Atomium is a large iron and steel structure in Brussels, Belgium. Every year, more than half a million people visit it.
The Atomium stands 102 meters (334 feet) tall and represents magnified atoms. Its modern, cutting-edge design is breathtaking.
Visitors can explore its spheres, including the top one, which has an observation deck and provides a panoramic view of Brussels.
It is a great location for photography and taking in the cityscape.
Snapshot
Hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Last Entry:5.30 pm
Time Needed: 2 hours
Ticket Cost: Starting from €16
Best Time: Early Morning
Location: Atomium is located to the north of the city center of Brussels, Belgium.
Address: Pl. de l’Atomium 1, 1020 Bruxelles, Belgium. Get Direction
Where to buy Atomium tickets?
Atomium tickets can be bought online or at the venue, although booking tickets online is a better option.
Why are online tickets better?
We recommend purchasing Atomium tickets online, as the online ticket price is cheaper than the tickets at the venue.
Online tickets also help you save time, as you can avoid long lines at the ticket counter.
Also, on-site tickets may sell out, or their prices may increase due to demand. Booking online prevents this last-minute disappointment.
How do online tickets work?
After booking online Atomium Belgium tickets, you can download the e-ticket sent to your email.
A physical copy will usually not be required. You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone and get direct entry.
Atomium Ticket Prices
The standard admission ticket for Atomium costs €17 ($18) for visitors aged 18 to 64.
Seniors aged 65 and above and children between the ages of five and 17 get discounted prices at €15 ($16) and €9 ($9), respectively.
Students with valid ID cards get a discount of €7 ($7) and a reduced price of €9 ($9).
Entry is free for infants up to the age of four.
Types of Tickets
The most popular and cheapest ticket is the entry ticket for Atomium, with free entry to the Design Museum.
The Mini Europe entry ticket gives you access to a miniature world of wonders. If you want a combo of both Atomium and Mini-Europe, go for their combo ticket.
If you want to sightsee around Brussels and visit iconic locations like Botanical Gardens and Grand Place, buy the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour ticket or get a combo of Atomium and Tootbus Tour.
There are a variety of combo tickets that give you access to Atomium and other experiences, like Choco-Story, Train World, Hard Rock Cafe, and Brussels Card.
Standard Entry Ticket
The standard entry ticket provides buyers access to the Atomium from the inside.
Along with entry to the edifice, these tickets also get you entry into the design museum nearby.
You can tour the Atomium and enjoy the views, light shows, and exhibitions.
Ticket Price
Adult ticket (18 to 64 years): €17 ($18)
Child ticket (5 to 17 years): €9 ($9)
Senior ticket (65 years and above): €15 ($16)
Student ticket (with valid ID): €9 ($9)
Infant ticket (up to 4 years): Free Entry
Round-Trip Guided Tours
You can also have round-trip guided tours, like this day trip to Brussels and Atomium from Amsterdam.
You’ll visit many top attractions in Brussels, like Atomium, Mini Europe, and the Grand Place.
Your tour guide will suggest a few locations to have a beer, sample world-famous chocolate, savor French fries, or indulge in a decadent Belgian waffle.
Ticket Price
Adult ticket (18 years and above): €65 ($68)
Child ticket (6 to 17 years): €33 ($34)
Infant ticket (up to 5 years): Free Entry
Walking and Bus tours
Explore the city closely and visit famous attractions with Brussels walking and bus tours.
Your tour will start at the Grand Place, and an air-conditioned coach will take you to different attractions in Brussels.
The coach will stop at St. Michael’s Cathedral; from here, check out Atomium and other monuments while enjoying Brussels’ streets.
Ticket Price
Adult ticket (22 to 64 years): €30 ($32)
Youth ticket (12 to 21 years): €27 ($28)
Senior ticket (65 years and above): €27 ($28)
Child ticket (2 to 11 years): €16 ($17)
Infant ticket (upto 1 year): Free Entry
Brussels City Card
Another great option is the Brussels city card.
A city card gives you access to over 50 attractions, including the Atomium and many museums like the Magritte Museum, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium, Choco-Story Brussels, etc.
It has many other amenities, including maps, guidebooks, discounts, and special offers.
Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (18-64): €44 ($46)
Child Ticket (4-17): €38 ($40)
Senior Ticket (65-99): €43 ($45)
Student Ticket (with valid ID): €38 ($40)
Infant Ticket (under 3 years of age): €32 ($34)
You can also buy a city card that comes with the free use of the public transport.
Combo Tickets
Combo tickets are a preferable and affordable option.
With combo tickets, you can visit multiple attractions with one ticket.
This type of ticket is especially handy when visiting Atomium, as there are many attractions near it.
For an added experience, buy a range of combo tickets, such as
| Combo Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Atomium and Mini-Europe combo | €36 ($38) |
| Atomium and Choco-Story Brussels combo | €28 ($29) |
| Atomium-Banksy Museum combo | €29 ($31) |
| Antwerp and Brussels combo | €65 ($68) |
With the running tour ticket, you can visit Brussels in an eco-friendly manner and see different monuments, most notably the Atomium.
