Yes, our capital is indeed fantastic, but it’s true that it often rains… Whether you’re a tourist or a local, here are some activity ideas to brighten your day when it rains in Brussels.
Dream of escaping to the Anticyclone des Açores’s librairie.
I am absolutely a fan of this place, offering the largest selection of travel guides and maps of Brussels. What better way to escape the gloom than to plan your next trip? Whether you’re looking for a day hike, a multi-day trek, a bike ride, or a road trip, and anywhere in the world: you’ll find your next destination here!
Settle into a café with a book or a board game.
Brussels is full of charming little cafés perfect for a rainy day. For instance, you could buy a book at Filigranes and settle in to read it at the on-site café. The Pêle Mêle in Ixelles is brimming with second-hand books, making it a delightful way to spend a few hours on a rainy weekend. You can also enjoy the newly reopened Brussels Stock Exchange, finding a cozy spot inside. Alternatively, take a stroll around your neighborhood: you’re sure to find a nice place to spend the morning, perhaps even indulging in a comforting brunch (my favorite spot, as I mentioned here, is the Caléo Café in Ixelles).
If you’re with a group, head to La Luck or the Bar à Jeux to benefit from the advice of a board game “sommelier.”
Visit a museum.
It’s a bit of a rainy day cliché, but Brussels offers a wealth of museums, and there’s bound to be one that piques your interest. Even if you’re a local, you probably haven’t explored them all, so it’s a great chance to feel like a tourist in your own city and rediscover the hidden treasures of Brussels’ cultural institutions. My favorites? The Lace and Fashion Museum, which often showcases high-quality exhibitions highlighting Belgian fashion designers. The Design Museum in Laeken, with its retro selection of inflatable 60’s furniture. The Museum of Natural Sciences, which is engaging even for those who aren’t big exhibition enthusiasts. The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium boasts a magnificent selection of medieval paintings and an impressive collection of Rubens.
The Horta Museum is also a wonderful visit on a rainy day. You can also check out BOZAR, which offers contemporary art exhibitions that are accessible even if you don’t have extensive art knowledge.
Engage in an indoor activity.
In Brussels, there’s no shortage of enjoyable indoor activities. From billiards and padel to bowling and escape games, the options are plentiful. A new quiz room has also opened in Brussels, offering a game of general knowledge for four players who buzz in to answer questions. It’s a fun way to spend time with friends even on rainy days.
Go to the opera.
In the center of Brussels, you’ll find the impressive La Monnaie, Brussels’ opera house. The programming is very diverse, but it’s advisable to book tickets in advance due to high demand. However, guided tours are available to explore the interior of the building (note that the opera is closed in July and August!). If you’re disappointed about missing a live performance, head to the UGC cinema where opera and ballet screenings are often shown.
Alternatively, catching a play or stand-up comedy show is a great way to end the day with a good laugh (we talked about it here).
Come meet us!
Come by the workshop to discover the latest collections of Atelier Luje at 34 rue Saint Bernard in Saint-Gilles! You are always welcome, whether you just want to have a look or already have your eye on one of our dresses…
I hope these activity ideas for rainy days in Brussels will help you have a great time in our cozy city!