Where can you admire the cherry blossoms in Brussels which generally begins in late March/early April and lasts until May cherry blossoms offer Brussels a delightful rose-tinted spectacle dotting our streets with delicate hints of color and abundant essences Where can you admire cherry blossom in Brussels an age-old Japanese tradition – invites the Japanese to contemplate the fleeting beauty of cherry blossom Hanami embodies a profound reflection on the transitory nature of life symbolized by the brief blossoming of the sakura this custom brings together millions of people who gather under the blossoming trees to share moments of conviviality and wonder Parc Josaphat is one of the best places to admire cherry blossom in Brussels Its long branches give the impression of strolling under a great arch of flowers… Strolling along Avenue Emile Max in Schaerbeek is like strolling through a fairytale The pink of the flowers lends an old-fashioned charm to these brick houses but the side street (Avenue du Diamant) is just as pretty and just as worth a visit in Schaerbeek The central median of Avenue de Mai in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert is strewn with a multitude of cherry blossom trees whose pink petals dress the edges of the roadway 📍 Avenue de Mai in Woluwe-St-Lambert 🚇 Diamant the Place Saint-Antoine and its extension via Avenue Jules Malou offer their fair share of magnificent cherry blossom trees The splendid architecture of the Église Saint-Antoine will enhance the charm of your photos 📍 Place Saint-Antoine in Etterbeek 🚇 Église Saint-Antoine Square François Riga is a delightful place with its many cherry trees in bloom at this time of year Let’s take advantage of the opportunity to stroll along its herbaceous paths and take as many photos as possible 📍 Square François Riga in Schaerbeek 🚇 Helmet Cherry blossom trees are scattered throughout the Parc du Viaduc a short distance from Schuman and Porte de Namur 1 in Ixelles 🚇 Germoir or Bruxelles-Luxembourg located in Schaerbeek and not far from Josaphat Park (which also features in this top) is adorned with magnificent cherry blossom trees that blend skilfully with the facades of the homes 📍 Place des Bienfaiteurs in Schaerbeek 🚇 Bienfaiteurs you’ll find a few cherry blossom trees that sublimate the radiance and beauty of this magnificent pagoda Rue Leekaerts is a tiny street tucked away between Parc Communal and Avenue H Yet it’s home to some lovely cherry blossom trees and plenty of photo opportunities Archive Architecture Text description provided by the architects. De Jong Gortemaker Algra, together with architecture firm Modulo, based in Brussels, and engineering firm Ellyps, designed a staff parking garage with a capacity of 985 cars for Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc in Brussels. This resulted in a fluent structure integrated with the site. Parking garages are often labeled as mere functional industrial buildings rather than being referred to as inspiring architecture. Yet the parking garage is often the first place of contact with, in this case, the hospital and should therefore serve as a warm welcome for the visitors. This parking project at Saint-Luc is made into a positive first encounter, by selecting natural materials, providing abundant daylight and emphasizing contextual connection. ‹By introducing a sinuous ‘canyon’ encompassing the garage that allows light and air to reach even the lowest deck Natural light and this (eventually green) canyon-wall contribute to orientation and ensure a positive experience for the user naturally relate to the character of the canyon nicely embedded and with added value for the user is the result The structure is calculated in view of a potential building on top of the parking garage You'll now receive updates based on what you follow Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors If you have done all of this and still can't find the email Rediscover the wonders around Brussels by bike or on foot on the Promenade Verte The Promenade Verte is an incredible 60-kilometer bike trail (which can also be followed as a pedestrian), winding its way around the Brussels region, taking in the varied and enchanting landscapes of its communes. Inspired by the official Promenade Verte guide we’ve put together 7 wonderful spots for you to see along the way then drive north around Laeken Park to the start of Avenue Van Praet Look out for the formidable Chinese pavilion on the left a huge pagoda clad all in red touches the clouds: this is the sublime Japanese Tower cross the canal and head north through Schaerbeek cross the commune and take a detour (off-course) onto rue W Van Perck to photograph the pretty mill and its museum Follow the chaussĂ©e de Haecht and rue J-B Desmeth to return to the route at the Hoedemaekersfontein Drive down to the entrance of Woluwe-St-Lambert along Avenue du CimetiĂšre de Bruxelles Look out for the mill at Hof Ter Musschen; a second mill (Lindekemaele) awaits