Leopold Park
Discover the Serenity of Leopold Park in Brussels
Leopold Park: Brussels' Green Oasis
Escape the Brussels bustle in Leopold Park: a historic green space with a pond, monuments, and diverse birdlife, steps from the EU Quarter.
Leopold Park, nestled in the heart of Brussels' European Quarter, offers a serene escape from the city's hustle. Once home to a zoological garden and later a science campus, this verdant space now invites visitors to stroll along winding paths, relax by the pond, and discover historical monuments.
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A brief summary to Leopold Park
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Brussels Central Station, take the Metro Lines 1 or 5 towards Stockel or Hermann-Debroux and get off at Schuman station. From there, walk towards Place Jean Rey and continue straight across the square; the entrance to Leopold Park will be on your left. Alternatively, take bus 36 towards 'Parc du Cinquantenaire' and get off at the 'Parc Leopold' stop. The park entrance is a short walk from the bus stop. A single metro or bus ticket costs €2.30.
Walking
From the European Parliament building, walk southwest towards Rue Wiertz, then continue onto Rue de la Loi. Turn left onto Rue du Luxembourg, then right onto Rue de la Science. Continue straight until you reach the park entrance at the end of the street. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Brussels. A taxi from Brussels Central Station to Leopold Park typically costs between €11 and €14, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Brussels include a base fare of €2.60, a price per kilometer of €2.30, and a price per minute of €0.60. Be aware that there is a €2 surcharge for rides between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Local tips
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Visit in spring to see the park's stunning flower displays.
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Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the pond.
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Explore the park's historical statues and buildings, including the Solvay Library and the House of European History.
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Visit early in the morning for a quieter, more peaceful experience.
Discover more about Leopold Park
Leopold Park, a 6.43-hectare (15.9-acre) public park in Brussels' European Quarter, provides a tranquil retreat with a rich history. Originally the site of a zoological garden in 1851, the park was transformed into an English-style landscape by Alphonse Balat. Although the zoo was unsuccessful and closed, the area evolved into a space for both scientific and leisure activities.
In the late 19th century, the park became a science campus, with Ernest Solvay funding several scientific institutes. Today, visitors can still see buildings like the Solvay Library, a reminder of the park's academic past. The House of European History also resides within the park in the refurbished Eastman Building.
The park's pond, fed by the Maelbeek stream, is a focal point, attracting various bird species like mallards, moorhens, Egyptian geese, and rose-ringed parakeets. With its monuments, diverse flora, and proximity to EU institutions, Leopold Park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It offers a peaceful escape and a blend of history, nature, and architecture.
A brief summary to Leopold Park
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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