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Is Everything Open in Brussels in Summer – Or Do Places Close?

Posted on July 4, 2025July 4, 2025 by worldcityguides

If you’re planning a summer trip to Brussels and wondering whether the city goes into “vacation mode,” the short answer is: Brussels doesn’t shut down—but some places might take a little siesta.

Brussels in Summer: Alive and Kicking

Good news first: most major attractions, museums, and restaurants stay open throughout the summer. Brussels is a year-round city, and summer is actually one of the liveliest times to visit. From cultural events to festivals and open-air concerts, there’s plenty going on. You can check out the current happenings on our Brussels Events Calendar to plan ahead.

The “Gone Fishing” Signs

That said, some smaller shops, local bakeries, and family-run restaurants may take a summer break, especially in late July or early August. It’s not city-wide and rarely lasts more than a couple of weeks, but it’s always a good idea to double-check opening hours if you have your heart set on something specific.

Museums and Tourist Spots

Don’t worry—your cultural cravings are safe. Major sights like the Atomium, Magritte Museum, and Parlamentarium remain open for curious minds and selfie-takers alike. For details and must-sees, our Brussels Guide has you covered.

Pro Tips

Monday closures: Some museums are closed on Mondays year-round, not just in summer.
Public holidays: Belgium celebrates a few summer public holidays (like July 21 – Belgian National Day), so expect limited hours in some places.
Locals on holiday: You may notice fewer Brussels residents around in August—because they’re off exploring other corners of Europe!

Bottom Line

Yes, Brussels is open for business in summer. Just don’t be surprised if your favorite waffle shop is on vacation for a week. (Even waffle-makers need a break.)

Looking for something fun to do while you’re here? Browse our What’s Happening page for ideas that are very much open for summer.

Is Brussels a Nice City for Biking?

Posted on April 9, 2025April 9, 2025 by worldcityguides

Brussels—Belgium’s busy capital and EU hub—has a vibe that’s tough to pin down. It’s got old-school charm with its cobblestone streets and waffles, but it’s also famous for traffic that’ll make you want to pull your hair out. Lately, though, the city’s been trying to ditch its car obsession and get cozy with bikes. So, is Brussels actually a good place to ride? Let’s break it down—bike lanes, car drama, air quality, kids on wheels, and a few other bits worth chatting about.

Brussels has been throwing cash at bike lanes, and you can tell. There’s a growing web of paths—like the ones along Rue de la Loi or those fancy cycling highways linking the ‘burbs to downtown. They’re even planning 15 new superhighways by the end of 2025, which sounds pretty sweet for zooming around safely. Plus, the Villo! bike-share deal—with 5,000 bikes at 360 spots—means you can grab a ride without owning one. It’s been a hit since 2009.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Big roads might have nice lanes, but smaller streets? Good luck—sometimes you’re dodging pedestrians or cars with no markings to guide you. And those charming cobblestones? Cute until you’re rattling over them in the rain. The “Good Move” plan’s trying to fix things with chill, low-traffic zones in 63 neighborhoods, but it’s a mixed bag. Some spots feel like bike heaven; others are a hot mess of random lanes that just… stop.

Cars vs. Bikers: It’s Complicated

Cars and bikes in Brussels? Let’s just say they’re still figuring each other out. This place used to be all about four wheels—tons of commuters still roll in daily by car. Drivers aren’t always stoked to share, and bikers on X complain about near-misses or getting “doored” (yep, when someone flings their car door open right in your path). But things are chilling out a bit. That 30 km/h speed limit from 2021 slowed everyone down, and road deaths are way down—like 50% since 2020, according to Brussels Mobility.

Cyclists get some cool perks, too—like riding the wrong way on one-way streets if there’s an “Excepte” sign. More lanes are getting barriers, which helps. Still, you might need to channel your inner warrior to claim your spot—drivers are catching on, but it’s a slow vibe shift. The more bikes hit the streets (up 36% downtown since 2022), the more cars seem to play nice.

