You don't need to leave Brussels to feel on holiday.
Here's our 2026 shortlist.
Wood-fired pizza on the terrace at Madonna
The newest neighborhood pizzeria in Uccle, courtesy of the Squadra Cocina crew. Neapolitan dough fermented 72 hours, a wood-fired oven, a signature pizza alla ricotta, and a big summer terrace with a contemporary Italian feel.
Picture Perfect: a manifesto worth seeing at Bozar
65 international artists, one big question: what do we mean by "beauty," and who decided? Picture Perfect brings together photography, film and video from the 60s to today, picking apart the beauty standards our eyes are trained on. Sharp, current, and closes mid-August, so this is the moment.
A scoop on the Jeu de Balle at Coudboul
A small, sharp ice cream counter on one of the Marolles' most iconic squares. Homemade, seasonal, no filler flavors, sheep's milk fior di latte, blood orange, a 70% Frédéric Blondeel chocolate. Grab a scoop, find a spot on the square, watch the neighborhood go by.
A browse (and a coffee) at Bautier Store
Belgian designer Marina Bautier's own space in Forest, solid wood furniture, homeware, a curated shelf of beautiful books, all in one light-filled room that doubles as showroom, shop and café. Stay for the flat white and a slice of her vegan chocolate cake.
Lunch (or a sunset drink) at Albert
On the roof of KBR, Albert serves a seasonal Mediterranean bistro menu, with sweeping views over the rooftops and spires of Brussels. Come for lunch, or just for a cocktail as the sun goes down.
A game of pétanque at the Parc de l'Abbaye de la Cambre
Terraced French gardens tucked between the Ixelles ponds and the Bois de la Cambre, a few steps from Place Flagey, and a great spot for a game of pétanque. Bring your own set of boules, or just a picnic blanket and nap in the sun, with 800 years of monastic history as backdrop.
A staycation at JAM Hotel
Three reasons to check in without going anywhere: Atsukan, the sentō-inspired spa in the basement, a dim, meditative cocoon by Lionel Jadot with ten individual wooden bathtubs, a sauna, and a sake bar. Perché, the rooftop with its heated pool and skyline views. And Kaiju downstairs, for pan-Asian sharing plates and natural wine once the sun's down. A full day, zero suitcase.
A cool escape from the heat at Fosbury & Sons
And when the city gets too hot to handle, literally, our own lobby is still the best-kept secret in Brussels. Full air-conditioning, a barista drink in hand, fast wifi, and a spot in the shade at Boitsfort. No membership needed: grab a Day Pass and work (or just recover from the heatwave) in comfort.
Consider this your permission slip to play tourist in your own city this summer.
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Let’s kick off this summer season the Fosbury way; with a certain joie de vivre!