Our top 5 picnic spots, walking distance to Morton Place

If you live near Parvis de Saint-Gilles, Place Van Meenen, or the Chatelain, you’re in one of Brussels’ most vibrant neighborhoods — full of cafés, terraces, and community energy. While green space is limited right outside your door, some of the city’s most beautiful parks and urban hangouts are just a short walk, bike ride, or tram away.

From peaceful ponds to lively plazas, here are five picnic-perfect places where locals (including our Morton Place residents) go to relax, snack, and soak up the sunshine.

Forest Park – Parc de Foret

📍 Steps from Place Van Meenen

Just around the corner from our newest coliving house Morton Place Horta near Place Van Meenen, Parc de Forest is a spacious, leafy park perfect for relaxing afternoons. Wide lawns, shaded corners, and flower beds make it the ideal spot to throw down a blanket. Newly renovated, the park is a delight for 2025.

What to bring:

• Dumplings from Mo Mo

• Rice paper rolls from Knees to Chin

• Snacks from Carrefour Market on Chaussée d’Alsemberg

Insider tip: Head to the quieter corner at Avenue des Villas & Avenue de la Savoie for more privacy and shade.

✅ Best for: spontaneous picnics, jogging, or hanging out on  relaxed weekends

Place Louis Morichar Park

📍 Just off Parvis de Saint-Gilles

Place Louis Morichar is more of a community hub than a traditional park. With basketball courts, skate ramps, and benches under shady trees, it’s a go-to for local hangouts. Expect skateboarders, friend groups, and lots of terrace action in summer.

Local tip: Grab a glass of natural wine from TILT, our favorite terrace bar right across the street, and settle in for a casual, urban picnic.

✅ Best for: sunset vibes, people-watching, local flavor

Bois de la Cambre

The Bois de la Cambre is the ultimate outdoor space somewhat close to Morton Place. It’s definitely worth the extra effort to get there, either by planning a long-ish walk or via scooter, bike, or public transport. Boasting an expanse of grassy fields, forest areas and walking & biking trails lining the southern part of Brussels you can always find a shady spot under the trees or stake your claim to a sunny patch by the lake.

If you’re up for a mini adventure, jump on the ferry boat shuttle to Chalet Robinson where you can dine more formally in the restaurant — or plop down in a canvas lounger on the lawn and watch the paddle boaters go by.

Insider Tip:

Our favorite place for quick bites and cool drinks is Le Kiosque. This cheerful, self service café has some impromptu jazz nights during the summer and keeps its terrace full of young punters satisfied with generous drinks, decent enough food and lovely staff.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

📍 Near the European Quarter

Maybe you work near the European Quarter or just want a change of scenery…Parc du Cinquantenaire offers a majestic backdrop for picnicking. Surrounded by a panoramic arcade built to commemorate the 50th year of Belgium’s independence, the park features a long esplanade and ample space for spreading out to enjoy a Brussels sunset. 

Things to do:

• Visit the Art, Military, or Auto Museum

• Grab deli snacks from the gourmet shops nearby

• Watch the sunset over the arcade

• Look out for the free salsa dancing under the arches every weekend from 4pm, rain or shine!

✅ Best for: day trips, museum lovers, and spontaneous dancing

The Ixelles Ponds & Gardens of the Abbaye de la Cambre 

Just a hop, skip & jump from Morton Place Chatelain you’ll find an idyllic location for picnicking amid the bustle of popular Place Flagey. If you go on Saturday or Sunday, hit the famous Flagey market, easily accessible on the 81 tram from Lombardie. On other days, combine an afternoon apéro or morning espresso on the sprawling terrace of red chairs at Cafe Belga — and then make your way along the Ixelles ponds and up through the Abbey and surrounding gardens.

Can You See Yourself at Morton Place? 

We hope that you’ll join our Morton Place community! As a resident in one of our homes it is our mission to help you settle into Brussels, including helping navigate the commune. All the while delivering you the unique benefits of a chic, all-inclusive, coliving environment. Feel free to reach out anytime!