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Leopold Quarter (EU Quarter)
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The Leopold Quarter, now better known as the European Quarter, is the political and administrative heart of the European Union in Brussels. Originally planned in the 19th century under King Leopold I as a residential area for the Brussels aristocracy, it transformed after World War II into the center of European integration. It houses the headquarters of the European Commission in the Berlaymont building, the Council of the European Union in the Justus Lipsius building, and the European Parliament at Place du Luxembourg. The quarter is characterized by a high density of modern glass architecture, which stands in contrast to the remaining neoclassical mansions. Economically, the zone is of immense importance as it hosts tens of thousands of civil servants, diplomats, lobbyists, and journalists. The Bruxelles-Luxembourg railway station connects the quarter directly to the national rail network. Urban development continues steadily to improve the functionality for EU institutions while increasing the quality of life for local residents.
- Location: Belgium
- Top sights: Parlamentarium · Pont de la chaussée d'Etterbeek - Brug van de Etterbeeksesteenweg · Palace of the Marquess of Assche
- Nearby: Grimbergen (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 61 | 55 | 38 | 59 | 63 | 75 | 79 | 55 | 63 | 69 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Leopold Quarter is a public district, freely accessible at any time. Most EU buildings are viewable from the outside; some have visitor centres offering interior tours.
Typical hours
The quarter is walkable 24/7; EU institution visitor centres typically operate from 9 AM to 5 PM. On weekends and holidays, many buildings are closed.
Photography
Photography is allowed on the streets and squares of the quarter; EU buildings may have security restrictions. The glass façades of the Berlaymont building are a popular subject.
Time needed
A walk through the Leopold Quarter takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Those visiting a visitor centre should add another 1 to 1.5 hours.
Combine with
The quarter is centrally located in Brussels, easily combined with the Parlamentarium and the House of European History. The nearby Fifty-Fifty Park and Cinquantenaire Park are also close.
Getting there
The Leopold Quarter is excellently served by public transport; metro stations Maelbeek and Schuman are right there. Parking is expensive and limited; driving is not recommended.
Insider tip
Visit the Parlamentarium to experience EU affairs interactively - entry is free. Go up to the Berlaymont building's observation platform for a view over the quarter.
Geography
Facts
- Construction of the Berlaymont building between 1963 and 1969
- Seat of the European Parliament since the 1990s
- Hosts over 30,000 EU civil servants in Brussels
- Traversed by metro lines 1 and 5
- Justus Lipsius building was inaugurated in 1995
- Place du Luxembourg was the site of the city's first railway station
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Leopold Quarter (EU Quarter) (10)
Église Saint-Joseph - Sint-Jozefkerk
Church in Brussels, Belgium, dedicated to Saint Joseph.
Square Frère-Orban - Frère-Orbansquare🌳 park
Park and square in Brussels, Belgium, named after Frère-Orban.
Part of the Berlin Wall
Segment of the Berlin Wall, placed in Brussels as a memorial.
Jardin de la Vallée du Maelbeek - Maalbeekdaltuin🌳 park
Park in Brussels, Belgium, in the Maelbeek valley.
House of European History🏛 museum
Museum in Brussels, Belgium, about the history of Europe.
China Cultural Center
Cultural centre in Brussels, presenting Chinese art and culture.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit the European Parliament?
Yes, the Parlamentarium visitor center has free interactive tours daily.
Which metro station is closest?
Schuman and Maelbeek stations (lines 1 and 5) are located directly in the quarter.
Are there green spaces in the EU quarter?
Yes, Leopold Park features a green oasis right behind the Parliament building.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekdays are busy with activity, while weekends are quieter for strolling around.
Are there museums nearby?
The House of European History and the Natural Sciences Museum are very close by.
Leopold Quarter (EU Quarter): where is it located?
Leopold Quarter (EU Quarter) is located in Belgium.
Leopold Quarter (EU Quarter): what is there to see?
Highlights include Parlamentarium, Pont de la chaussée d'Etterbeek - Brug van de Etterbeeksesteenweg, Palace of the Marquess of Assche.
Leopold Quarter (EU Quarter): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Leopold Quarter (EU Quarter): why is it worth visiting?
The Leopold Quarter, now better known as the European Quarter, is the political and administrative heart of the European Union in Brussels.
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