Gidsen in Brussel
Walks - districts for europe

The Leopold Quarter and the European presence

The Leopold Quarter was built in the mid-19th century for the wealthy Brussels bourgeoisie who wished to escape from the cramped city centre. However, once they had cars, they moved out even further, to the green outskirts of the city, and their stately mansions were taken over by government departments, banks, insurance companies and multinationals. 

From 1958, the office buildings of the European institutions began to appear. Before the Covid pandemic, 100,000 people were working in an area of barely one square kilometre.

A new balance is now being sought for working, living and mobility after years of big, bold office blocks, and gaping wounds in the urban fabric are being filled once more. 

As well as the European institutions and the world of the expats, you will discover the timeless beauty of Parc Léopold and Parc du Cinquantenaire and some renovated squares (Place Jourdan, Place Jean Rey and Place Schuman) during this Bruksel walk. 


We took a closer look at the Leopold Quarter in our Image Bank project (2021).

Download the Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour in the Leopold Quarter

Practical information

Departure: Place du Trône, Place Schuman or Place Luxembourg; or possibly Parc du Cinquantenaire

Finish: somewhere in the district


Prices and practical details   

Booking