How to make the best of Brussels summer

Landlocked Brussels is not the most obvious summer destination, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to enjoy. Whether it’s staycation or still plugging away at work that’s keeping you city bound, here are eight ideas for upgrading your summertime in Brussels. 

1. Guinguettes

Brussels’ many Guinguettes are the uncontested stars of the city’s sunny season. They’re modelled after the open-air cafes in Paris, which came to life along riverbanks at the end of the 19th century. Their popularity was thanks to a tax exemption on alcohol, making them more affordable. The charming outdoor stands have made a comeback over the last few years, popping up in parks all over town. From Chez Emile in Dudenpark, beloved for its skyline views, or the one overlooking the Atomium, to a Guinguette on wheels in the historic setting of the La Cambre abbey, each brings its own charm.

2. Flow 

Much to the chagrin of many residents, Brussels hasn’t had an outdoor swimming option since the 1970s. The community initiative “Pool is Cool” wants to change that. The group of passionate locals — with backgrounds in urbanism, design and cultural production — had enough of the lack of political will and took matters into their own hands. In 2021, they put together “Flow” as a participatory project in an unoccupied industrial area in Anderlecht. The pool is a modular system made of recycled metal frames and reclaimed or sustainable wood, forming a 17x7m basin. Before or after a dip, you can lounge in one of the wooden sundecks. A vibrant cultural program, from movie screenings to parties, rounds off the summertime offer.

New this season: a sauna powered by green energy.

3. Soko rooftop  

What's a summer guide without a rooftop? Soko is undoubtedly the city’s finest. With unrivalled panoramic views of the vast Sonian forest, Soko occupies the 11th floor of an unassuming office building. Its location on the southeastern edge of Brussels puts it out of the way, but the trip is always worth it. Once there, you will be met by a trendy design, well-mixed cocktails and a friendly atmosphere. Soko is a spectacular spot to catch sunset, though even rainy days are nice thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. 

4. Vaux-Hall Summer

During the summer months, Brussels’ cultural offerings extend to its green spaces, such as the Royal Park in the centre of town. Vaux-Hall, a beautifully restored structure partially hidden behind the Royal Theatre, was built in 1782, inspired by its Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens contemporary in London. The site was originally used for plays and concerts, which Vaux-Hall Summer breathes carries into the present with a rich artistic program ranging from open-air cinema under starry skies to DJ sets and dance workshops. 

5. Urban water sports

Many Belgians make a summer migration to the Ardennes for kayaking and other water activities, namely the river Lesse, which can get so crowded with paddlers that it experiences regular traffic jams. Skip the crowds and wade instead into Brussels' Charleroi canal. The surrounding industrial landscape offers its own particular charms. The kayak club CRBK in Anderlecht has everything you need to get your paddle on. The team offers beginners a short introduction. 

6. Brigittines festival

We all know how unreliable Belgian weather can be. For those inevitable rainy nights, a beautiful 17th-century chapel in the city centre offers riveting shelter: It’s the home of Les Brigittines – Playhouse for Movement, which hosts an international art festival every summer while much of the Brussels art scene is on summer break. It focuses on contemporary dance and performance in the widest sense. This year the theme is "Drifting Zones and Whirlwinds," inspired by a book by Icelandic writer, Jón Kalman Stefánsson. Eleven shows are on the program, including six Belgian premieres.

7. Ice cream à la Belge 

Old-school ice cream aficionados head to Glacier Zizi, a Brussels institution. The family-owned parlour in Uccle’s Rue de la Mutualité has churned out artisanal flavors free of preservatives and artificial colours since 1948. Those with the patience to stand in the occasional long line are rewarded with a wide range of ice creams and sorbets — from traditional strawberry and chocolate, to more creative options like cuberdon and lavender. A more recent ice “cream” hotspot is Oui Oui in the trendy St. Gilles neighbourhood. Everything from cones to sprinkles is completely vegan. The flavours change daily and feature delicious experiments such as mango sticky rice and raspberry lychee. 

8. Van Buuren Museum & Gardens 

This former private home and its surroundings, nestled in Brussels’ Uccle neighbourhood, was turned into a museum in 1975. The building’s exterior, built in 1928 by banker and arts patron David van Buuren, is emblematic of the Amsterdam School, a movement known for its exuberant and dynamic style. The architectural gem houses art deco treasure: a captivating mix of furniture, carpets and stained glass, as well as sculptures and paintings that have remained in their original places. Its best visited in summer so you can enjoy the gardens, which include a labyrinth and a rose garden. At 1.2 hectares, the gardens are almost twice the size of Brussels' Grand Place.