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Schaerbeek

Attractions and Places To See around Schaerbeek - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Schaerbeek, a vibrant municipality in the Brussels-Capital Region, offer a mix of historical charm, cultural experiences, and green spaces. Known for its Art Nouveau architecture and diverse community, it provides a unique glimpse into Belgian life. The area is well-connected, making major Brussels attractions easily accessible.

Best attractions and places to see around Schaerbeek

  • The most popular attractions is Grand Place (Grote Markt), Brussels, a historical site that is the bustling heart and an iconic symbol of the Belgian capital. The square is rich in history and features Gothic town hall and impressive baroque facades.
  • Another must-see spot is Sonian Forest Path, a forest that extends over 4,383 hectares across three regions. Visitors can expect to explore this green lung, known as the "beech cathedral," which preserves exceptional fauna and flora.
  • Visitors also love Bois de la Cambre, a 123-hectare forest park. It serves as a green lung connecting the Sonian Forest to the city center and offers picturesque viewpoints.
  • Schaerbeek is known for its historical sites, cultural venues, and expansive green spaces. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from architectural marvels to natural retreats.
  • The attractions around Schaerbeek are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1,100 upvotes and over 1,200 photos shared.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Grand Place (Grote Markt), Brussels

Highlight • Historical Site

The Grand Place, known as Grand-Place in French, is the bustling heart of the Belgian capital Brussels and an absolutely iconic symbol of the city. The square is rich in history and beautiful architecture, of which the Gothic town hall and impressive baroque closed facades are some of the highlights. The harmonious mix of old buildings with their unique designs gives the Grand Place an enchanting character and rightly so it is one of the most admired squares in Europe.

In 1998, the Grand Place, along with other architectural treasures, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to this beautiful square is an absolute must for any traveler to Brussels.

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Sonian Forest Path

Highlight • Forest

The Sonian Forest extends over 4,383 hectares, divided between the three regions of the country. 1,665 ha are located in the Brussels-Capital Region, so that the forest occupies almost 10% of the territory of the Brussels Region.

This green lung has grown over the years into the “beech cathedral” that we know today, and has managed to preserve an exceptional fauna and flora.

Because this forest has never been exploited, it has retained a relief and subsoil that have not been touched by agriculture for over 10,000 years.

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Bois de la Cambre

Highlight • Forest

This 123-hectare park, a veritable green lung in a highly urbanized area, serves as a sort of "outstretched hand" from the Sonian Forest to the city center. It is now classified as a Natura 2000 area (since 2004). The Robinson chalet at its center, isolated on its island, completes the romantic postcard setting.

This hilly area offers some very picturesque viewpoints. On our bikes, we'll recall the existence of a velodrome, now defunct, inaugurated in 1893. It's worth noting that in 1906, with the advent of the automobile, the mayor restricted car and motorcycle traffic to only a portion of the road network. This usage is disputed to this day!

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Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Highlight • Monument

Typical of Brussels is this beautiful gallery, many small and pretty shops, but mostly geared towards tourists, such as the inevitable Belgian chocolate.

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Zonienwald (Sonian Forest)

Highlight • Forest

The Sonian Forest, also known as the Zoniënwoud, is a large forest area centrally located in Belgium, southeast of Brussels. It covers approximately 4,421 hectares and is best known for its old beech trees, some of which are over 200 years old.
The forest has a rich history dating back to the Iron Age and has had various functions over the centuries, such as providing firewood and timber for the construction of houses and ships, and as a backdrop for hunting scenes. The current forest landscape with deciduous trees has its origins in the Austrian period (1714-1795).

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Tips from the Community

Tony Vanderbruggen
April 15, 2026, Zonienwald (Zoniënwoud)

This tour goes for kilometers through the forest. In spring it is beautiful with the hyacinths and wood anemones. In summer nice and cool.

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I was pleasantly surprised here: a former road through the forest is now a paradise for cyclists and pedestrians. I can't imagine cars there.👍🙏😜🚴

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Old asphalt in the forest. Could be a better surface.

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Payou
October 7, 2024, Soignes Forest Path

very pleasant for a bike ride

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Enjoying the Sonian Forest is easy from the various access gates. These access gates are located on the edge of the forest, are easily accessible and are therefore the ideal starting point to explore the forest. There are eight access gates. Information about this can be found at https://www.zonienwoud.be/praktisch/toegangspoorten/

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The Sonian Forest, also known as the Zoniënwoud, is a large forest area centrally located in Belgium, southeast of Brussels. It covers approximately 4,421 hectares and is best known for its old beech trees, some of which are over 200 years old. The forest has a rich history dating back to the Iron Age and has had various functions over the centuries, such as providing firewood and timber for the construction of houses and ships, and as a backdrop for hunting scenes. The current forest landscape with deciduous trees has its origins in the Austrian period (1714-1795).

