Courtnie C.

This structure is super cool! I didn't get the chance to go inside as I arrived about 10 minutes after the last entrance time (5:30 pm) due to stand still traffic around the Atomium so plan accordingly. If you were trying to uber like I did then you may be faster walking from the entrance or leaving the main area to get a faster pickup to leave. Although it's about a 15-20 minute drive from Brussels Nord train station, it is connected to a lovely nearby park which attracts families on weekends.

Jim W.

The Atomium is quite unique and can be seen from some trains as you approach Brussels. It is a bit over 300 feet tall and clad in aluminum, so it is hard to miss. It was built in 1958 in conjunction with some World's Fair, from a similar timeframe as the Space Needle in Seattle. The design is supposed to be super-enlarged representation of an iron crystal, I think. It has 9 large spheres attached together with tubes. We rode the subway out to the Heysel station for less than 3 Euros apiece. From there, it is a less than 10-minute walk to the Atomium. I had purchased tickets online in advance (I could not buy them too far in advance, but when I checked back about 4 - 6 weeks ahead I was able to get them). The tickets are just good for a given day - no time slot involved. We went on a Friday and it appeared we could have just gotten tickets when we walked up. Weekends may be busier, though. When you first arrive, they insist on taking your photo (to try to sell you a copy later). This practice usually makes me feel a bit of a cheesy tourist vibe. You then ascend an elevator in the central column up to the top sphere. There, you can do a circuit and take in the views. There is a restaurant there on an upper floor, but we did not check it out. You next descend back via the same elevator to the ground floor again, where you are free to use the escalators and stairs to ascend a couple of levels up. The exhibits about the 1958 World's Fair were somewhat intersting. You can get an impression of what the original fair's layout was like, and still see some pavilions that got converted to other uses in the distance. As you continue up, the areas with the artistic light shows were less interesting. One seemed like you were inside a giant toaster. From there, you descend stairs back down to the ground level again and exit through the gift shop. This is worth seeing once, but I'd categorize it more as a 'see it if you have time' attraction.

Lucie T.

Beautiful place to experience in Brussels. It was super crowded no matter what time of the day. The lines to the top observation was too long so I didn't get a chance to see it or the views. I took pictures outside and take the exhibition inside without the observation deck. Tickets are purchased online.

Leticia R.

This is fantastic! Make sure to go to the top for exceptional views. Trying the restaurant at the top too. Will review after we've had a chance to taste!

Ray T.

Last minute visit to this beautiful piece of engineering, and it did not disappoint. Beautiful structure, cool pictures, and very well kept. Buy the tickets online to save some money, couple with mini europe for extra savings. Advice: come early, lots of walkikg and alot to see, great idea to bring your family.

Sara C.

Atomium is super neat in the Brussels skyline, whether you go up into the orbs or just stroll around the outside. It was built for the 1958 World's Fair in Brussels, and served its purpose there, falling into disrepair afterward. But in the early 2000s, it was luckily renovated and re-opened, looking brand-spankin' new. The modernist structure is almost 350 feet high, made of steel, and weighs over 5 million pounds - that's a lot of Atomium! The orbs each house different galleries of cultural and artistic merit, all connected by escalators and elevators that soar through the tubes. Being such an iconic piece of Brussels history, definitely make it a point to visit Atomium, whether you go inside or just view the gigantic structure from outside/below!

AJ R.

I had my suspicions this was a tourist trap, but I never imagined how terrible it would be. The view from the top is nice and the light & sound exhibition was fun, but altogether not worth the 16€ and long waits. Architecturally is definitely a curiosity and you should take a picture of yourself with it on the background, as it is a landmark, but it is nothing remarkable on the inside. For the panoramic view there is a fast elevator that only takes 22 seconds to go up (it just takes quite a while to get into the elevator). For the exhibitions there are escalators for the first 3 levels then you must clim 80 steps. There are no escalators to go back down to the ground floor and must descend 160 steps.

Marlon T.

The Atomium! I am a science nerd and loved physics going through school. So, a huge atom with fun escalators? I had to check it out with my family. Aside from being very social-media-photo-worthy, this place is definitely worth a visit inside. I recommend coming early as possible to avoid lines for the elevator. Also, hopefully you're not there when there are hundreds of school kids on a field trip!

Clara C.

Need a touristy thing to do in Brussels? Visit the Atomium! There are bus and metro stops so close to the Atomium, so it's easily accessed by public transport. It's also close to mini Europe. There was a long line to purchase tickets, so I recommend getting them online. Students get discounted tickets with ID. The restroom inside costs 0.50 Euros lol. The tickets get you admission to go up the Atomium. The escalators go to all the floors, so you get views of the city from the top. There's information at each stop telling of construction and history, etc. Next to the ticketing office is a cafe to get waffles and ice cream. There are outdoor tables. If you walk toward the bus stop, there's a water fountain. You'll get a nice view of the Atomium from the grassy area.

Caili C.

Unfortunately I have to say this spot is a bit of a tourist trap. We were excited to visit the Atomium to see the views of Brussels but it was a bit of a letdown and we had to wait over an hour to take the elevator up to the top. When we first got into the Atomium building we didn't know that the escalators only take you to the middle and so we went through that portion of the exhibit first before realizing that we had to join a very long line to take the elevator to the top. We ended up waiting in the line for over an hour only to get to the top and spent less than 10 min up there as the view was pretty blocked by the windows and other obstructions. Perhaps it would have been nicer and quicker if we visited early in the day but at least it's a quick train ride from the city center so if you have time it might be worth a visit.

Yasser H.

This place was on my bucket list for places to visit in Belgium. We took the train to station and walked a few minutes to the museum. Masks were required and the entrance was nicely organized. We actually purchased our tickets online ahead of time so didn't have to wait at the long lines for tickets. We took the escalators to all the floors and got to see a spectacular view of the city from the top. The structure is so unique. And there are placards that display all the information about its history and construction. The display inside is wonderu Lastly, upon completing the tour, we saw a nice cafe downstairs and couple of other snack shops. Got some waffles and ice cream and coffee for a nice afternoon snack.

Jill H.

I'm really thrilled we chose to come late in the day on a whim. Crowds were light, which made the experience enjoyable. It's a cool tourist site. Beautiful views from the top. We spent less time in the "museum" part, but the music/light section of the interior was funky and fun. Last, we were happily surprised to stumble across the "outside my window" pandemic photo art exhibit inside. There was much more one could enjoy if time weren't an issue. Walking through the park across the way was lovely. Wish we could've spent more time there, but we had to get back. Getting there was an easy Metro ride to/from the Grand Plaza area.

Gagan G.

This was such a pretty place especially when the sun hits it correctly. With the tour it's 16 euros per person and 8.5 for kids. A little pricy but you can combine it with the Little Europe tickets! I definitely recommend for a good view and lovely photos! Overall a 4.5 just because the top is a little boring as you will probably only stay up there for a 10 minute experience. But the light shows and the glowing escalators made up for it and was absolutely beautiful!