Terraced gardens and viewpoint connecting the lower town to the upper Royal Quarter. Symmetrical gardens, fountains, and a framed view toward the Town Hall spire. Surrounded by museums: Magritte, Royal Library, BELvue Museum.
Location
Grand-Place / Ilot Sacré, Brussels
Map
Insider Intel
Climb the central staircase from Place de l'Albertine to the upper terrace. Turn around for the classic Brussels view — framed Town Hall spire through the gardens. The symmetry is very Beaux-Arts. Walk through the gardens to the Royal Quarter. The area is a museum cluster — plan accordingly.
Late afternoon when the light hits the Town Hall spire in the distance. Evening when the gardens are illuminated. Spring when the flower beds are planted. The view is the main reason to go — allocate 15 minutes unless you are visiting the museums.
Designed in the 1950s and completed in 1965. The site was previously a dense medieval neighborhood demolished for urban renewal — a decision still debated in Brussels. The name translates to 'Hill of the Arts' referencing the surrounding museums. The Royal Library of Belgium (KBR) on the north side holds 8 million items. Free WiFi in the gardens. The Mont des Arts is a transition space between tourist Brussels (Grand-Place) and institutional Brussels (Royal Palace).