The sky’s the limit! Head on up to Brussels’ rooftop bars

When confined to urban living in the summer, there is undeniably an added pleasure in sipping a drink under open skies. And these stylish rooftop terraces offer the perfect escape from the noise and bustle of city streets.

Tipi Cinquantenaire is a new guinguette-style pop-up bar offering an unmatched view over the famous park. It is the centrepiece of a new space called The Peristyle, carved out of the covered curved gallery adjacent to the triumphal arch. Grand colonnades and wall frescoes serve as original decor for this cultural hotspot, which presents yoga, workshops, talks, live DJ sets and other activities. On the food front, there’s snacks, burgers and a small menu of healthy, locally-sourced dishes. A second Tipi bar is located in Parc de la Pede in Anderlecht. Esplanade Cinquantenaire park, Open daily (Etterbeek)

The Beerlab in the Bourse boasts a brilliant vista of downtown Brussels. Opened in the former stock exchange in 2023, the beer-tasting space naturally possesses an extensive menu with some 150 different brews, including 49 on draught. The terrace is accessible with or without a ticket to Belgian Beer World. Place de la Bourse, Open daily from 17.30

Rooftop 58 on the ninth floor of Brussels city’s brand-new administration centre is the largest lofty bar, not only in the capital but the whole of Europe. Named after the building’s former iconic car park, it’s now a streamlined space that retains an Art Deco style. The exterior features wide decked terraces and colourful and cosy lounge seating areas. The drinks list is comprehensive, accompanied by a small international food menu, plus brunch on Sundays, and of course, spectacular panoramic views. Rue de l’Eveque 1 

Bozar Rooftop is a pop-up destination for culture vultures with outdoor film screenings on ‘festive Wednesdays’ plus performances and afterwork events staged on top of the iconic building. Music fans should note that Thursdays are dedicated to electro, Fridays to urban, Saturday to eclectic genres, and Sunday to chill sounds, yoga sessions and brunch. Renovated in 2021, the new space honours the original plans by its designer, Art Nouveau pioneer Victor Horta. Open Wednesday to Sunday, Rue Ravenstein 23

The Eight Rooftop in the Bedford Hotel is another city-centre location with stunning downtown views. This is a sophisticated spot to treat yourself to one of the bar’s signature cocktails, a craft beer, mocktail, or gin, whisky or rum concoction. The bar menu also extends to tasty snacks, sharing platters and other light dishes. Rue du Midi 135, open daily

The Hoxton Brussels occupies the Victoria Tower in the Botanique quarter, and its wraparound roof terrace is home to Tope, a lively Mexican restaurant, cocktail bar and taqueria. The brutalist architecture of the 76m building has been transformed into a stylish place to be and the sky-high bar is just one of its attractions. Admire the sunset, feast on tacos or Sunday brunch and enjoy the beats of a resident DJ. Open Thursday to Sunday, Square Victoria Regina 1

Beursschouwburg is a buzzing multidisciplinary arts hub all year round. In the summer, an extra draw is its rooftop terrace that provides an alfresco stage for events, parties and concerts, or simply a place to chill. Open Thursday to Saturday, Rue August Orts

Soko Rooftop is one of the greenest summer terraces around, sited on the 11th floor of the snail building on the edge of Brussels bordering the ring. Appreciate the treetop view of the Soignes Forest as well as the aperitif platters and tapas that will further tempt you to stay a while. Slip inside if the weather turns unseasonal and take advantage of the elegant and spacious interior, which retains the fabulous forest views. Reservation recommended. Open Monday to Saturday, Chaussée de Malines 455 (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre)

Perché rooftop is the hip bar at the Jam Hotel, an interior design gem. The cosy spot has a small pool as well as fabulous views; the perfect place to watch the sunset while sipping a perfectly mixed Negroni or another signature cocktail from the summer menu. Finger food snacks also available. Open daily, Chaussée de Charleroi 132 (Saint-Gilles)

The Roof is a stylish lounge for an afterwork tipple and networking in the EU quarter. Situated on top of the Sofitel Brussels Europe hotel, it is attached to the 1040 bar and modern brasserie restaurant, which revisits some Belgian favourites under the sharp eye of head chef Jean Phi Watteyne. While Thursday is dedicated to networking, Friday and Saturday’s gatherings are accompanied by a live DJ. Open daily, Place Jourdan 1 (Etterbeek)

Secret Rooftop may no longer be an unknown gem, but the Warwick Hotel’s 6th floor skyline bar remains a lovely place to view the medieval city-centre while sipping genteelly a drink. Take your pick from a good selection of local spirits and classic cocktails. Open daily, Rue Duquesnoy 5

Photos: (main image) Rooftop58; Beerlab ©Belga; Beursschouwburg ©Lyse Ishimwe; JAM Hotel ©Oana Crainic