Hôtel Tassel, Brussels - a large building with a clock on the front of it
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Hôtel Tassel Brussels

4.8
·34 reviews·Bruxelles, Belgium

The birthplace of Art Nouveau, Hôtel Tassel by Victor Horta is an architectural icon. Admire its revolutionary facade, a testament to early 20th-centu...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

March

Special Art Nouveau festival

CrowdMedium
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Hôtel Tassel, Brussels - a large building with a clock on the front of it

Hôtel Tassel Brussels

Best Time

March

Special Art Nouveau festival

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The birthplace of Art Nouveau, Hôtel Tassel by Victor Horta is an architectural icon. Admire its revolutionary facade, a testament to early 20th-century design.

4.8
(34 reviews)

"A must-see for Art Nouveau lovers, this building is a true architectural marvel."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book in Advance

Many Art Nouveau sites, like Hotel Solvay, require pre-booking. Plan ahead! :ticket:

Art Nouveau Pass

Consider the Art Nouveau Pass for access to multiple sites affordably. :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hôtel Tassel Facade

Hôtel Tassel Facade

Rue Paul-Emile Jansonstraat 6

The pioneering Art Nouveau masterpiece by Victor Horta, a true architectural marvel.

Art Nouveau Architecture Tour

Art Nouveau Architecture Tour

Various locations in Brussels

Explore other Horta-designed gems like Hôtel Solvay and Hôtel van Eetvelde.

Musée Horta

Musée Horta

Rue Americainstraat 25

Step inside Victor Horta's former home and studio, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Planning Your Visit

Accessing Art Nouveau Gems

While Hotel Tassel is a landmark, direct public access is limited. Many iconic Art Nouveau buildings, like Hotel Solvay, require advance booking. Consider the annual BANAD Festival in March for special access.

Navigating Brussels

Public transport in Brussels is efficient and affordable. Use your bank card, phone, or smartwatch to tap and pay for metro, bus, and tram rides, which is cheaper than paper tickets.

Best Times

When
March
Why
Special Art Nouveau festival
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds for viewing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

the largest rooftop in Europe, and you have to visit it when you are in Brussels🍸✨💘 #brussels #brusselsrooftop #brusselspot #rooftop #rooftopbar #brusselshotspots #belgium #belgique #belgiumtravel #fyp #pourtoi #voorjou
@raimaa_brussels
58K likes • 774.8K views

Book in Advance

Many Art Nouveau sites, like Hotel Solvay, require pre-booking. Plan ahead! :ticket:

Art Nouveau Pass

Consider the Art Nouveau Pass for access to multiple sites affordably. :moneybag:

This itinerary offers a perfect balance of cultural visits, culinary experiences, and relaxation in Brussels. To make your city trip easier, I recommend using public transport. You can pay directly with your bank card, phone, or smartwatch at the gray validator on any public transport (metro, bus, tramway). It's faster and cheaper than the paper ticket - it costs €2.10/trip instead of 2,60€ and yo...
@raimaa_brussels
37.6K likes • 896.8K views
#WorldArtNouveauDay 2023 is officially an #ArtNouveauYear You can visit many places, that just opened up and fall in love with this amazing #ArchitecturalStyle 1893 saw the opening of Hôtel Tassel in Brussels, an iconic building by #VictorHorta and the first “Art nouveau” building. . . . . . . . . . . #artnouveau2023 #maisonhannon #artnouveaupass #artnouveaustyle #brusselsmuseum #thingstodoinbr...
alekseyukanastasia
41 likes • 850 views

Tap-to-Pay Transport

Use your card/phone for public transport; it's cheaper than paper tickets. :bus:

Explore Beyond Tassel

Discover other Horta masterpieces like Hotel Solvay and Musee Horta. :camera:

The Hôtel van Eetvelde is a town house designed in 1895 by Victor Horta for Edmond van Eetvelde, administrator of Congo Free State. Together with the Hôtel Tassel, the Hôtel Solvay and his own House and atelier it was put on the ‘UNESCO World Heritage List’ in 2000 as the core of epoch-making urban residences Victor Horta designed before 1900. It is located at 4 Avenue Palmerston in Brussels📍 @ho...
kate_and_thecity
559 likes • 15.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book in Advance

Many Art Nouveau sites, like Hotel Solvay, require pre-booking. Plan ahead! :ticket:

Art Nouveau Pass

Consider the Art Nouveau Pass for access to multiple sites affordably. :moneybag:

Tap-to-Pay Transport

Use your card/phone for public transport; it's cheaper than paper tickets. :bus:

Explore Beyond Tassel

Discover other Horta masterpieces like Hotel Solvay and Musee Horta. :camera:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(34 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hôtel Tassel is celebrated as a groundbreaking architectural marvel, marking the birth of Art Nouveau. While direct public access to the interior is limited, its exterior is a must-see for enthusiasts. Visitors often pair it with explorations of other Art Nouveau gems in Brussels, though advance booking is frequently required for these sites.

