Place Poelaert, Brussels - a view of a city at night from above
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Place Poelaert Brussels

4.6
·491k reviews·Bruxelles, Belgium

A grand square offering breathtaking panoramic views of Brussels, connected by a free, stunning glass elevator.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursday evenings

Lively DJ sets and atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Place Poelaert, Brussels - a view of a city at night from above

Place Poelaert Brussels

Best Time

Thursday evenings

Lively DJ sets and atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A grand square offering breathtaking panoramic views of Brussels, connected by a free, stunning glass elevator.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Cinematic views and a free panoramic elevator make Place Poelaert a must-see in Brussels."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Catch the Golden Hour

The views at sunset are incredible! Perfect for cinematic shots of Brussels.

🎟️ Free Panoramic Elevator

Ride the unique glass elevator for free between the upper and lower towns.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Place Poelaert

Breathtaking vistas of Brussels' skyline, including the cathedral and beyond. Perfect for golden hour.

Marolles Glass Elevator

Marolles Glass Elevator

Connecting Louise district and Marolles

A free, unique panoramic elevator offering stunning city views as it connects upper and lower Brussels.

Coucou Open Air Thursdays

Coucou Open Air Thursdays

Place Poelaert

Enjoy free DJ sets and a lively atmosphere every Thursday evening from 6 PM to 10 PM.

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Views & Vibes

For the best panoramic views and vibrant atmosphere, aim for sunset at Place Poelaert. This is when the city lights begin to twinkle, creating a magical backdrop. Consider visiting on a Thursday evening for the Coucou Open Air event, offering DJ sets and a lively ambiance.

Elevator Access & City Connection

Place Poelaert is uniquely connected to the lower Marolles district via a free, panoramic elevator. This architectural marvel not only saves you a climb but offers stunning city vistas. It's a practical and scenic way to transition between the upper and lower parts of Brussels.

Best Times

When
Thursday evenings
Why
Lively DJ sets and atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunset
Why
Magical city lights and views
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunny afternoons
Why
Enjoy skyline views with a drink
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bruxelles de nuit mais cinématique/ Brussels by night but made cinematic • 📍Gare Bruxelles Centrale 📍Mont des Arts 📍Rue Neuve 📍Grand Place 📍Place Poelaert 📍Place Royale • • #bruxelles #brusselslife #cinematic #brusselspot
@gashnirg
39.2K likes • 234.3K views

🎯 Catch the Golden Hour

The views at sunset are incredible! Perfect for cinematic shots of Brussels. TikTokInstagram

🎟️ Free Panoramic Elevator

Ride the unique glass elevator for free between the upper and lower towns. Instagram

🪩 Final chance to party at this iconic sunset spot? Be there on 27 september! @maatwerkevents is hosting their last open air of this summer in Brussels 🎊 Tickets €16 Starts at 1 PM, ends at 10 PM See you on the dancefloor! #brussels #bruxelles #visitbrussels #brusselslife #brusselsagenda #events #thingstodo #nightlife #activities #party #openair #bruxellesmabelle #bruxellesvie #brusselslife ...
whatupbrussels
663 likes • 44.4K views
🎡 See you next Thursday for the COUCOU OPEN AIR 🎡 Découvrez l’open air gratuit de Coucou Brussels sur la place Poelaert tous les jeudis avec DJ set de 18h à 22h ☀️ Première édition, ce jeudi 10 août ! 📍Coucou, Place Poelaert, Bruxelles 🎧 Musique de 18:00 à 22:00 🎶 Merci au @mosfet_club pour la musique 🫶 Accessible à toutes et à tous 💻 Plus d’informations sur l’événement en ligne Facebook #...
coucou.brussels
125 likes • 6.7K views

🎶 Thursday Open Air Fun

Join the Coucou Open Air for free DJ sets every Thursday evening. Instagram

🍺 Relax with a View

Grab a drink and sit on the walls of Place Poelaert for skyline views. Reddit

✨ Golden Hour magic at Place Poelaert in Brussels ✨ We love this spot for its panoramic views, stunning architecture, and its amazing sunsets 🌇💛 🎥 : @john_mcfly_ #welovebrussels #brussels #bruxelles #belgium #johnmcfly #belgique
john_mcfly_
1K likes • 21.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Catch the Golden Hour

