Best time to visit Brussels
Best time of year to visit Brussels
Despite some rain, March through May and September through October is deemed the best time to visit Brussels. Accommodation is cheaper to book and tourist crowds are thinner at this time. Spring or early fall is perfect for enjoying the Brussels Jazz Festival or rocking out at the Horst Arts & Music Festival.
Summer promises a load of unforgettable events like Foire de Midi or Flower Carpet & Flower Time. But, it also brings long lines, crowds of tourists on the streets, and skyrocketing prices. Even though it tends to be chilly and wet, the time between November and February still faces high rates in terms of holidays. Just don't forget this is also a high time to taste traditional Jenever and to feel like a local at Aalst Carnival.
8 THINGS TO DO IN BRUSSELS (MAY 08 - MAY 17)
Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
The private garden of the King welcomes visitors for three weeks only
Sonian Forest (Zoniënwoud)
“Brussels’ Lungs” is a habitat for hundreds of species
Horst Arts & Music Festival
A three-day art and music festival in a former military site
Atomium
A landmark of Brussels, once called Europe's most bizzare building
Belgian Waffles
One of the most famous Belgian products in the world
Endive & Ham Gratin
A traditional dish from the rural regions of Belgium
Speculoos (Speculaas)
Thin and crispy Belgian cookies for St. Nickolas’ Day
Jenever
A typical liquor for Christmas celebrations
32 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Flower Carpet & Flowertime
out of rangeEvery year, the center of Belgium's capital gets covered with flowers
Tomorrowland
out of rangeOn the eve of the first-time Tomorrowland, its organisers handed out tickets for free to ensure that people would come. A few years later the tickets were sold out in a second!
Hallerbos
out of rangeEvery spring, millions of bluebells bloom in the Blue Forest
Brussels New Year's Eve
out of rangeWatch the fireworks near the Atomium or explore Brussels' best nightclubs
Zinneke Parade
out of rangeEvery two years, the people of Brussels gather to strengthen community spirit
Floralia Brussels
out of rangeOver one million flowers bloom in the park and greenhouses of the 12th-century castle
Brussels Jazz Weekend
out of rangeFor one weekend, the heart of Brussels beats to the rhythm of jazz, which is played in every nook of the city
Ommegang
out of rangeThe city gets occupied by thousands of medieval characters
Beer Festivals
out of rangeAutumn is the best time to discover the beer culture of Belgium
Brussels Christmas Market
out of rangeOne of the best and largest holiday markets in Europe
Cherry Blossoms in Hasselt
out of rangeOver two hundred cherry trees bloom in Europe's largest Japanese garden
Aalst Carnaval
out of rangeSatirical and colourful celebrations for Mardi Gras
Foire du Midi
out of rangeFor over one month, the funfair occupies the streets of Brussels
Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon
out of rangeEvery autumn, thousands of runners gather in Brussels
Jazzuary
out of rangeIn January, jazz music sets the rhythm of life in Brussels
BD Strip Festival
out of rangeCartoons come to life on the streets of the city
Belgian National Day
out of rangeFree museums entry, a parade and fireworks are part of the celebration
Brussels Chocolate Fair (Salon du Chocolat)
on holdA three-day event for chocolate lovers
Couleur Café Festival
out of rangeThe most exotic and colourful festival of Belgium is a mixture of urban music and contemporary art
Brussels Summer Festival
out of rangeDiscover Belgian music with dozens of artists playing rock, pop, hip-hop and jazz
Belgian Beer Weekend
out of rangeOver 450 beers during one weekend in the center of Brussels
Barrio Cantina
out of rangeA Belgian Food Truck Festival travels across the Flanders region
Moules Frites (Mosselen met Friet)
out of rangeMussels and fries is one of the most popular dishes in Belgian cuisine
Lambic Beer
out of rangeA unique type of beer is being brewed in a small region southwest of Brussels
Magnolias in Botanic Garden Meise
out of rangeDozens of magnolia trees burst into blossoms and mark the beginning of spring
Zythos Beer Festival
canceledOver one hundred beer producers come to the city of Leuven every April
Krakelingen & Tonnekensbrand
out of rangeThis fire and bread feast marks the end of winter
Meyboom
out of rangeEvery year, a tree is erected in the city to commemorate the victory of Brussels over the city of Leuven
BRAFA Art Fair
out of rangeOne of the oldest and most prestigious fairs in Europe
Gentse Waterzooi
out of rangeA soup-like stew will warm you during the coldest of days
Stoemp
out of rangeA typical Belgian dish made of mashed vegetables
Game Season
out of rangeBelgian cuisine offers plenty of dishes featuring game
