Forest

Forest (Vorst in Dutch) is a diverse, evolving municipality in the southern part of the Brussels-Capital Region. Historically an industrial area with brickworks and factories, Forest has reinvented itself over the last two decades as a creative and cultural hub. The Forest National concert venue — the largest indoor arena in Belgium — draws major international acts. The commune has a strong local identity centred on the Place de la Petite Suisse and the Forest Market square, with a growing Sunday flea market and a lively, multicultural restaurant scene. The Parc de Forest (Duden Park) is one of Brussels' finest green spaces, a 36-hectare hillside park with sweeping views over the city. The climate is typical of Brussels; best visited May–September.

By Plane

Brussels Airport (BRU) is 22 km northeast; train to Brussels-Midi (20 min) then tram line 51 or bus 55 to Forest (15 min total). Charleroi Airport (CRL) shuttle to Brussels-Midi (1 hr, €16) then same tram/bus connections.

By Train

Forest has a railway station, Forest-Est (Vorst-Oost), on line 124, with local trains to Brussels-Midi (7 min) and Charleroi. Service is infrequent (every 30 min weekday).

By Car / Road

The Brussels ring road (R0) exit 16 (Forest) is 2 km west. The A4/E19 motorway to Mons and Paris passes nearby. Parking is paid in the centre but free in residential streets further out. Driving from central Brussels takes 20 minutes.

Tram lines 51 (terminus at Van Haelen) and 82 (Albert) serve Forest. Bus lines 48, 50, 54, and 55 cover residential streets. The commune is hilly — walking between the upper (Duden Park) and lower areas can be strenuous. Metro line 5 stops at Albert station, a 10-minute walk from Forest's centre. Villo! stations are limited. Uber/Bolt operate.

• Forest National (Vorst Nationaal) — Belgium's largest concert venue (8,400 capacity), hosting everyone from Coldplay to Metallica. Avenue Victor Rousseau 208.

• Duden Park (Parc de Forest) — A 36-hectare English-style park on a hill, with a castle, waterfall, panoramic viewpoint, rose garden, and playground. Free. Rue des Mésanges.

• Place de la Petite Suisse — The heart of Forest, with a fountain, cafés, and the Sunday flea market.

• Église Saint-Denis — A 19th-century neo-Gothic church on the Place Saint-Denis, with a striking spire visible from the park.

• Cimetière de Forest — The largest cemetery in Brussels by area, with impressive art nouveau tombs, a Jewish section, and the grave of architect Victor Horta.

• Sunday flea market on Place de la Petite Suisse — A growing market with vintage furniture, records, clothes, and antiques. Every Sunday, 8:00–14:00.

• Concert at Forest National — Check the schedule and book in advance — international acts perform here year-round.

• Walk the Duden Park heights — The upper viewpoint offers one of the best panoramic views of Brussels, stretching from the Atomium to the European Quarter.

• Cycle the Promenade Verte — The Green Walk passes through Forest's Duden Park and the Neerstalle district.

• L'Orchidée (Chaussée de Bruxelles 31) — Vietnamese restaurant with fresh spring rolls, pho, and bun bowls. Mains €10–15.
• Le Cercle des Voyageurs (Rue de la Rhétorique 6) — A travel-themed café-restaurant with Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Belgian dishes. Mains €13–18.
• Pizzeria Italia (Avenue Van Volxem 242) — Reliable Italian with wood-fired pizza and pasta. €9–13.
• Friterie Chez Joe (Place de la Petite Suisse) — Classic fritkot serving proper Belgian frites with all sauces. €3–6.
• El Merkado (Rue de la Rhétorique 29) — Popular Spanish tapas bar, busy on weekends. Tapas €4–9.

• Le Petit Suisse (Place de la Petite Suisse 1) — Main square bar with a lively terrace. Good for a Jupiler or Leffe.
• Café du Parc (Duden Park) — Kiosk bar inside the park, open in summer. Soft drinks and beer.
• Le Barboteur (Avenue Van Volxem 240) — Friendly neighbourhood pub with Belgian beer selection.

Forest has few hotels. Most visitors stay in Saint-Gilles or central Brussels, a 20-minute tram ride away. A few B&Bs operate in the residential streets near Duden Park. Check Airbnb for the best local options.

• Avenue Van Volxem — The main shopping street, with bakeries, a Carrefour supermarket, ethnic food shops, and hardware stores.
• Sunday market (Place de la Petite Suisse) — The best source of vintage finds and second-hand goods in southern Brussels.

• Saint-Gilles (10 min walk/tram) — Horta Museum, Place du Jeu de Balle flea market.
• Uccle (15 min by tram 51) — Bois de la Cambre, the St-Job village square.
• Brussels City Centre (15 min by tram 51 + metro) — Grand Place, museums.
• Waterloo (25 min by car/train) — The battlefield where Napoleon met his final defeat.
• Drogenbos (10 min by bus) — Home to the Cauchie House, an Art Nouveau gem.