This extensive forest park forms Brussels’ green lungs. It stretches from regal Ave Louise to the Forêt de Soignes, whose soaring beech trees then extend all the way to Waterloo. Established in 1862, the park has lawns, playgrounds, a ‘pocket’ theatre, a roller-skating rink and an island on an artificial lake, where the historic Chalet Robinson café-restaurant has been rebuilt after a fire; take the €1 ferry across to the chalet to enjoy a swish lunch or an ice cream.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
28.12 MILES
The medieval building and 1622 courtyard garden alone would be worth a visit, but it's the world's oldest printing press, priceless manuscripts and…
2.23 MILES
This 1899 former department store is an art nouveau showpiece with a black facade aswirl with wrought iron and arched windows. The building contains the…
2.58 MILES
Brussels’ magnificent Grand Place is one of the world’s most unforgettable urban ensembles. Oddly hidden, the enclosed cobblestone square is only revealed…
2.23 MILES
Strap on a pair of headphones, then step on the automated floor panels in front of the precious instruments (including world instruments and Adolphe Sax’s…
1.18 MILES
The typically austere exterior doesn’t give much away, but Victor Horta’s former home (designed and built 1898–1901) is an art nouveau jewel. The…
1.5 MILES
One of Brussels’ overlooked architectural wonders, this splendid Napoleon III–style palace
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26.4 MILES
Set on the grounds of a former Cistercian Abbey, this 65-hectare park is home to more than 5000 animals (including pandas, koalas, gorillas and lemurs)…
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14.32 MILES
The inventive and touchingly nostalgic Hergé Museum celebrates the multitalented creator of comic-strip hero Tintin with an engaging, inventive and…
Nearby Brussels attractions
0.37 MILES
Located in the brutalist Galerie Rivoli, a '70s former shopping centre, Hopstreet works with young and emerging Europe-based artists.
0.53 MILES
An attractive if severe space, with a big picture window looking out to a garden. Xavier Hufkens opened a gallery in a Brussels warehouse in 1987, and…
0.54 MILES
Hidden behind an art nouveau exterior, this gallery features an old mosaiced corridor and a minimalist extension at the rear. There's an expansive gallery…
0.55 MILES
There's a white space upstairs with a polished concrete floor, while downstairs sits a small art bookshop.
0.57 MILES
Architecture fans should take the trip to this striking, symmetrical, 1930s villa, which combines austere design with gorgeously opulent materials: marble…
0.58 MILES
This intimate museum occupies an Ixelles town house that was the last home and studio of Brussels-born artist Constantin Meunier (1831–1905) and presents…
8. Ave Général de Gaulle 38-39
0.84 MILES
Admire the crazy wrought-iron railings on this otherwise stern private art nouveau house.