FLOW Brussels
Only outdoor pool in Brussels
Davy from Brussels
"Can a ripple in the water become a tide?" I ponder while swimming my laps in FLOW, the only outdoor pool in Brussels.
Rewind to 1972. In the municipality of Evere, the last open-air swimming pool in Brussels closes down. For almost half a century, more than a million Brusseleirs won’t be able to take an outdoor swim. In 2016, citizens united in Pool is Cool, wished to re-introduce open-air swimming in Brussels. By turning public spaces into small temporary pools, Pool is Cool put pressure on politicians to take action.
Political change can be rather slow, so in 2021, Pool is Cool opened its own pool along the canal in Anderlecht: FLOW. After nearly five decades, Brusseleirs could finally splash again in the open air. But FLOW quickly grew out to be much more than just a summer pool. In winter, ice bears shiver in the Pool is Cold. You can also have a hot Flow Chaud sauna session. Or attend a music concert. Or stretch yourself during yoga or qi gong. Or do aqua gym. Or watch a swim-in movie. Or party along the pool.
It's clear that the modestly sized 17x7meters FLOW pool does not reflect Pool is Cool’s big dreams. Wrapped in my towel after my swim, I look at the ripples in the canal. Currently, politicians are exploring the possibility of a permanent outdoor swimming pool a few kilometres downstream and a natural swimming pond in the nearby Vijverspark.
What started as a ripple, became a tide.
Brussels Spotter Davy
About this spot
Our Brussels City Guide
Find your way with 295 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Brussels
Crèmerie Saint-Guidon
Buy back in time
At Crèmerie Saint-Guidon all the delicacies are personally selected: Brussels salted cheese and the famous ‘pottekees’; large eggs and delicious bread...
by
Davy
Verbeke
The Wild Lab
Healthy vegetarian breakfast
“The Wild Lab” in Brussels makes perfect vegetarian breakfasts for those lazy mornings…
by
William
Mertens
Chicago Café
My go-to brunch spot
"Chicago Café" is my favorite brunch spot in Brussels! They offer all-day breakfast & brunch and I recommend coming with friends - the portions are huge!
by
Charlotte
Mewis
Le Conteur
Middle-Eastern Flavors
Dishes come with bold and rich flavors, which blend different cultures and cuisines. Our choices fell on some mezze, including a tasty paprika hummus...
by
Emilia
D'Ettorres
Nightshop
Natural Wines in Sainte-Catherine
Standing in front of what looked like an open garage, a busy wine bar like no other was waiting for me. Looking at it, I was mesmerized...
by
Emilia
D'Ettorres
Place Sainte-Catherine
Vibrant square in Brussels
"Place Sainte-Catherine" is one of Brussels' most characteristic zones, and although tourists love it, locals love it even more for its versatility!
by
Charlotte
Mewis
Jardin des Sculptures
My zen place in Brussels
"Jardin des Sculptures" in Brussels is a little green oasis that forms a perfect combination of nature and arts. A true hidden gem...
by
Charlotte
Mewis
Cement Truck
Not your average piece of art
"Cement Truck" by Wim Delvoye is a unique piece that's a scaled-down model of a cement truck constructed in the Flemish Baroque style. An ode to opposites!
by
Charlotte
Mewis
Heading to Brussels?
295 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Brussels?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 295 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Brussels
Our team loves Brussels
Get to know our other Spotters from Brussels
As featured on:
