Missed the Royal Greenhouses this year? No worries! We’ve got you covered with 5 alternative spots — just as charming and completely free. These secret gardens and greenhouses are well off the beaten path. Perfect for some peace and quiet, or just a breath of fresh air.
Jean Massart botanic garden
Tucked away in Auderghem, this botanic garden celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022. Despite its 5-hectare surface, it’s still a well-kept secret for most people in Brussels. Open all year round and free of charge, it’s home to many remarkable trees and plant species that attract rich biodiversity.
📍 To get there: open your app, type Jean Massart botanic garden in the search box and… let Floya guide you!
Local greenhouses
Did you know that some Brussels communes have their own greenhouses? In Jette, for example, they’re tucked along the edge of the Poelbosch. This green haven opens its doors during the Environment Open Days (dates vary between late April and mid-May). It’s the perfect moment to admire the vibrant colors inside the greenhouses, join a guided walk, learn how to compost, or explore the nearby children’s farm.
The Schaerbeek greenhouses are hidden away in the heart of Josaphat Park. This is where the flowers that brighten up the streets are grown, far from prying eyes. Every year, usually on the first Sunday of May, you can visit them for free. A quiet, colorful rendezvous you don’t want to miss.
📍 To get there: open your app, type Serres communales de Jette or Josaphat Park in the search box and… let Floya guide you!
Paul Moens medicinal plant garden
Well-hidden on the UCLouvain campus in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert/Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe, this 2.5-hectare park remains one of Brussels’ best-kept secrets.
Open every day and completely free, it features the largest collection of medicinal plants in Belgium. You’ll also come across the city’s very first permanent contemporary sculpture garden. An idyllic spot for a peaceful escape in an unexpected setting.
📍 To get there: open your app, type Jardin des plantes médicinales Paul Moens in the search box and… let Floya guide you!
Philosophical garden at the Erasmus House
You may have heard of the Erasmus House in Anderlecht, but did you know it has a philosophical garden with leaf-shaped flower beds? Inspired by the travels of the famous humanist, this peaceful spot also includes a medicinal plant garden. Both are open to the public for free every first Sunday of the month and during Heritage Days in September.
📍 To get there: open your app, type Erasmus House in the search box and… let Floya guide you!
Meise Botanic Garden
Did you know there’s another castle estate with stunning greenhouses and gardens that’s open to the public? Far from the buzz of Laeken, the Meise Botanic Garden — just outside Brussels — offers a refreshing escape all year round.
Explore over 92 hectares of peaceful greenery, admire the iconic giant water lilies, or witness the blooming of the world’s largest flower.
Admission is free if you live in Meise, know someone with a friends card, or have a Museum Pass.
📍 To get there: open your app, type Plantentuin Meise in the search box and… let Floya guide you!
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