If you have got time to tour Europe, head here instead to see the best of the EU's architecture.
Located at the bottom of the Atomium, Mini-Europe offers visitors the opportunity to see scaled down replicas of many of Europe's most famous sights, without having to leave Brussels. The park is a diverting place to spend a few hours and as well as the sights, there are plenty of interesting details given about the European Union's member states.
From Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower to the Berlin Wall, each attraction is around 1/25th of the size of the original, so still imposingly large in lots of cases. In total there are more than 300 models to look at, and the craftsmanship is very impressive. The models are made from different materials including resin and stone, and each attraction has been created from a cast before any external features or decorations, such as Big Ben's clock face or the decorative patterns on the Leaning Tower of Pisa, were added.
The park opened in 1989 and millions of euros have been invested into the venue. There is plenty of interactive fun too, including an erupting Mount Vesuvius and the sounds of gondoliers from Venice. Kids will enjoy pressing the buttons which trigger off a country's national anthem.
Aside from all the fascinating models, a visit to Mini-Europe is a great way to acquaint yourself with the history and culture of the Member States, particularly if you are not going to be able to visit them in person. The guidebook, which is included in the price of admission, gives a huge amount of interesting detail about the Member States and some of their quirks, while the models themselves all have signs containing a wealth of information.
Mini-Europe is located beneath the Atomium, and can be reached by car, tram, bus or train. The streets surrounding the park provide parking for a fee. Mini-Europe is open every day and there is a charge for admission.
