The View: A bird’s-eye view of Brussels

TEXT: JENNIFER DEWAR | PHOTOS: THE VIEW

There’s no better way to experience Brussels’ breathtaking views than from the sky. Climb aboard the city’s giant wheel, The View, to experience Brussels from a different angle. This popular addition to the Brussels skyline is a huge hit with visitors and residents of the city.

Sitting in Place Poelaert in the heart of Brussels, The View is 55 metres high with 42 gondolas (each fitting six people) and includes wheelchair access. The View experience generally lasts around ten minutes, and the wheel itself has a total capacity of 800 people per hour!

It’s a wonderful way to get to know the city, and according to The View’s CEO, René Bufkens, the giant wheel has transformed the Brussels visitor experience: “Our clients love The View and often return time and time again. It appeals to everyone, no matter what their age. We have families, couples, groups of friends and tourists. It’s been a huge hit.”

VIP experience.

There’s also an audio guide in each gondola, which is great if you’re new to Brussels. And for those who have visited the city before, there’s always something new to learn. It’s the ideal way to orientate yourself on arrival, or a wonderful way to say ‘au revoir’.

Bufkens remarks: “The View has really brought Brussels to life. It is also the perfect accompaniment to the giant lift in the city’s Marolles district.”

The View also boasts a VIP cabin with leather seats, tinted glass and Champagne, so you can take in the views of the city while feeling like royalty. The whole giant wheel can also be hired out for special events too, such as team building, exhibitions and dinners.

The View is particularly dazzling at night, as it is illuminated with special energy-efficient LED lighting, which is magical to see from the ground upwards. Prices have been kept low, so it’s accessible for everyone. It costs €10 for adults and €6 for children. The View is open year-round, but from mid-November to mid-January it can be found at Place Sainte Catherine for the Christmas season.