The Best Parks in Brussels: A Guide for Nature Lovers

With sun comes Belgians. Belgians are masters at making the most of pretty days – a necessity in the oft-rainy lowlands – and it shows in their capital’s countless parks. When the weather is good, there’s no better way to explore Brussels than to do as locals do and seek out a sunny spot of green. The experience is cultural and enriching, revealing hidden palace gardens and abbeys in urban forests. Here are the 9 best parks in Brussels you shouldn’t miss.

Forêt de Soignes

Hiking in the woods might seem far-fetched in a small, densely populated country like Belgium, but the Forêt de Soignes is just a stone’s throw away from Brussels. Once a favorite hunting ground of the Hapsburg Imperial family, this UNESCO-listed ancient beech forest now welcomes creatures of all classes and species.

As you traverse miles of bicycle, walking, and horse paths, enjoy greetings of bonjour and dag. No excursion in the Sonian Forest is complete without a stop at Rouge Cloitre, a historic 14th-century abbey now featuring modern art.

Botanical Garden of Brussels

Nestled in the city center, the Botanical Garden is a true representation of Belgian design. Its central orangery, built in French Baroque style, complements Italian-designed gardens adorned with the official flower of Brussels, the yellow iris. While ticketed exhibitions are hosted in the orangery, many visitors prefer to enjoy the free maze of hedges and walkways on the lower terraces.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Look to the east for Brussels’ most regal city park, Parc du Cinquantenaire. Dominated by the monumental Triumphal Arch, this park encircles three grand museums: the Art and History Museum, the Royal Military Museum, and a vintage car museum, Autoworld.

While many locals head to the park to jog or picnic, you can also gain a panoramic view of the park and part of Brussels’ Royal District by ascending the arches.

Jean-Felix Hap Garden

For those seeking a less-trafficked space, the Jean-Felix Hap Garden is a hidden gem in the Etterbeek neighborhood. Once part of the Hap family mansion grounds, this park now serves as a biodiverse retreat amidst brick houses.

Bois de la Cambre

Similar to Central Park in New York, the Bois de la Cambre is a favorite among locals. Its manicured lawns and sloping paths attract hip youth and families alike. On weekends, entry is restricted to non-motorized vehicles, making it a lively area filled with bicycles, scooters, and skateboards.

Start your park experience with a stroll around the Cistercian Abbaye de La Cambre, meander to the central lake, and then take a ferry to Chalet Robinson for a taste of local cuisine.

Parc d’Egmont

Concealed behind a nondescript gate on Rue aux Laines, Parc d’Egmont is another treasure waiting to be discovered. This intimate garden, popular with dog walkers, welcomes visitors to enjoy a leisurely brunch on the shaded terrace of La Fabrique en Ville, a charming café located within the park.

Jardin Mont des Arts

The vibrant Jardin du Mont des Arts offers one of the best views in Brussels, particularly on spring or summer evenings when the garden is in full bloom. With geometric hedges and delightful flower arrangements, the garden provides a unique vantage point overlooking Brussels’ Grand Place. For a more immersive experience, visit in the evening around sunset, when the area transforms into a romantic escape illuminated by the city’s lights.

Promenade Vert

If outdoor exercise is on your agenda, explore Brussels’ Promenade Vert. This impressive 60km route connects various natural spaces and historical landmarks. Divided into seven areas, it is ideal for jogging and cycling, offering paths that weave through beautiful landscapes, past historic buildings and serene parks.

Parc Josaphat

For families visiting, Parc Josaphat is a fantastic option. This park features playgrounds and expansive lawns for children to enjoy, while parents can unwind with a drink from the café terrace. Kids can stay entertained with a game of mini-golf at Minigolf Josaphat, one of Belgium’s oldest mini-golf courses, designed in 1954 by landscape architect René Pechère.