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Always beautiful, spacious and varied forest

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One of the green lungs of the south of Brussels... forms the link between Brussels and the Forest of Soignes. Ideal place for walks, jogging or cycling

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical or architectural landmarks can I visit in Schaerbeek?

Schaerbeek is rich in architectural heritage. You can explore the majestic Schaerbeek Town Hall, known for its old Flemish design, or visit the Royal Church of Sainte-Marie with its distinctive Romanesque-Byzantine style and 'dome of stars'. Don't miss the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a beautiful covered passage with shops. The Maison Autrique, an early work by Victor Horta, is a prime example of Art Nouveau, and Avenue Louis Bertrand offers an open-air display of this architectural style.

What cultural attractions does Schaerbeek offer?

For cultural experiences, Schaerbeek boasts several unique museums. Train World, located in the historic Schaarbeek railway station, offers an interactive journey through Belgium's railway history. You can also delve into Belgium's beer culture at the Schaerbeek Beer Museum or discover a fascinating collection of Art Deco ceramic clocks at the Clockarium Museum. The Halles de Schaerbeek is another notable cultural venue.

Are there natural spaces or parks for outdoor activities in Schaerbeek?

Yes, Schaerbeek is home to beautiful green spaces. Josaphat Park, often called the 'green lung of Schaerbeek,' is a 20-hectare park perfect for strolls, with lush greenery, sculptures, and ponds. Nearby, you can also explore the vast Sonian Forest Path, a 'beech cathedral' known for its exceptional fauna and flora, or the Bois de la Cambre, a large forest park connecting to the Sonian Forest.

Are there family-friendly attractions in Schaerbeek?

Absolutely! Families can enjoy the interactive exhibits at Train World or spend time outdoors at Josaphat Park, which features a playground area. The Sonian Forest Path and Bois de la Cambre also offer plenty of space for family walks and exploration. For a broader experience, the Grand Place (Grote Markt), Brussels, easily accessible from Schaerbeek, is a historical site that captivates visitors of all ages.

What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

The green spaces around Schaerbeek are ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for running, cycling, and gravel biking. For specific routes and guides, check out the nearby guides for Running Trails around Schaerbeek, Cycling around Schaerbeek, and Gravel biking around Schaerbeek.

Are there dog-friendly places in Schaerbeek?

Yes, the Sonian Forest (also known as Zonienwald) is a large forest area that is generally dog-friendly, offering ample space for walks with your canine companion. Always ensure to follow local regulations regarding leashes and waste disposal.

When is the best time to visit Schaerbeek attractions?

Schaerbeek can be enjoyed year-round. Spring is particularly beautiful in Josaphat Park when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The historical and cultural sites like the Town Hall, museums, and Art Nouveau architecture are accessible regardless of the season. For outdoor activities in the parks and forests, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and scenic beauty.

Where can I find places to eat or drink in Schaerbeek?

Schaerbeek offers diverse dining and drinking options. The Plasky neighborhood is known for trendy bars like Chez Felix and Le Python. Chaussee de Haecht is a great spot for Middle Eastern and Balkan cuisine, including Turkish brunch. Don't forget to visit Van Dender Chocolate for award-winning Belgian chocolates.

Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions in Schaerbeek or nearby?

The Grand Place (Grote Markt), Brussels, a major historical site easily accessible from Schaerbeek, is noted as wheelchair-accessible. For specific accessibility details at other attractions, it's advisable to check their individual websites.

What do visitors enjoy most about Schaerbeek and its surrounding areas?

Visitors frequently appreciate the harmonious blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and expansive green spaces. The magnificent architecture, particularly the Art Nouveau style, and the interactive museums like Train World are highly praised. The tranquility and natural beauty of Josaphat Park, the Sonian Forest Path, and the Bois de la Cambre are also highlights, offering a refreshing escape from urban life.

How can I explore the Art Nouveau architecture in Schaerbeek?

Schaerbeek is a treasure trove for Art Nouveau enthusiasts. You can visit the Maison Autrique, one of Victor Horta's early masterpieces, which is open most days. Additionally, Avenue Louis Bertrand is renowned as an open-air museum, showcasing numerous buildings with beautiful Art Nouveau facades and intricate details.

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Most popular attractions around Schaerbeek

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