The views at sunset are incredible! Perfect for cinematic shots of Brussels. TikTokInstagram

🎟️ Free Panoramic Elevator

Ride the unique glass elevator for free between the upper and lower towns. Instagram

🎶 Thursday Open Air Fun

Join the Coucou Open Air for free DJ sets every Thursday evening. Instagram

🍺 Relax with a View

Grab a drink and sit on the walls of Place Poelaert for skyline views. Reddit

🎡 Ferris Wheel Views

Experience elevated city panoramas from the Ferris Wheel at Place Poelaert. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Place Poelaert for its breathtaking panoramic views of Brussels, especially during sunset. The free, unique glass elevator connecting the upper and lower towns is a major highlight, offering both convenience and stunning vistas. While the square itself is a public space, special events like the Thursday open-air parties add a lively dimension.

What People Like

Spectacular panoramic views
Free glass elevator
Vibrant sunset atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can get crowded during events
Limited amenities on the square

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Place Poelaert is easily accessible by public transport. You can take trams or buses to nearby stops. The iconic Marolles Glass Elevator also connects it directly to the Louise district, offering a scenic and free way to reach the square. Instagram

While direct parking at the square might be limited, there are several parking garages in the vicinity, such as Parking Poelaert. It's often recommended to use public transport or the elevator to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

The Marolles Glass Elevator is the most recommended method. It's completely free and provides stunning panoramic views as it descends to the Marolles district. Instagram

Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the city center, especially if you enjoy exploring Brussels' streets. Alternatively, you can use the metro to get closer to the Louise area and then walk up. TikTok

Utilizing the free panoramic elevator is a must-do experience. It's a unique way to see the city and saves you from climbing many steps. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Place Poelaert itself is a public square and is free to access. The panoramic elevator connecting it to the lower town is also completely free to use. Instagram

The Coucou Open Air event on Thursdays is generally free, offering DJ sets from 6 PM to 10 PM. However, specific ticketed events might occur, so it's always good to check their social media for the latest information. Instagram

As a public square, Place Poelaert is accessible at all times. The Marolles Glass Elevator has specific operating hours, typically from early morning to late evening, but it's best to verify these locally.

Yes, riding the Ferris Wheel (The View) at Place Poelaert typically involves a ticket purchase. The cost varies, but it offers spectacular panoramic views of Brussels. Instagram

For specific events like the Coucou Open Air, it's usually free entry. For other potential events or the Ferris Wheel, booking in advance might be possible or recommended during peak times, though not always necessary. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The entire square offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during golden hour for stunning sunset shots. The panoramic views from the square and the glass elevator are prime locations. TikTokInstagram+1

Absolutely! Nighttime at Place Poelaert is magical, with the city lights creating a cinematic backdrop. It's a popular spot for capturing the illuminated Brussels skyline. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views. For sunset and night shots, a tripod can be very helpful to ensure sharp images. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed in public spaces like Place Poelaert. However, be mindful of private property and any specific event regulations if you're visiting during a special occasion. Instagram

Sunset is highly recommended for its beautiful light and city glow. However, sunny afternoons also offer clear views, and evenings provide a vibrant, illuminated cityscape. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

Place Poelaert is primarily known for its stunning panoramic views of Brussels. You can enjoy the cityscape, ride the free glass elevator, and on Thursdays, experience the Coucou Open Air with DJ sets. Instagram+1

Yes, the spacious square is perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can walk along the edges to take in different perspectives of the city and the Palace of Justice. Reddit

The imposing Palace of Justice is a prominent landmark located right on Place Poelaert. It's one of the largest 19th-century judicial buildings in the world and an impressive architectural sight. TikTok

You can sit on the walls surrounding the square, which offer excellent vantage points for enjoying the view. It's a popular spot for locals to relax with a drink on sunny days. Reddit

Riding the elevator is a unique experience. As you ascend or descend, you get unobstructed, panoramic views of Brussels through the glass walls, connecting the chic Louise district with the bohemian Marolles. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Place Poelaert offers a unique experience for families, primarily through the Marolles Glass Elevator. This free, panoramic ride is often a hit with children, providing exciting views as you travel between the upper and lower parts of the city. Instagram The open space of the square itself allows kids to move around, and the general ambiance is relaxed, especially during the day.