you this time at the entrance to Parc Malou Take the opportunity to admire the castle of the same name Pedal to Parc de Woluwe and take Route bis via Boulevard du Souverain Stop off at the Abbaye du Rouge-CloĂźtre and its gardens (one of which is botanical) Cross the north-east of the ForĂȘt de Soignes (we recommend a detour to ChĂąteau Charle Albert) and reach the Boitsfort ponds The ForĂȘt de Soignes is a real gem in the Brussels region cross the forest from east to west and allow yourself a few outings along its valleys ponds and wildlife (you might even spot a deer!) Glide through to the Verrewinkel and Buysdelle woods then admire the Kriekenput and Kinsendael nature reserves after passing the Engeland plateau Walk up Parc de la Pede and say hello to the moorhens splashing about in its ponds. To the north, enjoy the peace and quiet of the garden cities of Bon Air and Moortebeek Cross the Scheutbos park and watch the cows graze against the buildings: the contrast is striking Walk up to the border between Berchem-Ste-Agathe and Jette, stopping off at ChĂąteau de Rivieren (off-course). Enter the Parc Roi Baudouin along the Ganshoren and Jette marshes, then head east towards Square Prince Leopold. Put your bike down for a moment at the Jardins du Fleuriste: their relaxing setting offers a magnificent view of the city’s skyline You’ve just completed the Promenade Verte If you’re interested in cycling, there’s a bike ride through the trees, and another at water level, immersed in a lake. You are not alone in your business adventure the Region has been facilitating and financing the opening of bold high quality businesses on its territory via a €15,000 grant called OpenSoon The aim is to diversify its commercial offer and encourage the development of innovative brands Here are the 36 lucky ones from the 2022 batch Soleil Bakery is a local micro-bakery in the heart of Schaerbeek innovative and unique range of baked sourdough goods.Breads everything is hand-made on the premises with time and passion using quality raw materials that are organic and as local as possible After 2.5 years of trials and tribulations in shared production workshops which fights against food waste by cooking social meals from unsold food opened its own permanent social production space in May 2022 It is also home to a plant-based & sustainable restaurant that finances the social activities of the ASBL (Entropy) and an aromatic garden and is developing a canning facility for fine unsold food products for 2023 Casa Mariposa is NoĂ©mie and JoĂ«l’s eco-responsible tattoo parlour project The entire project is viewed through the prism of sustainability and the salon will be eco-managed This new well-being cocoon will honour the traditional technique of hand-poke and its team of artists will be entirely female Rachel and StĂ©phane are artisans and make their jewellery entirely on site They use recyclable materials (only 925 silver and 18 karat gold) They offer a jewellery repair and transformation service because they are committed to putting unworn jewellery back into circulation Herbes folles is the first district bookshop in Anderlecht Els welcomes customers with a quality selection of novels children’s literature and books in Dutch Herbes folles will also offer sustainably sourced green plants pleasant space where customers can enjoy a coffee or a drink from local producers while browsing the books a district grocery shop with a deli that offers organic It is a business focused on healthy and sustainable food that supports local short circuits and small producers while giving a nod to Youdra’s Portuguese roots A few years after launching their catering business and “opening” their field in Anderlecht Arth and AnaĂŻs opened their farm-to-table restaurant in the centre of Saint-Gilles The creative cuisine features vegetables grown by Smala Farming and other local products Smala has set up shop in a 100 mÂČ space on ChaussĂ©e de Waterloo for €2,500 per month Ivresse comprises four associated restaurateurs in a project that has been important to them for a long time It combines a gourmet restaurant and a caterer and wine merchant in the same place They want to share our vision of food which is part of a circular economy approach to value and share the work of their suppliers which is the cornerstone of the project benevolent place for the Union district in Forest a coffee and/or a meal there from noon to 10pm A la carte: two dishes of the day including at least one vegetarian soup and sandwiches from 12 to 3pm and then the “becquĂ©es” of PERRUCHE (homemade snacking plates) from 3 to 9.30pm Florence has opened a sustainable grocery shop in the Myosotis district in Uccle cosmetics and cleaning products – in bulk and will offer a series of workshops related to the themes of zero waste and sustainable food has been revitalising the district by offering artisanal ice cream and other local products since 17 June this family-run ice cream shop offers