Parc de Bruxelles

The city's historical green lung
Noteworthy for: In 1830, during the War of Independence, Belgian patriots fought Dutch troops in the park.

Originally a private hunting ground for the Dukes of Brabant, the area that is now Parc de Bruxelles was landscaped in the 18th century and subsequently became the most fashionable garden in which to see and be seen. Today, it's the city's largest central park and a great place to escape the crowds for a while.
It's an ideal place to watch the national holiday fireworks on 21 July and an equally good spot to rest weary feet after visiting the bordering Royal Palace. Or stroll along the grand tree-lined paths that lead to fountains, statues and a restored 1840s bandstand which hosts concerts in the summer months.