"First art nouveau house in history. This 1893 house designed by Victor Horta is the starting point of art nouveau in Belgium and around the world, it is listed by UNESCO. Impossible to enter because the building houses offices, however the facade itself is worth the detour."

Henry Houyet

"Víctor Horta's first modernist house in Brussels, different from modernism in Catalonia but also quite interesting"

Jesús Castillo Cervelló

"… As a child, I lived in this house with my parents around 1957… beautiful memory 😊"

I.

What People Like

Pioneering Art Nouveau design
Architectural significance
Exterior beauty

What People Dislike

Limited interior access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hotel Tassel is located at Rue Paul-Emile Jansonstraat 6. While you can't typically enter the hotel itself, you can admire its exterior. Brussels has an excellent public transport system; consider using trams or buses to get close to the area. Tapping your bank card, phone, or smartwatch on validators is the most convenient and cost-effective way to pay for rides. TikTok

Yes, Hotel Tassel is accessible via Brussels' public transport network. Several tram and bus lines serve the vicinity. Remember to use the tap-to-pay system for the best fares. TikTok

For exploring Brussels and its Art Nouveau sites, public transport is highly recommended. You can easily pay for metro, bus, and tram rides by tapping your contactless bank card, phone, or smartwatch on the validators. This method is more economical than purchasing individual paper tickets. TikTok

While Brussels is a vibrant city, like any major European capital, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Some visitors have noted a higher presence of poverty and homelessness, and it's advisable to be mindful of pickpocketing, especially in crowded tourist areas. TikTok

Yes, many other Art Nouveau buildings are visitable, though some require advance booking. The Musée Horta and Hôtel Solvay are popular choices. The Art Nouveau Pass can offer access to several sites.,Reddit Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Unfortunately, Hotel Tassel is a private residence and not generally open for public tours. Visitors can admire its significant Art Nouveau facade from the street. Reddit

To see the interiors of other Art Nouveau houses like Hôtel Solvay, advance booking is usually required. The Musée Horta is also a must-visit and requires booking. Keep an eye out for the annual BANAD Festival in March, which opens many private Art Nouveau buildings to the public.,Reddit,Reddit Reddit

The Art Nouveau Pass is a ticket that grants access to several notable Art Nouveau houses and museums in Brussels, offering a cost-effective way to explore the movement's heritage. Reddit

The Brussels Art Nouveau & Art Deco Festival (BANAD) typically takes place in March, offering a unique opportunity to visit many private buildings that are usually inaccessible. Reddit

Yes, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance for the Musée Horta to secure your preferred visiting time. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Hôtel Tassel, designed by Victor Horta and completed in 1893, is considered the first true Art Nouveau building. It revolutionized interior design with its flowing lines, integration of structure and decoration, and innovative use of materials like iron and glass.,Instagram Instagram

Art Nouveau architecture is characterized by organic, flowing lines, inspiration from nature (plants, flowers), intricate ornamentation, and the use of new materials like iron and glass. Victor Horta was a pioneer in this style.,Instagram Instagram

Besides Victor Horta, prominent Art Nouveau architects in Brussels include Paul Hankar and Henry van de Velde. Their works, along with Horta's, define the city's rich Art Nouveau heritage.,Instagram Instagram

While specific tours might vary, many visitors create their own walking tours to see the exteriors of Art Nouveau buildings. Guided tours focusing on architecture are also often available through local tourism offices or private operators.,Instagram Instagram

For the best light and fewer crowds, try to photograph the exteriors of Art Nouveau buildings in the early morning or late afternoon. Golden hour can highlight the intricate details and textures. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Many traditional Belgian restaurants and brasseries are scattered throughout Brussels. Look for places serving moules-frites (mussels and fries), carbonnade flamande (beef stew), and of course, Belgian waffles and chocolates. The areas around Grand Place and Sablon are popular dining spots. TikTok

Beyond traditional restaurants, Brussels offers unique culinary experiences. Consider a Belgian chocolate workshop or trying local beers at a historic pub. Some rooftop bars also offer great views alongside food and drinks.,TikTok TikTok

Don't leave Brussels without trying authentic Belgian waffles (Brussels and Liège styles), a variety of Belgian chocolates, and of course, world-renowned Belgian beers. TikTok

Yes, Brussels has a growing number of restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan options. Many establishments are becoming more accommodating to dietary needs, so it's worth checking menus or asking staff. TikTok

To truly experience Brussels' food scene, try a mix of classic brasseries, local markets, and perhaps a guided food tour. Don't be afraid to explore beyond the main tourist areas for more authentic culinary discoveries. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Iconic spots include the Grand Place, Manneken Pis (especially if it's dressed up!), and the Atomium. For architecture lovers, the facades of Art Nouveau buildings like Hôtel Tassel and Hôtel Solvay are stunning subjects.,TikTok Instagram

Focus on capturing the intricate details, flowing lines, and unique decorative elements. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the textures and colors. Consider different angles to showcase the scale and artistry. Instagram

The primary photo opportunity at Hotel Tassel is its remarkable facade. While you can't go inside, the exterior itself is a significant piece of architectural history and worth capturing. Instagram

