Once a clandestine country gathering and now a trendy summer venue, guinguettes are popping up all over Brussels now that the sun has finally come out.
Back in the 17th century, France began imposing taxes on its urban populations. Hard-done by city slickers decided to venture into the countryside in search of circles that had escaped the taxman's clutches.
They gathered on riverbanks, where a cheap and tax-free wine called guinguet began to flow in abundance. And so, the open-air bar known as a guinguette was born.
A hotly-anticipated element of summertime in Brussels, there is no shortage of guinguettes to discover in the city. Find all of our top picks below.
Jardin Hospice
Jardin Hospice is a year-round hub for social events and cultural activities, and its summer guinguette is now open for business six days a week (closed on Mondays).
Credit: Jardin Hospice
This spot boasts both beautiful surroundings and historical significance. Classed as heritage in 1997, the building surrounding the garden was designed by architect Henri Partoes in the early 19th century and constitutes a lively organ of local culture to this day. Swing by this city centre haven to enjoy a rich cultural experience replete with pétanque, concerts, DJ sets and more.
7 Rue du Grand Hospice, Brussels 1000. Find more information here.
Guinguette Julien
Brussels Environment has overseen several official guinguettes dotted across the city since 2017. Guinguette Julien is one such establishment, and it is known for its upbeat atmosphere in the summer months. It opens on 13 June this year and will be open every Thursday to Sunday until 25 August.
Credit: Vaux Hall Summer
All summer long, iconic 'Vaux Hall Summer' events will include salsa workshops, DJ sets and buzzing parties for tourists and locals alike.
Parc de Bruxelles, Brussels 1000. Find more information here.
Guinguette Émile
Another noteworthy guinguette under the same umbrella is Guinguette Émile. As you sip on a drink here, you can enjoy the particularly stunning views.
Up and running already this year, make sure to head down and enjoy a stellar view of the city from one of Brussel's most idyllic green spaces.
Parc Duden, Forest 1190. Find more information here.
Smala
This bar is slightly off the beaten track and is perfect for those who prefer a more tranquil setting for a summer apéritif. Not only does Smala grow vegetables and run farming workshops, it offers food and drink to visitors who happen across this hidden corner of Anderlecht.
Credit: Smala
Smala's guinguette is open on Saturdays between 12:00 and 15:00 and is accompanied by a local produce market. The farm also runs a restaurant in Saint-Gilles.
Rue de Neerpede, Anderlecht 1070. Find more information here.
Le Kiosque
Back to the bustling city, Le Kiosque is without doubt the coolest joint in Bois de la Cambre and is open seven days a week.
Credit: Le Kiosque
This is the place to be in early May, as the events programme has kicked off and features a different musical act almost every night of the week with an eclectic line-up that has something for everyone.
Avenue des Genêts, Brussels 1000. Find more information here.
Woodpecker Drohme
Another Bois de la Cambre venue worth frequenting is Woodpecker Drohme, a relative newcomer to the guinguette scene. Woodpecker owns various establishments across the city but this one merits a visit for its unique character: the building, located in the old Boitsfort hippodrome, was abandoned until 2004, when it was restored by designer Lionel Jadot. In a past life, the building acted as a pesage, where jockeys were weighed ahead of races.
Credit: Woodpecker
The Drohme is open seven days a week and promises a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
51 Chaussée de la Hulpe, Uccle 1180. Find more information here.
