Laken

• Location: Laeken, Brussels, Belgium
• Sightseeing: Royal Palace Laken, flower greenhouses, Museum of the Far East, Atomium

Brussels can be called the administrative capital of Europe, because it is the headquarters of the European Union. However, before, Brussels was only a merchant city. Only in the XVIII - XIX began its active construction, as a result of which grew one of the most beautiful areas of the capital of Belgium - Laken.

sights

Laken is a historical district, which in combination is one of the most interesting places in Belgium . After all, here are the objects that are symbols of the country. The special attention is deserved by the park Laken - architectural ensemble, which includes:

• the royal palace of Laken, closed to the public;
• flower greenhouses that open only once a year;
• Museum of the Far East, consisting of a Chinese pavilion and a Japanese tower and working constantly.

The park complex can be visited absolutely free of charge. The fee is charged only for the entrance to the Royal Greenhouse and it is $ 2.75. On Sunday at noon you can visit the royal crypt, which is located in Notre-Dame de Laken (Church of Our Lady).

By the way, in 1958, Belgium hosted the World Exhibition, to the opening of which in Laken were built such famous architectural objects as:

• Atomium ;
• the stadium of King Baudouin;
• park "Mini Europe" .

Hotels in Laken

Despite the fact that the Laken district in Belgium is a historical object, it is quite easy to find a good hotel here. For example, staying at the three-star Alliance Hotel Brussels Expo, you will appreciate its proximity to architectural monuments and major highways. Next to him is the symbol of Brussels - Atomium. In addition, in the Laken district in Brussels, you can stay in the following hotels:

• Best Western Hotel Expo;
• Tivoli Brussels;
• Le Centenaire Brussels Expo;
• Pegasus Apparthotel.

All hotels are distinguished by a high level of service, comfort and convenient location.

Laken's Restaurants

Belgian cuisine is able to please both real gourmets, and those people who consider themselves to be unsuited in food. Meat dishes and seafood are especially popular. It is the Belgian seafood dishes that are the most original in the world. Walking along Laken, you can find institutions in which all the favorite fast food, Italian pizza and German sausages are served. In this area of Brussels you can have a snack in the following restaurants:

• Les Kariatides;
• Pizzicato 2;
• Le Frascati sprl;
• Som Tam
• Cuneo.

Shopping

Many tourists call Brussels a boutique city. And this is quite true, because there is a huge number of brand shops and souvenir shops. In the Laken district there are not so many retail outlets, because in the first place it is a historical center. If necessary, you can:

• to collect Belgian chocolate in the store Godiva;
• to buy new music CDs in the Art Shop;
• prepare a surprise and buy balls in the store Balon Balon.

If you are looking for a new smartphone or other equipment, then you can look into the BASE shop Brussels.

How to get there?

The historic Laken district is located in the north-western part of Brussels. Next to it runs the Canal de Villebrock, as well as the streets of Avenue du Parc Royal and Avenue Jules van Praet. You can reach this part of the Belgian capital by metro, following the stations of Bockstael, Houba Bourgmann or Stuyvenbergh.