Authentic streets, a modern analogue of the Eiffel Tower, impressive Gothic, Art Nouveau and Baroque buildings, medieval squares and palaces — the Belgian capital can offer you all of this. All European principles are implemented in Brussels: progress, development and heritage preservation.
Besides architectural masterpieces that please tourists, in this city there is a real paradise for fans of quiet rest, as well as pets. Brussels ranks second in the world for the number of parks. Here in a green oasis you can escape from the city hustle and bustle.
The location of Brussels is also very convenient: from here you can reach Paris in one hour and Amsterdam in two hours.
We have created a special route for you and your four-legged friend. So take your dog and – bon voyage!
Dog-friendly walking routes in Brussels
We recommend that you start your acquaintance with the capital of Belgium with its historic center - the Old Town. This part of the city has a pentagonal shape — in the past it was surrounded by a fortress wall that reliably protected the city. Only the Hallepoort gate has survived to our time.
The most famous is the Grand-Place. This square has been the main commercial center of Brussels since the Middle Ages. When walking with the dog, you can take a detailed look at the unique architectural ensemble with the Gothic town hall, the king's house, the painters' guild and the tailors' guild.
Also on this square you can see guild houses of the 18th century — their facades are decorated with handmade ornaments and sculptures.
Twice a year the Grand-Place is decorated with a gigantic carpet of flowers. This beauty stays on the square for three days, where you can admire colorful begonias that are specially planted for this event. It is particularly convenient to enjoy this fantastic floral display from one of the cafés on the square. The legendary tavern "Goldsloop" is also located here, where the writer Victor Hugo lived.
For the sake of simplicity, the center of Brussels is divided into Lower and Upper Town. In the Lower Town is an ancient neighborhood of Marolles, where craftsmen and merchants lived in the past. The famous Manneken Pis (peeing boy) fountain, which has become a symbol of the city, is also located here. This bronze statue was created by Jérôme Duquesnoy in the 17th century, it was stolen and damaged several times, so unfortunately we can now see a copy.
If you continue walking in the south direction, you will come to Kaiser Boulevard. From here the old stone tower La Tour Anneessens and the oldest church in the town of Notre Dame de la Chapelle (dating from the 12th century) are visible.
The Palace of Justice, Churches of Saint Catherine and Saint John the Baptist, and the Black Tower from the Middle Ages are also worth seeing in this quarter — the architectural execution of all these buildings is unique.
The Upper Town originally belonged to the nobles. Here you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula and walk a little further through the magnificent Royal Park. Climb the Kunstberg (Mont des Arts) to see a fantastic panoramic view of the Lower City from there. Here you can also see several buildings created according to strict geometrical rules. State agencies and art institutions are located in these buildings. The broad staircase takes you further to Königsplatz.
In addition to ancient architecture, Brussels also has many modern houses. Not far from the Grand-Place you will find the European Quarter, where modern buildings of the EU Commission and the European Parliament are located.
After a long walk through the old town, we continue to the district of Laeken - a part of Brussels worth seeing. Here, on the grounds of the royal heritage, there is a large park with rich orangeries and a magnificent palace. If you turn west, you will come to the amusement park "Mini-Europe" and the famous sculpture "Atomium".
Walking under this sculpture, you will feel all the majesty of these structures and of all world science: this monument symbolizes limitless possibilities of peaceful use of atomic energy. The Atomium is more than 100 meters high and encloses nine spheres with a diameter of 18 meters. These spheres form the model of the molecular structure of iron, magnified 160 billion times! Inside the connecting tubes between the spheres there are escalators, corridors and even the high-speed elevator that leads to the observation deck, from where the panoramic view of Brussels opens. In one of the spheres there is a mini-hotel, where tourists stay specially from evening to morning to enjoy the fantastic views of Brussels at night longer.
We also recommend that you visit the Petit Sablon square, where you can see 48 statues symbolizing various Hildes and a fountain.
We hope you enjoyed your extended city tour of Brussels. Before you start making new discoveries, you and your dog need a cozy overnight stay in one of the pet-friendly hotels.
Dog friendly hotels in Brussels
This dog-friendly hotel is located in the heart of the city, not far from the Grand-Place and the legendary Manneken Pis.
The hotel rooms are furnished in a minimalist style. They have televisions and private bathrooms with toilets. In the cozy lounge you can taste drinks from the bar and relax in a quiet atmosphere.
For an extra payment you can order breakfast from the hotel's Lloyd Coffee Eatery.
In the vicinity of the hotel you will find shops, tourist attractions, restaurants, chocolate shops, bars and cafes.
Dogs weighing up to 10 kg are welcome in this hotel. The price of accommodation is 10 EURO/day.
This dog-friendly hotel from the Novotel chain is located in the historic center of Brussels, near the Grand-Place.
To explore places of interest more easily, you can rent a bicycle. You can also visit the fitness center in the hotel or relax in the fresh air on the open terrace.
Each hotel room is equipped with TV, minibar, desk, sofa and tea/coffee making facilities.
In the bar you can enjoy international specialities, cocktails, local Belgian beer and quality wines.
Nearby are Parc de Bruxelles, Manneken Pis and the Royal Palace.
The daily accommodation price per dog is 15 EURO. Food and water bowls are available upon request.
The NH Brussels Carrefour de L'Europe hotel is located right in the center of Brussels, not far from the metro station.
The rooms are spacious and have excellent soundproofing. Other benefits: Ensuite bathroom, comfortable bed, tea and coffee making facilities. High-speed internet works throughout the hotel premises.
Buffet is served for breakfast. You can also taste French and Belgian specialties in the restaurant. There is also a small chocolate shop in the hotel.
The NH Brussels Carrefour de L'Europe hotel is pet-friendly. A maximum of 2 dogs can be accommodated in one room. The maximum weight of a dog should be 25 kg. Accommodation per animal costs 25 EURO for the whole stay.
If you want to see the main sights of Brussels every day, then this dog-friendly hotel is for you: you are staying in the center of the city!
Breakfast is served on the first floor, from where a panoramic view of Brussels opens. Also on this floor there is a cozy terrace where you can always relax.
The rooms have air conditioning, minibar, internet and tea and coffee station. The hotel also has a fitness room.
Dogs weighing up to 25 kg are welcome, accommodation per dog costs 35 EURO for the entire stay.
The hotel is located in the center of Brussels, you can reach the sights with your dog in a few minutes.
The hotel rooms are equipped with split facilities, TV, Wi-Fi and bathroom with toilet and have stylish interior. Guests can also use the public fitness center and sauna.
In the morning, a breakfast buffet is served.
Accommodation of pets costs 12.5 EURO per day.
Brussels is the city of contrasts. Here historic houses and old cathedrals are perfectly combined with modern monuments. Everything has its place here – busy streets and quiet parks. The city will pleasantly surprise you with its numerous pet-friendly hotels and cafes. So take your dog with you, take souvenir photos and discover new places together with your four-legged friend!
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