What to do in Brussels in May? Here are the best things to do and see

Discover our selection of things to do in Brussels in May! There’s more to do than you think!

Hyacinths blooming in the Bois de Hal – all month long

Don’t know what to do in May? Admiring the sumptuous blue hyacinths blooming in Halbosch is nature’s #1 activity! This fantastic plant phenomenon, which occurs every year around the end of April/beginning of May, leaves its visitors in awe of its beauty, in the area nicknamed “the blue forest”. Read more about this phenomenon here.

La Flash’s official after-party on May 18

La Flash is the club that turns your Sunday blues into a rainbow party. For Pride, the LGBTQIA+ friendly club is organizing a colorful after-party. On the festive menu: 8 hours of DJ sets, a showcase of anthology with performances by the best artists and drag queens, providing high-flying hosting… All in an absolutely original setting. On May 18, La Flash promises to make sparks fly!

Cocktail rooftop in the sky

Open for a year now, the sublime hotel The Hoxton has taken over the Victoria Tower (former IBM headquarters), behind the Botanique, by installing its rooftop at the top, with cocktails and Mexican-inspired food. This is THE place to go if you’re looking for a little height and a good meal. Find out more in this article.

The Museum of Infinite Realities

Traditional museums not for you? If you’re looking for a truly different kind of museum experience, we recommend the Museum of Infinite Realities (MOIR). Designed as a unique immersive experience, the MOIR is made up of 7 rooms where you can take part in interactive activities around the “Explore The True You” thematic trail, the last of which is none other than an absolutely mind-blowing holographic show. In short, an unusual concept to be discovered by yourself and for yourself, as a matter of urgency.

The Iris Festival

The Fête de l’Iris is the Brussels-Capital Region’s must-see annual event. Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, this festivity beloved of the people of Brussels officially takes place on May 8, 2024. But this year, as it falls on a Wednesday, the festivities kick off on May 4 and 5 in Brussels! With gourmet food trucks, guided tours and music, the month of May promises to be a festive one…

Titanic Exhibition

Tour et Taxis is currently the scene of a titanic exhibition. Spread over an area of more than 1,500 square meters, numerous archives have been assembled to take you back into the history of the greatest shipwreck of all time. Titanic L’Exposition presents over 200 real objects recovered from the wreck site and brought to the surface by underwater research director Paul-Henri Nargeolet and his teams, as well as poignant accounts from passengers. With a comprehensive audio guide, this chronological tour promises to captivate.

The Dixner experience

Tired of disappointing dates and lonely evenings in front of the TV on Thursday nights? Join the Dixner adventure! Born in Paris a year ago, this concept has just set up shop in Brussels. Its commitment: to give you an authentic experience by sharing dinner with strangers selected just for you. We tested it for you and had an absolutely brilliant time!

Hotel Barsey’s big brunch on May 26

With its Greek palace feel, large, luminous spaces, statues, multiple columns and luxurious furnishings, it’s hard not to succumb to the charm of the Hotel Barsey by Warwick. Starters, pastries, hot dishes, all-you-can-eat buffets… it’s the best (and biggest) brunch we’ve seen in Brussels, and it always happens on the last Sunday of every month. We’ll make your mouth water here.

The Royal Greenhouses at Laeken

Erected in the 19th century under the reign of Leopold II, the Serres Royales de Laeken are the result of a visionary ambition to create a botanical sanctuary in the heart of the city. Skilfully blending neo-classical and art nouveau styles, these greenhouses plunge you into an enchanting universe where luxuriant vegetation blends with remarkable architectural prowess… Open until May 20, 2024, we urge you to come and discover this Belgian marvel!

The Dinos Alive immersive experience

Jurassic Park fans, we’ve got just the ticket for you: Dinos Alive. This impressive immersive dinosaur experience plunges visitors into the geological systems of the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous eras, with a series of attractions that are all the crazier the one on top of the other: strikingly realistic XXL animated dinosaurs, a virtual aquarium, a merry-go-round and themed workshops.

The Brussels 20 km

On May 26, the ^44th edition of the “20 km de Bruxelles” will take place, a not-to-be-missed event for all sports enthusiasts in the capital! It’s a running event that takes in some of Brussels’ most beautiful arteries. The event can accommodate up to 40,000 people and is divided into 3 categories: hadisport, runners and walkers. Come on, it’s time to get fit!

Magritte: The Immersive Experience

The first immersive experience dedicated to Magritte has opened its doors in Brussels. This digital odyssey-style 360° show has set up shop at Galerie Horta, following on from Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience. On the program: a complete immersion in the life and work of the surrealist painter, with 300 digitized works brought to life before our very eyes using the latest 4K technology!

Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend

For 3 days, from May 24 to 26, the ^7th edition of the Lotto Brussels Jazz Weekend will take place. This is a festival where you can discover jazz music through a varied program. Belgian artists will be in the spotlight this year. And no less than three different emblematic Brussels locations (the Grand-place, Place Sainte-Catherine and Place de la Bourse) will be hosting concerts. Artists will also be performing in over 25 bars around the city. From contemporary jazz to new talent, with touches of funk and electro, don’t miss this musical rendez-vous!

The inextinguishable Candlelight Concerts return with a program brighter than ever. This spring, for the Candlelight Spring edition, a whole host of concerts will pay tribute to artists from all genres: Coldplay VS Imagine Dragons, Vivaldi, ABBA, Ludovico Einaudi, Adele, Queen… In May, listen to what you like.

Nocturnes in Brussels museums

Looking for the perfect afterwork this spring? Here it is! Every Thursday from 5pm to 10pm, from April 11 to May 23, 2024, Nocturnes des musées bruxellois welcomes you to rediscover the artistic wealth of Brussels. No fewer than 42 of the capital’s museums will allow you to reconnect with your artistic fibre. For example, the Art & History Museum, the Belgian Comic Strip Centre, the Foundry, the Institute of Natural Sciences and the Planetarium…. are just some of the many gems to be discovered!