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Best time to visit

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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.

35 things to do in Brussels

Tomorrowland

July 19–21, 2024 | July 26–28, 2024 Event

On the eve of the first time Tomorrowland, its organizers handed out tickets for free to ensure that people would come. A few years later, the tickets were sold out in a second!

Krakelingen & Tonnekensbrand

February 23, 2025 Event

This fire and bread feast marks the end of winter

Zythos Beer Festival

April 22–23, 2023 (2024 has been cancelled) Event

Over one hundred beer producers come to the city of Leuven every April

Sonian Forest (Zoniënwoud)

all year round Nature

“Brussels’ Lungs” is a habitat for hundreds of species

Speculoos (Speculaas)

December 6 (all year round) Food

Thin and crispy Belgian cookies for St. Nickolas’ Day

Moules Frites (Mosselen met Friet)

late July–early April Food

Mussels and fries is one of the most popular dishes in Belgian cuisine

Jenever

December (all year round) Food

A typical liquor for Christmas celebrations

Cherry Blossoms in Hasselt

early April Nature

Over two hundred cherry trees bloom in Europe's largest Japanese garden

Barrio Cantina

June 7–9, 2024 Event

A Belgian Food Truck Festival travels across the Flanders region

Meyboom

August 9 Event

Every year, a tree is erected in the city to commemorate the victory of Brussels over the city of Leuven

Horst Arts & Music Festival

May 9-11, 2024 Event

A three-day art and music festival in a former military site

BRAFA Art Fair

January 26–February 2, 2025 Event

One of the oldest and most prestigious fairs in Europe

Brussels Airport Marathon & Half Marathon

November 3, 2024 Event

Every autumn, thousands of runners gather in Brussels

Aalst Carnaval

February 11–13, 2024 Event

Satirical and colourful celebrations for Mardi Gras

Brussels Jazz Weekend

May 24-26, 2024 Event

For one weekend, the heart of Brussels beats to the rhythm of jazz, which is played in every nook of the city

Game Season

October–January Food

Belgian cuisine offers plenty of dishes featuring game

Couleur Café Festival

June 28-30, 2024 Event

The most exotic and colourful festival of Belgium is a mixture of urban music and contemporary art

Stoemp

December–February Food

A typical Belgian dish made of mashed vegetables

Magnolias in Botanic Garden Meise

late March–April Nature

Dozens of magnolia trees burst into blossoms and mark the beginning of spring

Jazzuary

mid- to late January Event

In January, jazz music sets the rhythm of life in Brussels

Brussels Summer Festival

August 15-18, 2024 Event

Discover Belgian music with dozens of artists playing rock, pop, hip-hop and jazz

Zinneke Parade

June 1, 2024 Event

Every two years, the people of Brussels gather to strengthen community spirit

BD Strip Festival

September 6–8, 2024 Event

Cartoons come to life on the streets of the city

Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

April 26–May 20, 2024 Nature

The private garden of the King welcomes visitors for three weeks only

Hallerbos

mid-April Nature

Every spring, millions of bluebells bloom in the Blue Forest

Ommegang Festival

July 3 & July 5, 2024 Event

The city gets occupied by thousands of medieval characters

Floralia Brussels

April 4-May 2, 2025 Event

Over one million flowers bloom in the park and greenhouses of the 12th-century castle

Brussels Chocolate Fair (Salon du Chocolat)

February 14–16, 2020 Event

A three-day event for chocolate lovers

Flower Carpet & Flowertime

August 15–18, 2024 Event

Every year, the center of Belgium's capital gets covered with flowers

Foire du Midi

July 13–August 18, 2024 Event

For over one month, the funfair occupies the streets of Brussels

Belgian National Day

July 21 Event

Free museums entry, a parade and fireworks are part of the celebration

Beer Festivals

early September–late October Event

Autumn is the best time to discover the beer culture of Belgium

Brussels Christmas Market

November 29, 2024–January 5, 2025 Event

One of the best and largest holiday markets in Europe

Brussels New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

Watch the fireworks near the Atomium or explore Brussels' best nightclubs

Belgian Beer Weekend

September 6-8, 2024 Event

Over 450 beers during one weekend in the center of Brussels

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