A City Guide for the Hygge-loving traveller
Summer has come and with it also have come those long, sunny days where laughter and all sorts and manners of beauty come easily. Here are the days to escape from the low hum-drum of everyday life and into that very special instant where the ordinary suddenly takes the shape of the extraordinary and where all, really, seems pure, simple perfection.
We love these long summer days where Brussels, under dappled morning light, glorious sunshine (or dramatic, stormy skies) and flamboyant sunsets, takes on the dress of joy and innocence to steal our hearts away into the cool air of the night.
Our city is one to discover, with so many hidden gems, such beauties just waiting ‘round the corner to be discovered and marvelled upon. We hope you enjoy this list of our 5 favourite ways to Hygge in that great Brusseleir outdoors!
Treat yourself to picnic in the park
Nothing says ‘Summer’ quite as well as lunch or dinner spent in a park, lounging under the shade of a tree with a basket full of goods picked up at some of the city’s best loved artisans. Our favourite way to indulge is by heading over to Jubilee Park, that 74 acres of greenery built in 1880 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgian Independence.
Photo credits: nonapizzeria
Photo credits: oliviaponcelet
We typically will stop by Beer Mania on the way to select a delicious sample of the nation’s favourite drink before continuing on to Nona’s for one of her gorgeous wood-fired pizzas. We’ll then find a quiet spot in the park, perhaps under the shade of a great Linden tree and think again on how magical summer in Brussels truly is!
Discover Brussels’ stunning architecture with the Art Nouveau Trail
For anyone who has ever come or knows of anyone who has ever gone to Brussels, you will know the city’s architecture does not leave indifferent. With streets scattered with beautiful buildings, a walk around Brussels is a constant discovery of yet just another beautiful architectural gem.
Probably best known as the birthplace of the world-famous Art Nouveau movement, a visit to Europe’s capital would not be complete without getting to know at least a few of the splendid and intricate which eventually proceeded to take Europe and the Americas by storm.
Though France and England had already begun playing with the ideas that would come to characterise this iconic style, it was Victor Horta who, in Brussels, truly set the foundation for this new way of architecture.
There are many trails you can follow to discover Brussels’ emblematic architectural style, but our favourite are definitely those put together by Maison Horta or Visit Brussels and will take you to some of the city’s most impressive and picture-worthy Art Nouveau buildings.
Ride Brussels’ most beautiful tram line and visit Royal Hunting Grounds
Once the Duke of Brabant’s personal hunting grounds, the Tervuren Park is now a favourite weekend escape for Brusseleirs and home to the imposing Africa Museum. Just a few kilometres out of Brussels, Tervuren is definitely one of Brussels’ lesser-known attraction.
Photo credits: oliviaponcelet
Photo credits: nicolasdissem
From the Jubilee Park, the tram line takes you along a pretty tree-dotted woodland course out of the city and into this quaint village where meandering streets and pretty ice cream shops abound. Take your time, have a stroll, stop for a while, perhaps bring a book, have coffee, a waffle, rest, stroll some more… Isn’t life here sweet?
Visit the Justice Palace for some very Instagram-worthy shots
Have we already mentioned how Brussels offered tourists and passersby architectural wonders at every turn? One of the most impressive of these might indeed be the Justice Palace, which, with its imposing build harking back to another time, makes for striking and seriously insta-worthy photography.
Photo credits: genuinescape_
Photo credits: genuinescape_
Built between 1866 and 1883, the Justice Palace was the largest construction undertaken in 19th century Brussels and is still to this day considered one of the city’s most important landmarks. Though you can tour the interior, we personally favour its stunning open gallery which is accessible to all. Come here early enough to avoid the crowds and catch some of that pretty morning light… Your IG account will definitely thank you for it! 😉
