Things To Do
in Schaarbeek
Schaarbeek is a vibrant district located in the northern part of Brussels, Belgium. It is known for its diverse population and multicultural atmosphere. Visitors can explore beautiful parks, historic buildings, and cultural attractions such as the Train World museum.
Schaarbeek is also famous for its annual flower carpet event, where the main square is adorned with intricate floral designs.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Excusez-moi" - Excuse me
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $60 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk in Parc Josaphat, enjoying the blooming flowers and peaceful atmosphere. Consider grabbing a coffee at a nearby café to fuel your adventure.
Visit the Train Museum to learn about Belgium's rich railway history. Spend some time at local shops in the area, picking up unique souvenirs.
Dine at a cozy bistro that offers traditional Belgian cuisine. Stroll through the illuminated streets and appreciate the charming architecture.
Begin with a visit to the Brussels Art Nouveau Center to admire the splendid architecture and art. Grab a light brunch at a nearby eatery afterwards.
Head to the Maison Autrique, a beautiful historic house, for a guided tour. Spend time in the Patrick Hagenaars Park enjoying the artworks placed around.
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere. Consider attending a local theater or music performance if available.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural diversity and vibrant community life.
- Historic architecture and beautiful parks.
- Good public transport connections to Brussels and other nearby areas.
- Growing number of cafes, restaurants, and local businesses.
- Higher cost of living compared to some neighboring areas.
- Traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Some areas may experience crime and safety concerns.
- Limited availability of affordable housing.
Best Activities in Schaarbeek
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A beautiful park with walking trails, playgrounds, and open green spaces for picnics and outdoor activities.
An outdoor train museum with large outdoor spaces for exploring historic trains and railway artifacts.
Tours
Uncover the best of Schaarbeek with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Schaarbeek
Visit one of these nice places.
A large city park featuring beautiful gardens, ponds, and walking paths, offering panoramic views of the city and great photo opportunities.
An architectural gem with a historic design, offering unique photo opportunities for architecture enthusiasts.
A charming area with historic buildings and cobblestone streets, providing picturesque views and photo opportunities.
Food in Schaarbeek
Schaarbeek Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Belgian dish consisting of mussels steamed with white wine, garlic, and herbs, served with crispy golden fries.
Must-Try!
Also known as carbonnade flamande, this hearty beef stew is slow-cooked in Belgian beer and served with frites or bread.
Indulge in Belgian waffles, available in two styles: Brussels waffles (light and crispy) or Liege waffles (rich, dense, and sweet with caramelized sugar). They can be found at various street vendors and cafes throughout Schaarbeek.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Schaarbeek better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This weekly market offers a wonderful selection of fresh produce, local cheeses, artisan bread, and other culinary delights. Visitors can also enjoy street food such as Belgian frites and waffles from vendors.
A lively event featuring a variety of food trucks offering diverse cuisines, perfect for enjoying a wide range of international street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Schaarbeek, it's important to be mindful of personal space and avoid standing too close to people, especially when having conversations or waiting in lines.
Being punctual is valued in Schaarbeek, so it's courteous to arrive on time for appointments, meetings, and social gatherings.
Greetings are an important part of Belgian culture, so it's customary to greet people with a handshake and maintain politeness in interactions, using 'please' and 'thank you' frequently.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Schaarbeek with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Schaarbeek
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Schaarbeek, Belgium is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. It is common to leave a 5-10% tip at restaurants if the service was satisfactory.
In Schaarbeek, Belgium, cash is widely accepted but credit and debit cards are also commonly used for payments. Contactless payment methods are becoming increasingly popular, and most businesses in Schaarbeek accept major international credit and debit cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Schaarbeek.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a beautiful time to visit Schaarbeek, when the surrounding areas come to life with colorful blossoms and the weather becomes milder. The city's parks and gardens are particularly inviting during this time.
Summer in Schaarbeek brings warm weather and longer days, making it ideal for outdoor activities and events. Many cultural festivals and outdoor markets take place during this season.
Autumn in Schaarbeek is marked by beautiful foliage and a pleasant, crisp atmosphere. It's a great time to explore the city's historical sites and enjoy the local cuisine.
Winter in Schaarbeek is cozy and atmospheric, with holiday markets and festive decorations adding to the charm. Visitors can enjoy winter sports in the nearby Ardennes region and indulge in warm Belgian chocolates.
Schaarbeek at Night
Hiking in Schaarbeek
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large park with walking trails, beautiful gardens, and a mix of wooded areas, ideal for a leisurely hike.
A vast woodland area that offers a variety of trails through nature, perfect for hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
A historical park with expansive green spaces, perfect for walking and exploring the surrounding museums and monuments.
Located slightly further out, this park has beautiful forest trails and scenic views, great for more extended hiking adventures.
A beautiful forest area with marked trails suitable for all levels of hikers, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Schaarbeek through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Schaarbeek by plane.
The main airport serving Brussels and located approximately 13 km from Schaarbeek. It is one of the busiest airports in Europe.
A major low-cost airport located about 60 km south of Schaarbeek, serving various international destinations.
Located approximately 45 km north of Schaarbeek, it mainly serves regional flights and some international routes.
Situated around 90 km southeast of Schaarbeek, this airport primarily handles cargo but also offers passenger flights.
The main airport serving Brussels and located approximately 13 km from Schaarbeek. It is one of the busiest airports in Europe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant group with strong cultural ties and a vibrant presence in the local community.
A well-established population contributing to the multicultural identity of Schaarbeek.
An active demographic known for its rich cultural practices and community events.
Historically significant, this group has roots dating back to the mid-20th century.
A diverse group representing various countries and cultures from the Sub-Saharan region.
Includes people from countries like Vietnam and the Philippines, adding to the diversity.
Comprises individuals of Belgian descent, playing a central role in the social fabric.
The Soul of Schaarbeek
Discover the essence of Schaarbeek through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Schaarbeek, with many local clubs and a strong community following.
Basketball has gained popularity in recent years, with several active teams and youth programs encouraging participation.
Cycling is a favored activity in Schaarbeek, both as a sport and for commuting, supported by various cycling paths and clubs.
Athletics, including running and track events, attracts many participants and is supported by local athletic clubs and events.
Volleyball is enjoyed in community centers and schools, with recreational leagues and teams forming regularly.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Schaarbeek.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Schaarbeek offer diverse vegetarian and vegan menu items, ranging from plant-based waffles to flavorful vegetable stews.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can find gluten-free versions of Belgian classics like waffles and hearty stews at select eateries in Schaarbeek.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Schaarbeek with these cultural adventures.