products that match their values: accessibility made in Brussels/Belgium and customer experience Le Guichet Des Bonnes IdĂ©es opened on 1 March 2022 responding to the ever-increasing evolution of consumer behaviour and growing social and ecological awareness Visitors will find ecologically grown ornamental plants and a unique line of fashion and lifestyle items that change regularly The products are produced locally and have as small an environmental footprint as possible Customers will also soon be able to enjoy a snack or a healthy drink Roseline d’Oreye has opened her shop at No 10 Galerie du Roi in Brussels whose common thread is great attention to quality and respect for the product her creations are particularly suited to tourist visitors to the Galleries in search of a sophisticated souvenir of Belgium Antoine and Benjamin have different skills and backgrounds but they all have one thing in common: a love of good food KROKET is the expression of their common passion with a Belgian flagship product but also the combination of values dear to them the reuse of unsold goods and social responsibility Former occupant the Auberge Espagnole Etterbeek Melissa has opened a second-hand clothing and accessories shop called “OZER concept” Her merchandise comes from a selection of pieces from donors who bring in clothes they no longer wear and want to sell This is what is called a “deposit and sale” system which is part of a circular economy approach since it involves selling what already exists so it can be reused After years of working as a baker in his father’s family bakery Romain Fiume decided to start his own business with his wife Weronika They have opened an artisanal bakery with respect for animals and ecology Former occupant Auberge Espagnole Tri Postal Abdoulaye Bah has opened a shop/workshop in a space of about 60 m2 in the Central Station for a variable rent of 10% depending on his turnover He offers the services of his young start-up launched in 2020: offering a second life to the equipment collected in the shop by reconditioning it; he also offers repair workshops Convinced that rethinking our consumption also involves our living space Elise & Catherine opened a shop at the end of April offering well-produced sustainable furniture to beautify our daily lives and create simple Nicolas has opened a modern boardgames bar Its menu is based on three pillars: simple local food quality Belgian beers and a truly diverse range of soft drinks 500 games are available to play on the premises and there is also an activity leader to explain the games and advise customers Napulitana is the first embassy of Naples cuisine and art in Europe: authentic dishes never before seen in Brussels to eat in or take away (in customers’ bowls or metal containers sold on site); cooking workshops; catering; social eating events; art gallery and bookshop This is even more true when talking about books to which we entrust our memory Chiara and Alessandro decided to create Piola Piccola you will find second-hand books in Italian (with a corner dedicated to French and English) as well as coffee beer and Italian wine to buy or consume on site accompanied by a small selection of sweet and savoury products Sample Slow Jewelry is a workshop-boutique concept where artisans make jewellery in the “workshop” space that is sold in the “boutique” space and online Introduction to jewellery workshops are also held in this “workshop” space local production and sustainability in the jewellery sector Her jewellery is timeless and made from recycled metals Vincent and SĂ©bastien have opened a plant-based fast good restaurant in Ixelles a steamed brioche bun served XL and stuffed with plant proteins homemade sauces and seasonal raw vegetables The side dishes follow these same guidelines Muhire Concept Store offers a selection of handicrafts and creations of African origin or with ethnic influences Muhire Concept Store opened at the beginning of 2022 It has a surface area of +/- 75 mÂČ for rent of 650 euros and its turnover grows month after month thanks to its location in a municipality like Jette which is itself developing rapidly Sou achieved the crazy project of launching the first 100% refundable cosmetic store in Belgium Tarh does not sell products packaged in single-use plastic With numerous training courses with quality artisans in the ice cream and biscuit sector Karim also has significant experience in HoReCa he has launched his own production of vegan ice cream and artisanal cookies he moved to Saint-Gilles where he welcomes customers from the district as well as vegans from all over the region Thomas and Christoph have renovated an old garage in Forest to launch AUBE a bakery/workshop producing artisanal bread as well as a sustainable cafe “where we eat” which will offer simple healthy food Manon has opened an artisanal and sustainable bakery in the Marolles district She will sell French and international bakery products as well as artisanal food products