Great Mosque of Brussels - Image 1
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Great Mosque of Brussels

4.5
·2k reviews·Bruxelles, Belgium

A serene Islamic cultural center and place of worship, showcasing beautiful Moorish-inspired architecture in Brussels' Parc du Cinquantenaire.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday mornings

Experience Friday prayer

CrowdMedium
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Great Mosque of Brussels - Image 1

Great Mosque of Brussels

Best Time

Friday mornings

Experience Friday prayer

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Islamic cultural center and place of worship, showcasing beautiful Moorish-inspired architecture in Brussels' Parc du Cinquantenaire.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"A peaceful sanctuary with stunning architecture, offering cultural insights into Islam in Brussels."

Vertical photo
TIP

Modest Attire is Key

Ensure shoulders and knees are covered for entry. Some visitors may need to use provided coverings. :womaninturban:

Arrive Early for Jumu'ah

For Friday prayers, aim to arrive 30-60 mins before the Duhr prayer to get a good spot. :clock1:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Mosque Itself

The Grand Mosque Itself

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Admire the stunning architecture of this historic Islamic center, a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Brussels.

Islamic Cultural Center

Islamic Cultural Center

Within the Mosque complex

Explore the library and learn about Islamic culture. Arabic classes are also offered here.

Peaceful Prayer Space

Peaceful Prayer Space

Prayer halls

Experience a moment of tranquility and observe or participate in prayer services.

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Planning Your Visit

Dress Code Matters

Visitors should be mindful of the dress code at the Great Mosque of Brussels. Modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required for entry. Some visitors have noted being unable to enter if not dressed appropriately, so it's best to come prepared or check for available coverings. TikTok

Timing Your Visit for Prayer

If you plan to attend Friday prayers, arrive early. The Friday prayer typically starts at Duhr (midday prayer time), but it's recommended to arrive 30 minutes to an hour beforehand to secure a spot, as it can get crowded. Reddit

Best Times

When
Friday mornings
Why
Experience Friday prayer
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays, outside prayer times
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Travel tip: cover up in Islamic countries‼️ #calltoprayer #calltoprayer🤲🕋 #muslims #mosques #mosquesofworld #mosque #arabic #mosquesaroundtheworld #muslim #turkey
@quenchyouradventure
88.5K likes • 2.3M views

Modest Attire is Key

Ensure shoulders and knees are covered for entry. Some visitors may need to use provided coverings. :womaninturban: TikTok

Arrive Early for Jumu'ah

For Friday prayers, aim to arrive 30-60 mins before the Duhr prayer to get a good spot. :clock1: Reddit

Five Things To Do In Brussels 🇧🇪 #visitbrussels #thingstodo #traveltips
@jyptravels
60.9K likes • 1.9M views
Only *2 spots* left for my Muslima Retreat in October in 🇧🇪- where we’ll get to pray together at the great Mosque of Brussels. DM me for info ❤️
soundous.boualam
9.9K likes • 191.2K views

Respectful Conduct

Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor inside the mosque premises. :pray:

Check Opening Hours

Verify current opening hours, especially around prayer times, before your visit. :informationdeskperson:

Love in Brussels ..🩷🩷 cuaca yang sejuk menambah syahdunya .. Alhamdulillah disempatkan sholat di Great Mosque of Brussels - Masjid Agung Brussels Mesjid tertua di Belgia. #grandplacebrussels #greatmosque #brussel #mosquesoftheworld
nitnotboes
53 likes • 638 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Modest Attire is Key

Ensure shoulders and knees are covered for entry. Some visitors may need to use provided coverings. :womaninturban: TikTok

Arrive Early for Jumu'ah

For Friday prayers, aim to arrive 30-60 mins before the Duhr prayer to get a good spot. :clock1: Reddit

Respectful Conduct

Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor inside the mosque premises. :pray:

Check Opening Hours

Verify current opening hours, especially around prayer times, before your visit. :informationdeskperson:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Great Mosque of Brussels for its beautiful architecture and its role as a peaceful place of worship and cultural center. While some note the need for strict adherence to the dress code, most find the experience enriching and educational. It's seen as a significant landmark for understanding Islam in Brussels.

"I offered my Jumma prayer at the masjid. It has ample space for both male and female worshipers. There are adequate washrooms and a proper ablution (wudhu) area. The imam delivered the sermon (khutbah) in both Arabic and Dutch. The masjid is very beautiful, and I saw people from all around the world. Jumma Time 2:00 PM local time ( May 2025)."

Majid Ahmad

"The Brussels Grand Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre of Belgium is a peaceful and welcoming place for tourists. The mosque's architecture is beautiful, blending traditional Islamic design with a serene atmosphere. Visitors can learn about Islamic culture and history, with exhibitions and staff that are helpful and informative. It’s a great place to experience cultural diversity in Brussels and gain insight into the local Muslim community. A calm and reflective stop if you're exploring the city’s diverse cultural landmarks."

