5 activities for when it’s raining in Brussels

Raining cats and dogs again? So be it. We offer you 5 good tips to cheer you up. Strolling through galleries, discovering hidden gems or visiting independent cinemas: you’ll find the motivation to go out for sure, whatever the weather!

Enjoy the view… from inside

Want to discover green landscapes but don’t want to get cold? Nothing beats an indoor café or restaurant surrounded by nature. Don’t think you can find it in Brussels? Take note:

• La Fabrique en Ville: hidden in the heart of Egmont Park, this old orangery is the ideal place to have a drink or eat lunch in cosy and green surroundings.
• Mix Brussels: located at the border of the Sonian Forest, Mix features a foodcourt, a restaurant, a gym and an indoor swimming pool. Its fully glazed architecture allows you to enjoy an exceptional view.
• Jardin Central: this indoor bar is hidden in the heart of the Grand Hospice, right in the city centre. The breathtaking view on the gardens immerses you in a green scenery away from the rain.

Dive into an immersive experience

Tired of gloomy skies and endless darkness? Nothing beats an immersive experience to brighten your day. These venues offer temporary or permanent exhibitions:

• Plein Publiek: located on Mont des Arts, this exhibition venue hosts great experiences like Artcade or Do you Remember?
• WOM: this fun illusion journey located in Tours & Taxi is permanently accessible
• Reset Brussels: until mid-May, you get the chance to discover digital artworks, temporarily housed in the former Dexia building

Get into the film spirit

Don’t feel like watching ordinary films? Want to enjoy a more intimate and cosier atmosphere, away from the rain? Independent cinemas could be exactly what you need to enjoy authentic films on the big screen:

• Cinematek: discover real hidden gems from the best archives and take the opportunity to discover the Wunderkammer that sheds new light on film history
• Cinéma Galeries: here you’ll find real originality and beautiful retrospectives
• Cinéma Vendôme: don’t miss out on film discussion sessions and films presented at festivals
• Cinéma Palace: every first Thursday of the month, a technical profession in the film industry is put under the spotlight
• Cinéma Nova: you’ll love the experimental short films and the unexpected setting

Stroll through the city-centre galleries

Whether you’re looking for good food or fun entertainment, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and Galerie Bortier have everything you need to have a good time far from the rain. These architectural treasures often display seasonal decorations and are worth the visit.

• Delicacies on the go: Dandoy, Neuhaus, Corné, Marcolini
• Brunch: Sélections by Sœurs, Pain Quotidien, Kawa Club
• Culture: Tropisme, Coumans, and Génicot bookshops, Théâtre Royal des Galeries and Cinéma Galeries

Have fun playing indoors

Want to enjoy a good time with friends even if it’s rainy? Whether you need to blow off some steam or just want to relax, these indoors venues offer a large choice of activities for adults:

• Koezio: located at Docks Bruxsel, this indoor park offers obstacle courses for groups but also relaxing activities like minigolf, a music quiz and karaoke
• Sky Z Park: located in Anderlecht, at a stone’s throw from Delacroix station, this indoor facility features a trampoline park, a bowling alley, a karaoke room, an arcade hall and a virtual reality space
• Prison Island: located in the Anspach neighbourhood and inspired by Fort Boyard, this space offers a challenging team adventure, a minigolf course and a music quiz  

How to get there?

Choose the train, tram and metro to travel fast and be protected from the rain:  you only need to type the name of the place you want to visit in Floya to launch your route. And if there’s a nice ray of sunshine on your way back, you can easily choose a bike or a kick scooter to get your vitamin D intake!