and several bottles Former occupants Auberge Espagnole Tri Postal + former ideas incubator participant Florencia and Emmanuel have opened the first shop in Brussels dedicated to Argentinian cookies and confectionery Their specialities are alfajores: small Argentinian cakes filled with dulce de leche They produce these delicacies entirely on site according to their four principles: artisanal Badi is the original project of a cider bar in the municipality of Saint-Gilles customers can choose from a hundred ciders great quality and made from cultures that respect the living the soil and the nature which surrounds it Joana has opened “POTICHE ceramic club” meet and share while getting their hands dirty She will also sell utilitarian pieces she has made herself and those of other designers to highlight local artisanal work favouring the use of Belgian raw materials Dimitri and Alexis have opened an authentic street food taqueria The tacos will be made with organic products from short circuits They will be located on ChaussĂ©e de Waterloo in a small space (65 m2) in a booming area Pauline and Guillaume will open their 100% homemade vegan burger restaurant in Saint-Gilles Their processes are completely in line with a sustainable and Good Food approach for which they are seeking to obtain certification this year Their all-vegan cuisine is inspired by Japanese flavours and Korean street food and brings vegans and meat lovers together at the same table a social integration restaurant that hires and trains refugees and new arrivals in the kitchen bar and dining room so they can share their culture through cooking The restaurant will be located at Rue Emile FĂ©ron 153 in Saint Gilles in the Maison des Associations for a rent of €1,000 and is due to open in December 2022 KonchĆ« will be the first Japanese curry canteen in Brussels share their passion for Japan through their values: respect for the seasons valuing partners and a taste for discovery Japanese curry is in the spotlight at 20 Rue Ernest Solvay in a warm setting that will open in early 2023 Crowdfunding underway: https://www.kisskissbankbank.com/fr/projects/damn-good-cafe-specialty-coffee-and-sandwiches/tabs/description Damn Good is a project led by four partners: ElĂ©onore they will open a speciality coffee shop in the Alhambra district in the centre of Brussels ethically produced and house-roasted coffee beans they will serve food based on hot sandwiches Join our retail community on Facebook and stay informed about all the news related to retail and horeca in Brussels From the bustling city center to the green areas of Uccle here are the best neighborhoods to call home in Brussels By Victoria Pearce Brussels offers a variety of neighborhoods with distinct characteristics and those looking to settle in Belgium’s bustling capital have plenty of options when it comes to finding a place to live Whether you wish to immerse yourself in one of the thriving and trendy art districts or find serenity in the leafy suburbs you are sure to find a neighborhood to satisfy your tastes and meet your budget this article explores some of the most popular places to live in the capital Spotahome takes the hassle out of househunting by doing the hard work for you and book rental properties all from the comfort of your own home Take the stress out of househunting in Brussels with Spotahome Once a small fortress town in the heart of Belgium French: Bruxelles) grew to become one of the most important cities in the country and the continent The captivating city became the capital of Belgium when it gained independence in 1830 and was later chosen to be the de facto capital of the European Union in 1997 Moreover, with its many transport links to the rest of Europe, Brussels is appealing to those wanting to explore the city which has developed a serious reputation for chocolate, beer, and frites (fries) Brussels consists of 19 neighborhoods (Dutch: gemeenten, French: communes) and each has its own distinct characteristics. Commuting within the city is also fairly easy, thanks to its high-quality road system, public transport networks New arrivals in Brussels are likely to seek out properties to rent while they acquaint themselves with the city ranging from student housing and flatshares to fully furnished serviced apartments As a result, homeownership rates in Belgium are fairly high, with more than 70% of residents owning rather than renting while larger family-style houses can be found further out in the suburbs Although homeownership is popular in Belgium many people still choose to rent property in the capital there are several resources to help you with your search estate agents can help you locate rental properties that meet your requirements and fall within your budget Their services are also free as the owners of the properties pay their fees Online portals can also help with your housing search Having said that, expats hoping to buy property in Brussels will find lower prices than