The Hippodrome de Boitsfort is located on the fringe of the very popular parc Bois de la Cambre. It was built in 1875 for the Belgian Society in charge of horse competitions (so expect some nice art-nouveau touches). Today, horses don’t race here anymore, but the place has become one the most pleasant areas in Brussels to have a run or a walk while benefiting from the surrounding nature. There is even a little golf circuit in the middle of the Hippodrome. In 2018, a brasserie opened in the building where the jockeys used to be weighed and is now listed as a historical monument.

Not living too far from it, I like to walk from my place to the Hippodrome, crossing Bois de la Cambre and relaxing on the Hippodrome’s stands which have been recently restored. This is a perfect spot to take advantage of the sunny days in Brussels.

During Covid-lockdown, it has also become a perfect place where friends would meet and share some coffee or tea brought from home or organise improvised birthday parties. I have also seen people reading a book while sunbathing or doing yoga on the upper part of the stands. Here you can meet people of all ages, starting from youngsters having a drink on the steps, families with children or elderly people having a walk.

This is a place in Brussels that combines historical heritage and nature!