Discover Brussels in an eco-friendly open-top electric bus as it takes you through the city with hop-on, hop-off tour tickets.
Enjoy Brussels with a premium trip in a private vehicle with private sightseeing tours.
What to Expect
You can expect an unforgettable and iconic architectural experience with exhibitions, panoramic views, and a look into science and history in Brussels, Belgium.
The Unique Architecture
The Atomium is a beautiful work of architecture meant to resemble an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.
Its nine connected spheres symbolize the atomic structure of an iron crystal.
Escalators connect the spheres, which provide panoramic views of Brussels from various vantage points.
Exhibitions
You can find various exhibitions inside the spheres that examine diverse facets of science, design, and culture.
The Atomium regularly offers temporary exhibitions in addition to its permanent ones, covering a variety of subjects.
For the most up-to-date details on what’s on show, visiting Atomium’s official website is a good idea.
Panoramic Views
The chance to take in expansive vistas of Brussels from the spheres is one of the attractions of a trip to the Atomium.
The upper sphere is a fantastic location for taking pictures because it provides an outstanding view of the city and its surroundings.
Cafeteria and Gift Shop
You can get something to eat or drink in the café while admiring the scenery.
There is a gift shop where you may get souvenirs of the Atomium and Brussels.
Plan your visit so you can avoid getting caught in the crowd.
FAQs
How much does it cost to go to the Atomium?
Atomium tickets start from €16.
But booking a guided tour or buying a sightseeing ticket with more attractions and facilities costs more.
Do you need tickets to go to the Atomium?
Yes. An entry ticket is required to go inside the Atomium.
A standard ticket entitles you to access the Atomium and visit the design museum nearby.
Note: The light shows inside the structure may be uncomfortable for those with epilepsy.
Best Time to Visit Atomium
The best time to visit Atomium is in the morning or early afternoon.
Arriving shortly after the attraction opens, usually around 10 am, ensures you can explore its exhibitions and spheres with fewer crowds.
You can book your tickets in advance to skip the lines at the ticket counter.
The soft morning light also provides great opportunities for photography and panoramic views of Brussels.
Arriving earlier in the day allows you to make the most of your visit, enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, and still have time to explore other attractions in Brussels later in the day.
How long does it take to visit Atomium?
Depending on your interests and the crowds, the length of your visit to the Atomium can change.
Most people explore the site for 1.5 to 2.5 hours on average.
This includes time to tour the various areas, delight in the on-site exhibitions, take in the panoramic views, and even have a bite to eat.
You might require closer to three hours if you’re especially interested in the exhibitions and take your time to savor the experience fully.
However, a shorter visit of around an hour might also be delightful if you’re on a tight schedule or just want to take in the iconic building and views.
Atomium – Daytime or Nighttime?
Both daytime and evening visits to the Atomium provide different experiences.
During the day, you can fully appreciate this unique building’s architectural features and design by visiting the exhibits.
Families can also take in panoramic views of Brussels illuminated by natural light.
The Atomium transforms into a stunning structure at night thanks to its exquisite illumination, which stands out dramatically against the night sky.
The city lights glittering below the panoramic views add to their allure, perfect for couples and photographers.
Atomium Review
Brilliant futuristic monument
June A, Surrey, UK
While some have said it is not worth the cost of admission, I would have to disagree on that one, for there are loads to see – the interior features many interesting exhibitions on the history of the monument and how it was built and it is interesting to see the inside even without this.
Great experience, worth seeing inside and outside.
goranpredovan, Prilly, Switzerland
The photos will be even greater if you’re lucky to visit on a sunny day. Entrance fee (16 EUR for adults) includes the visit to nearby museum (200 meters away), with interesting exhibitions.
Other Experiences near Atomium
Mini-Europe
Miniature versions of well-known European sites can be found at the captivating theme park Mini Europe in Brussels, Belgium.
Discover famous locations like the Acropolis and the Eiffel Tower that have been painstakingly reproduced in exquisite detail.
In one trip, you may take an intensive tour of Europe’s cultural and architectural history.
Choco-Story Brussels
A lovely chocolate museum in Brussels takes visitors on a scrumptious trip through the background and history of chocolate production.
Discover the world of Belgian chocolate by perusing interactive exhibitions, seeing chocolate-making demonstrations, and enjoying delicious sampling.
A delightful journey for all ages.
Train World
The fascinating railroad museum Train World Brussels honors the development of trains in Belgium.
Find a stunning collection of antique railroad equipment, including locomotives, carriages, and memorabilia.
It is a must-see for railway aficionados and history buffs because of its interactive exhibits, engaging exhibitions, and opportunity to experience Europe’s oldest intact steam engine.
Featured Image: Leonid Andronov
