Schaarbeek Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and local culture in Schaarbeek, Brussels, Belgium. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Schaarbeek

Welcome to Schaarbeek, a vibrant and cultural neighborhood located in Brussels, Belgium. This lively district offers a diverse range of attractions, including cultural landmarks, museums, outdoor adventures, and a bustling food scene. Schaarbeek is easily accessible, just a short distance from Brussels’ central station and other popular areas of the city. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a deep dive into all the attractions you can explore in Schaarbeek, so let’s get started.

List of Places to Visit in Schaarbeek

From museums to historical landmarks and natural attractions, Schaarbeek has it all. Here are some of the must-visit places in Schaarbeek:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Train World Museum: The museum displays antique trains and educates visitors on Belgium’s railway heritage. It’s a great place for all train enthusiasts.

  • Schaarbeek Cemetery: This is the 2nd largest cemetery in Brussels and a serene place to explore; it’s located on a hill overlooking the city.

  • Saint-Servais Church: Constructed in 1030, this colossal church is constructed in Romanesque-style architecture and worth visiting.

  • Schaarbeek Museum of Beer: Explore the history of Belgian beer at this fascinating museum.

Natural Attractions of Schaarbeek: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Josaphat Park: This beautiful park is perfect for a leisurely walk, relax, or enjoy a picnic with some fresh air.

  • Albert’s Tree: Take a tour of this ancient tree, which is over 200 years old, and learn about the interesting history behind it.

  • La Fonderie: The industrial museum offers insights on the evolution of industrialization in Brussels over the years.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Schaarbeek

If you’re looking to explore Schaarbeek on foot or bicycle, you won’t be disappointed. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Schaarbeek:

  • The Promenade Verte: This walking trail boasts 62km of green spaces, parks, and gardens, and a perfect way to get around the city by foot.

  • EuroVelo Route 5: The route connects Brussels with London, following the breathtaking River Thames and River Maas.

Best Things to Do in Schaarbeek: Activities and Tours

Schaarbeek offers plenty of exciting activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top-rated things you can do in Schaarbeek:

  • Chocolate-Making Workshops: Treat yourself with a delicious Belgian chocolate-making workshop and satisfy your sweet cravings.

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: Enjoy stunning aerial views of Schaarbeek by taking a hot air balloon ride.

  • City Bike Tours: A bike tour is a fun way to explore city architecture, rich history, and famous landmarks.

Week-Long Itinerary for Schaarbeek

To fully experience all that Schaarbeek has to offer, here’s a possible week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Trip to Train World Museum, followed by a leisurely walk in Josaphat Park
Day 2 Visit the Schaerbeek Museum of Beer, followed by an evening exploring the food scene
Day 3 Take a hot air balloon ride followed by a city bike tour
Day 4 Visit La Fonderie, followed by a picnic in Albert’s Tree
Day 5 Tour of the Saint-Servais Church, followed by a walk to the Schaarbeek Cemetery
Day 6 Explore the iconic Atomium, followed by a visit to Brussels’ chocolate museum
Day 7 Take a day trip to nearby destinations, such as Antwerp or Bruges

Food and Drink Scene of Schaarbeek

Belgium is famous for its food and beverages, and Schaarbeek is no exception. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Moules-Frites: Mussels served with fries, is a Belgian classic and a must-try when visiting Schaarbeek.

  • Carbonade Flamande: This is a beef and beer stew, perfect for a chilly day or for those who want to savor Belgian cuisine.

  • Waffles: Belgian waffles are a quintessential dessert, whether plain, coated with choco sauce or cream or covered in strawberries.

Local Beverages

  • Belgian Beer: Beer is the most popular drink in Belgium, and for a good reason, Belgian brands are considered as some of the world’s best beers.

  • Cuberdon: Known as the Belgium’s traditional candy, Cuberdons have been around since 1930.

  • Chocolate: Belgium is famous for its chocolate; it has more chocolate shops per capita than Italy or any other country in the world.

Where to Stay in Schaarbeek: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Schaarbeek offers a diverse range of accommodation options for all types of travelers. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Schaarbeek:

  • Hotel Brussels: With its beautiful architecture and perfect location, the hotel offers a comfortable stay for a memorable trip.

