The Hippodrome de Boitsfort is located on the fringe of the very popular parc Bois de la Cambre. It was built in 1875 for the Belgian Society in charge of horse competitions (so expect some nice art-nouveau touches). Today, horses don't race here anymore, but the place has become one the most pleasant areas in Brussels to have a run or a walk while benefiting from the surrounding nature. There is even a little golf circuit in the middle of the Hippodrome. In 2018, a brasserie opened in the building where the jockeys used to be weighed and is now listed as a historical monument.
Not living too far from it, I like to walk from my place to the Hippodrome, crossing Bois de la Cambre and relaxing on the Hippodrome’s stands which have been recently restored. This is a perfect spot to take advantage of the sunny days in Brussels.
During Covid-lockdown, it has also become a perfect place where friends would meet and share some coffee or tea brought from home or organise improvised birthday parties. I have also seen people reading a book while sunbathing or doing yoga on the upper part of the stands. Here you can meet people of all ages, starting from youngsters having a drink on the steps, families with children or elderly people having a walk.
This is a place in Brussels that combines historical heritage and nature!
Find your way with 292 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
With an extravagant vintage decore, the bar takes its name from Queen Fabiola, a Spanish noblewoman who was a very beloved Queen consort of the Belgians.
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With a cozy interior and a pleasant scent of toasted coffee beans, Caleo offers different options for brunch, from viennoiseries to delicious pancakes.
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The name Nenu comes from the Vietnamese concept of “an nhau”, a style of drinking and eating culture, sharing small and large plates with friends & family.
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If you come with a group, I suggest taking the “Moriawase” (Japanese for “assortment”), a larger plate that is easier to share and to try different things.
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Peaking at my neighbors' plates, I decided to try the bass with garlic oil, ginger, and furikake, and the tartare de boeuf with pepper mousse and pickles on the side.
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The stars of the menu are the homemade fluffy pancakes - an explosion of flavors, which come in different flavors, including a tiramisu and matcha version.
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As a meat lover, I absolutely enjoyed the dishes based on Iberic pork, including the spare ribs and the Jiang Rou Bao, which literally melted in my mouth.
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At Piola the specialty of the house is the “Siciliana o’ Cornicione” pizza, but it is only for the bravest: it comes with a ricotta cheese stuffed crust.
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Mexican dishes with popular central American influences. But be ready to share: the options are way too many (and delicious) to just get one dish.
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One bite and you will forget all about your next day’s meetings or other adult-life tasks. Crispy fries and fried chicken come as an extra...
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If beer is not your cup of tea, and you fancy some charcuterie boards, then Etiquette is the place for you with its vast selection of wines from all over.
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Kaiju are giant monsters featured in Japanese fantasy and science fiction films and television programs. Once I stepped into this place, it all made sense.
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292 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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