Schaerbeek is a very “local” Brussels district, known for its large avenues, its Art Nouveau / Art Deco facades and especially its great family-friendly classic: the Josaphat Park.
You can make a very simple outing, or build a half-day more “culture” with an ultra visual museum like Train World, or an architecture visit to the Maison Autrique.
Why go with your family?
- Because it’s an easy combo: a “square” marker, a large park and a break (without complicated journeys).
- It works with all ages: playground, lawns, ponds in the park, and very visual museums nearby.
- There are “rain” options: Train World, Maison Autrique, Neptunium (swimming pool)..
About Schaerbeek
- Schaerbeek is a reference in Brussels in terms of Art Nouveau and beautiful facades (Avenue Louis Bertrand in the lead).
- Josaphat Park is the big green spot in the district (20 hectares, ponds, recreational areas).
- The town also has real “heritage” landmarks: Town Hall (Place Colignon), cultural halls, etc.
At a glance
Easy starting points
- Place Colignon / Town Hall (central landmark, “postcard” architecture).
- Josaphat Park (the “open-air” heart of the district).
- Schaerbeek Station / Train World (if you are coming for an activity).
- Avenue Louis Bertrand (for the “architecture and stroll” mood).
Duration
- 2 hours: Place Colignon, Josaphat Park and snack break
- 3–4 hours: a visit (Train World or Maison Autrique), in addition to the walk
Better timing
- Morning / early afternoon: walk and park
- Friday afternoon: “market” atmosphere (Place des Chasseurs Ardennais, 2pm–8pm)
🎟️ To book in the neighborhood
- Train World (train museum – visual, kids-friendly)
Museum in the old station: locomotives, scenography, very effective with the family.
Place Princesse Élisabeth 5, 1030 Schaerbeek
Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (often 1 hour 30 minutes for a visit).
- Autrique House (Art Nouveau – Victor Horta)
Emblematic house to visit if you want a dose of “architecture” (very Schaerbeek).
Chaussée de Haecht 266, 1030 Schaerbeek
Opening hours: Wed–Sun 12pm–6pm (indicative)
- The Maison des Arts (exhibitions + beautiful venue)
An exhibition space in a house of character, perfect for a mini “culture” interlude.
Chaussée de Haecht 147, 1030 Schaerbeek - Neptunium (swimming pool – “rain” plan)
Communal swimming pool known in the district, with main pool + learning pool.
Rue de Jérusalem 56, 1030 Schaerbeek
- Les Halles de Schaerbeek (shows / agenda)
Historic cultural hall: to watch if you come across a family show.
Rue Royale Sainte-Marie 22a, 1030 Schaerbeek
Walking route
1) Place Colignon: simple starting point
We start on the square, in front of the Town Hall: it is the landmark of the district, very photogenic, and the “real local life” atmosphere is immediate.
2) Around Colignon: the small “facade” loop
Before leaving, we do 5–10 minutes around the nearby streets: this is where Schaerbeek shows its “beautiful houses / architecture” side.
3) Avenue Louis Bertrand: the “Schaerbeek = architecture” walk
We go up (or cross) Avenue Louis Bertrand: great perspectives, facades, details… It’s the perfect portion to walk quietly while looking around.
4) Descend to Josaphat Park: the heart of the family version
Head to Josaphat Park: the great classic of the district. As soon as we get there, we go into pause mode, children breathing.
5) Josaphat Park: pond tower, playground and lawns
We set ourselves a mini-loop (by feeling): ponds, large lawns, corners to breathe. This is the “zero stress” stage.
6) Gourmet break (without leaving the park)
Two easy options depending on the season:
- The Laiterie du Parc Josaphat (simple break)
- La Guinguette Populeir (terrace break)
Perfect for a snack, a drink, or a snack before leaving.
7) Family activity (if you want “a real outing”)
Museum option: Train World (1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes)
Art Nouveau Option: Autrique House (60–75 min)
Pool option: Neptunium (free time)
8) Return to Place Colignon to finish on a “dinner / brasserie” vibe
We naturally come back to Colignon (or we stay close to the park depending on the option chosen) for a simple end to the outing: brasserie or pizza, and presto, everyone is happy.
Where to eat in the neighborhood with kids
Sainte-Catherine is the “food” district of the centre: ideal for the family because Schaerbeek is the combo of local district + Josaphat Park : ideal for the family because you can go for a walk + take a break in the countryside, and choose between pizza (kids-universal), or brasserie when you want a real table.
Simple lunch (effective with kids)
- Café Colignon — Place Colignon 6, 1030 Schaerbeek
Lunches/sandwiches and cakes: practical when you want to eat quickly and keep up the pace.
- La Laiterie du Parc Josaphat — Parc Josaphat, 1030 Schaerbeek
The “break in the park” plan: simple, suitable for children, perfect for cutting the walk without leaving the Josaphat.
On the go (version “it doesn’t linger”)
- Master Frites — Chaussée de Louvain 503, 1030 Schaerbeek
Fries, take-away format: effective when you have to set up a meal without negotiation.
- La Guinguette Populeir — Parc Josaphat, 1030 Schaerbeek
Terrace in the park, small menu: perfect when the weather is nice (and very simple with children).
Pizza (universal kids option)
- Biga Pizzeria — Place Colignon 18, 1030 Schaerbeek
Neapolitan pizza “safe bet”: top when you want something that pleases everyone, right next to the square.
- 450 Gradi — Avenue Emile Max 90, 1030 Schaerbeek
Another very solid pizza option in the neighborhood, convenient if you’re on the Emile Max/Diamond side.
More relaxed dinner (“real outing” version)
- Brasserie Eden — Place Colignon 21, 1030 Schaerbeek
Efficient brasserie on the square: perfect if you want to sit at the table without moving from the heart of the district.
Practical information
Market (local atmosphere)
- Place des Chasseurs Ardennais : Friday 2pm–8pm.
Josaphat Park (main marker)
- The large park of the district: 20 hectares, ponds, lawns, recreational areas.
Access (Single)
- Train World : Place Princesse Élisabeth 5, 1030 Schaerbeek (handy if you build the exit around the museum).
Stroller & Accessibility
- The Place + Avenues + Park part is very good in urban walk mode.
- In the park, everything is designed for a family outing (break, pond tour, recreational areas).
Frequently Asked Questions
A very “local” Brussels district, renowned for its avenues and facades (Art Nouveau / Art Deco), and for its large park: Josaphat.
Place Colignon (Town Hall), Avenue Louis Bertrand (architecture), Josaphat Park.
Both: architecture and park walk, and the possibility of adding a very family visit (Train World) or an Art Nouveau house (Maison Autrique).
Train World, Neptunium (swimming pool), Maison des Arts (exhibition) according to the program.
Yes for the “walk and park” part. Some tours (e.g. historic houses) may be less straightforward depending on accessibility.
Other districts of Brussels to visit with the family
Brussels is a small city, with several districts, each with its own particularity. Everything is quite easy to do on foot.
The main museums to do with the family
Brussels offers a wide variety of cultural venues. These are generally small museums that are very suitable for a young audience. Discover here our selection of museums that should please your children
