Jette

Jette is a largely residential, family-oriented municipality in the northwestern part of the Brussels-Capital Region. It is known for its green spaces — particularly the Laerbeek woods and Poelbos park — and for being the home of the surrealist artist René Magritte, who lived and worked here from 1930 to 1954. The Magritte Museum at his former home (the only Magritte museum housed in his actual residence) is the commune's primary cultural attraction. Jette has a village-like character, with a pedestrianised main square (Place Cardinal Mercier) surrounded by restaurants and cafés. It remains off the main tourist trail, offering a genuine glimpse of everyday Brussels life.

By Plane

Brussels Airport (BRU) is 16 km east; train to Brussels-North (20 min) then tram 19 to Jette (15 min). Charleroi Airport (CRL) shuttle to Brussels-Midi (1 hr, €16), then metro line 5 to Gare de l'Ouest and tram 19.

By Train

Jette has a railway station on line 28, with local trains to Brussels-North (8 min) and Dendermonde. Service runs roughly every 30 minutes.

By Car / Road

The R0 ring road (exit 12, Jette) is 2 km west. The A12 highway from Mechelen passes nearby. Street parking is free in residential zones.

Tram line 19 runs along the main Avenue de la Liberté, connecting Jette to Brussels-North. Bus lines 87 and 88 serve the residential streets. The commune is flat and walkable — Place Cardinal Mercier is the central hub. Villo! bikes are scarce; a private bike is very practical.

• Magritte Museum (Jette) — René Magritte's home and studio from 1930–1954, preserved as a museum with a video on his life and changing exhibitions. Rue Esseghem 135. Open Wed–Sun 10:00–18:00. €10.

• Laerbeek Woods — A 30-hectare woodland on Jette's northwestern edge, with marked walking trails, a small stream, and abundant birdlife. Free.

• Poelbos Park — A small, charming park with a pond, poplar grove, and a playground. Free. Chaussée de Jette.

• Place Cardinal Mercier — The lively central square with cafés, restaurants, a weekly market (Friday), and the neo-Gothic Église Notre-Dame du Sacré-Cœur.

• Gare de Jette — A pretty 19th-century railway station building, typical of Belgian provincial stations.

• Visit the Magritte Museum (Jette) — A pilgrimage for surrealism fans; the guided tour (€12) offers rich context on Magritte's years in Jette.

• Walk through Laerbeek Woods — The woods are a nature reserve with marked trails; combine with a visit to the nearby King Baudouin Park.

• Friday market at Place Cardinal Mercier — A lively weekly market with organic produce, cheese, fish, and street food. 8:00–13:00.

• Cycle to the Atomium — A flat 20-minute bike ride through Laeken parklands.

• La Taverne du Parc (Avenue de la Liberté 120) — Brasserie with terrace overlooking Poelbos Park. Mussels, steaks, salads. Mains €14–22.
• Le Jardin de Flore (Place Cardinal Mercier 26) — Cosy French restaurant with a 3-course lunch formula at €15. Evening mains €18–26.
• Pizzeria La Bottega (Avenue de la Liberté 89) — Excellent Neapolitan pizza in a cheerful setting. Pizzas €9–14.
• Chez Olga (Place Cardinal Mercier 15) — Belgian friterie and snack bar, good for takeaway frites and croquettes. €3–7.

• Café Central (Place Cardinal Mercier 7) — The main square bar, busy on summer evenings.
• Le Laerbeek (Chaussée de Jette 245) — A friendly neighbourhood bar near the Laerbeek woods.
• Brasserie de la Gare (Place de la Gare de Jette) — Traditional pub near the station.

Jette has no hotels. The nearest accommodation is in Laeken (near the Atomium) or central Brussels. Airbnb options are limited but occasionally available in residential homes.

• Place Cardinal Mercier market (Friday) — Best for fresh produce and local specialties.
• Chaussée de Jette — Main shopping street with supermarkets, bakeries, and a weekly Sunday morning book market.
• Bruparc shopping centre — A large mall at the nearby Heysel plateau (10 min by bus).

• Atomium / Heysel (10 min by bus/tram) — Iconic landmark, Mini-Europe, King Baudouin Stadium.
• Laeken (15 min walk) — Royal Palace, Royal Greenhouses, Laeken Cemetery.
• Brussels City Centre (25 min by tram 19 + metro) — Grand Place, museums.
• Ghent (35 min by train from Jette station) — Medieval canals, Ghent Altarpiece.
• Mechelen (20 min by train from Jette) — St Rumbold's Tower, chocolatiers.