Royal Greenhouses of Laeken

An annual highlight, the Royal Greenhouses open their doors to the public for one month each spring. In the grounds of the Royal Castle of Laeken, the opening offers an exclusive glimpse into the extraordinary architecture of Alphonse Balat — widely celebrated as mentor to the great Victor Horta — who designed the greenhouses in 1873, inspired by the visionary concept of a glass city. Alongside scenic walking routes through the grounds, explore the Congo Greenhouse with its remarkable subtropical plants, the Palm Plateau, and dedicated greenhouses for azaleas and geraniums.

Floralia Brussels

Another unmissable occasion for budding horticulturalists, this annual flower exhibition carpets the private park of Groot-Bijgaarden Castle in a magnificent display of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths — with more than a million bulbs planted across the grounds. A short drive from the hotel, take a gentle stroll to admire the glorious blooms, whilst Floralia also hosts a programme of family-friendly events on selected dates, full of fun and adventure that little ones will love.

Halle Forest

Part of spring's magic lies in its fleeting beauty. Perhaps one of Belgium's best-kept secrets is its very own fairytale forest, painted blue each year by a sea of delicate bluebells. The Halle Forest, easily reached by train, was largely destroyed during the Second World War but has since been painstakingly restored and reforested — making its annual bloom all the more special. To catch the bluebells at their peak, the forest is best visited in mid-April.

Art Brussels

Founded in 1968, Art Brussels is one of Europe's most respected, and exciting, contemporary art fairs. In April, more than 160 galleries arrive at Brussels Expo, united by a spirit of discovery that has always defined the fair. It is no coincidence that this is where it happens: Belgium is home to one of the highest concentrations of art collectors per capita in the world, fostering an artistic ecosystem that is dynamic, and a city that meets art with real enthusiasm and knowledge.

BANAD Festival

The Brussels Art Nouveau and Art Deco Festival offers a unique invitation to uncover the city's most distinctive architectural styles. Each year, around 60 interiors are opened to the public, explored through themed guided tours on foot and by bike, alongside original talks and a programme of family-friendly activities. Frequent participants include Villa Empain and the Van Buuren Museum and Gardens, as well as a number of spaces not usually accessible to visitors.

Collectible Brussels

Typically held in March and a testament to Brussels' rising status as a capital of design, the Collectible fair prides itself on being a one-of-a-kind platform for the showcase of the best in contemporary collectible design. Bringing together both emerging and established galleries and designers to present only bespoke or limited-edition pieces, it is a must for enthusiasts and those seeking genuine creative inspiration.

Brussels Food Festival

A biannual event that stages its first edition in May, the Brussels Food Festival fills the bustling Boulevard du Souverain with stalls and trucks, hosting passionate street food vendors across 60 different cuisines. With free entry, it is the ideal place to sample what makes the Belgian capital such a compelling and culturally rich food destination.

The Start of the Mussel Season

When in Brussels, moules-frites are a must — a large, steaming pot of mussels in white wine sauce, finished with fresh herbs and vegetables, and served with golden, perfectly crisp fries. Historically a dish favoured by Belgians during the winter months when fresh fish was scarce, locals still say that mussels are best consumed during months with an 'r' in the name, and the season traditionally draws to a close by mid-April. To enjoy some of the finest in the city, the elegant Aux Armes de Bruxelles, alongside Brasserie Ommegang and 't Kelderke, all honour this regional speciality — and each is within easy walking distance of our hotel.

Hangar Festival

Brussels has long distinguished itself as a destination that champions a diverse array of music. Hangar Festival, staged along the canal, brings two days of electronic music to the city, with a particular focus on upcoming artists alongside a line-up of international DJs — a carefully curated sound experience set amidst immersive light installations.

Lotto Brussels Premier Padel

One of the world's fastest-growing sports comes to Brussels for a week of top-level competition and entertainment. Taking place at the Gare Maritime at Tour & Taxis, whether you're a padel enthusiast or realising the thrill of the game for the first time, you can soak up the atmosphere and follow the action from the qualifications through to the final.

Les Nuits Botanique

Since its first edition in 1988, Les Nuits Botanique signals the start of the festival season with an eclectic line-up of international and local musicians, spanning rock, electronic and the more experimental and avant-garde. Across multiple venues within the same cultural complex — Le Botanique, a former botanical garden — the festival's charm lies in its intimate yet lively atmosphere, set amongst historic architecture and scenic gardens.

The Best View in Brussels

The heart and soul of Brussels, Hotel Amigo promises a contemporary yet characterful stay, its beautifully appointed rooms and suites designed to mirror the rich artistic spirit of the city outside. The two Grand Place Suites offer a truly special vantage point over the iconic square. They are also part of our dedicated Suites & Beyond programme, created so that your time with us feels personal and considered — whether it be a complimentary minibar stocked with your preferred drinks and treats, or access to a selection of exclusive cultural experiences.

Family Stays in Brussels

It is a particularly wonderful season for a city break with children. From Hotel Amigo, you are ideally placed to explore key attractions on foot, from the Comic Art Museum to the nearby parks and green spaces. For an experience that younger guests will never forget, our Tintin Suite pays tribute to Belgium's most beloved cartoon hero — its walls brought to life with Hergé's illustrations, and Snowy standing faithful guard outside the bedroom door. 

To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all, we offer a thoughtful range of services and amenities tailored to families: a fun activities factsheet for younger guests, cosy children's slippers and bathrobes, and bespoke itineraries and programmes curated with teenagers in mind. Our concierge team is always on hand to assist with recommendations, tickets and anything else your family might need.

Easter at Hotel Amigo

It’s no secret that our city takes its chocolate seriously. Each year, our hotel's annual Bel'Œuf exhibition invites some of Belgium's most talented chocolatiers to create exquisite sculptural Easter eggs, displayed at Hotel Amigo across the Easter weekend — part showcase, part celebration of the craft that this country has made its own. Elsewhere, the festivities continue at our Italian restaurant, Bocconi, with a special Easter Pranzo, and an Easter lunch made for gathering friends and family.