Are you planning to visit Brussels during spring? Great idea! Late March, April and early May are by far my favourite time of the year in Brussels as a local.
There’s truly nothing like strolling around Brussels’ parks and streets in their pink coats. At least, I can’t think of a better mood booster!
There are many streets, parks to add to your Brussels bucket list during spring. However, before I gather enough pictures to share a full article about the best locations, I couldn’t keep this one gem to myself.
Table of Contents
- Brussels’ best spring park & photo spot: Parc de Laeken
- When is the best time to visit Parc de Laeken in spring?
- How to get there easily?
- 3 facts about ‘le Monument à la Dynastie’
- What other photo spots and parks should you add to your Brussels bucket list in spring?
- How to spend a day in Brussels in spring?
Brussels’ best spring park & photo spot: Parc de Laeken
A stone’s throw away from the famous Atomium, you will find the beautiful ‘Parc de Laeken’. At first glance, it may seem pretty common, but as soon as the first rays of sunshine appear after the cold months, it becomes one of the most beautiful photo spots in Brussels!
It is actually located outside of the city centre, but if you’re into photography, flowers or even architecture, this park is definitely worth your time in early spring!
When is the best time to visit Parc de Laeken in spring?
In the main alley, you will mostly find magnolia trees which tend to bloom earlier than cherry blossom trees, depending on the species.
It is hard to predict the best time to visit it as it varies from year to year. But generally speaking, the last week of March and the first two weeks of April are pretty safe bets.
A bit further on the sides, you will find beautiful daffodil beds. They usually bloom at the same time as magnolia trees.
Quite nearby, you will also find the ‘Parc d’Osseghem’ which is another of my favourite spots in Brussels… but in Autumn!
How to get there easily?
1. From: Brussels’ city centre (Rogier or De Brouckère stations)
Tram 3 ‘Esplanade’ → Hop off at De Wand and walk for 6 minutes.
2. From: any stop on metro lines 2-6
Metro line 6 ‘Roi Baudouin’ → Stop at Heysel and walk for around 10 minutes.
Once you’ve arrived at your stop, you can type any of these directions into Google Maps:
- Monument à la Dynastie
- Avenue de la Dynastie
- or the exact coordinates 50° 53′ 26″ N, 4° 21′ 12″ E
At this point, it’ll seem like you’ll never get there but I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. The pictures speak for themselves, right?
3 facts about ‘le Monument à la Dynastie’
1. On the other side of the ‘Avenue de la Dynastie’ and its monument, you can see the Castle of Laeken which is the official residence of the King and Queen of Belgium as well as their 4 children.
2. The neo-gothic monument was built in honour of King Leopold I of Belgium, the first King of the Belgians.
3. The monument symbolizes the unity of the then 9 Belgian provinces through the King.
What other photo spots and parks should you add to your Brussels bucket list in spring?
- Parc Léopold
- Place du Trône (for daffodils)
- St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral (for bluebell and daffodils)
- Parc Josaphat
- Atomium
- Elisabeth Chocolatier’s seasonal window decoration
- The streets around Square Eugène Plasky (Avenue du Diamant, Avenue Emile Max, etc.)
How to spend a day in Brussels in spring?
Here are a few things you should definitely add to your spring bucket list:
- Visit the ‘Serres Royales de Laeken’ which are open to the public just a few days per year.
- Take a day trip to the ‘Bois de Hal’ (Hallerbos in Dutch) and enjoy the beautiful purple blooms in the woods.
- Attend Floralia, a yearly flower exhibition which takes place at the castle of Grand-Bigard/Groot-Bijgaarden (just outside of Brussels).
If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, I have written a full blog post on the topic: Brussels in One Day: The Only Walking Itinerary You’ll Need
Finally, if you’re into photography and are about to visit Brussels for the first time, you might find this article useful as well: The Best Instagram Spots in Brussels for First-Time Visitors
Any questions about your upcoming trip to Brussels? Feel free to DM me on Instagram @rosesandpostcards
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