We are finally allowed to go out after a long lock down and see people and yes, it feels amazing! But for an introvert like me, it’s also massively overwhelming. My personal Covid-19 recovery plan involves baby steps towards busy-ness and bringing fresh perspectives through restful moments.

I’ve been using this new found freedom to explore some places to find peace and quiet in Brussels. Brussels is a busy, dirty, awkward city, but there are a few safe havens that are filled with an incredibly harmonious vibe. You’ll find intriguing perspectives, undulating pathways, blossoming flowers and a feeling of historic peace.

I have chosen these places because they are secluded but nestled in more lively areas of town. After all I love to combine a walk with a stop at a café!

Parc Tenbosch

When I first moved to Brussels I lived right across from Parc Tenbosch and spent a lot of time here with my new baby. The park was once privately owned and (you can tell) has been landscaped with great love and care. When you arrive through the princely gates, the flora is bursting out to greet you and soothe your nerves.

If you go in the morning during the week (I know – if you can) you’ll be lucky enough to have the place almost to yourself. Lie on the grass and listen to the rustling of the trees, sit on a bench with a good book or walk slowly up, down and around this compact stately garden until you’re ready to face the big bad world again.

If you like to combine coffee or lunch with your park, plan ahead as there isn’t anything really close by. Grab something in advance from Holy Bagels or Ba.Ba Bagels, depending on which way you are coming from.

Parc Egmont

Prepare for a very pleasant surprise when you discover this beautiful park tucked away in the city centre! This leafy, clean, quiet park has a statue of Peter Pan, which is a copy of the statue in Kensington Gardens London and was given to the park to symbolise the friendship between Belgian and British children during the first world war. A safe harbour for children in a time of war is a good reminder of the joy and peace that we can and should enjoy, even in challenging times. At Parc Egmont you will find a great little café – La Fabrique - which has a huge outside terrace under the beautiful tall trees.

Abbaye de la Cambre

A visit to the “Abbaye de la Cambre” sparks fresh ideas and new perspectives. An hour spent here is both peaceful and inspiring. The abbey was founded in the 12th Century by Cistercian monks – an order of the Catholic church. The abbey was mostly re-constructed in the 18th Century after the buildings were almost completely destroyed during the French Revolution. The square courtyard, lovely stepped garden and illuminous stonework gives you a sense of symmetry, order, elegance and grandeur. A range of people have been drawn to this place over the centuries, to gather, work and invent - artists, creators, armies, architects, monks, geographers… and now even a brasserie (beer producer) proudly names itself after this famous Abbey. For a coffee, head towards Belga at Flagey. It’s a short walk but one of the most famous café/bars in Brussels.

I hope this has inspired you to get out – on your own – and explore this city. I suggest you don’t waste anymore of your freedom of movement working or running about after others. How about carving out some time for a bit of inspiration, peace and restoration in some of the most beautiful places in Brussels?

Dot Brussels

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