What You Can Expect to Experience on a Class Trip to Brussels
When it comes to planning an educational yet enjoyable school trip, Brussels should be high on every teacher’s list. As the capital of Belgium and Europe, this multicultural city has history, stunning architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and lively cultural attractions around every corner. From Gothic cathedrals to quirky comic murals, students can discover a diverse range of sights during their travels.
Get a Taste of Belgian Food and Drink
After a long day of visiting museums and wandering the cobblestone streets on memorable school trips to Belgium, students will work up an appetite. Luckily, Brussels’ restaurants and cafes offer plenty of opportunities to try authentic Belgian dishes and drinks. Savour melt-in-the mouth waffles slathered in chocolate or topped with fresh berries and cream. Class groups might also get to sample regional specialities like moules-frites (mussels and chips), rich carbonnade flamande (Flemish beef stew), or the nation’s famed frites with an array of dips and sauces.
Marvel at Gothic Architecture
Brussels boasts breathtaking examples of Gothic architecture at every turn. On their travels, students can admire the astonishing centrepiece that is the Grand Place. This UNESCO site enchants all who stand before its exquisitely detailed guildhalls and opulent townhouses from bygone eras. The iconic Brussels Town Hall stuns visitors with its soaring 315-foot bell tower that dominates the Grand Place’s skyline. Those wishing to connect with the city’s religious past must visit the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. This imposing church built between the 11thand 16th centuries offers glimpses into Brussels’ medieval history through its rare artefacts and works of ecclesial art.
Learn the History Behind the EU
As host city to major EU institutions, Brussels provides an ideal location for school groups to discover more about European economic integration and political cooperation. Arrange for a guided tour of the European Parliament complex to see democracy in action. Let students’ curiosity run wild at the Parlamentarium museum with its 21st-century exhibits bringing the EU story to life. For a change of pace, groups can explore Cinquantenaire Park and its monuments celebrating pivotal moments in Belgium’s history. An iconic triumphal arch, vast exhibition hall, and military museum await within this verdant city oasis.
Hunt for Comic Strip Murals
Art and literature buffs will enjoy hunting for Brussels’ famous comic strip murals scattered around the city centre. Belgium takes credit as the birthplace of The Adventures of Tintin, The Smurfs, and other beloved European comics. Students can explore this quirky but impactful cultural legacy by locating vibrant frescos depicting iconic cartoon characters. The impressive murals showcase excerpts from popular Franco-Belgian bandes dessinees (graphic novels) painted onto building facades. Groups that manage to spot artworks featuring Lucky Luke, Blake and Mortimer, or the mischievous Spirou and Fantasio can tick those names off their scavenger hunt lists.
Belgium’s diverse capital offers boundless possibilities for an unforgettable educational journey. From sugary waffles and gothic architecture to parliamentary tours and comic strip trails, school trips travelling to Brussels can create memories to cherish for years to come.
