Things to Do in Belgium in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Belgium
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring blooms transform parks and gardens - Brussels' Royal Greenhouses open their doors just once a year in late April, and Keukenhof gardens across the border in Netherlands are at absolute peak with 7 million tulips (day trip is 90 minutes each way)
- Genuine shoulder season pricing means hotel rates run 30-40% lower than summer months, and you'll actually get tables at top restaurants without booking weeks ahead - spotted drops of €40-60 per night at Brussels properties in 2025 data
- Easter weekend brings chocolate artistry to peak levels - master chocolatiers create elaborate window displays and limited-edition pieces that disappear by May, plus brewery tours in Bruges and Brussels are significantly less crowded than June through August
- Belgian Beer Weekend typically happens late April in Brussels' Grand Place with 400+ beers from 60 breweries, unlimited tastings for around €15, and the kind of atmosphere where locals actually outnumber tourists
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get three seasons in one day, and those 15 rainy days mean you're looking at showers every other day, though they tend to be brief passing systems rather than all-day downpours
- Early April can still feel properly cold, especially in wind - temperatures hovering around 3-8°C (37-46°F) mean you're not sitting at outdoor terraces comfortably until late in the month, which is actually when Belgian café culture shines
- Daylight is decent but not generous - sunset around 8:30pm by late April, but early in the month you're losing light by 7:45pm, which matters if you're trying to photograph those medieval town squares in good light
Best Activities in April
Brussels Grand Place and Art Nouveau Architecture Walking Routes
April's cooler temperatures make this ideal for covering serious ground on foot without overheating - you can comfortably walk 8-10 km (5-6 miles) exploring the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, then heading to the Art Nouveau district around Avenue Louise. The spring light at this latitude is particularly kind to photography between 10am-4pm. Most tourists haven't arrived yet, so you're not fighting crowds at Horta Museum or the Atomium. Typical self-guided walks take 3-4 hours, or guided architecture tours run around €25-40 per person.
Bruges Canal Boat Tours and Medieval Quarter Exploration
The canal boats start running regularly in April after limited winter schedules, and you'll actually get seats without hour-long waits - by May it's a different story. The 30-minute boat tours cost around €12-15 and give you perspectives on medieval architecture you can't get from street level. April weather means fewer crowds clogging the Markt square and Belfry tower, though bring layers because it's genuinely chilly on the water. The town is compact enough to cover in a day trip from Brussels (1 hour by train, €15-20 each way).
Belgian Brewery Tours in Flemish and Walloon Regions
April is actually perfect for brewery visits - the cool weather suits the cellar tours, and spring releases of seasonal beers hit taps this month. Cantillon in Brussels does lambic tours for €7 including tastings, while day trips to Trappist breweries like Orval or Chimay run €60-90 including transport and typically 3-4 brewery stops. The crowds are manageable compared to summer beer tourism, and you're tasting beers in the conditions they're meant to be consumed. Tours typically run 4-6 hours for regional trips, 90 minutes for single Brussels breweries.
Ardennes Forest Hiking and Castle Routes
The Ardennes region about 90 minutes south of Brussels comes alive in April with spring wildflowers and flowing waterfalls from snowmelt - trails around Durbuy and Bouillon are muddy but spectacular. Temperatures in the 5-10°C (41-50°F) range are ideal for hiking 10-15 km (6-9 miles) without overheating, though you'll want proper waterproof boots. Medieval castles like Bouillon and La Roche-en-Ardenne are open with minimal crowds. Day tours from Brussels typically run €75-110 including transport and guided hikes.
Ghent Medieval Architecture and Canal District Tours
Ghent is genuinely underrated compared to Bruges and gets even fewer April tourists - you can photograph Gravensteen castle and St. Bavo's Cathedral (home to the Ghent Altarpiece) without fighting crowds. The city is compact enough for a day trip from Brussels (30 minutes by train, €10-15 each way) or worth an overnight. April means you're seeing the canals without summer tour boat congestion, and the restaurant scene along Graslei is accessible without reservations. Walking the medieval center takes 4-5 hours at a comfortable pace.
Antwerp Diamond District and Fashion Museum Experiences
Antwerp in April means exploring the diamond district, Rubens House, and MoMu fashion museum without peak tourist crowds. The city is grittier and more working-class than Brussels or Bruges, which gives it authentic character - the fashion scene is legitimately cutting-edge, not tourist theater. April weather suits museum hopping when rain hits, and the café culture around Grote Markt is excellent. Train from Brussels is 45 minutes, €8-12 each way. Plan 5-6 hours minimum to do the city justice.
April Events & Festivals
Belgian Beer Weekend
Typically held the last weekend of April in Brussels' Grand Place, this is the country's premier beer festival with 400+ Belgian beers from 60+ breweries. You pay around €15 for a glass and tokens, then unlimited tastings in one of Europe's most spectacular medieval squares. The atmosphere is genuinely local - this isn't a tourist trap but an actual celebration where Belgian beer nerds show up in force. Expect crowds of 60,000+ over the weekend, but the square is large enough to handle it.
Royal Greenhouses of Laeken Opening
For just three weeks in April and early May, the Belgian royal family opens their spectacular Art Nouveau greenhouses to the public - this is the only time all year you can visit. The iron and glass structures house rare plants and spring blooms across 2.5 hectares (6 acres). Tickets are around €3 and must be booked in advance as daily capacity is limited. Located in Brussels' Laeken district, easily reached by tram. Genuinely special and impossible to see any other time of year.
Easter Weekend Chocolate Displays
Easter brings out the absolute best in Belgian chocolatiers - master artisans create elaborate window displays and limited-edition pieces throughout Brussels, Bruges, and Antwerp. This isn't a single event but a citywide phenomenon where shops like Pierre Marcolini, Laurent Gerbaud, and Neuhaus showcase genuine artistry. The displays typically appear the week before Easter and disappear within days after. Worth planning your trip around if you're serious about chocolate.