Guide to survive the heat

The heat is already suffocating early on in the morning. The night was not so restorative, and the dawn of a new day is already looming! First things first - you take a shower to feel refreshed.

From the moment you wake up to the time you go to sleep, hydration is key. Start the day with some water, and then a little later have some tea or beer. Between beers, quench your thirst at one of the many public drinking fountains in the city. To change it up, a couple of scoops of ice cream is the perfect idea.

Stay away from public transportation: busses, trams and metros transform into ovens where you will not want to stay for too long. Instead hop on your bike and take advantage of the refreshing wind across your face. You won’t sweat as much if you use an electric bicycle. There are many other options for you to cool off in Brussels:

Option 1 – Outdoor swimming pools

Bring your pool gear and pencil in a trip to the pool. You don’t have the means to get a membership to the David Lloyd club? Go for the low-cost option and join the kids playing games in the fountains at Place Flagey.

Option 2 – Search for shade

Green spaces in Brussels and the Forêt de Soignes have plenty of cool areas under trees that the even the powerful sun cannot reach! The parks offer a perfect compromise between sun and shade.

Option 3 – A bit of culture

So that you brain does not completely melt in the heat, visit the museums where the air-conditioning is very refreshing. There are two underground destinations: the Coudenberg and the Sewers Museum. Does moving around seem a little difficult for you? Give yourself a break and go to the movies where they keep the temperatures super low!

Option 4 – Just sweat it out

As long as you follow the basic rules of health, it is completely possible to get out and exercise. This is ideal weather to try out the green bike paths. Or learn how to water ski on the canal in Willebroek or Ittre. Be careful not to overdo it! And if for once the weather is good for Bruxelles-les-Bains, you can enjoy the water activities on the Quai des Péniches to get some energy out before cooling off in the giant fans and under the palm trees.

Option 5 – Supermarkets

You’re boiling hot, and you’re at the point where your forehead is starting to look like Niagara Falls. A radical treatment is necessary! Our solution: leap into the closest supermarket, open up a freezer and stick your head in! Here’s a more discrete option: go to Colruyt where the refrigerated rooms for fresh produce are an oasis. And plus while you’re there, you’ll be able to do your shopping for the next barbecue.

At the end of the day, it is time to eat. Take a glance at our selection of gardens and terraces at restaurants in Brussels.