Feb 14, 2025

FLOW Brussels

Only outdoor pool in Brussels

"What began as a ripple became a tide: FLOW, Brussels’ only outdoor pool, now hosts swims, saunas, concerts, and dreams of bigger waters ahead."

"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.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Rue de la Petite Île 14

Entrance adult:

3.50

Find your way with 294 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Brussels guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Brussels

Viva Lasagna

Mouthwatering lasagna

I especially love their chicken lasagna because it takes away a little bit from the heavy pasta dish but still fulfills all of your carb cravings...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Anna

van Wuijckhuijse

Jul 14, 2025
Café Aa Brussels

Café Aa

Living room café

The Café Aa is a small place with amazing couches and a very charismatic owner who plays relaxing music and cooks one 'meal of the day'...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Anna

van Wuijckhuijse

Jul 14, 2025
Calmos Brussels

Calmos

Bistroquet & Caviste

"Calmos" in Brussels is a very nice little wine shop and bar with a warm, village bistro atmosphere!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

William

Mertens

Jul 14, 2025

Buddy Buddy

Vegan café and best nut butters

"Buddy Buddy" in Brussels is a cozy, minimalist café with great coffee - but what makes them special is their delicious home-made nut butters!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Petra

Perazzini

Jul 14, 2025
Hippodrome de Boitsfort Brussels

Hippodrome de Boitsfort

A historical racetrack

The "Hippodrome de Boitsfort" in Brussels is a historical horse track that's now a part of cultural heritage surrounded by beautiful nature.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Petra

Perazzini

Jul 14, 2025
La Cambre Art School Brussels

La Cambre Art School

When architecture meets art

"La Cambre Art School" in Brussels is situated in the building of the beautiful, well-known Cistercian Abbey. Explore its romantic courtyards & gardens...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Petra

Perazzini

Jul 14, 2025

Place Brugmann

The stylish "French" district

"Place Brugmann" in Ixelles, slightly off the centre of Brussels, is reminiscent of Paris. I like the independent shops surrounding it & the Sunday market!

017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Petra

Perazzini

Jul 14, 2025
Le Kiosque Brussels

Le Kiosque

An open-air café in the forest

Whenever I have a walk in Bois de la Cambre in Brussels, I always stop at open-air cafe "Le Kiosque" for a coffee or warm chocolate! Makes lockdown easier!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Petra

Perazzini

Jul 14, 2025
Thierry Boutemy Brussels

Thierry Boutemy

A celebrated artisan florist

Visiting "Thierry Boutemy"’s atelier in Brussels is like entering a magical world. This flower shop's fame has gained international fame & for good reason.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Petra

Perazzini

Jul 14, 2025
Peinture Fraiche Brussels

Peinture Fraiche

An art bookshop in calm setting

"Peinture Fraiche" is my favourite indie art bookshop in Brussels. I could spend hours in this calm and stylish bookshop with its wide range of subjects!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Petra

Perazzini

Jul 14, 2025
Bonnie and Jane Brussels

Bonnie and Jane

Nice clothing in charming store

"Bonnie and Jane" has become one of my favorite addresses for multi-brand women clothing in Brussels that's feminine, timeless and built to last!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Petra

Perazzini

Jul 14, 2025
Kaaitheater Brussels

Kaaitheater

Favorite stage for contemporary dance

"Kaaitheater" in central Brussels is in a stunning art-deco building. It's here I fell in love with contemporary dance... Great unpretentious atmosphere!

019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Petra

Perazzini

Jul 14, 2025

Heading to Brussels?

294 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

294 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

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:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
29
Made with the 💚 of 489 Spotters.
Filters