What makes it 73% Kids-Friendly: Older children like the lift ride, towers, and stained-glass stories, and they can burn energy in Elisabeth Park afterward, but parents must enforce church-quiet and supervise narrow stair sections.
Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to explore the interior, ride the dome lift, visit the museum and enjoy a park picnic without rushing.
Explore the Art Deco interior:
Walk through the vast nave and side chapels built of concrete and brick.
Tip: Point out stained-glass windows and large pillars; keep young children close to avoid echoing noise.
Take the panoramic lift:
Ride a glass elevator 52.8 m under the dome for 180° views of Brussels.
Tip: Use the stroller-friendly lift; challenge kids to spot landmarks like the Grand Place.
Browse the Modern Religious Art Museum:
See 20th-century paintings and sculptures by Miró and Belgian artists.
Tip: Focus on colourful artworks; the small layout is easy to navigate with kids.
Picnic and play in Elisabeth Park:
Relax on lawns, walk safe paths or feed birds behind the basilica.
Tip: Pack snacks or pick up waffles nearby; use benches or bring a blanket for resting.
Climb to the dome summit:
Ascend 250 narrow steps from the gallery to reach the 89 m-high dome.
Tip: Only for children over 10; skip this if younger kids are tired or uneasy.

Hugo
Impressive architecture and stunning views over Brussels from the top. Peaceful atmosphere and definitely worth a visit, especially at sunset. ⛪✨
Graham Short
An absolutely massive place, people actually get lost in the perspective of this Basilica. You can go up through the levels and rest the outside are and walk around. The ‘collection’ of modern stained glass windows are very impressive. You can see over much of Brussels and out towards the Atomium.
Michael Uzmann
A minor basilica made famous by the visions of Margaret Mary Alacoque, Basilica of The Sacred Heart is one of the few sites I missed on my last trip to Brussels. More modern in its approach than other churches of the era, this is the 5th largest Catholic Church in the world, with a panoramic roof open to visitors for 6 Euros while the church itself is free to visit, with free parking.
Cristy Gardner-Vecchio
This is a beautiful and holy place! I wish I came in earlier to see the panoramic view but unfortunately I went there very late! The lift was close. You can easily spend half a day here specially if you would like to pray and do your rosary/novenas.
Mikey C
Thus is quite a big cathedral. It's impressive from the outside. Many stain glass windows inside. Nice areas to look at inside especially the area at the front. However I would say there are other churches and Cathedrals that are more impressive. But good hour of visit.
Spring and summer are ideal for combining the dome ride with a park picnic. In autumn, enjoy fall colors in Elisabeth Park. In winter, dress warmly for the open-air gallery and limit park time if it’s chilly.
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| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Panorama tickets (4 × €8) | EUR 32 |
| Picnic snacks and waffles | EUR 12 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 44 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: Basiliekvoorplein 1, 1083 Brussel, Belgium
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