  • Thon Hotel Brussels: This upscale hotel features a fitness center, on-site bar, and restaurant, perfect for a luxurious stay.

  • Ark Guesthouse: This cozy guesthouse offers affordable accommodations with kitchen facilities and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Schaarbeek: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

From local crafts, chocolates to Belgian beer, there are many souvenirs to bring home from Schaarbeek. Here are some of the products you should look out for:

  • Belgian Chocolates: As mentioned, Belgian chocolate is world-famous and available in many shops and boutiques all around Schaarbeek.

  • Craft Beer: Belgium is known globally for its beers, and with many breweries in the country, there is a wide range of beers to choose from.

  • Tintin Merchandise: Tintin is a comic book character created by Belgian cartoonist Georges Remi in 1929. Schaarbeek is a popular location to find different Tintin merchandise.

Local Culture and Customs of Schaarbeek

In Schaarbeek, the locals are friendly and welcoming and living in the neighborhood is affordable compared to other areas in Brussels. Schaarbeek is a multicultural district, and the community celebrates this diversity in various ways.

Best Time to Visit Schaarbeek

The best time to visit Schaarbeek is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny, and many outdoor activities are available. However, Schaarbeek is beautiful throughout the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Schaarbeek

Here are some of the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Schaarbeek.

Do:

  • Take time to explore Schaarbeek’s parks and green spaces.

  • Enjoy Belgian beer and local foods.

  • Be respectful towards the locals.

Don’t:

  • Litter or smoke in public areas.

  • Be loud and noisy in residential areas.

  • Ignore local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Schaarbeek is generally regarded as a safe neighborhood. Here’s what you should know about safety and health in Schaarbeek:

Safety in Schaarbeek

Like with any major city, petty crime does exist in Schaarbeek but is rare if common sense is applied. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings whenever you are on public transport, busy streets, or tourist hotspots.

Health in Schaarbeek

Schaarbeek has excellent health facilities and medical professionals available to help you if the need arises. Medical emergencies can be reported by dialing 112.

Getting to Schaarbeek: Transportation Options and Logistics

Schaarbeek is easily accessible by public transportation, and there are several parking areas available.

Airports Near Schaarbeek

  • Brussels Airport: The airport is located about 10 km from Schaarbeek, and there are bus and taxi services to and from the airport.

Bus Stations Near Schaarbeek

  • North Station (Brussels): This station is located in the heart of the Schaarbeek neighborhood, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want to explore the area by foot.

Other Options

  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Schaarbeek, and travelers can easily hail a cab on the street or book one from a taxi company.

How to Get Around in Schaarbeek

Schaarbeek offers a diverse range of public and private transportation options for travelers to explore the neighborhood. Here are some of the best ways to get around in Schaarbeek:

  • Tram: The tram is the most popular mode of public transportation in Schaarbeek, and it’s perfect for those who want to travel quickly.

  • Bike: Biking is a great way to explore Schaarbeek, and there are several bike rental companies available in the neighborhood.

Where to Go Next from Schaarbeek: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Schaarbeek is located near several other intriguing and popular destinations, making it an ideal base for those who want to explore the region further. Here are some of the places to visit near Schaarbeek:

  • Brussels: The capital city of Belgium is filled with rich culture, history, and delicious foods.

  • Antwerp: Located to the north of Schaarbeek, this city attracts travelers from all over the world with its stunning architecture and art scene.

  • Bruges: This medieval city is one of the most picturesque locations in Belgium.

Conclusion

Schaarbeek is a hidden gem in the heart of Belgium, offering visitors a perfect balance of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and a bustling food scene that is sure to please everyone. With its historical landmarks, tantalizing dishes, and breathtaking natural vistas, you’ll never run out of things to do and see in Schaarbeek. We hope this comprehensive guide will help you plan the perfect trip to Schaarbeek.

Town Hall of Schaarbeek with its 65 m tall tower in neo-renaissance style Town Hall of Schaarbeek with its 65 m tall tower in neo-renaissance style Saint Mary's Royal Church in Schaarbeek lit at night Saint Mary's Royal Church in Schaarbeek lit at night Bottles and brewing equipment on display in the Beer Museum. Bottles and brewing equipment on display in the Beer Museum.