Cinquantenaire Park
Built in 1880 to mark the 50th anniversary of Belgium's independence, Cinquantenaire Park is both a collection of French-style gardens and a historical site that's home to monuments, sculptures and museums. It's dominated by a triumphal arch with three arches and a bronze quadriga at its summit, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the capital. The wide paths lead to the Pavilion of Human Passions designed by Victor Horta, the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, the Art & History Museum and Autoworld, the car museum.
Take part in events here throughout the year: sporting events, festivals, concerts, fireworks... In the summer, you can enjoy a short break at the Guinguette Maurice pop-up bar.
Cinquantenaire Park
Leopold Park
Leopold Park is a slice of nature in the heart of Brussels’ European Quarter. Formerly a zoological, horticultural and leisure garden in the 19th century, it became a science park, and is now an English-style garden. Wander it’s paths and admire sculptures such as the Bust of Jean-Jules Linden, or the Tree of Peace.
Numerous Belgian and European institutions are located in and around this park: Solvay Library, the Louis Pasteur Institute, the Anatomy Institute, the Physiology Institute and the former Business School… Take the opportunity to step into the European Parliament Hemicycle and visit the Parlamentarium, the House of European History, the Museum of Natural Sciences and the Wiertz Museum.
Go for a stroll in Cinquantenaire Park, another imposing space in the capital.
Leopold Park
Jean-Felix Hap Park
Jean-Félix Hap Park is probably the most beautiful park in Etterbeek, with its majestic trees, large lawns and winding paths. It bears the name of the last owner of this family estate, which was passed down from generation to generation.
Go for a walk around the Orangery, discover the ruins of the Flemish Renaissance castle and admire the neo-classical house of François-Louis Hap. The park also has an educational ecological area, which promotes biodiversity.
Not far from the park lies Cauchie House, a must-visit Art Nouveau gem. Just a stone's throw away, head to Leopold Park or Cinquantenaire Park, where you can go for a stroll or visit Autoworld, the Art & History Museum or the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History.
For a sweet treat, head to Le Pain Quotidien.
Jean-Felix Hap Park
The Ambiorix, Marie-Louise and Marguerite squares
The Ambiorix, Marie-Louise and Marguerite squares are located in the former valley of the Maelbeek river, near the European Quarter. They are located in the so-called "squares" district, which is architecturally rich thanks to its neo-renaissance, neo-gothic and Art Nouveau houses, which intermingle with the eclecticism. Water is the primary element of this cascade of parks and is integrated into each of them, reconstituting the old course of the Maelbeek.
Square Ambiorix is laid out in French terraces with geometric spaces, straight paths, flowerbeds, fountains, sculptures…
Square Marie-Louise is dominated by a pond, which is home to Florida tortoises. Its rock garden containing a fountain, a false grotto overgrown with vegetation and waterfalls and its English gardens give it a picturesque and romantic feel.
As for Square Marguerite, this "agora space" has a playground and a pergola and welcomes young people and athletes looking to let off steam.
Along the squares, admire the Hotel van Eetvelde and Saint-Cyr House, true masterpieces of Art Nouveau. Take a walk in Brussels Park, Leopold Park or Cinquantenaire Park and visit their museums and the Charlier Museum in nearby Saint-Josse-ten-Noode.
The Ambiorix, Marie-Louise and Marguerite squares