in neighboring countries they should be mindful of property transaction costs The way communes are divided in Brussels can be confusing the Ixelles neighborhood is divided into two parts by Avenue Louise which belongs to the municipality of Brussels some communes can take on characteristics from others that they border with The types of housing you will find within certain neighborhoods can also vary this can sometimes change from one street to the next Below is an overview of the most popular communes for expats living within central Brussels Stretching from near the city center all the way out to the western outskirts this neighborhood is dotted with parks and lakes if you’re looking for access to open green space has also become a popular hub for real estate growth as more people are drawn to its scenic beauty housing prices in Anderlecht are significantly lower than in more central districts of Brussels recent growth in real estate development and population is likely to change that before long What Anderlecht is best for: Blending into local culture The City of Brussels (Ville de Bruxelles) commune is quite large extending from the far north of the city down through the south when most people living in the district refer to it they are talking about the very center of Brussels What City of Brussels is best for: Its proximity to tourist attractions and nightlife Etterbeek is popular with newcomers who want to blend convenient commuting with a quieter residential district the neighborhood is known for its peaceful atmosphere Many families are also drawn to Etterbeek as it is home to numerous international schools including Brussels International Catholic School Etterbeek is also popular with professionals relocating to Brussels, particularly those working in the easily accessible European Quarter Excellent public transport links in the area also make commuting even easier The neighborhood offers attractive streets lined with early 20th-century townhouses as well as picturesque cafes and shops, which blend into the scenery. Although property prices in Etterbeek have risen in recent years the neighborhood is still generally cheaper than nearby Ixelles What Etterbeek is best for: Its central family-friendly location Known for its hip and trendy vibe, Ixelles has been named one of the “coolest neighborhoods in Europe” – and it’s easy to see why Trendy shops and cafes dot the wide avenues while a large student population keeps the area young Its diverse population also makes it a popular choice among expats, especially those working at the nearby European Union headquarters. You will also find MatongĂ© which is also known as the African Quarter it is hardly surprising that property prices can get expensive quickly with the average cost of rent sometimes exceeding those found in the City of Brussels Housing stock tends to be large townhouses and desirable apartment conversions you will need to have a pretty hefty budget What Ixelles is best for: Trendy urban living Located west of Ixelles, the up-and-coming commune of Saint Gilles (Sint-Gillis) offers a range of similar qualities to its neighbor but with significantly lower property prices It is also well-connected thanks to an excellent public transport system The neighborhood is packed with grand Art Nouveau houses making it popular among locals and tourists Not only that, but it is becoming a top destination for indulging in classic Belgian cuisine, with the lively Parvis de Saint-Gilles attracting the crowds with its food market (from Tuesday to Sunday) and plethora of restaurants and terraces What Saint-Gilles is best for: More affordable living with a vibrant cultural scene This little neighborhood packs a lot of people into a small area and while it is the smallest district in Brussels Saint-Josse-ten-Noode (Sint-Joost-ten-Node) is culturally diverse and a neighborhood of contrasts there are five-star hotels on Place Rogier and towering high-rises in the Nouveau Quartier Nord All this lies next to residential neighborhoods that are home to expats from all over the world The neighborhood is perhaps most popular for short-term rentals offering new arrivals central proximity at a relatively affordable price What Saint-Josse-ten-Noode is best for: Inexpensive rentals in a central location Even within multicultural Brussels, Schaerbeek is a cultural melting pot. With a population of just over 130K residents in 2019 the commune is second in resident size only to the vast City of Brussels A large percentage of residents are also non-Belgian making it easy to connect with fellow expats Schaerbeek can get busy at times, but it’s easy to escape the hubbub. Indeed, quiet alleys are scattered throughout the neighborhood, filled with stunning Art Deco and Art Noveau architecture. Wide open streets and green spaces such as the splendid Josaphatpark also offer an escape from the general hustle and bustle the center of Brussels is only 15 minutes by bike which is perhaps the best