Brussels belongs to the select group of the world’s greenest capitals. Parks, woods, gardens and nature reserves offer residents and visitors plenty of places to get some fresh air, go for a walk or cool down when temperatures soar. And the good news is that many of these green spaces are easy to reach by public transport. In this article, the STIB-MIVB takes you out for a breath of fresh air, without even having to leave Brussels.
Square du Petit Sablon: a park steeped in history
The Square du Petit Sablon is located directly opposite the Sablon Church, in a magnificent architectural setting in the centre of Brussels. This neo-Renaissance garden is adorned with statues by some of Belgium’s greatest 19th-century artists. Opened to the public in 1890, the park features flowerbeds and a raised fountain topped by a group of sculptures depicting the Counts of Egmont and Horn. Egmont Palace stands just behind the park. The square is surrounded by railings with 48 Gothic columns, each crowned with a bronze statue. These figures represent Brussels’ historic guilds and traditional trades.
How to get there?
The Square du Petit Sablon De Kleine Zavelsquare is located in the centre of Brussels and can be accessed via Rue de la Régence and Rue aux Laines. Take bus 27 or 95, or tram 92 or 93, and get off at the ‘Petit Sablon’ stop.
The Jean-Felix Hap Park: a hidden green gem in Etterbeek
The Jean-Felix Hap Park was renovated a few years ago and is undoubtedly one of Etterbeek residents’ favourite green spaces. Hidden behind its surrounding wall, its modern and peaceful design invites visitors to relax and enjoy a quiet green oasis between Chaussée de Wavre and Avenue d’Auderghem. The Broebelaer, a tributary of the Maelbeek, rises in this secluded garden and feeds its small pond.
How to get there?
The Jean-Felix Hap Park tuin is situated in Etterbeek, between Avenue d’Auderghem and Chaussée de Wavre, and also borders Rue Louis Hap. The entrances are situated between numbers 189 and 195 on Avenue d’Auderghem and at number 508 on Chaussée de Wavre.
Take bus 36 and get off at the ‘Louis Hap’ stop.
The Ganshoren marsh
The Brussels-Capital Region is also home to a number of wetlands, including the Ganshoren marsh. It lies in the Molenbeek valley, between the railway lines to Ghent and Dendermonde. Here, you will find small wooded areas, wet meadows and exceptionally rich wildlife.
How to get there?
The marsh is located in the municipality of Ganshoren. You can reach it by taking bus 87 and getting off at the ‘Het Veroost’ stop.
(Please note that bus 87 is currently being diverted. You can find more information on our website.)
The Astrid Park: it’s not all about football
For many people, the Astrid Park is best known as the park next to RSC Anderlecht’s stadium. But it is much more than just the stadium’s neighbour. Covering 15 hectares, it offers the municipality of Anderlecht and its residents a green oasis that is well worth a visit. Astrid Park is the perfect place to relax, go for a walk or enjoy some exercise.
With its extensive lawns, remarkable trees, playgrounds and sports facilities, the park has something for everyone: families, sports enthusiasts, walkers… and even dog owners.
How to get there?
The Astrid Park can be reached with buses 46, 49 and 75.
Get off at ‘Meir’, ‘Ysaye’ or ‘Hôpital Joseph Bracops’.
Tram 81 will also get you to ‘Meir’.
The park also lies between the stops ‘Saint-Guidon’ and ‘Veeweyde’ of line 5.
The Josaphat Park: Schaerbeek’s green lung
This article would not be complete without suggesting a walk through Josaphat Park.Josaphat Park celebrated its centenary in 2004. It has been a listed site since 1974 and covers 20 hectares of lawns, planted areas, ponds and recreational spaces. For many Brussels residents, it is their favourite park. The park is divided into three sections and appeals to a wide range of visitors, including families, sports enthusiasts and those interested in history and culture. Highlights include the Minnebron and several sculptures.A number of trees in the park feature on the Brussels-Capital Region’s list of remarkable trees, including a Canadian poplar dating from the early 19th century.
How to get there?
There is no shortage of entrances! You will find them at the corner of Avenue Chazal and Avenue Général Eisenhower, as well as along Avenue des Azalées, Avenue Ambassadeur van Vollenhoven, Avenue Louis Bertrand and Boulevard Lambermont. Buses 64, 65 and 66 will take you there. Get off at one of the following stops: ‘Louis Bertrand’, ‘Chazal’, ‘Josaphat’, ‘Crossing’ or ‘Azalées’. You can also take tram 7 and get off at ‘Chazal’, ‘Héliotropes’ or ‘Louis Bertrand’.
What’s next?
Green Brussels is about much more than these few examples. Each of the region’s 19 municipalities has its own green gem, offering a place close to home where you can escape the hustle and bustle or cool down on hot summer days and during heatwaves. You can find all the practical information brusselsgardens website