A Weekend in Brussels

After a few months of relative inactivity with the camera, a weekend trip to Brussels provided a great opportunity to capture some new images – in fact, my first overseas images for the blog. Nothing ‘arty’ I’m afraid – just some snapshots from a wonderful weekend away with a great group of friends.

First up – some shots from the wonderful Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. This shopping mall (far too mundane a word to describe these splendid arcades) comprises the Gallery of the Queen, the King and the Princes. Shoppers are protected from the elements by the magnificent glass roof that you can see in a couple of the photos. Situated close to the Grand Place, the Galleries are home to many luxury shops, watchmakers, chocolatiers and restaurants of all kinds. The Arthouse Cinema and the Royal Theatre Galleries and Vaudeville are also housed there.

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

In the middle of the Galeries you can divert outside down the Rue des Bouchers – which leads to a maze of side-streets packed with restaurants. It really comes to life at night – buzzing with tourists seeking a bite to eat.

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

A quaint lane-way between the restaurants off the Petite Rue des Bouchers.

 
 

 
 

A short walk from this area is the magnificent Grand Place – a market square surrounded by guildhalls.

 
 

 
 

Maison du Roi (King’s House) – home of the Museum of the City of Brussels. There were concerts in the square that weekend hence the enormous gig-rig in the shot!

 
 
 

 
 

Detail from the roof of the Maison du Roi:

 
 

 
 

Some shots of the guildhalls around the square:

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

A shot taken away from the Grand Place but showing the magnificent 96 metre (310 ft) high tower of the Brussels Town Hall, situated on the Grand Place.

 
 

 
 

Just off the Grand Place is the small but beautiful Church of St Nicholas. I didn’t have my tripod so I had to resort to hand-held shots of the interior in rather low light:

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

The church is situation very close to the Brussels Bourse (Stock Exchange) – a rather ornate neo-Palladian building.

 
 

 
 

Finally, for this trip at least, a brief visit to the magnificent St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral. As I was short on time (we had to head back to the airport), I completely forgot to get a photo of the exterior, and as there was a concert taking place inside, movement was restricted. So, just a couple of shots to give a sense of the interior. The organ is a marvel in its own right – it appears to be hanging from the side wall. The singers below give a sense of scale.

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Hope you enjoyed this quick snap-shot of central Brussels. There will be a follow-on post featuring street photography from the trip.