The 8 Best Outdoor Activities in Brussels

Brussels is not only the political capital of Europe, it is also a perfect destination to enjoy the outdoors. Its parks, squares and cycling routes offer ideal plans at any time of the year. Although the Belgian weather can be capricious, with sunny days interspersed with unexpected showers, the city has something for everyone. If you are looking for a different way to discover Brussels and its surroundings, here are the best outdoor activities.

If there's one perfect way to tour the city, it's by bike. Brussels has well-connected bike paths and routes that take you from the Grand Place to more alternative neighborhoods such as Ixelles or Saint-Gilles. By pedaling, you can discover hidden gems that escape the tourists who only walk through the center. In addition, the terrain is quite accessible, with few slopes, which makes this activity ideal for everyone.

If you prefer to explore the city with the help of a guide, a bike tour is the best option. Accompanied by a local expert, you will tour the most emblematic points of the city while learning about its history and curiosities. It is also a fast and sustainable way to get around without missing any details.

Just opposite the Royal Palace, this park is the green lung of the city center. With wide tree-lined avenues, elegant fountains and grassy areas, it is the perfect place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you can have a picnic, read a book under the shade of the trees or just sit on a bench and watch life go by.

If you like art and music, in summer the park is full of cultural activities, with open-air concerts, theater and dance performances. It is also common to see people practicing yoga or running along its paths. A space where time seems to slow down and where the city feels different.

If you want to escape the city for a day, an excursion to Bruges and Ghent is a must. Bruges, with its canals and cobblestone streets, looks like something out of a fairy tale, while Ghent combines its medieval past with a vibrant, modern energy.

Both cities have a special charm, with colorful houses reflecting in the water and squares full of history. In Bruges, you can visit the Main Square, the Lake of Love or get lost in its narrow streets. In Ghent, the Cathedral of St. Bavo and the Castle of the Counts of Flanders are mandatory stops.

If you decide to visit Bruges, you can not miss a boat trip on its canals. It is the best way to admire its old houses, its charming bridges and its romantic atmosphere. From the water, the city looks different, almost as if time has stopped.

The boat ride lasts approximately 30 minutes and is a unique opportunity to discover the history of the city from another perspective. At any time of the year, this experience offers unforgettable images that you won't want to miss.

For lovers of history and architecture, an excursion to Antwerp and Ghent is an opportunity to discover two of Belgium's most fascinating cities. Antwerp is the birthplace of Rubens and a reference in design and fashion, while Ghent dazzles with its imposing castle and Gothic cathedral.

Antwerp is also famous for its imposing train station, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, and for its lively nightlife. Meanwhile, in Ghent you can stroll along the banks of the river Lys and discover corners that seem to be taken from a Flemish painting.

If you feel like a change of scenery, you can take a day trip from Brussels to Amsterdam. Discover its canals, its alternative atmosphere and its famous museums in a perfect plan to make the most of your stay in Belgium.

Walking through the Red Light District, visiting the Anne Frank House or cycling like a local are just some of the experiences that await you in the capital of the Netherlands. An ideal getaway for those looking for something different without straying too far from Brussels.

For those interested in politics and history, a walk through the European Quarter is a must. Here you will find the main institutions of the European Union, such as the Commission and the Parliament. It is a modern and dynamic area, with international-style cafés and urban art spaces.

Nearby, the Cinquantenaire Park offers a perfect space for walking, playing sports or simply admiring its impressive triumphal arch. This park is ideal for those looking for a quiet corner to relax and enjoy a bit of nature without leaving the city.

If you travel in spring, one of the best options is to take a trip to the Keukenhof gardens in the Netherlands, famous for its endless fields of tulips. Here, thousands of flowers create a visual spectacle that can only be enjoyed a few weeks of the year.

In addition, the picturesque town of Delft, with its canals and its blue and white ceramics, is a jewel to be discovered. Strolling through its streets transports you to another era, with historic buildings and a relaxed atmosphere. It is a perfect getaway for lovers of photography and postcard landscapes.

Brussels and its surroundings are full of options for enjoying the great outdoors. Whether it's pedaling through the city, strolling through its parks or exploring nearby sites, there are plans for every traveler. Which of these experiences will be at the top of your list?