Pollution: Breathing Easier

Brussels has had some nasty air thanks to all those cars pumping out fumes. Biking’s a breath of fresh air—literally—cutting down on smog and that constant honking. The “Good Move” crew slashed car trips by 27% in the center since 2022, and Car-Free Sunday turns streets into a bike party with way less stink. Still, if you’re pedaling near the Small Ring, you might catch a whiff of exhaust. More bikes fit Brussels’ big green goals—less pollution, quieter vibes, and a nod to the EU’s push to axe transport emissions by 2050.

Kids on Bikes: Fun or Fussy?

For little shredders, Brussels is a maybe. The flat lands up north in Flanders are a kid’s dream, but the city’s got hills—like Mont des Arts—that’ll tire out tiny legs. Groups like Gracq and ProVelo run classes to teach kids the ropes, and quieter streets with bike lanes are decent for families. Kids under 9 can even roll on sidewalks with small bikes, which is clutch. But busy areas? The paths aren’t always clear, and parents might think twice.

Brussels is getting its bike groove on, even if it’s not Amsterdam-level yet. Around 7-8% of trips are on two wheels, and they’re gunning for 20% since half the rides here are short hops under 5 km. You’ve got bike boxes all over (check https://www.villo.be/), repair spots like CyCLO, and cool hangouts like Tandem café. Safety’s solid—90% of crashes are no biggie—but watch out for tram tracks and construction chaos. Some riders, especially newbies or slower folks, say the half-baked lanes can feel sketchy.

So, What’s the Deal?

Is Brussels bike-friendly? Eh, it’s on the way. The paths are better than ever, cars are chilling out, and the air’s cleaner when you ditch the gas guzzlers. Kids can roll in some spots, but it’s not perfect—thieves and spotty lanes keep it real. Compared to the old days, it’s a total glow-up, but it’s still figuring itself out. I’d give it a 7/10—decent, doable, and definitely pedaling toward awesome. Grab a bike and see for yourself!

A Delightful Stroll in the center of Brussels

Posted on October 9, 2023October 9, 2023 by worldcityguides

Brussels, the vibrant capital of Belgium, is a city that blends rich history, stunning architecture, and a lively atmosphere. One of the best ways to explore its heart and soak in its unique charm is by taking a leisurely walking tour through the center. In this article, we’ll guide you through a delightful stroll, highlighting the streets to wander and the captivating sights to discover along the way.

Starting Point: Grand Place (Grote Markt)

Begin your journey at the iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the central square of Brussels. Marvel at the opulent guildhalls, most notably the stunning Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) and the King’s House (Maison du Roi). The square is a sight to behold, with its ornate facades and vibrant flower market if you visit during the warmer months.

1. Rue de l’Étuve

From Grand Place, take Rue de l’Étuve towards the world-famous Manneken Pis statue, a charming Brussels landmark. This statue of a little boy urinating into a fountain has captured the hearts of visitors for centuries.

2. Place du Grand Sablon

Now it is time to do a little bit of walking as you head in the direction of Place du Grand Sablon, a picturesque square surrounded by quaint cafes and antique shops. Admire the elegant Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon (Église Notre-Dame du Sablon) with its stunning Gothic architecture.

You need to walk about 600 meters, but you can enjoy the architecture of Brussels while doing so. Keep walking on Rue de l’Etuve until you Rue des Bogards. Walk towards the left and just keep walking straight ahead until you reach a big roundabout. On the other side of the roundabout you have Place du Grand Sablon.

3. Mont des Arts

Heading uphill from Grand Sablon (on Rue Lebeau), you’ll reach the Mont des Arts, or “Hill of the Arts. This beautifully landscaped area offers breathtaking panoramic views of Brussels and is home to the Royal Library and several museums. Stroll through the tranquil gardens and enjoy the art installations along the way.

4. Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles)

Descend from Mont des Arts along the avenue Cantersteen. As you reach Galerie Ravenstein, enter the building and you will walk inside a beautiful building with stores and cafes on the inside. This walk will take a while, but as you finish the walk on the other side, you will almost be by the entrance of the fantastic Brussels Park. This serene green space provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling city streets. You can relax by the fountains, admire the statues, or simply enjoy the natural beauty.

5. Place des Palais

At the southern side of the park, you find the magnificent Place des Palais where you find the Royal Palace, the residence of the Royal Family. It is an impressive neoclassical building that is particularly stunning in the evening when it’s illuminated.

