Brussels, Belgium: The Boule & Bill Wall is located "Rue du Chevreuil". The wall illustrates Boule & ... [+]
Brussels is one of the coolest cities in Europe—and it doesn’t even have to try. The Belgian capital is a hub for foodies and pop culture fiends alike but it also has its fair share of outdoor things to see and do, which particularly come alive in the spring time.
If you’re planning a trip to Brussels this spring, you’ll want to add the following activities to your itinerary. Below you’ll find something to suit every kind of traveler:
Self-Guided Comic Book Mural Tour
Belgium is home to some of the most cherished comic figures in the world. From Asterix and Obelix to Tin-Tin and Lucky Luke, these celebrated characters can be found all over the streets of Brussels—if you know where to look. Head to the tourist information centre and pick up a mural map and then head off. It’s a great way to see the city, especially if you punctuate your search with a few brews.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Parc du Cinquantenaire feels decidedly like Brussels’ take on Montreal’s infamous Tam Tams. Here, you’ll find university students and young professionals sprawled on blankets, wine bottles and baguette in-hand. An unofficial dog park, you’ll also find strangers coming together to bond over their pups. Tip: Watch for the bright green parakeets that occasionally nest in the trees surrounding the park. Nobody knows how or why, but the tropical Greek bird has found a happy home in Brussels.
Marolles Flea Market
Nestled into an unassuming square in Saint-Gilles, the Marolles Flea Market is a thrifter’s dream. Here, you’ll find every kind of trinket you could dream of—from crystals and leather jackets to vinyl records and vintage toys. You have to dig to find the good stuff, but it’s well worth it.
Cook & Book
Think of Cook & Book as a cafe plopped right in the middle of a bustling bookstore. This book/restaurant hybrid offers fiction, children’s books, coffee table books and more—and when you’re done perusing for your next read, you can take a seat at the bar for a coffee or some brasserie-style grub.
Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend
Taking place from May 24 through to May 26, the Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend festival brings together the best of Belgian jazz. You’ll find various performances all over the city, making it easy to catch a show wherever you might be staying.
