In Brussels, some of the nicest surprises aren’t necessarily found behind a museum door… They sometimes appear after you walk through a doorway or push open the door of a place you already know. Here are five hidden courtyards and gardens that you can truly discover—whether on your own, while touring a building, or by visiting a place open to the public.
The Grand Hospice, an oasis behind the colonnades
It’s impossible to guess from the street what lies behind the facades of the Grand Hospice. The former Hospice Pacheco is home to two vast interior gardens that have been listed as historic sites since 1997. Today, they form a true oasis in the heart of the Pentagon. The site is now freely accessible to the public, featuring green spaces, a cultural program, and the Jardin Hospice, with its bar and activities.
The courtyard of City Hall, right behind the Grand-Place
We’re familiar with its Gothic façade and famous tower, but Brussels City Hall also features an inner courtyard that’s less obvious from the Grand-Place. It serves as the entrance to the visitor reception area, from which you can then explore the building’s interior and its six centuries of history. In other words, there’s no such thing as walking through a random door here: the courtyard is part of the City Hall tour.
The Forum des Beaux-Arts, a former courtyard turned museum
At the Old Masters Museum, part of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the concept of an inner courtyard takes on a whole new dimension. The former open space has been transformed into a spectacular hall covered by a massive glass roof, lined with columns and galleries. Today, you can discover works of art there, but the space itself is almost as worth seeing as the collections it houses.
The secret courtyard of Café Costermans
At Café Costermans, the secret is literally hidden behind the building. This spot on the Grand Sablon features an interior courtyard converted into a terrace, where you can sit down for a coffee or a meal away from the hustle and bustle of the square. The venue is directly connected to Antiquaires Costermans, which adds a touch of heritage to this particularly discreet spot.
Le Poste, a hidden terrace in the Marolles
In the former barracks on Place du Jeu de Balle, Le Poste has transformed a historic building into a “third place” dedicated to culture, radio, and social gatherings. Its little bonus is located out back: a spacious terrace set in a paved inner courtyard, used for concerts, events, and other gatherings at the venue. It’s an original way to discover a corner of the Marolles that you might not necessarily notice from the street.
