Atomium, Brussels: How to Visit and What to Do Nearby

The Atomium stands in Heysel Park in northern Brussels, a 102-meter structure representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, built for the 1958 World’s Fair. Nine interconnected spheres, each 18 meters in diameter, are linked by tubes containing escalators and a central elevator reaching the top in 23 seconds. The highest sphere houses a restaurant and observation deck with views over Brussels and, on clear days, as far as Antwerp. Originally temporary, the Atomium was renovated in 2006 with stainless steel cladding replacing the original aluminum. is just one of many options in Brussels. Major attractions worth considering include Brussels Town Hall (Hotel de Ville), Cantillon Brewery, and Royal Greenhouses of Laeken (Serres Royales de Laeken).