4 best rooftop bars in Brussels

When the weather heats up, Brusselaers, new and native, flock to the nearest of the city’s many great terraces for a cool pintje or a couple of vin blanc. Those looking to be more discrete, might also seeking out a cosy back garden to wile away their summer afternoon.

But maybe you want to rise above the summer heat? Head to one of the Brussels’ rooftop terraces for a drink or a bite. Here are our top picks.

1. Les Jardins Suspendus

Parking 58 has long been a popular “secret” spot for locals to taking visiting friends and relatives to catch a great panoramic view of Brussels’ city centre. It is exactly what it sounds like: a bare parking garage that happens to be on the top floor of a building just between the Boulevard Anspach and Place Saint Catherine.

But for the summer this garage is more than a garage. Lay out some fake grass and mix up some cocktails and you get Les Jardins Suspendus (pictured). Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday till September this towering lot transforms into a pop-up café with DJs, picnic tables and mixed drinks. It’s one of the best spots to ease into the long summer evenings with an aperitif and watch the sun set over Brussels’ historic centre.

Rue de l'Evêque 1, 1000 Brussels

2. Play Label

You won’t need your bowling shoes when you enter Crosly Bowling at the bottom of the Sablon. Skip the lanes and head right on up to the roof where you’ll find the Play Label Rootop, one of the most popular parties in Brussels.

Play Label is a collective of electronic music artists who host parties – often last minute ones – featuring some of the newest artistic musical talents in Brussels. Their summer-long rooftop is a beautiful, sunny spot to dance your socks off among a crowd of other happy, cocktail-sipping electronic music lovers.

Rue des Alexiens 97, 1000 Brussels

3. Beurschouwburg

You may not be able to pronounce it, but you shouldn’t miss the Beurschouwburg’s rooftop bar. Winding your way up the stairs through the theatre, music and performance art space, you come out, panting slightly, on a top-level bar and terrace. It’s not huge, but like the rest of the building, the rooftop manages to be ever so cosy and appealing.

More than just a bar, the Beurschouwburg holds all kinds of events there, from live bands and DJ sets to open-air film screenings. Check their website for a calendar of events and make sure to arrive a little early, as it does tend to fill up.

Rue Auguste Orts, 1000 Brussels

4. MIM

It’s hard to miss Brussels’ Musical Instrument Museum, an impressive art nouveau structure standing tall at the top of the Mont des Arts, the gilded words “Old England” etched across its bow. But what you might not know is that from its top it offers one of the best views over Brussels.

Even if you’re looking to give the museum of a miss, you can still head up to its top-floor restaurant for a bite or just an aperitif. Sit out on the terrace and take in all of Brussels below. Despite being well trodden on the tourist track, this terrace remains a truly romantic spot.

Rue Montagne de la Cour 2, 1000 Brussels