Train World

Top choice in Brussels


Wonderful old engines gleam in the low light of this imaginative and beautiful museum, located in the renovated 1887 Schaerbeek station: exhibits include Le Belge, the country's first locomotive. You can climb on board the engines, wander into a historic station cottage and walk over a railway bridge. A train simulator is an added bonus.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Brussels attractions

1. Château Royal de Laeken

1.02 MILES

The official residence of the Belgian royal family, this grandly symmetrical palace was acquired by Napoleon for Josephine. It is not open to the public.

2. Maison Autrique

1.04 MILES

This was the first building of note by Horta, commissioned by a friend and fellow mason in 1893. As per the brief, it shows little luxury or extravagance,…

3. Notre-Dame de Laeken

1.08 MILES

Deceased Belgian royals are laid to rest in the crypt of the splendid, triple-spired stone church of Notre-Dame de Laeken.

4. Domaine Royal

1.12 MILES

The Domain Royale contains a trio of palace-villas that are home to Belgium’s ruling family. All are out of bounds to tourists, but for two or three weeks…

5. Royal Greenhouses

1.26 MILES

The enormous Serres Royales were built by Alphonse Balat during Léopold II's reign. Fuchsias and all sorts of tropical species thrive inside, and Belgians…

6. Halles de Schaerbeek

1.29 MILES

This 1901 former food market is a great example of glass and wrought-iron industrial architecture. It's been restored as a cultural centre and performance…

7. Tour Japonaise

1.29 MILES

On the edge of the Domaine Royal, Tour Japonaise is used for temporary Japanese art exhibitions. Closed for restoration at the time of writing.

8. Musées d’Extrême-Orient

1.37 MILES

Closed at the time of writing for restoration, so check in advance before visiting. A pair of East Asian pagodas form the key attractions here. Both are…