Brussels Leisure

The inhabitants of Brussels love sports, and there are many traditional and modern recreational pursuits on offer. The sporting facilities here are usually of a very high standard, with several being world-class. Leisure activities are also very popular, with shopping being the favourite of many.

Traditional sports

Belgians have a range of unique sports, of which table football and billiards are extremely popular, probably because you can down a Koninck or two while playing. A unique pastime is the ancient sport of tir à l'arc en hauteur, where competitors fire arrows at feathers atop a pole, trying to knock them off. You can witness this fun sport at the larger parks such as Parc Josaphat.

Football

While not a powerhouse, the main local Brussels team, RSC Anderlecht, usually tops the Belgian table and thereby gains entry into Europe’s top club competitions. The club has been successful at European level, and tourists timing their visit right could catch one of Anderlecht’s Champion’s League games against famous rivals. The team is based at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium in Anderlecht.

Cycling

Cycling is extremely popular all over Europe, but Belgians are very proud of their history in the sport, with legends such as Eddie Merckx being idolised here. There is a full calendar of professional as well as amateur events, while recreational cyclists have plenty of great trials to choose from in places such as Bois de la Cambre and the Forêt de Soignes

Go-karting

Belgians have a fascination with motor sports, and one incarnation of this can be seen in the popularity of go-karting, a miniaturised version of F1 racing. There is a track at City Kart, while enthusiasts can even try out the Belgian Grand Prix circuit at rue de Lusambo.

Ice skating

In winter, many of Brussels’ squares are transformed into temporary ice skating rinks that are fabulous places to enjoy skating, both during the day and in the evening. The atmosphere is magical, particularly over the festive season, when hundreds of locals and visitors alike take to the ice.

Shopping

Be it lace, designer clothing, antiques, chocolates or jewellery, there are hundreds of stores in Brussels providing excellent goods, albeit at not so cheap prices. Still, the range and quality of the items cannot be beaten. The so-called ‘Golden Mile’ from the Meir to Groen Plaats passes through the main shopping areas, while there are many markets of different themes held at major city squares such as the Grote Markt, Grand Sablon and Marolles districts. Also worth exploring are the streets around Grand Place and the southern side of the Upper Town district.