What to do in Brussels in spring

Brussels isn’t exactly known for its good weather, but in spring, the city is often blessed with some sunshine, giving visitors a chance to see the sights in all their glory. Wonder around the many parks, jump on a bike or take shelter in an art gallery. Here’s what to do in spring in Brussels.

Eat some seasonal cuisine

Brussels is full of brilliant restaurants and the dining options in the Belgian capital range from budget to blow out. Many of the Michelin star restaurants in the city focus on local seasonal produce so are a good place to book a table if you want to sample ingredients from the nearby countryside. Read our guide to the best restaurants in Brussels to help you decide on the place to satiate your appetite. 

 

Source: Instagram

Hunt for Belgian Easter eggs

Spending Easter in arguably the world capital of chocolate means one thing and one thing only. The best Easter eggs ever! Lots of the chocolate shops in Brussels have special Easter menus and bunny-themed treats that are worth seeking out. Perfect for sweet toothed explorers. 

 

Source: Instagram

Drink Belgian beer on a terrace

The Belgians are famous for their beer and Brussels is brimming with specialty beer bars and tap rooms. When the sun comes out, locals and tourists spill out on to the terraces to enjoy the warm weather and world-class alcohol. Finding a place to drink beer in Brussels with a terrace is pretty easy, so settle in for the afternoon and try a range of ales, lagers and pilsners with a side of cheese and cured meat. 

 

Celebrate at Pride Festival 

In May every year, Brussels celebrates its LGBTQI+ residents with its annual Pride festival. The parade is held toward the end of the month and sees the city’s streets come alive with colour, glitter and street parties. There are also plenty of parties around the city in many of the gay venues, catering to all tastes from techno to pop. 

 

Source: Pride.be

Go for a bike ride 

Spring weather is the perfect excuse for hopping on a bike and seeing the city from two wheels. Brussels is surprisingly cycle friendly, considering it’s a capital city and bikes are allowed on pretty much all roads and can even go against the traffic on one way streets. Take a look at a map of Brussels and plan a route that will take you past all the main sights. You can hire bikes all over the city and the large train stations even rent out folding bikes so you can pack it up and take it on public transport if you get tired. 

 

Source: Expatica

Explore the outdoor markets

Brussels is home to lots of brilliant markets, and when the sun is out, they’re a fun and unique way to spend the day. Grand Place is the one to go to for flowers, Marche Du Midi is said to be the biggest market in the whole of Europe and Place Du Grand Sablon is open on the weekend for people looking for antiques, vintage clothing and second hand books. 

 

Source: Encircle Photos

Take a day trip 

Bruges, a medieval city located just one hour on the train from Brussels makes a lovely day trip from the capital. Called the Venice of the north because of its network of canals, you can spend the day wondering around the charming tangle of quaint streets admiring the architecture. Ghent is another option and even closer. You can even conquer them both in one day if you’re feeling particularly energetic. 

 

Marvel at the different flowers 

Every spring, visitors have the unique opportunity to visit the Art Nouveau Royal Greenhouses in Laeken during their two-week public opening. An afternoon stroll through the six acre park will take in all sorts of fragrant blooms. Officially Europe’s greenest capital city, there are plenty of other parks to explore with flowers and foliage dotted all over the place. 

 

Source: Culture Trip

Take shelter at an art gallery

The weather in Brussels is notoriously unpredictable and even though its spring you will likely find yourself caught in some rain showers at some point during your visit. But don’t worry, Brussels has plenty of indoor activities to enjoy when the weather isn’t playing ball, including an array of world-class art galleries. Art Brussels comes to town at the end of April every year, which is one of the most renowned contemporary art fairs in Europe and a must-see in the international art calendar.

 

Source: Artsy

 

If you’re planning a springtime mini break but can’t decide where to go you might find our other city guides helpful. Discover what to do in Rome, Paris and London in the spring to help make up your mind.