Beyond the Grand Place: Exploring Brussels’ Hidden Gems on a Summer Getaway
Brussels, Brussels, Brussels… A captivating capital, and popular destination for tourists all-year-long. If you are visiting Belgium, and more specifically its beautiful capital this summer – don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do and see! Although most visitors will be drawn to the majesty of the Grand Place, we shall go even further with this guide. Although the central square is a beautiful representation of Belgian opulence, the country, and its capital have so much more to offer. In the following article, we plan to go over what we think are the best places to visit in the Belgian capital during the summer months (June, July & August), which will hopefully make your upcoming trip even more exciting. If you haven’t booked a trip yet, maybe this article will motivate you to do just that! Before we move on to the main corpus of this listicle, allow us first to discuss transportation – more specifically airport transfers.
If you are arriving in Belgium via Brussels airport, a convenient Brussels Airport taxi, courtesy of AtoB Transfer (https://atobtransfer.com/brussels-belgium/taxi-charleroi-airport/) is exactly what you need. If you are the kind of traveller who wants to spend less time travelling and more time enjoying, then AtoB’s service will be right up your alley. With a wide range of vehicles, as well as the ability to personalise your ride, with child seats for instance, they have one of the most reliable and efficient services in this city. What’s even better, are the incredible affordable prices they offer, beating out most other providers by a lot.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s talk about what to do in the summer in Brussels!
Go to the Parks!
Brussels has a lot of Parks within the city’s limits. Among these are the Garden of the Cambre Abbey, which as the name states also has a Abbey in the centre, the Botanical Garden, with tons of green spaces and many trees and plants, or the biggest of them all the Park of Cinquantenaire, which has an enormous building with arches, as well as endless grass to sit in and enjoy a picnic. It is common in Brussels for locals to sunbathe in the parks, thus, if you feel inclined to do so, go right ahead! To get to any of the parks, book a Brussels airport taxi in advance, which can drop you off right on the green!
Visit a Swimming Pool
Due to the weather in Brussels usually not being very summer-y, there are not an abundance of pools. One of the most popular outdoors pools that functions during the summer is Flow. It is set up temporarily in Anderlecht, near the Pierre Marchant bridge. So, even if you are booking a trip to Brussels, you can still pack your bathing suit! Also, to get to Anderlecht from the airport, book a cab with AtoB and enjoy the sun a little more!
Ride round the city on a bike
Although not on the same scale as their Dutch neighbours to the north, Belgians and the Bruxellois/es also enjoy a good bike ride. Daily you can see them cycling to and from work, and even to the supermarket. If you want to feel a bit like a local during your visit, bike rental is quite easy by using one of many platforms. You can zip through the city on an electric bike, and make your own schedule, seeing all there is to see at your own pace. Although taking the metro and tram and even an AtoB airport transfer is fun, taking a bike might take the crown as the most fun!
Watch a sunset from the top of the Atomium
The Atomium is a major landmark in Brussels. You can’t visit the city and not head up to the top of those big shiny balls for a look over the rest of the city. You can enjoy the museum inside the structure first, then head up to the highest ball and take a seat in the restaurant up there. If you aren’t feeling hungry, you can just sit for a beer or two and take in the beautiful view of Brussels. The best time to visit would be late afternoon before they close. You may not be able to see the entire sunset, but even the earliest indications of it are beautiful from such a height. You can easily get directly to the Atomium with a Brussels airport taxi cab, which can also be equipped with child seats to keep the whole family happy.
Festivals
During the vibrant summer months, Brussels comes alive with a plethora of festivals to celebrate its culture, spirit, and just for a good time! The city plays host to a variety of captivating events, perfect for both locals and visitors alike. One such festival is the Brussels Summer Festival, a multi-genre music extravaganza that takes over the historic heart of the city. From international headliners to emerging artists, the festival offers a diverse lineup of performances, spanning rock, pop, electronic, and more. For those seeking a taste of Belgian tradition, the Ommegang Festival transports attendees back in time with its historical reenactments and grand parades. Enjoy the elaborate costumes, ancient rituals, and captivating performances that pay homage to the city’s mediaeval heritage. As you plan your summer adventure in Brussels, ensure a seamless journey by booking an airport transfer, allowing you to arrive comfortably and immerse yourself in the festivals that await you.
________________________
Although brief, we believe this has captured the essence of summer in Brussels. Although it may be a small city, at least from an international perspective, it makes up for that with its unique character. The country itself may not be famous for having amazing weather, but on the off-chance you get to experience a nice warm day in the country, you will realise why we wrote this article. Brussels will capture your heart with its charming character, the chocolate and beer will fill you up, and an airport transfer will safely bring you back to the airport when the time to say goodbye comes. We hope to see you soon! Happy Travels!