Good news for bicycle enthusiasts! Cyclists are taking up more and more space on the streets of Brussels and this is just the beginning. New infrastructures are being created, such as bike paths and lanes, bike parks, bike-friendly hotels and many others. And let's not forget the abundant offer of guided tours and events for bike lovers. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or an amateur, Brussels has everything you need to enjoy the capital of Europe. Are you interested? Don't hesitate and come warm up your calves!
Why treat yourself to a stay in Brussels?
Brussels is a worthy representative of "Belgianness". It is populated by people from all walks of life who are always happy to welcome those who wish to discover one of the most sparkling capitals in Europe. It overflows with beautiful things to (re)discover tirelessly. Indeed, its DNA is composed of a sweet mix of Art Nouveau, comics, chocolate, beer, waffles, surrealism, jazz, but also great heritage classics like the magnificent Grand-Place. Without forgetting its museums which make you travel through art and history: the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, the Magritte Museum, the House of European History or the Museum of Eroticism and Mythology
Brussels is the multicultural city par excellence and you are welcomed in all languages. But above all, it is a human-sized capital that has decided to invest in soft mobility! That's why the bicycle has become the ideal way to discover it. Yes, large areas are now exclusively reserved for pedestrians or cyclists for a totally safe discovery of the city. There are more bicycle paths and, finally, motorists are now limited to 30 km/h throughout the region, with rare exceptions. So there's no excuse not to get on a bike when you're in Brussels!
Urban walks at will
The center of Brussels and its various neighborhoods form a magnificent set of architectural discoveries for cyclists. The ride can start with the historical center and its Unesco listed buildings, such as the City Hall and the King's House. Then take a detour to the Marolles district and pedal along the frescoes and street art. Then, when you reach the Marolles and the Sablon, allow yourself a break to go and browse through the antique shops. Every morning, on the Place du Jeu de Balle, the unmissable flea market is held. You should also go to the European district, always impressive with its gigantic European institutions. Not to mention the Flagey and Chatelain districts, with their magnificent Art Nouveau hotels. You can also cycle along the Brussels canal. This itinerary allows you to admire street art again and to discover the industrial past of the capital and its various sites today rehabilitated and which make it one of the most trendy districts of Brussels. Be sure, there is no chance that the pearls of Brussels' heritage will leave you indifferent.
Green escapes in the four corners of the capital
The great advantage of the European capital is that it has vast green spaces. So many little corners to reach by bike to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a breath of fresh air. Indeed, the Forêt de Soignes and its forest breaks of more than 5,000 ha are a magnificent playground for cyclists. But you don't have to stop there and many other green areas can also be cycled through, such as the Bois de la Cambre, the Josaphat Park or the Osseghem Park. Also, the famous Promenade Verte is a magnificent 63 km walk, which can be done over a day for the bravest among you! The itinerary allows pedestrians and cyclists to go around the Brussels-Capital Region by crossing many parks and forests. You will also come across bits of countryside hidden in the city and which have an incredible charm. Not to be missed!
Guided bike tours
If you want to add anecdotes and historical facts to your ride, several organizations offer bike tours with commentary by experienced guides. Pro Vélo offers a wide range of guided tours and the advantage is that all the themes of Brussels are covered. From March to December, Groovy Brussels offers its unmissable "Bike Tour" every day. This three and a half hour ride guides you through the must-see places in Brussels and offers you a little gourmet break in one of the best French fry shops in Brussels. Cactus also creates exclusive itineraries for cyclists, during which the guides gladly share their passion for Brussels and cycling. If you want to discover Brussels from an original angle, call Cities by bike. The organization takes you to the African district of Brussels: Matongé. Stroll around on your bike and let your eyes wander to cafés, hairdressers, fruit and vegetable stores from elsewhere and evangelical churches. Finally, take advantage of Once In Brussels ' original electric bike tours, punctuated with brewery discoveries. You prefer to explore the Brussels region and its suburbs by yourself? This is possible thanks to the Bike for Brussels itineraries and the "Brussels by bike" map that you can easily find in the tourist offices of visit.brussels. You can also follow the Euro Velo 5 itinerary linking northern France to southern Belgium.
Infrastructure for cyclists
Brussels has many places designed to make life easier for cyclists. If you visit Brussels by bike, you absolutely must visit one of the capital's bike hubs! Located on two exceptional sites, the Grand Hospice and See U offer a whole range of services to cyclists and cyclotourists: bike rental and repair, guided tours, events... all the essentials to meet your needs and facilitate your discovery of the Belgian capital with a two-wheeler. Contact them before your visit to book your activity. More and more establishments are offering a service to cyclotourists and thus creating a network of bike-friendly accommodations in Brussels. Secure bike parking, charging stations, repair tools, information on bike routes... These accommodations meet the specific needs of bike tourists. You will find the list of establishments on the visit.brussels website.
Bike rentals
You arrived in Brussels without a bike? No problem, renting a bike is perfectly possible in the capital. You can opt for shared bikes. Villohas 350 self-service bike stations throughout the region. Billy Bike, electric shared bikes based on the principle of free-floating, are also available. Free-floating is practical because you can pick up or drop off your bike anywhere, the stations are not fixed. In addition, you can simply unlock the bike with your smartphone via the mobile application. An easy and fun solution to visit and get around Brussels! You prefer the classic solutions? Then rent your bike for a day or more from Pro Vélo or CyCLO.
Are you an amateur or experienced cyclist, do you like urban discoveries or natural escapes? Then Brussels is the place for you