While there aren't specific playgrounds, the novelty of the elevator and the expansive city views can be captivating for younger visitors. Consider visiting during daylight hours for clearer views and a more relaxed atmosphere. The Ferris Wheel, if operational, can also be a fun, albeit ticketed, attraction for families seeking an extra thrill and a different perspective. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Place Poelaert is a dream destination for photographers. The panoramic city views are spectacular, especially during the golden hour leading up to sunset, when the light casts a warm glow over Brussels. TikTokInstagram Capture the iconic skyline, including the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and other landmarks, with your wide-angle lens. The Marolles Glass Elevator itself is a photogenic subject, and the views from within it are equally stunning. Instagram

For night photography, Place Poelaert transforms into a glittering cityscape. The illuminated buildings and streets offer a dramatic backdrop for capturing Brussels after dark. TikTok Consider bringing a tripod for sharper low-light shots. The Thursday Coucou Open Air events can also provide dynamic, candid photo opportunities amidst a lively atmosphere. Instagram

🚶 Budget Travelers

Place Poelaert is incredibly budget-friendly, with many of its main attractions being free of charge. The Marolles Glass Elevator offers incredible city views without costing a cent, making it a must-do for anyone looking to save money while sightseeing. Instagram The square itself is a public space, so enjoying the panoramic vistas is completely free. Reddit

On Thursdays, the Coucou Open Air event provides free entertainment with DJ sets, a great way to experience local culture without spending money. Instagram While the Ferris Wheel has a fee, you can still enjoy the general atmosphere and views without purchasing a ticket. Grabbing a simple drink from a local shop and enjoying it on the walls of the square is a classic, affordable Brussels experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Marolles Glass Elevator: A Free Marvel

The Marolles Glass Elevator is a true hidden gem in Brussels, offering a unique and completely free way to connect the upscale Louise district with the historic Marolles neighborhood. Built in 2002, this panoramic elevator was designed to eliminate the need to climb over 150 steps, making the area more accessible. Its transparent walls provide breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Brussels skyline, including the iconic cathedral and the Stock Exchange building. Instagram

Travelers rave about the elevator's design and the stunning vistas it offers. It's not just a mode of transport; it's an experience in itself, providing a different perspective of the city's architecture and urban landscape. Whether you're heading down to explore the antique shops of Marolles or ascending to the grandeur of Place Poelaert, the elevator is a must-use feature. Instagram

Key takeaway: Don't miss this free, scenic ride that offers some of the best panoramic views in Brussels without the climb. It's a practical and visually rewarding way to experience the city's verticality. Instagram

Experiencing Place Poelaert: Views, Events, and Atmosphere

Place Poelaert is more than just a large square; it's a vantage point offering some of the most expansive and celebrated panoramic views of Brussels. Perched high above the city, it's a prime location for watching the sunset paint the sky, creating a truly cinematic experience. TikTokInstagram Many visitors describe the atmosphere as relaxed, especially on sunny afternoons when locals gather on the walls to enjoy the cityscape with a drink. Reddit

Beyond the views, Place Poelaert comes alive on Thursday evenings with the Coucou Open Air event. From 6 PM to 10 PM, the square hosts free DJ sets, transforming it into a vibrant hub with music, food, and drinks. Instagram This event adds a lively, contemporary dimension to the historic setting, attracting both locals and tourists looking for an enjoyable evening out. Instagram

For those seeking an elevated perspective, the Ferris Wheel (The View) often situated at Place Poelaert, offers an even higher vantage point, providing a 360-degree panorama of Brussels from up to 55 meters. Instagram Whether you're there for the breathtaking views, the lively Thursday events, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, Place Poelaert offers a memorable Brussels experience. TikTokInstagram+1

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