Feb 14, 2025

FLOW Brussels

Only outdoor pool in Brussels

"What began as a ripple became a tide: FLOW, Brussels’ only outdoor pool, now hosts swims, saunas, concerts, and dreams of bigger waters ahead."

"Can a ripple in the water become a tide?" I ponder while swimming my laps in FLOW, the only outdoor pool in Brussels.

Rewind to 1972. In the municipality of Evere, the last open-air swimming pool in Brussels closes down. For almost half a century, more than a million Brusseleirs won’t be able to take an outdoor swim. In 2016, citizens united in Pool is Cool, wished to re-introduce open-air swimming in Brussels. By turning public spaces into small temporary pools, Pool is Cool put pressure on politicians to take action.

Political change can be rather slow, so in 2021, Pool is Cool opened its own pool along the canal in Anderlecht: FLOW. After nearly five decades, Brusseleirs could finally splash again in the open air. But FLOW quickly grew out to be much more than just a summer pool. In winter, ice bears shiver in the Pool is Cold. You can also have a hot Flow Chaud sauna session. Or attend a music concert. Or stretch yourself during yoga or qi gong. Or do aqua gym. Or watch a swim-in movie. Or party along the pool.

It's clear that the modestly sized 17x7meters FLOW pool does not reflect Pool is Cool’s big dreams. Wrapped in my towel after my swim, I look at the ripples in the canal. Currently, politicians are exploring the possibility of a permanent outdoor swimming pool a few kilometres downstream and a natural swimming pond in the nearby Vijverspark.

What started as a ripple, became a tide.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Rue de la Petite Île 14

Entrance adult:

3.50

Find your way with 292 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Brussels guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Brussels

Chyl

Healthy Lifestyle

Chyl is a very cute café/restaurant with an excellent plant game. It's the place you bring your girlfriends for a healthy brunch to cure your hangover.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sarah

Filion

Apr 14, 2025

Minigolf Josaphat

Fun for all

Fun family activity - check! Original date - check! Fun afternoon with friends - check! Mini golf shouldn't just be known as a camping trip activity!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Sarah

Filion

Apr 13, 2025

Elbow Lunch Counter

Ultimate Deli Experience

They have the tastiest Philly cheese steaks, Italian BLT, pastrami sandwich and filter coffee refills. Take the counter seats for the ultimate experience.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sarah

Filion

Apr 13, 2025

Raki

Fine wine bar

I was impressed by the Pommes Dauphine with de Herve cheese, but what stole my heart was the Hamachi, sliced perfectly, and it came with labneh & fig leaf.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emilia

D'Ettorres

Apr 13, 2025

Sao Thai Cuisine

Thai culture to taste

When I come to Sao Thai with my friends, we order a couple of plates of the “Assiette Sao”, which includes an assortment of 6 different warm starters...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emilia

D'Ettorres

Apr 13, 2025
Bombay BBQ Brussels

Bombay BBQ

Indian fusion plates to share

The main idea is to order different plates (meat, fish, veggies) and share them! And according to the best Indian tradition, the food gets quite spicy...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emilia

D'Ettorres

Apr 13, 2025
Knees to Chin Brussels

Knees to Chin

Snack on rice paper rolls

"Knees to Chin" in Brussels can be both a healthy snack joint and a fully-fledged Vietnamese restaurant! I love the vibe and their famous spring rolls...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sarah

Filion

Apr 13, 2025
Flagey Building Brussels

Flagey Building

A leading culture house

The "Flagey Building", which used to house the National Radio Broadcasting Institute, has become one of Brussels' leading cultural institutions!

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Petra

Perazzini

Apr 12, 2025
Boitsfort Market Brussels

Boitsfort Market

Like a village market

"Boitsfort Market" in Brussels makes for a relaxed Sunday in a green area among locals. I regularly go there and I really enjoy the village feel!

017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Petra

Perazzini

Apr 12, 2025

Kamoun

Levantine cuisine to share

The watermelon with baked halloumi and honey will make you wonder how come you didn’t put these two together before. Be prepared to stay long...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emilia

D'Ettorres

Apr 10, 2025
Le 203 Brussels

Le 203

Seasonal bistro cuisine

The counter just in front of the open kitchen where the team of Le 203 accurately plates up and serves each dish is definitely where the magic begins...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Emilia

D'Ettorres

Apr 10, 2025
Botanique Brussels

Botanique

Botanical garden & cultural complex

"Botanique" is the name of the Botanical Garden of Brussels which is now a cultural complex and a perfect example of the city's multicultural identity...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Charlotte

Mewis

Apr 9, 2025

Heading to Brussels?

292 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Brussels?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

292 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Brussels

Our team loves Brussels

Get to know our other Spotters from Brussels

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
29
Filters