6. Rue de la Loi and European District

Walk down Rue Ducale, and walk onto Rue de Luxembourg after some hundred meters. As you keep on walking, you will soon find yourself in the heart of Brussels’ European District. This area houses important EU institutions, including the European Commission and the European Parliament. Marvel at the modern and architecturally impressive EU buildings.

7. Parc Leopold and Cinquantenaire Park

If you have more time, walk along the avenue Rue Belliard. After a while, you can see the awesome Parc Leopold on your right side. If you have a lot of energy in your legs, take a stop there, have a short picnic, look at the Medieval Tower, and enjoy the sun. If not, keep walking straight ahead until you see Cinquantenaire Park in front of you on the left side. It is a gigantic park with vast green spaces, stunning arches, and museums to explore, making for a perfect relaxation stop.

Ending Point: Schuman Metro Station

There is a metro station on both sides of Cinquantenaire Park, so depending on where you end your tour, travel by metro from the Schuman Metro Station or from Merode station back to the center of Brussels.

This delightful walking tour through the center of Brussels encapsulates the city’s rich history, diverse culture, and captivating beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking to soak up the ambiance of this charming European capital, this journey will leave you with unforgettable memories of Brussels. So put on your most comfortable walking shoes and set off to explore the heart of this fascinating city.

Public screening of the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Brussels

Posted on May 31, 2018 by worldcityguides

The FIFA World Cup is approaching, and in a football-loving country like Belgium, people are getting excited. But, where can you watch the World Cup outdoors in Brussels?

According to an article posted on April 2018, there will be no public screenings of the FIFA World Cup in Brussels. Due to fear of terrorist attacks, they do not want large crowds to gather together on locations hard to secure for the police. But, there are some exceptions. The Edmond Machtens Stadium will be a place people can go to watch the football matches outdoor. This facility is easier to control, and thus people can watch the FIFA World Cup matches on a giant screen inside the stadium. Another place deemed suitable for the FIFA World Cup is Place du Miroir. The square is a bit outside the city center, but you can easily get there using public transportation.

Belgium is one of the big outsiders in front of the tournament, and the people of Belgium hope that their players can make it all the way to the big final. Belgium will play in Group G, and they will play against Panama (June 18th), Tunisia (June 23rd), and England (June 28th). This is considered an easy group, and everyone expects the last match against England to be the match that decides which nation will win the group, England or Belgium. You can see a full FIFA World Cup schedule and information on how to stream the event online here.

We will cheer for Belgium, and hopefully, De Bruyne, Lukaku, and the other Belgian heroes will bring gold and glory back to the nations as the World Cup is finished on July 15th.

Anderlecht vs Manchester United [Europe League quarter-final]

Posted on March 21, 2017 by worldcityguides

On April 13th Manchester United will come to Brussels to play against Anderlecht in the first of two matches between the teams in the Europe League quarter final. Can the team from Brussels stop the super stars in Manchester United?

Belgian football is on the move and this year there are two Belgian teams in the Europe League quarter finals. Not only will Anderlecht play against Manchester United on April 13th, but on the same day Genk will play against Celta Vigo (in Spain). The return match will be played in Genk on April 20th, so if you want to watch the match as well, then you will be pleased to hear that Genk is less than 100km from Brussels, which means you can be there in about 1 hour if you drive quickly.

Anderlecht vs Manchester United — Review News / Shutterstock.com

The match between Anderlecht and Manchester United will start at 21.05 on April 13th, and if you want to be there, then you can buy tickets for the match from Viagogo. If you feel more than satisfied just watching the match on your computer, on your Apple TV, on your Chromecast or maybe on your mobile device, then you can do so on Fubo TV. To find out more about how you can watch the Europe League matches on Fubo TV, just press the link.

Can Anderlecht beat Manchester United?

The answer to that question is without a doubt yes! Manchester United is a great team, but so is Anderlecht, and will not be surprised if this match will end with a 2-1 win for Anderlecht. That might not be the best result, based on the upcoming match on Old Trafford on April 20th, but it will still give them a fair chance. All we have to say is Go Anderlecht, and of course… go Genk!

While in Brussels do not forget to check out all the amazing attractions in town, which you of course can read about here in our Brussels Guide.