With the formation of Belgium's new Federal Government, four back-to-back shootings and a national strike since the start of February, you would be forgiven if Valentine's Day plans were the last thing on your mind.
If you woke up today without any date plans, it is not too late yet. Whether you want to take your lover, friend(s) or yourself on a date in Brussels, here are some last-minute ideas for a great Valentine's weekend.
Visit the Museum of Eroticism and Mythology
For those looking to avoid the overflowing restaurants and cafés, the private collection in the Museum of Eroticism and Mythology – in a beautiful Sablon house – provides lovebirds with a historical overview of erotic art, from antiquity to the present day.
Museum of Eroticism and Mythology
With this collection, the museum wants to demonstrate "the existence of eroticism thanks to Man's discovery of sexual pleasure." Rare objects of all kinds are displayed, from paintings, sculptures, Greek and Roman antiquities, ivory and Japanese etchings to drawings, lithographs and other curiosities.
Tour Brussels' historic centre in an e-carriage
Brussels banned horse-drawn carriages several years ago, but the Belgian capital introduced its animal-friendly alternative last summer. With the new e-carriages, you will be able to enjoy a scenic tour of the historic centre, but with modern-day style and comfort.
Horseless carriage. Credit: Belga / X
The tours start at 10:30 from the Grand Place and, with commentary from a professional guide, take you through different neighbourhoods. And the best part for last-minute Valentine's dates? There is no reservation required – but given its February, we would advise to wrap up, or cosy up with a blanket..
Wear your symbolic heart on your sleeve
For a more symbolic date, you could visit the Heart Museum. Cardiologist Noubar Boyadijan compiled a collection of more than 500 heart-shaped objects that date from the 16th to the early 20th century and donated it to the Museum of Art & History in 1990.
A 2018 exhibition of the Heart Museum. Credit: Kotomi / Flickr
To provide some atmosphere for a date, the heart-shaped collection is accompanied by audiotapes with quotations, poems and musicals. And if you're feeling extra romantic, there might be a nice Valentine's car in the giftshop as well.
My Porny Valentine
If you are a little more daring and would like to skip the romance, the Beursschouwburg is organising 'My Porny Valentine' screenings on Friday evening. The cinema shows "a celebration, a rebellion of queer porn."
Still from Hard at Work. Credit: Aorta Films / My Porny Valentine
In addition to adult film screenings, those looking to get it on can also go to the local porny market and "a hot hotter hottest Porny Party." The films are curated by Cilu Dièl, in collaboration with the Brussels Porn Film Festival. While most tickets have sold, there are still some at the door.
Bright Brussels
And lastly, even though this strays dangerously close to cliché-territory, the Bright Brussels festival will also take place in the Belgian capital on Valentine's weekend this year.
Bright Brussels Festival 2023 at Place du Musée. Credit: visit.brussels/ Mathieu Golinvaux
More than 20 light installations and just as many sparkling activities will illuminate the capital's Royal and European quarters to give lovebirds an enchanting, nocturnal tour of Brussels.
