Brussels: 48 Museums, Atomium, and Discounts Card

Thinking about visiting Brussels and want to make the most of your time without breaking the bank? The Brussels: 48 Museums, Atomium, and Discounts Card might just be the ticket. It promises access to a wide range of attractions, from famous landmarks to lesser-known spots, all bundled into one convenient package.

What we particularly like about this option is its flexibility and value. You get to choose between 1 to 3 days of access, giving you room to plan your sightseeing comfortably. Plus, the significant savings—up to 40% off regular admission prices—are a real draw, especially if you’re planning to hit multiple museums and attractions.

However, it’s worth noting that the card doesn’t include public transport, so you’ll need to plan for your own transportation. This could be a minor inconvenience if you’re relying solely on the card for everything, but overall, it suits travelers eager to explore with a good mix of structure and freedom. This experience works particularly well for those who love museums, city views, and a bit of guided touring, but who also value the ability to customize their itinerary.

Key Points

• Extensive Museum Access: 48 museums covering art, science, history, and more, tailored to different interests.
• Flexible Duration: Valid for 1, 2, or 3 days, allowing you to pace your exploration.
• Cost Savings: Up to 40% off combined admissions, making it budget-friendly.
• Includes Atomium Skip-the-Line: The iconic Brussels landmark is a highlight, with convenient entry.
• Additional Discounts: Save on tours, dining, shopping, and transportation, although transport isn’t included.
• Practical Extras: Free pocket guidebook in multiple languages and a detailed city map.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Breakdown: What’s Included and How It Works

Getting into Brussels with this pass is straightforward. Once you purchase, you’ll need to exchange your voucher for the actual card at one of the designated Visit.brussels offices. You can do this either at the BIP office on rue Royale or at the City Hall of Brussels in Grand Place — both are centrally located, which makes it easy to start your adventure without a fuss.

The card is activated the first time you scan it at a museum or at the Atomium, and from that moment, your valid period begins—either 24, 48, or 72 hours. This means you have some flexibility on when to start, depending on your schedule, but you’ll want to plan your key visits accordingly.

Museum Access

You’ll gain entry to 49 museums, which sounds like a lot, but it’s a curated list that includes some of Brussels’ top spots like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts (including the Magritte Museum), Museum of Natural Sciences, Museum of Chocolate (Choco-Story), and the Belgian Comic Strip Center. For art lovers, the Magritte Museum is a must-see, showcasing surrealist works that are quite captivating.

Other interesting options include Autoworld Brussels, a vintage car museum, and Train World, perfect for train enthusiasts. For those interested in history and culture, museums like BELvue and Art & History provide insightful contexts about Belgium and Brussels itself.

The Atomium Experience

The Atomium is a highlight of the pass. Known worldwide as the symbol of Brussels, it’s not just a photo opportunity—visitors can go inside, take in panoramic city views, and appreciate its unique architectural design. The skip-the-line ticket makes accessing this modern marvel smoother, especially during busy periods.

Extra Discounts and Tours

Beyond museums, the pass offers discounts on various attractions, guided tours, and activities. For example, you might find discounts on guided tours of Art Nouveau & Art Deco architecture, or even a boat trip on Brussels’ waterways. This adds a nice layer of flexibility for travelers wanting to diversify their sightseeing without additional costs.

Plus, the card grants discounts on transportation options like electric bikes and scooters, which can be a fun way to cover more ground. You’ll also get deals at local shops and restaurants—think Belgian beer stores, chocolate shops, and Belgian restaurants—making it easier to enjoy the city’s culinary delights without overspending.

More Great Tours Nearby

What’s Not Included?

It’s important to remember that public transport isn’t included in the package**, so if you plan to travel between museums and attractions, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation, whether via tram, bus, or walking. This isn’t unusual for such passes, but it’s worth factoring into your planning.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

Based on user reviews, many travelers find the value for money a significant highlight—getting so much access for just $60 per person makes it appealing. One reviewer even mentioned it as a “good value for money,” which is a ringing endorsement for budget-conscious visitors.

That said, some critiques are worth noting. One review simply called the experience “bad,” but lacked details. Such feedback might point to occasional issues like museum closures (common on Mondays or holidays) or the need for some pre-planning. The fact that some museums are closed on specific days means you’ll want to double-check your itinerary to ensure your favorite sites are open during your visit.

Another consideration is the physical accessibility of some attractions like the Atomium. The Atomium’s structure involves some walking and climbing, which could be challenging for those with reduced mobility or young children. The pass does offer infant tickets for free, and reduced tickets for those with other disabilities, but mobility is something to keep in mind.

Who Will Love This?

This pass is ideal for museum enthusiasts or curious travelers who want a broad overview of Brussels’ many offerings without the hassle of buying individual tickets. It’s also a good pick for those who prefer flexibility—start when you want and pick which museums to visit.

If you’re planning a quick trip and want to hit multiple highlights, this pass can save you both money and time. Conversely, if you’re more of a casual visitor or focus solely on outdoor sightseeing, this might be more than you need.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the price of $60, you’re effectively paying for a curated, flexible itinerary that covers some of Brussels’ most iconic spots alongside a generous selection of museums and attractions. The ability to skip lines at the Atomium is a real plus, especially during peak times when queues can be long.

While it doesn’t include transportation, the savings on entrance fees and additional discounts can add up quickly, especially if you’re planning to visit multiple museums and sites. The free guidebook and map are thoughtful touches that help you navigate the city more efficiently.

If you’re a traveler eager to absorb Brussels’ culture, art, and history, and you value having a well-structured but flexible plan, this card offers excellent value. Just remember to check opening days for your chosen museums and plan your days accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the card cover all museums in Brussels?
No, it covers 49 specifically selected museums, including major attractions like the Magritte Museum, Museum of Natural Sciences, and the Belgian Comic Strip Center.

How do I activate my Brussels Card?
You activate it by scanning it for the first time at a museum or the Atomium. From that moment, your chosen validity period of 24, 48, or 72 hours begins.

Can I buy the card on the day I arrive?
Yes, you can purchase it once you’re in Brussels and exchange your voucher at one of the designated Visit.brussels offices.

Is public transport included?
No, the card doesn’t include transportation. You’ll need to plan for your own travel around the city.

Are there any discounts on guided tours?
Yes, there are discounts available on several guided tour options, such as Art Nouveau & Art Deco tours, beer and chocolate tours, and boat trips.

Can I visit the Atomium multiple times?
The skip-the-line ticket allows you to visit the Atomium once within your valid period. If you want to revisit, you may need to purchase another ticket separately.

Are the museums open every day?
Most museums are open daily, but some may be closed on Mondays or public holidays. Always good to check ahead for specific sites.

Is this experience suitable for families or children?
Yes, children under 115 centimeters can get an infant ticket for free, and other discounts for minors are available. Keep in mind the physical aspects of attractions like the Atomium if traveling with very young or mobility-challenged visitors.

In all, this Brussels pass offers a practical way to maximize your sightseeing, especially if you enjoy museums and iconic landmarks. It’s a good value for those who want a flexible, comprehensive introduction to the city without the hassle of buying individual tickets everywhere.

You can check availability for your dates here: