The best places to go when it rains in Brussels

When the weather turns gloomy, take refuge in this museum tracing the history of Belgian chocolate: a fun and interactive tour, workshops, and of course tastings. Under the expert guidance of a master chocolatier, you’ll learn how to make treats like chocolate lollipops. An activity you’ll want to sink your teeth into, no doubt!

When rain comes to Brussels, head to SERRA for a terrarium workshop that brings the scent of nature right into the heart of the city. For 1.5 hours, you’ll get your hands in the soil to create a miniature garden, guided by an expert, while enjoying a drink and appetizers. The setting? A true urban jungle that offers a complete change of scenery, perfect for unwinding and sharing a special moment together. And that’s not all: your ticket also includes 20% off dinner at the restaurant that same evening to extend your day.

There’s nothing like a cozy restaurant to beat the weather. In Waterloo, Poncho manages the feat of transporting us all the way to Latin America without ever leaving the capital. Under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Yves Mattagne, Mexican spicesmingle with the subtle nuances of Peruvian cuisine for a perfectly mastered explosion of flavors. From refined ceviche to asado-style grilled meats and cocktails made with mezcal or pisco, every bite is a journey for the senses. In an elegant and exotic setting, Poncho promises a top-tier experience.

At the Fridge Comedy Club, we laugh at the rain! And at just about everything, even romantic woes! Here, laughter therapy takes center stage. Created by comedian Kev Adams, this comedy club brings together Belgian and French-speaking comedy talents in a laid-back setting. Every other Thursday at 7:00 p.m., the Fridge stage becomes a playground for young French-speaking talent. Their mission? Five minutes flat to make you burst out laughing! Some are taking the stage for the very first time, while others are already polishing sketches that might one day tour comedy clubs—and you’ll be able to say, “I was there!”

It’s raining—why not take shelter in culture? Brussels is brimming with must-see museums to visit or revisit. The Comic Strip Museum, the Art and History Museum, the Design Museum, the Musical Instruments Museum, the Natural Sciences Museum, BOZAR… No matter what your favorite theme is, you’re sure to find something to your liking!

When the weather is miserable, warm up your taste buds at Tigermilk. Located in the heart of Châtelain, it brilliantly blends Mexican and Peruvian influences in a friendly and lively setting. Here, you’ll share generous, colorful dishes, but it’s the ceviches that really steal the show, such as the Tigermilk Ceviche with haddock, coconut milk, mango, and cilantro. A trendy, affordable spot that’s often packed. We strongly recommend making a reservation.

Opt for a warm outing that’s a bit out of the ordinary: Candlelight concerts. From Coldplay and Ed Sheeran to Mozart and Chopin, Rock Legends or Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The concept: thousands of candles and artists from all musical genres, reinterpreted in the Candlelight style by virtuoso performers. All this takes place in spectacular venues such as the Concert Noble or the Théâtre du Vaudeville.

There’s nothing likea sweet break in a warmspot to cheer you up. At Bruxelles Secrète, we’re big foodies, and we’re crazy aboutcinnamon rolls! Thesecinnamon buns, also known as Kanelbullar in Sweden (or simply cinnamon rolls). From local institutions to trendy new spots, treat yourself to a moment of indulgence (even without Brussels sunshine) to savor a melt-in-your-mouth, delicious cinnamon roll.

Opt for a warm and 100% comforting activity: this unusual workshop that combines baking with beer tasting. A quintessentially Belgian experience where you’ll make your own waffles (from the batter to the toppings), all accompanied by a tasting of ice-cold local beer. Whether you’re looking for a unique brunch experience or a gourmet activity with friends, it’s the perfect combination of hyper-local expertise and relaxation.

The Palace Cinema is the perfect place to take shelter and enjoy some entertainment. Located in the heart of the city, this historic theater from 1913 has been renovated with a modern touch and now offers a selection of foreign and independent films. And the Palace doesn’t just screen arthouse films! It also offers a culinary experience featuring local and seasonal cuisine, as well as a variety of cultural events. Whether you’re a seasoned film buff or simply looking to round out an evening with dinner, a movie, and a nightcap, look no further!

Just a stone’s throw from Brussels’ Grand Place, Bar Magritte stands out for its decor and menu, inspired by the world of surrealist painter René Magritte. This superb bar with an intimate atmosphere is ideal for meeting up with friends and enjoying delicious dishes. The cozy, candlelit ambiance invites quiet conversation, accompanied by games of chess and live music. Enjoy reimagined Belgian classics, such as ravioli with mussels and fries and shrimp croquettes, as well as cocktails that are as surprising as they are delicious. Bar Magritte is a must-visit spot for a unique evening in Brussels—especially when it’s raining!

