Finally, it seems better weather is on the cards for Belgium. Fortunately, Brussels has a wealth of glorious terraces to enjoy the sun, and while some of the more obvious ones are often overpriced or tourist traps, others worth visiting are sometimes hidden quite well.
Whether you are looking to bask in the sun or to shelter in the shade, you're sure to find something to your liking in the list below. Don't forget your sunnies!
Jardin Hospice - City Centre
Hidden away behind Marché Aux Poissons lies an unexpectedly large garden for Brussels' city centre. Brussels-based Jardin turns unoccupied and forgotten spaces into breathtaking venues, and for this project took charge of the historic Institut Pacheco, inaugurated under the name 'Grand Hospice.'
Credit: Jardin
By day, this is the perfect location to lie down on a beach chair and escape the rush of the capital or play a game of pétanque, while at night, fairy lights brighten up the wide yard, giving it a magical feel. Expect DJ sets, comedy nights and much more.
Find more information here.
Vertigo - Sablon
Literally a hidden jewel — the sheltered terrace can be found behind a little alley off Rue de Rollebeek on Sablon — Vertigo is the terrace in town for all weather, whether it's a sunny 30°C or a cold, wintery evening (the inside terrace is heated, while blankets are laid out on the chairs).
Credit: Vertigo
At its busiest when the weather gets warm, the terrace is extended to the street known for its magical fairy lighting, becoming the perfect people-watching spot. A big bonus: Vertigo's house wine and cocktails are unbeatable.
Find more information here.
Kiosk - Brussels Park
Linked to the local radio station Kiosk, this terrace in the heart of Brussels is a favourite among music lovers. It serves up electric music with chilled drinks on its terrace surrounded by trees.
Credit: Kiosk
While it is located in an oasis of calm near the Royal Palace, don't expect peace and quiet, as Kiosk is known for its legendary daytime parties, showcasing the best local and up-and-coming talent.
Find more information here.
Verschueren - Parvis
This bar has been at the heart of the cultural, political, social and ethnic life of Saint-Gilles since 1880, a legacy which is still reflected in its atmosphere to this day. From youngsters who recently moved to the area to locals who have lived there their entire lives, people of all generations flock to Verschueren.
Credit: Verschueren
Situated at the foot of Parvis Saint-Gilles, this bastion of bar life in the city is best enjoyed on a weekday evening, when locals gather after work to enjoy a cheap(ish) drink during sunset.
Find more information here.
Poechenellekelder - City Centre
Despite it being located at the centre of the most touristy place in Brussels — it is a stone's throw away from Grand Place, across from Belgium's famous Manneken Pis — Poechenellekelder is a real favourite among locals. Best enjoyed when the day starts to wind down to avoid the groups of tourists.
Credit: Poechenellekelder
The authentic "Bar à Bières" is a must-visit for lovers of Belgian beer, serving a wide range of fruity, blond and Trappist beers. Make sure to take a peek inside, as the place is decorated with dozens of wooden puppets ("Poechenelle" is Brussels slang for a "little marionette puppet").
Find more information here.
La Fabrique en Ville - Egmont Park
A real escape from the city, this bar and eatery in the lesser-known Egmont Park is the perfect place to enjoy a midday drink, as the green area basks in the sun during the afternoon (part of the terrace is covered for those seeking shade).
Credit: La Fabrique en Ville
There are few better places for a moment of relaxation, especially in a Metropole as busy as Brussels. Take a moment here to enjoy hearing the birds sing and the leaves rustle in the wind (a big bonus: the park is also a favourite among dogwalkers).
Find more information here.
Antidote - Anderlecht
Antidote is an atypical canteen in the heart of the former factory Studio CityGate, in Anderlecht, that very quickly became the new place to be for young "Brusseleirs."
Credit: Antidote
By the end of the week, an evening at Antidote usually becomes a night full of dancing on the gloriously lit terrace, the perfect place to end a busy working week. One of the most innovative locations in the region.
Find more information here.
Café Belga — Flagey
Last, but definitely not least, Café Belga is a real favourite among Brussels locals looking for some real sunshine. Located right next to the Étangs d'Ixelles by Flagey, the view from the terrace is hard to beat.
Credit: Café Belga
The only downside to Café Belga is its popularity, meaning you have to arrive early on a sunny day to find a spot on this beloved terrace (or you have to be very lucky). If you don't find a seat, it is always worth taking a short stroll around the ponds before trying your luck again.
Find more information here.