Explore the Sablon area for antique shops and charming streets, or venture to areas with more contemporary architecture for contrast. The European Quarter also offers interesting modern structures. TikTok

Popular spots like Grand Place can get very crowded. Visiting early in the morning is the best strategy to avoid crowds and get unobstructed photos. For Art Nouveau buildings, crowds are usually less of an issue unless there's a special event. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Hôtel Tassel itself is not a family attraction, Brussels offers several kid-friendly activities. The Musée Horta might appeal to older children with an interest in design, but for younger ones, consider attractions like the Museum of the City of Brussels (which houses the history of Manneken Pis and his wardrobe) or interactive experiences like KOEZIO or Rolly Belgium for active fun. TikTok

When using public transport, the tap-to-pay system is straightforward for families. Be aware that some areas might have more homeless individuals, so keeping a close eye on children and their belongings is advisable. For a sweet treat, Belgian waffles and chocolates are always a hit with kids! TikTok

🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts

For architecture enthusiasts, Brussels is a treasure trove, with Hôtel Tassel being a pivotal starting point. Dive deeper into the Art Nouveau movement by visiting other Horta-designed buildings like Hôtel Solvay and Hôtel van Eetvelde, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Musée Horta is essential for understanding the architect's vision and techniques.,Instagram,Instagram Reddit

Consider purchasing the Art Nouveau Pass for access to multiple significant houses. Timing your visit with the BANAD Festival in March offers unparalleled access to private residences. Don't forget to explore works by other Art Nouveau pioneers like Paul Hankar and Henry van de Velde to get a comprehensive understanding of the style's evolution in Brussels.,Reddit Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

To save money in Brussels, leverage the tap-to-pay public transport system, which offers cheaper fares than paper tickets. TikTok Admiring the exteriors of Art Nouveau buildings like Hôtel Tassel is free. For affordable entry to multiple Art Nouveau sites, the Art Nouveau Pass is a great option. Reddit

Many of Brussels' most iconic sights, such as the Grand Place and Manneken Pis, are free to visit. Enjoying street performers and soaking in the city's atmosphere costs nothing. Look for local bakeries or markets for more budget-friendly food options compared to tourist-centric restaurants. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Dawn of Art Nouveau: Hôtel Tassel

Hôtel Tassel, completed in 1893 by Victor Horta, is widely recognized as the first true Art Nouveau building. Its revolutionary design broke away from historical styles, embracing organic forms, flowing lines, and a harmonious integration of structure and decoration. Horta's innovative use of iron, glass, and curving staircases set a new standard for interior design and architecture, influencing countless architects across Europe. While you can't enter the hotel, its exterior is a testament to this pivotal moment in architectural history.,Instagram Instagram

This groundbreaking work paved the way for other masterpieces in Brussels, solidifying the city's status as a cradle of Art Nouveau. Architects like Paul Hankar and Henry van de Velde also contributed significantly to the movement's development in Brussels, creating a rich tapestry of architectural styles that can still be admired today.,Instagram Instagram

For those fascinated by this era, visiting the Musée Horta (Horta Museum) offers a deeper dive into Victor Horta's work, as it's his former home and studio, preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other notable Art Nouveau residences, such as Hôtel Solvay and Hôtel van Eetvelde, can also be visited, though often require advance booking. Reddit

Exploring Brussels' Art Nouveau Heritage

Brussels boasts an extraordinary collection of Art Nouveau architecture, with Hôtel Tassel being the seminal example. Beyond Horta's iconic creations, the city is dotted with numerous other significant Art Nouveau buildings. Exploring these requires a bit of planning, as many are private residences or require specific visiting arrangements.,Instagram Instagram

Key sites to seek out include Hôtel Solvay, a lavish mansion on Avenue Louise that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and requires booking for tours. Hôtel van Eetvelde is another Horta masterpiece, also part of the UNESCO listing. For a comprehensive experience, consider the Art Nouveau Pass, which provides access to several of these architectural gems for a combined fee.,Reddit Reddit

An excellent time to immerse yourself in Brussels' Art Nouveau scene is during the annual BANAD Festival held in March. This event opens up many private Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings that are usually closed to the public, offering a rare glimpse into these historical interiors. Reddit

Navigating Brussels: Tips for Travelers

Getting around Brussels is made easy and affordable thanks to its efficient public transportation system. A key tip from travelers is to utilize the tap-to-pay system on metros, trams, and buses. Simply tap your contactless bank card, phone, or smartwatch on the validators upon boarding. This method is not only convenient but also cheaper than purchasing individual paper tickets, costing around €2.10 per trip compared to €2.60 for a paper ticket. TikTok

When exploring the city, especially popular areas like the Grand Place, be mindful of your belongings. Some visitors have noted a higher prevalence of pickpocketing in crowded tourist spots. Staying aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables secure is always a good practice in any major city. TikTok

For those interested in specific attractions, like the Art Nouveau houses, remember that many require advance booking. Planning your visits ahead of time, especially for sites like Musée Horta or Hôtel Solvay, will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Reddit

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