Akber Ali

"House of Allah - women section available through the same entrance as the men - follow the signs and you will find it (including wudu area). My only doubt is the time they pray with imam as dhuhr was one hour after dhuhr time but allahu a3lam"

Nayla H

What People Like

Stunning architecture
Peaceful atmosphere
Cultural insights

What People Dislike

Strict dress code

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Great Mosque of Brussels is located within the Parc du Cinquantenaire. You can reach it via public transport, with several tram and bus lines stopping nearby. The closest metro stations are Schuman and Merode. TikTokInstagram

Parking in the vicinity of Parc du Cinquantenaire can be challenging. It's generally recommended to use public transportation to avoid parking difficulties. TikTok

Yes, the mosque is well-served by public transport. Tram lines 7, 19, 25, and 81, as well as bus lines 21, 27, 60, and 80, have stops close to Parc du Cinquantenaire. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Great Mosque of Brussels is generally free. However, donations are appreciated to support its upkeep and activities. Instagram

Opening hours can vary, especially around prayer times. It's advisable to check the official website or contact the mosque directly for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

Yes, a modest dress code is enforced. Visitors should ensure their shoulders and knees are covered. Women may be asked to cover their hair. TikTok

While you can visit the grounds, access to prayer halls may be restricted during active prayer times. It's best to visit outside of these periods unless you intend to participate in the prayer. Reddit

Photography rules can vary. It's best to ask for permission before taking photos inside the prayer areas. Instagram

🎫 🕌 Onsite Experience

You can admire the architecture, visit the library, attend cultural events, and observe or participate in prayer services. Arabic classes are also offered. Instagram+1

It serves as both. It is an active place of worship for the Muslim community and also a significant cultural and architectural landmark open to visitors. Instagram

Yes, you can attend Friday prayers (Jumu'ah). It's recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes to an hour early to ensure you get a spot. Reddit

Yes, the Great Mosque of Brussels houses an Islamic cultural center with a library, offering resources on Islamic culture and history. Instagram

It is one of the oldest mosques in Belgium and a significant center for the Muslim community, promoting interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The mosque itself does not typically have a restaurant, but the surrounding Parc du Cinquantenaire and nearby neighborhoods offer various dining options, from cafes to restaurants. TikTok

It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the prayer areas to maintain the sanctity of the space. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is usually permitted in common areas, but it's respectful to ask for permission before taking pictures inside prayer halls. Instagram

The exterior architecture, especially the main dome and minarets, offers great photo opportunities. The interior courtyards and prayer halls can also be picturesque. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Families with Kids

While the Great Mosque of Brussels is a place of worship, families can visit to appreciate its architecture and learn about Islamic culture. Ensure children are aware of the need for quiet and respectful behavior. The surrounding Parc du Cinquantenaire offers ample space for children to play and explore, making it a good complement to a mosque visit. TikTok

Budget Travelers

The Great Mosque of Brussels is an excellent option for budget travelers as entry is typically free. Instagram Combine your visit with exploring the free Parc du Cinquantenaire and other free attractions in Brussels to keep costs down. Pack your own snacks and water to save on food expenses. TikTok

Culture Enthusiasts

For those interested in Islamic art, architecture, and culture, the Great Mosque is a must-visit. Explore the library and cultural center to gain insights into Islamic heritage. Attending a public lecture or event, if available, can offer a deeper cultural immersion. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance

The Great Mosque of Brussels, officially the Khalifa Mosque, is a significant landmark located within the beautiful Parc du Cinquantenaire. Originally built in the Moorish Revival style as a pavilion for the 1880 Brussels International Exposition, it was later converted into a mosque in 1978. Its distinctive architecture features a large central dome, elegant minarets, and intricate decorative elements, making it a visually striking building. Instagram+1

The mosque's design reflects a blend of North African and Middle Eastern Islamic architectural influences, adapted to a European context. It stands as a testament to the historical and ongoing presence of Islam in Belgium and serves as a focal point for the local Muslim community. Visitors often remark on its serene atmosphere and beautiful craftsmanship. Instagram

Community and Cultural Hub

Beyond its role as a place of worship, the Great Mosque of Brussels functions as a vital Islamic cultural center. It hosts a library with a collection of books on Islamic history, theology, and culture, providing resources for both Muslims and non-Muslims interested in learning more. Instagram

The center also offers Arabic language classes and various educational programs aimed at fostering understanding and dialogue. Events and lectures are frequently organized, contributing to the mosque's role as a community hub and a bridge between different cultures. Instagram Visitors looking for a deeper understanding of Islamic traditions and Belgian Muslim life will find this aspect particularly enriching.

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