Things to Do in Belgium in April

April Weather in Belgium

15°C (59°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

55mm (2.2 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring blooming season - tulip fields at Keukenhof reach peak bloom (open until mid-May), cherry blossoms line Brussels parks, and temperatures are ideal for 8-12 km (5-7.5 mile) walking days without summer heat exhaustion
Easter weekend brings unique Belgian traditions like chocolate sculpture displays in Grand Place and special beer releases from Trappist breweries - plus most museums offer extended hours without summer tourist crushing
Mild weather makes this the best month for canal boat rides in Bruges (comfortable with light jacket) and outdoor beer garden season begins with locals - you'll experience authentic Belgian café culture without tourist hordes
Hotel prices drop 25-40% compared to May-August peak season, and popular attractions like Atomium and Royal Museums have manageable 15-20 minute wait times instead of summer's 60+ minute queues

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather means you'll pack for four seasons - morning frost at 2°C (36°F) can become 18°C (64°F) afternoon sunshine, then evening drizzle requiring waterproof layers
Daylight is limited to 6:30am-8:00pm, restricting outdoor sightseeing time compared to summer's extended golden hours - plan indoor museum visits for rainy afternoons
Some coastal attractions in Ostend and Blankenberge operate reduced hours or remain closed until May 1st, limiting seaside day trip options

Best Activities in April

Keukenhof Tulip Garden Day Trips

April is peak tulip season at the world's largest flower garden (32 hectares/79 acres). Seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths create spectacular displays best viewed in mild 12-15°C (54-59°F) temperatures. Morning visits (8-10am) offer perfect lighting and fewer crowds before tour buses arrive.

Booking Tip: Purchase timed entry tickets 2-3 weeks ahead as weekends sell out. Combined train+admission packages from Brussels cost €35-45 and include direct bus connections. Book garden+canal cruise combinations for full Dutch experience. See current tour options in booking section below.

Historic City Center Walking Tours

April's cool 8-15°C (46-59°F) temperatures are perfect for 3-4 hour walking explorations of Brussels' Grand Place, Bruges' medieval squares, and Ghent's castle districts. Spring light enhances Gothic architecture photography, and outdoor café terraces open for the season with warming braziers.

Booking Tip: Book small group tours (maximum 15 people) for €25-35 per person. Morning tours (9am-12pm) avoid afternoon shower likelihood. Many operators offer indoor backup routes through covered galleries and museums. Reference booking widget below for current guided options.

Belgian Beer and Chocolate Experiences

April marks spring beer releases from Abbey breweries and Easter chocolate festival season. Indoor tastings provide perfect rainy day activities, while mild weather allows brewery courtyard visits. Chocolate workshops peak before summer heat affects working conditions in artisan shops.

Booking Tip: Book beer+chocolate combination tours 1-2 weeks ahead for €45-65 per person. Afternoon timing (2-5pm) works well between lunch and dinner. Look for experiences including temperature-controlled chocolate workshops and traditional beer cellar visits. Current options available in booking section.

Castle and Countryside Cycling

Spring cycling season begins with comfortable 10-16°C (50-61°F) temperatures perfect for 25-40 km (15-25 mile) countryside routes. Castle grounds open extended hours, and flowering countryside provides spectacular backdrops. Light crowds mean peaceful château visits and photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Rent quality touring bikes for €15-25/day with included helmets and route maps. Book guided castle tours 10-14 days ahead for €55-75 including bike rental and lunch stops. Electric bike options available for hillier Ardennes routes. See current bicycle tour options below.

Art Museum and Gallery Hopping

April's variable weather makes this ideal for indoor cultural experiences. Museums extend spring hours, special exhibitions launch for Easter season, and comfortable walking temperatures allow easy movement between venues. Royal Museums of Fine Arts and Magritte Museum offer perfect rainy day refuges.

Booking Tip: Purchase Brussels Museum Pass (€25 for 3 days) or Bruges City Card (€35 for 3 days) for multi-venue access and skip-the-line privileges. Book popular temporary exhibitions 1-2 weeks ahead. Many museums offer late Thursday openings until 9pm. Current museum tours available in booking widget.

Antwerp Diamond District and Fashion Tours

April shopping weather provides comfortable conditions for exploring Europe's diamond capital and fashion districts. Indoor diamond workshops and fashion ateliers offer fascinating experiences during unpredictable weather spells. Spring fashion collections debut in local designer boutiques.

Booking Tip: Book diamond cutting demonstrations and fashion district tours for €30-50 per person. Afternoon timing (1-4pm) allows morning sightseeing flexibility. Look for combination tours including MoMu Fashion Museum and diamond workshop experiences. Current Antwerp tour options listed below.

April Events & Festivals

Early to Mid April

Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF)

Europe's premier genre film festival showcases horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films across 15 venues. Night screenings, cosplay events, and director Q&As create unique cultural immersion. Indoor venues provide perfect rainy day entertainment.

Easter Weekend

Easter Weekend Chocolate Festivals

Grand Place Brussels and Grote Markt Bruges host spectacular chocolate sculpture displays, outdoor tastings, and artisan demonstrations. Local chocolatiers debut Easter specialties and offer workshop experiences. Weather-protected market stalls operate despite spring showers.

Mid April to Early May

Royal Greenhouses of Laeken Opening

Spectacular Art Nouveau glass houses open for just three weeks annually, displaying exotic plants and royal garden collections. 2.5 hectare (6.2 acre) complex requires 2-3 hours to explore. Advanced booking essential as limited daily visitors allowed.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes with grip - Brussels' cobblestones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily on varied surfaces

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - April showers are frequent but brief (15-30 minutes), and umbrella use is difficult on windy days

Layering system: base layer, light sweater, and removable outer layer for 10°C (18°F) temperature swings throughout single days

Compact umbrella for museum queues and outdoor café seating - locals always carry one in April's unpredictable weather

Comfortable day pack for layer storage - you'll shed and add clothing multiple times as weather changes hourly

Warm hat and light gloves for early morning (6-8am) temperatures that can drop to 3°C (37°F) with wind chill

Moisture-wicking socks - expect wet feet from puddles and morning dew on 4+ hour walking tours

Portable phone charger - reduced daylight means more indoor time using maps, translation apps, and photography

SPF 30 sunscreen - April UV index of 4 combined with reflective cobblestones and water canals increases exposure risk

Quick-dry pants or jeans - sitting on outdoor café chairs and benches often means encountering residual moisture from previous showers

Insider Knowledge

Locals start outdoor café season in April regardless of weather - join them with blankets provided by most establishments, and experience authentic Belgian café culture before tourist season peaks

Book restaurant reservations for weekend evenings 1-2 weeks ahead as Belgians celebrate extended daylight with increased dining out, but weekday lunch spots remain easily accessible

Use covered shopping galleries (Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert in Brussels, De Passage in Ghent) as weather shelter while moving between attractions - these beautiful spaces are destinations themselves

April beer releases from Trappist breweries include special spring varieties unavailable other months - ask bartenders about 'seizoensgebonden' (seasonal) offerings at traditional cafés

Avoid These Mistakes

Underpacking layers - tourists assume 'spring weather' means consistent temperatures, but April can fluctuate 15°C (27°F) in single days requiring morning jacket and afternoon t-shirt

Scheduling outdoor activities without indoor backup plans - 60% of April days include some precipitation, so book museums or covered attractions as weather alternatives

Wearing inappropriate footwear for cobblestones - smooth-soled shoes become dangerous on wet medieval streets, and fashion sneakers lack support for 8+ km daily walking on uneven surfaces