🌳 Step 1 — The royal green lung: the Parc du Cinquantenaire
We’re off to a flying start. The Parc du Cinquantenaire (Jubelpark) is 30 hectares of majestic lawns, elm-lined avenues and fountains, dominated by the famous Cinquantenaire Arcade, commissioned by King Léopold II for Belgium’s 50th anniversary.
This bank holiday, it’s THE Brussels hotspot: families, joggers, picnickers, skaters, and couples on benches. The atmosphere is serene, the sun plays on the arcades, the cherry trees are in blossom. You can finally breathe.
💡 Local tip: use the Avenue de la Renaissance entrance for the best perspective of the arch, and climb to the panoramic terrace atop the arcade (free access via the Musée Royal de l’Armée).
🏎️ Step 2 — Aston Martin at Autoworld: Elegance in Motion
A two-minute walk away, in the south hall of the arcade, the legendary Autoworld is currently hosting an exhibition to set enthusiasts' hearts racing: ‘Aston Martin — Elegance in Motion’.
DB5, DB9, Vanquish, V12 Vantage… more than 110 years of British history brought together under the magnificent listed glass roof. Gleaming bodywork, hand-stitched leather interiors, and the James Bond legend right before your eyes. A discreet cultural gem we are lucky to have in Brussels.
🎟️ Open on all bank holidays, with tickets available at the door or online. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit to take in both the permanent collection and the special exhibition.
🍝 Step 3 — Finish at Gina, the brand-new Italian restaurant across from the park
Opposite the Cinquantenaire, in the former Parkside building, Gina has just opened — the Italian restaurant that is the talk of the district.
The menu is short and to the point: fresh homemade pasta, generous antipasti, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, and a signature tiramisu. Expect a chic trattoria atmosphere, a terrace facing the park, and a young, passionate team. It is the new fashionable address in Etterbeek.
📞 Good news for this bank holiday: there are still a few tables available — call or book directly at gina.brussels.
🗺️ LET’S GO — The 3-step Google Maps itinerary
Avenue de la Renaissance entrance — walk and arcades 🏎️ Step 2 · Autoworld — Aston Martin
‘Elegance in Motion’ exhibition under the arcades 🍝 Step 3 · Gina Ristorante
Opposite the park — a few tables left this Monday
💛 The BxlPositive Verdict
A royal park, a legendary museum, and a hit new restaurant, all in the same pedestrianised neighbourhood: it’s the kind of bank holiday you won’t soon forget. This is Brussels at its best — understated, elegant, and full of delightful surprises.
🔗 Sources & Verifiable Links
- Parc du Cinquantenaire (Bruxelles Environnement) — https://gardens.brussels/nl/groene-ruimten/jubelpark
- Autoworld Brussels — Aston Martin ‘Elegance in Motion’ exhibition — https://www.autoworld.be/fr/
- Gina Ristorante (official website) — https://gina.brussels/
- Cinquantenaire location (Google Maps) — https://share.google/wS6c9zJ1UBTY6uRw0
- Autoworld location (Google Maps) — https://share.google/c53YlqFhLhXyLaI51
- Gina location (Google Maps) — https://share.google/GysAKcEYkGa4qzO1p