Unlike the subdued atmosphere of some book-cafés, Le Millefeuille stands out for its brightness, creating a warm and welcoming space. Nestled in the heart of Brussels, this book-café offers a rich selection of books, ranging from classics to the latest releases. In addition to its diverse collection, Le Millefeuille offers a calendar of literary events, including writing workshops and literary happy hours. Whether you’re an avid reader or simply looking for a nice place to take shelter when it rains, you’ll love Le Millefeuille!

Tutankhamun’s tomb opens its doors to you. When rain comes to Brussels, treat yourself to a cultural getaway in the dry: Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition at Brussels Expo offers a 60- to 90-minute journey combining 360° projections on 6-meter-high walls, monumental reconstructions, virtual reality, and artifacts. Immersion guaranteed!

When the weather turns bad, head indoors to WOM (World of Mind) at Tour & Taxis for a mind-bending, 1,500-square-meter immersive experience: over 120 illusions, interactive installations, and sensory challenges will shake up your perceptions. The Inverted Room, The Vortex, The Infinity Room, The Chamber of Souls, The Flight… You’re in for a whole lot of surprises!

BIGc is a sure bet in case of bad weather: this vast indoor center offers a multitude of immersive activities such as Prison Island, HyperBowling, Laser Game, Laser Kart, and karaoke booths. Plenty of fun to be had in the dry, whether with friends, family, for a birthday, or for a team-building event.

When the rain sets in, this immersive virtual reality expedition is here to make you lose all sense of time and space by transporting you 4,500 years back, allowing youto freely explore the interior of the iconic pyramids of Giza. Embark on an extraordinary journey to the heart of ancient Egypt with “The Horizon of Khufu.“ Wander through mysterious corridors, uncover the secrets of the Queen’s Chamber, and even meet the goddess Bastet— an educational and captivating experience developed in collaboration with a Harvard Egyptologist.

From spectator to juror: you decide! Slip into the shelter of the Espace Lumen for a unique immersive theater experience that turns the audience into a jury: analyze clues, hear testimonies, and participate in forensic reconstructions to take part in an interactive trial. Participants study the case and then vote to decide whether the defendant is guilty or innocent. And it’s more gripping than a Netflix series!

It’s raining, so you might as well take the opportunity to escape—but really escape. Head to the Gallic village for a mission as wild as it is immersive with Asterix and Obelix. Here, you’ll swap your umbrella for a druid’s toga and embark on a quest full of twists and turns: find the secret ingredient for the magic potion alongside Getafix. Between puzzles, traps to avoid, and Romans to take down, the experience plunges you into a fun adventure to be enjoyed as a team—perfect for an outing with friends or family (ages 8 and up).

When the skies over Brussels darken, opt for an indoor activity that gets your adrenaline pumping: head to the Challenge Lab, in the heart of Brussels. Immerse yourself in a post-apocalyptic laboratory where science and adrenaline collide. In teams of 2 to 6 players, navigate 7 rooms filled with technological challenges, combining lasers, sensors, and physical and mental tasks. Work together to thwart a diabolical scientist’s plan in 60 intense minutes. A thrilling experience, perfect for friends, families, and teams looking for an unforgettable activity.

Head to Ixelles for a colorful (and flavorful) brunch at ONO Brunch & Coffee. Here, it’s all-day brunch! There’s no set time for indulgence. Vibrant sweet and savory dishes await our taste buds craving comfort. You’ll find brunch classics like pancakes, banana bread, and avocado toast, as well as more elaborate slow-cooked dishes that are sure to make you forget the bad weather!

We venture (at least in terms of taste) toward spicy lands. Africa?
Asia? Why choosewhen Afrosian offers a hybrid of African and Asian flavors for a true explosion of taste? In this restaurant with an intimate atmosphere and chic decor, chef and owner Christian Kishi, of Congolese origin, blends these two worlds in dishes like Niúròu, a sweet-and-salty beef dish served in a pineapple. The menu also features vegetarian options, halal meats, and cocktails with or without alcohol to satisfy every taste. And to keep the festive atmosphere alive despite the bad weather, your meal will be accompanied by zouk and kizomba! Festive!