities in the whole of Brussels. If you're going here on the Toots tourist bus, be prepared for a bit of a weight but it's a very good way to see it (again with the Brussels pass you get to use the bus too so again it's well worth the spend as entry prices are pretty expensive!) Didn't visit the cafe but it was very busy, there's not much else around in terms of restaurants / amenities but there are plenty of loos around thankfully!

4AgedMan 5:00 PM Sep 23, 2022

Pre-Book & Get There Early
I worked in Brussels in 1979 and returned there at various times in the 1980's and was always disappointed that you could not enter the Atomium and merely observe it from the outside. I now know why having re-visited recently (the place was closed for safety reasons). Made it inside this time and visited all the exhibitions including the top sphere which provides brilliant 360 degree views across Brussels and beyond. The adjacent Design Museum is worth a visit too. Recommend you pre-book online and get there for the 10am opening time to avoid the queues and the tour groups.