Brussels’ easygoing character is even more charming during the warmer months. As the sun beams down on cobbled squares framed by regal architecture, explore everything the city has to offer—from culture and cuisine to museums and music.
Summer casts a golden glow over Brussels, revealing new life in every corner of the city. From leafy parks to open-air stages, quiet galleries to bustling food festivals, discover the best ways to soak up the season.
In summer, the Grand Place—a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a stone’s throw from the hotel—comes to life. Café terraces are filled with the hum of lively conversation, flower stalls brighten the square, and electric carriages gently trundle over the cobbles. Pause for a Belgian beer or artisan gelato beneath the gilded façades, or settle in at La Chaloupe d’Or for classic brasserie fare. For a touch of history, visit the timeless Maison du Cygne, which has welcomed thinkers and artists from Karl Marx to Jacques Brel over the past three centuries.
Tucked behind the European Parliament, Citizens’ Garden becomes a stage for world-renowned performances throughout September. From Monday to Thursday, enjoy classical quartets, jazz ensembles, and global rhythms in this charming corner of the city.
Make your way to Mont des Arts in time for sunset, and join locals unwinding with a drink in hand. Here, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views in Brussels, as the sky softens and the city’s rooftops and spires take on a golden glow.
Often celebrated as one of Europe’s greenest capitals, there’s a quieter side of Brussels to discover during the summer months. From city parks to centuries-old woodlands, the season brings the landscape into full bloom.
Close to the Royal Palace, this beautiful green space offers shady trees, fountains, and wide lawns perfect for picnics. Local favourite The Woodpecker is popular for its ice creams, Belgian beers, and lawn games like pétanque—a relaxed and friendly game where players throw their boules as close as possible towards a small wooden target.
Just over an hour from Brussels, this extraordinary wildlife park takes visitors on a journey across five continents, home to over 7,500 animals and a remarkable botanical collection—including the beloved giant pandas, Xing Hui and Hao Hao. Spot elephants, orangutans, and polar bears, whilst during the summer the gardens burst into bloom and more animals emerge to bask in the sun, making it the best time to visit.
For a breath of fresh air, head south to the Sonian Forest, a vast expanse of ancient beechwood and shaded walking trails. A UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, it’s a favourite among hikers, cyclists and nature-lovers.
Less than an hour from the city, Hofstade Strand offers a refreshing escape into nature. With direct train routes from Brussels, this lakeside spot features an artificial beach, calm swimming areas, and plenty of space for little ones to play, alongside activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or pedal boating.
Brussels has long been a destination for discerning palates. And with 31 Michelin-starred restaurants, it’s one of Europe’s lesser-known food capitals. During the summer, discover vibrant festivals and seasonal celebrations of Belgium’s gastronomic heritage.
Belgian Beer Weekend
Raise a glass in the Grand Place as over 50 breweries gather to celebrate Belgium’s world-renowned brewing scene. Sample beers from Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren, and many more, while enjoying live music, parades, and food stalls throughout the weekend.
Brussels Food Festival
Each September, this popular food festival brings together over 30 food trucks serving a mix of international flavours—from crispy tacos to traditional Belgian waffles. Held in leafy Auderghem, it’s the perfect way to experience Brussels’ diverse culinary scene.
High season offers something for every taste. Whether you prefer theatre beneath the trees, jazz in hidden gardens, or international headliners on world-renowned stages, Belgium’s summer calendar is a celebration of sound, spirit, and shared moments.
Pukkelpop
Held in Kiewit, near Hasselt, Pukkelpop is one of Belgium's largest alternative music festivals. Featuring a mix of rock, punk, hip-hop, electronic, and dance music, it showcases both established acts and emerging artists across multiple stages.
Hide & Seek Festival
Perfect for curious minds and creative spirits, this boundary-pushing music festival transforms unexpected, often hidden locations across Brussels into immersive venues. From Arab-Galician fusions to Ghanaian storytelling, each performance offers a captivating journey through diverse cultures and sounds.
Festival Bruxellons!
Set in the atmospheric Karreveld Castle, this summer-long festival celebrates Belgian creativity with theatre, circus, and live music—making it perfect for both theatre lovers and families.
Once home to visionaries such as surrealist painter René Magritte and architect Victor Horta, Brussels remains a city of artistic inspiration and curious discoveries, with summer unveiling special exhibitions and installations.
Flower Carpet and Flowertime
Each year, typically in August, the city of Brussels alternates between its iconic Flower Carpet on the Grand-Place and the Flowertime exhibition inside City Hall. With each edition inspired by a different theme or destination, the city’s historic spaces are transformed into vibrant, living galleries, featuring breathtaking floral installations by leading Belgian and international artists.
Brussels Art Week
Across four days in September, over 60 galleries and artist-run spaces—including renowned venues like Xavier Hufkens, Galerie Greta Meert, ALICE Gallery, and Kin Gallery—open their doors to the public. From rooftop talks to immersive installations, this event captures the vibrant energy of Brussels’ thriving contemporary art scene.
Brussels Design September
Immerse yourself in the city’s bold and eclectic design scene during this month-long festival hosted throughout the city. From open studios and hands-on workshops to exhibitions and talks, the event brings together over a hundred Belgian and international designers. Expect everything from ceramics and jewellery to upcycled furniture—celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation across Brussels.
To truly experience Brussels is to delve into both its past and present. Join guided tours that reveal hidden corners, contemporary art spaces, and offer rare access to sites usually closed to the public—perfect for curious minds of all ages during the summer holidays.
Heritage Day
Every September, Brussels’ Heritage Days offer a rare chance to step inside some of the city’s historic buildings, private mansions, and landmarks as they open their doors to the public, each year exploring a new theme and exploring the human stories behind the city's façades.
BELvue Museum
Located in the Royal Quarter near the Royal Palace, the BELvue Museum is an ideal starting point for learning about Belgian history. Alongside its permanent collection, the museum hosts a range of temporary exhibitions, as well as interactive tours and workshops designed to engage younger visitors and keep little ones entertained.
KANAL-Centre Pompidou
Currently undergoing major reconstruction, KANAL continues to bring art to the public with exhibitions and events held at K1, a temporary space opposite the main site. Designed as a meeting place between artists and audiences, KANAL’s evolving programme showcases both established names and emerging voices in modern and contemporary art.
Between the Grand-Place and Manneken Pis, Hotel Amigo offers a characterful yet contemporary stay in the heart of Brussels. As one of the best hotels in Brussels, its elegant rooms and suites are designed to feel like home, paired with personalised service and specially curated summer experiences for a truly memorable stay.
A taste of the Mediterranean in the historic heart of Brussels. Meet friends for a classic Milanese Aperitivo, people watching across the cobbles of the Grand Place, as you discover Chef Fulvio Pierangelini’s summer menu of authentic Italian fare made with local ingredients.
Named in honour of Brussels’ most celebrated artist, Bar Magritte is the perfect place to toast the day. With expertly crafted drinks and Art Deco-inspired interiors, it’s a cool, quiet refuge after exploring the city. New to the menu this summer, discover a collection of cocktails inspired by the cities where René Magritte showcased his work during the 20th century—each one a creative and curious tribute to his surreal genius.
For more information contact: concierge.amigo@roccofortehotels.com
Found in the heart of Brussels, Hotel Amigo seamlessly blends art, culture, heritage and creativity.
Found in the heart of Brussels, Hotel Amigo seamlessly blends art, culture, heritage and creativity.
Found in the heart of Brussels, Hotel Amigo seamlessly blends art, culture, heritage and creativity.