The forecast for this weekend is sun, sun and more sun, with temperatures nearing 20°C on Saturday.
What better way to celebrate this (rare) occasion than sipping a refreshing drink while taking in stunning views of the capital? Find our favourite spots below.
360° views
Rooftop 58
Located on top of Brucity – the City of Brussels' administrative centre – in the heart of the capital, this bar arguably offers the best views over Brussels.
The building's ninth floor offers one of the largest rooftops in Europe and provides visitors with a 360° panoramic view of Brussels. Spot the emblematic Koekelberg Basilica and the Atomium in the north of the region, down to the iconic dome of the Palais de Justice.
Rooftop 58 is on top of the Brucity building. Credit: Belga / James Arthur Gekiere
It is possible to head up to the top floor to marvel at the views for free throughout the day (Monday to Thursday, 10:00-17:00), but we suggest getting a table and ordering a tangy homemade lemonade or a cooling Tanqueray gin.
Address: Enter via the Atrium of Brucity (Rue des Halles 4) on Monday to Friday until 17:00, or via Rue de l'Evêque 1 after 17:00 and on weekends.
Ninth-floor bar open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon, while the eighth-floor bar/ restaurant is open from Wednesday to Saturday.
Find more information here.
Sky-high
The Hoxton Brussels
To admire views from another part of town, head up to the rooftop of The Hoxton. The top floor of the chic hotel – part of the synonymous hotel chain with locations in London, Amsterdam and Barcelona – houses Topo, a cosy Mexican restaurant, and an outdoor terrace offering sweeping views of the city.
Credit: The Hoxton
Tuck into a hearty portion of guacamole or sample one of the punchy cocktails while soaking up your daily dose of vitamin D. Can't get a seat upstairs? Head down to the luscious garden terrace of the Peruvian-inspired Cantina Valentina for equally delicious food and satisfying beverages.
Address: Square Victoria Régina 1, 1210
Tuesday-Thursday: 17:00 - 00:00/Friday and Saturday: 17:00 - 01:00
Find more information here.
Down to earth
Belgian Beer World, Bourse
While a visit to the Beerlab/Skybar on the recently renovated Bourse in the pedestrianised city centre is often tied to a trip around the Belgian Beer World, visitors are welcome to sample one (or more) of the 150 beers on offer after hours.
Views from the Bourse rooftop. Credit: The Brussels Times / Lauren Walker
The views may not be as breathtaking as those from higher locations. However, the terrace offers a unique look at the roofs of historic buildings and spires of churches in the vicinity, creating a more cosy and intimate rooftop experience.
Address: Boulevard du Anspach 80, 1000 Bruxelles
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 16:30 - 21:30/Friday and Saturday: 16:30 - 22:30
Find more information here.
Hidden gem
The Eight Rooftop
Despite being perched on top of a building just a stone's throw from Manneken Pis and Grand Place, this snug terrace tends to be calmer, offering a peaceful haven for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Brussels.
Credit: The Eight Rooftop
The narrow and long terrace provides a 180° view of the south of the city. Visitors can marvel at the Palais de Justice, the tower of the Church of Our Lady of the Chapel and the lavishly pinnacled octagonal tower of the City Hall. Take it all in while sipping on a cooling beverage (we recommend the 'Sky', combining gin, chartreuse and homemade Pandan syrup).
Address: Rue du Midi 135, 1000 Bruxelles
Monday - Wednesday: 16:30 - 00:00/Thursday - Sunday: 12:00 - 01:00
Find more information here.
