The Top Things To Do And See In Molenbeek-Saint-Jean

Even though Molenbeek is not the most popular Brussels quarter to visit, we still believe it is worth being explored. Nothing is black and white, and neither is Molenbeek. It has beautiful green parks, colorful murals, and a brewery that produces gold beer. Whatever you have read about this neighborhood, forget it and let’s discover other shades of Molenbeek.

1. Check out an iconic statue

Check out an iconic statue

The sculpture of a vicious rebel and his unsuspecting victim resembles a typical scene from comic books. The work is called De Vaartkapoen (the literal translation is the ‘cheeky of the canal’), which was a nickname for people born in Molenbeek. Just to make it clear, De Vaartkapoen is not the policeman but the little boy who is tripping the figure of authority without any particular reason. How would this mischievous scene end if the characters were not made of bronze? That is up to your imagination.
Rue de l’Ecole, Brussels, Belgium

De Vaartkapoen| © Bianca Bueno/Flickr

2. Go shopping for fabrics

Museum, Shop

Go shopping for fabrics

You neither have to own a sewing machine nor know how to use a needle to still be absolutely amazed by Les Tissus du Chien Vert, a big fabric shop. The eclectic interior decoration includes actual parts of ships and boats, making you feel as though you are walking through a museum instead of a shop.
50a Quai des Charbonnages, Brussels, Belgium

3. Explore the Karreveld Castle

Market

Explore the Karreveld Castle

A stunning castle set in amazing surroundings makes you feel as though you have traveled to a wholly different city. After WWII, the castle became a dairy, but rather than becoming a factory, the recent renovation has restored this castle’s charm to look like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Karreveld Castle also serves as a host to many community events including exhibitions, Festival Bruxellons!, and the Christmas market, and private events such as weddings. But you do not have to get married to enjoy its beautiful architecture and the surrounding park and small lake situated in front of it.
Parc du Karreveld, Brussels, Belgium

Karreveld Castle | © OM/WikiCommons

5. Learn about Brussels' industrial past at La Fonderie

Building, Library, Museum

Learn about Brussels’ industrial past at La Fonderie

The building of The Brussels Museum of Industry and Labour is the former headquarters of a major foundry. La Fonderie is a non-profit organization that developed a museum dedicated to showcasing the history of the Industrial Revolution within Brussels, and in particular its strong connection to Molenbeek. Its permanent exhibition features the economic, social, and political changes that occurred as Belgium moved from an agrarian to an industrial society. Don’t forget to take a look at its Documentation Centre, which includes press clippings and an extensive photo library of that period, showcasing the important role Molenbeek played in pioneering these opportunities within Belgium.
27 Rue Ransfort, Brussels, Belgium

La Fonderie, Brussels Museum |© NearEMPTiness/WikiCommons

Check out the cultural agenda

Looking for an activity in Molenbeek? Check out what is on via Culture1080Cultuur. This cultural organization offers a diverse program, including theater performances, concerts, and workshops in the neighborhood for every month. So if you were ever thinking about learning silversmithing, or you would like to participate in one of the events organized on the occasion of 70th anniversary of the migration agreement between Italy and Belgium, be sure to check out the latest listings so you will not miss out.

Discover fantastic murals

Even aimlessly wandering the streets of Molenbeek can turn into a beautiful sightseeing tour. For example, right next to the Saint John the Baptist Church, there is a charming zoo drawn on the wall, or you can find a mosaic of a dove at Rue Fin. Do not forget your camera, so you can capture the colorful murals that make the grayness of the buildings pop with color.

7. Visit Tour and Taxis

Market

Visit Tour and Taxis

The former warehouse complex hosts many cultural events such as the contemporary music festival Couleur Café or the Brussels Design Market. The 34th edition of Art Brussels will for the first time take a place in Tour and Taxis in spring 2016. The venue itself is named after a noble family, Van Thurn und Tassis, who were key players in European postal service. Fun fact: Frans Von Tassis founded the ‘horse post’ system, which operated for 355 years.
86c Avenue du Port, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

The Tour & Taxis building | © Torsade de Pointes/WikiCommons

8. Admire the architecture at Saint John the Baptist Church

Church, Cathedral

Beer brewed by the Brasserie de la Senne

This Art Deco-style church was built in 1930s by the Belgian architect Joseph Diongre, who also designed the Maison de la Radio at Flagey. The church walls are built of reinforced concrete and thanks to modern techniques, it was built in record time – 15 months.

9. Stop in La Tour

Church, Shop

Stop in La Tour

Looking for a great spot get a drink? Head to the coffee shop next to the Saint John the Baptist Church called La Tour, and relax with a cup of coffee or a fresh mint tea. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the taste, and the price.
Rue du Compte de Flandre, Brussels, Belgium

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.