Brussels, the heat wave is back!
Let’s see how we manage this time; it took a while to cool down my apartment the last time 😅. However, if you’re looking for cafés with AC for your meetings, working on your laptop, or just reading a book, then check the list I shared on LinkedIn.
As for my recent café and restaurant finds, all three places have lovely terraces. The one at L’Atelier en Ville is probably my favourite out of the three, and I really enjoyed their iced latte as well. Banana Brussels has a really beautiful interior, and the terrace is also very spacious. It’s a new brunch and bubbles place, replacing the former Ego restaurant, and they will also be opening a basement area in the next few months. And I probably don’t have to introduce Cup 28° to a lot of you, a staple in the Bailli area. Besides drinks, they also offer food.
And lastly, this issue will be a little bit different. Since it’s summer, I know that many of you are looking to get out of Brussels and most probably, also Belgium. But if it’s only the former, this issue is just what you need; we’re celebrating the National Day of Belgium on 21 July after all!
In this issue:
🏊 12 outdoor swimming spots in Belgium
☀️ 5 summer activities in Belgium
🗓️ Upcoming events in Brussels (9-22 July)
12 outdoor swimming spots in Belgium
If you’ve lived in Brussels for a while, you know the pain of summer days - no outdoor swimming pool to cool ourselves down, unless you’re a member of gyms like Mix Brussels or David Lloyd’s. And although I like going to the Belgian coast, as someone who grew up in a landlocked country, I also understand not everyone’s a fan. So I put together a list of different outdoor swimming opportunities in Belgium, ordered from the closest to the furthest from Brussels (in km; Central Station serving as a reference point). Keep in mind: some pools and lakes need to be reserved in advance.
Hofstade Strand - Sport Vlaanderen (Zemst) - it only takes a train and a bus to reach this beachy lake-like area, close to Mechelen. I’ve heard a nice review from a friend who is from there, but haven’t been myself yet.
Piscine Nausicaa (Waterloo) - this is actually the closest proper outdoor pool to Brussels, as the roof of the indoor pool is open on hot days. Easily reachable by train and a walk.
De Nekker - Provincial Sports and Recreation Centre (Mechelen) - this is actually the only place on the list I visited a few years ago. It’s even easier to get here than Hofstade; all it takes is a train and a walk. Don’t expect a big swim though; the swimming area is quite small and restricted, and it’s better suited to children.
Provinciaal Recreatiedomein De Schorre (Boom) - located between Mechelen and Antwerp, this area is only partially accessible due to the proximity of the Tomorrowland festival. Before you decide to go, check the website to see which sections are available when. Also, it takes at least 3 different means of transport to get there on your own.
Provinciedomein Kessel-Lo (Leuven) - based on the pictures, looks like a fun area with a pool, lake, and various activities to do. Easily reachable from Brussels by train and bus.
Plage de Renipont (Lasne) - this one is quite small and has neighbourly vibes, like if you came to someone’s massive backyard for a swim. Pétanque and beach volleyball are also on offer, and it’s reachable by train and bus.
Sportoase Ter Heide (Rotselaar) - located between Mechelen and Leuven, you need to take the train and bus to come here.
Provinciaal domein De Ster (Sint-Niklaas) - close to Antwerp and another combination of an artificial beach and a lake; this location usually requires at least 3 means of transport to get to.
Zwimvijver Boekenberg (Antwerp) - located on the outskirts of Antwerp, take the train and bus or tram to get to this chemical-free pool.
Blaarmeersen (Gent) - a beach and waterslides; what more could you want on a hot day? Take the train and bus or tram to get there.
Lac De Bambois (Fosses-la-Ville) - looks like a great place for a day trip; not only do you have bathing and beach sections there, but you can also find 12 different thematic gardens, fish, or take part in workshops. It’s a long way from Brussels by train and bus, though.