way to get around given that public transport in Schaerbeek can be unreliable and present a challenge for further commutes What Schaerbeek is best for: Multicultural living with diverse entertainment With its huge houses and upmarket apartment blocks, the beautiful and calm commune of Uccle (Ukkel) is the ideal location for those seeking a village feel It is also home to prestigious international schools such as the popular Bogaerts International School With this in mind, you might want to consider moving to the southeastern commune of Tervuren which offers a similar atmosphere at a slightly lower price point Located outside of the Brussels-Capital Region this is one of the best locations for families willing to commute while enjoying a good selection of schools and peaceful natural surroundings What Uccle is best for: Green space and reputable schools in an affluent community Although it is located just east of the center of Brussels, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre (Sint-Pieters-Woluwe) has a surprising number of houses with attached gardens while still offering an easy commute to the European Quarter There are also numerous public parks and amenities like sports centers in the neighborhood, making it an attractive option for embassy employees relocating with their families. For instance, the nearby Parc de Woluwe is particularly popular when parents enjoy some nature with their little ones and let their dogs run off-leash Although public transport is easy thanks to the nearby metro line car ownership is also common in the area and parking is rarely an issue What Woluwe-Saint-Pierre is best for: Its natural surroundings and proximity to European institutions Saint-Pierre’s next-door neighbor Woluwe-Saint-Lambert (Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe) shares many of the same attractions, including the huge Woluwe Shopping Centre it does offer slightly lower property prices Located slightly further from the center of Brussels the neighborhood is even more suburban and green You will also find a variety of shops in the area An antique market also takes place on the first Sunday of every month at Place Saint-Lambert Woluwe-Saint-Lambert is within good distance of Brussels Airport and major international motorways What Woluwe-Saint-Lambert is best for: Scenic natural surroundings at a slightly lower price than Woluwe-Saint-Pierre people consider Brussels to be safer than large cities in nearby European countries and there are no neighborhoods to entirely avoid particularly in areas frequented by tourists and laptops are common at the North Station (Dutch: Noordstation the Central Station (Dutch: Centraal Station Thieves often work together and a common scam is for one thief to ask someone for directions while their accomplice steals their luggage They also look out for people who store their luggage in overhead racks so it is best to keep your luggage with you The number of assault cases involving alcohol is also higher in Brussels than in other areas of the country convictions for drunkenness are far higher in the region and the capital and its surrounding region are the guiltiest offenders when it comes to driving offenses You can read more about this in our article on Crime and the legal system in Belgium and find out how to report crime in our article on Emergency numbers and helplines in Belgium. Victoria is an American writer (and mom) living in the UK. Having previous experience as a lawyer, she focuses on local content for employment law and business culture articles. including great places for breakfast and brunch Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy http://instagram.com/p/9ifITXmDn5/?taken-by=orcoffee This coffee corner‘s motto is ‘Anytime is Olive’s time.’ Open early during the week Olive’s breakfast menu is full of delicious and tasty options but the scrambled eggs with bacon and toast are particularly enticing as well The staff is friendly and always serve with a smile which is definitely a bonus on a rainy Monday morning Olive’s, Rue Froissart 43a, Etterbeek, Belgium http://instagram.com/p/BBhcY0Hv4yr/?taken-by=olivesbrussels Polyglot (with a Master Degree in Translation) professional shower singer and food enthusiast Ethel enjoys spending quality time with friends and family usually with a certain amount of eating and drinking involved uploading photos on her Instagram feed and daydreaming with a good book in her hands Guides & Tips This Is Europe's Ultimate Road Trip See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September Guides & Tips Beat the Crowds with these Alternative Summer Destinations Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December See & Do Lesser-Known Summer Destinations to Visit in Europe See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Spring See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer Guides & Tips The Best Places to Travel in August US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd