What to do in Brussels when it's hot and scorching?
Updated June 16, 2023 by pierre
The best ideas for getting through the heat wave in Brussels
Everyone knows it... As soon as it gets a little warm in Belgium, the heat quickly becomes unbearable. Some go to the sea, others to the swimming pool… Looking for unusual ideas what to do in Brussels when it's hot? Here are our Belgian heat wave ideas.
If a heat wave is announced in the city in the next few days, here are our best tips for dealing with mercury in the capital. In case of heat wave, avoid staying on the sofa at home or being in air-conditioned places. Because even if you turn on the fan, after 2 days of heat wave it will be over thirty degrees inside! There is more ideas for staying cool when it's hot ! The whole InsideBrussels team got to work and concocted a list of anti-heat ideas below, to put you in the shade.
Go re-discover the unusual places of Brussels and the pretty dead ends full of greenery, natural air-conditioned areas, refreshing drinks just for you.
1- Avoid the heat by visiting the Brussels underground museums
If the temperature and the sun's rays on the surface are no longer bearable, think of below. The city of Brussels offers you underground museums. Ideal to avoid the unbearable heat. Here are the best museums to do in Brussels when it's hot in the city:
- Coudenberg Palace : An underground journey to discover the palace of Charles V.
- Sewer Museum : Dive into an authentic sewer, a refreshing walk along the Senne… underground. A unique experience below the city!
- Brussels mushroom house : In the heart of the Caves de Cureghem, a mysterious place of 4000 m2, the Champignon de Bruxelles offers you a unique interactive tour
3. Cool off with water jets in public squares
If you don't have the opportunity to go to the swimming pool when it's hot, children can cool off with the water jets coming out of the ground of several public places in Brussels. There are several in Brussels, the best known are:
- Ixelles, the water jets of the Flagey
- The fountains of the mirror square in Jette
- The water jets of the Saint-Lambert Square in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
4. A boat trip on the Lac du Bois de la Cambre
When temperatures soar in Brussels, there is nothing more refreshing than embark on a peaceful boat trip in the heart of the Bois de la Cambre ( Camber Park)
This beautiful park offers a haven of greenery and tranquility, ideal for escaping the summer heat of the city. Hire a boat and cruise gently across the pond, admiring the reflections of the sun on the water and enjoying the light breeze. This relaxing experience will allow you to fully immerse yourself in nature while refreshing yourself. It is a perfect activity to share as a couple, with family or friends, offering a moment of relaxation and escape in the heart of Brussels. Don't miss this unique opportunity to discover the Bois de la Cambre in an original and soothing way on hot summer days.
Want to take a boat trip on a lake in Brussels? You will not be in the shade but very cool in the water. Go see the side of the Robinson chalet. You will have the possibility of renting a boat and cooling off on the Lac du Bois de la Cambre. Once there, you will have no excuse not to taste the Waffle & Waffle in the Bois de la Cambre
5. Have a drink or eat on one of the best terraces or rooftops in Brussels
We had already talked of the best terraces in another article that you will find in Brussels. However, with the arrival of summer and scorching temperatures in Brussels, it is time to take full advantage of the rooftops of the city. These havens of cool air offer you the opportunity to get up high and enjoy a drink while admiring breathtaking panoramic views. Take the opportunity to discover the best rooftops in the city.
These high oases offer a refreshing refuge with breathtaking panoramic views. Visit iconic rooftops such as
- le “Skybar” offering a breathtaking view of the Grand-Place,
- the " The Jam Hotel Rooftop offering a relaxed atmosphere and refreshing cocktails.
- For a more sophisticated experience, don't miss the " The O2 Terrace » located at the top of the Museum of Musical Instruments, offering a 360 degree view of Brussels. Take to the skies and enjoy a refreshing drink while admiring the beauty of the city under the summer sun.
A parasol, a cocktail … what more could you ask for?
Also what would you think of test a new Rooftop? See our article on this subject.
6. Swim in the outdoor pools and sandy beaches near Brussels
In Brussels, there's no question of bathing in the fountains when it's hot! It is forbidden to dip there. Also, there are chemicals in it to prevent the water from turning green. Instead, try the beaches and outdoor pools. The ideal when the temperature rises:
- The outdoor swimming pool of the provincial domain of Bois des Rêves (closed from 2021) is located about 30kms from Brussels. More precisely in Ottignies. It is located in a huge 65ha park that will allow you to hide from the heat wave. They also have a small children's pool in addition to the large outdoor pool. (📍 Driveway to the Bois des Rêves 1, 1340 Ottignies) Official site
- Renipont beach (near Lasnes) offers you an artificial beach but very well maintained. A magical place: a terrace, a bar, and a restaurant. Obviously, a lake and a water slide. In short, in good weather, a real moment of relaxation with family and friends. It is located more or less 15km south of Brussels. Little tip, very quiet on weekday afternoons. There is food and drink in their cafeteria. (📍 rue du Pont, 9 – 1380 Lasne)
- The artificial beach of the Bloso Hofstade domain will make you forget the heat in Brussels. 600m of beach to bask in the sun. It is not very far from Brussels…. About 15 km northeast of Brussels. A refreshing swim awaits you. Possibility of pedal boating and visiting a protected natural area (📍: Tervuursesteenweg 1981 Hofstade)
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7. Stay hydrated and drink free water from the Vivaqua fountain in the center
If you are looking for a drink when you are in the center of Brussels... Think of the Vivaqua fountains. Ideal for you hydrate and drink for free in Brussels. It is essential when it is hot. Do you like sparkling water? That's good, they also offer it. Quite unusual, isn't it?
Note that we also have an article on restaurants that offer carafes of free water at the table.
Read also:
8. Have a barbecue in a public place in Brussels
Ideal when the weather is nice to have a barbecue. However, it is not easy to find a place in Brussels where to have a barbecue. Especially if you don't have a garden. In the parks of Brussels, it is forbidden. Know that on the contrary,e domain of dream woods offers you the possibility of having a barbecue in a public place. Mandatory reservation.
9. Have a refreshing cocktail delivered to your home.
When summer temperatures soar and you are looking for a refreshing way to quench your thirst, nothing like a delicious cocktail. And to add a touch of convenience to your tasting experience, consider having it delivered directly to your home thanks to DrinkItFresh.. This platform home delivery of cocktails lets you choose from a wide selection of tasty creations, all carefully prepared by professional mixologists. From classic cocktails to original creations, you can select your favorite and have it delivered to you without even leaving your home. It's the perfect way to enjoy an exquisite cocktail while staying comfortably seated, perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.
10. Shopping in air-conditioned malls
If it's time to seek refuge in an air-conditioned shopping center. In Brussels, you will find a multitude of options to enjoy a shopping spree while staying cool. Shopping centers not only offer a wide range of shops and famous brands, but they are also equipped with air conditioning systems to let you relax and shop in comfort, even in hot weather. Here are the main ones:
- City 2,
- Westland Shopping,
- Woluwe Shopping Center
- Docks Brussels
Whether you're looking for trendy clothes, decorative items or high-tech products, these air-conditioned malls are the perfect place to find what you're looking for while escaping the summer heat. Enjoy the pleasant shopping experience in a cool, air-conditioned environment, while discovering the latest trends and finding items that match your tastes and needs. Brussels is full of air-conditioned places where you can spend the day. This is for example the case of Docks Brussels the shopping center in Brussels.
To go further in the event of a heat wave
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