This Sunday, September 20, Brussels will slow down. From 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., car traffic will be banned in all 19 municipalities of the Region, temporarily transforming the capital into one giant promenade. And rather than seeing this day as just a mobility constraint, why not take the opportunity to rediscover the city in a different way? Here’s how you can make the most of Car-Free Sunday.
Start by walking where you never usually walk
There’s something rather strange about seeing Brussels’ major thoroughfares without their usual traffic. This Sunday, bikes, scooters, and pedestrians will be able to take greater possession of the space, while the events organized in several municipalities will make you want to extend your stroll.
For example, you can hop on your bike for a free 13-kilometer guided ride in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, offered at various times and suitable for beginners. In Jette, a “mobility village” will also feature repair workshops, walking tours, activities, and even a bike flea market.
Then, cross Brussels without taking the car
And that’s where this day becomes particularly convenient: all STIB subways, trams, and buses will be free and will run more frequently. Subways, in particular, will run every 6 minutes and 30 seconds between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., making it easy to combine a stroll in one neighborhood with a trip to another.
So there’s no need to choose between the city center and the outskirts. After a morning of biking, you can head to another part of Brussels for a neighborhood festival, a tour, or simply to have a coffee outdoors. The official program includes a big festival in Etterbeek, a “mobility village” at Place des Palais, and several local events.
And enjoy Brussels before the cars come back
The day also coincides with Heritage Days, so you can end your stroll with a cultural visit. Another option: head to the Vaux-Hall, where a free open-air event will feature Kiosk Radio, Horst, and Operator Radio from noon to 9 p.m.
At 7 p.m., cars will gradually start returning to their usual routines. By then, Brussels may have inspired you to adopt your own habits: walk a little more, bike a little more, and see the city in a new light.