Lacs de l’Eau d’Heure (Cerfontaine) - this is the largest lake area in Belgium, with so many activities to do: jet ski, windsurfing, paddleboard, mini golf, pétanque, skate park, restaurants and beach. This area is inaccessible by public transport, though.
5 summer activities in Belgium
If my calendar of biweekly activities in Brussels isn’t enough for you, have a look at these events taking place in Belgium this summer.
Zomer van Antwerpen (18 June-30 August; Antwerp) - as the name suggests, “Summer in Antwerp” organises a lot of activities in the city, such as a music caravan passing through squares; spoken word, dance, or street food at Zomerfabriek; circus performances or sunset on the Scheldt.
LOUVAin-La-Plage (26 June-30 July; Louvain-la-Neuve) - the Grand Place of this town transforms into one giant beach with activities for all ages, concerts and three beach bars.
Mechelen Beach (16 July-9 August; Mechelen) - I went here three years ago with friends, and I really enjoyed it; don’t be surprised if you see me going again this year. It had a nice beach bar vibe with DJs; you could play beach volleyball, there were activities for children, and they also had food on offer if drinks weren’t enough.
Gentse Feesten (17-26 July; Gent) - an event I came across completely by accident when I went to Gent with my mom at the same time these festivities were starting (which meant that some areas were blocked). Gentse Feesten is pretty much a big cultural street party spread across the historical city centre, made up of free concerts, theatre, street performers and circuses, and parties. In 2021, it became part of Flemish intangible heritage.
Retro sur Mer (7-9 August; Wenduine, De Haan) - honestly, I had no idea this existed until I did research for this issue. This event brings together old cars, a beauty boudoir and a barber shop, a retro and vintage market, food market and summer bar, and concerts.
Upcoming events
🤝 = networking/meeting new people; 🎨 = crafts and workshops; 👚 = fashion; 🎸= music; 🎉 = parties and festivals; 🎭 = theatre, musicals and performing arts; 🚶 = walking and hiking; 🏀 = sport; 🎥 = film festivals and screenings; 🏋️ = fitness; 🎤 = talks; 🍔 = food and drinks; 🖼️ = exhibitions; 😂 = comedy; 🛒 = shopping and markets; 🎮 = games and quizzes
🎉 9 July-27 September: Festival Bruxellons! @Château du Karreveld (link)
🤝 10 July: Mamma Mia! Here We Sip Again | Summer Afterwork @The Nine (link)
😂 10 July: Pink Boots and an Alcoholic Sock Puppet - Comedy with Harvey Cobb @La Plume Persée (link)
🎉 11 July: The Garden Party of Sim Simma @Hotel Barsey (link)
🎉 11 July: Paint & Salsa in the park @Parc du Cinquantenaire (link)
🎉 11 July: Invasion Latina Open Air @Place du Congrès (link)
🎉 11 July: Vlaanderen Feest @multiple locations (link)
🎉 11-12 July: Festival Afrodisiac @Bois de la Cambre (link)
🎨 12 July: Made by Girls @Ratz (link)
🚶 12 July: Discover Spa: Social Walk, Nature & Light Hiking @Central Station (link)
🏀 12 July: City2 Roller Bike Parade @Place Poelaert (link)
😂 16 July: Impro in the Park @Parc du Cinquantenaire (link)
🤝 17 July: Brussels Tech Mixer and Social (Tech/AI/Data/IT) @Time Out Pub (link)
🍔 17 July: The Nine Summer Barbecue @The Nine (link)
🎉 18 July-23 August: Foire du Midi @Boulevard du Midi (link)
🎉 20 July: Bal National @Jeu de Balle (link)
🍔 21 July: Belgium National Day @Wolf (link)
🎉 21 July: Fête au Parc @Brussels Park and surroundings (link)
🎉 21 July: Belgian Party @Parc du Cinquantenaire (link)
🎨 22 July: Arts and Crafts - Summer Edition! @Waterstones (link)
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