If you don’t mind getting your feet a bit dirty, Tbilisi has some of the best natural watering holes around, and you really get the feeling of the city's unique relationship with nature (and its massive potential if they managed to clean up the river). Two spots are quite well-developed as little resort havens, while the other is a bit too big for that—it is a "sea" after all!—but it does have a couple of resorts on it.
Of course, by “resorts” I mean you can get wet and there are sources of alcohol. Don't imagine anything too crazy.
Here I naturally don’t mean the river. One look at that thing and you’re wondering how many dead bodies have been dumped there over the years. It’s the same sort of creamy brown my child’s diaper used to get, having a toxic mix of manganese, cyanide, fertilizer, pesticides, sewage, and whatever the hell else the lack of regulations can get you.
Sameba overlooking the Big Muddy
Now people always claim Tbilisi has fresh clean water. And I’ve discussed that to some extent already. But swimming water is an entirely different thing than drinking water, so swim at your own risk.
Tbilisi Sea: The City's Largest Freshwater Escape
The "Tbilisi Sea," officially known as the Tbilisi Reservoir, is a vast man-made lake situated northeast of the city center. Despite its misleading name—as you might have noticed, it’s not actually a sea—it has become a popular recreational site for swimming, boating, and lounging, especially during the hot summer months.
On the Temka side, you can get more of a “kept beach” feel at a couple of places, but for the most part, the shores are wild here unlike at Lisi or Turtle Lakes. The map down below shows you where exactly you can find the best beach feel and where you can swim. Best to go to metro Sarajishvili and then take a taxi to "Tbilisi Sea" or "Tbilisi Zgva" if they don't understand that. Even better to Bolt it to here. You can easily bunch this visit with a trip to the Chronicles as well.
The key features and facilities of the Tbilisi Sea include its expansive water body, which is significantly larger than other lakes in the vicinity, making it ideal for various water sports and extensive lounging. It serves as a vibrant recreational hub, offering well-maintained beaches, ample areas for picnicking, and a tranquil escape with stunning views of the surrounding hills. The area is also home to a couple of resort-ish areas, like Gino Paradise (more on that below) and the Tbilisi Sea Club (also that), both of which provide dedicated pools, sunbathing areas, cafes, and a range of water activities.
Getting there involves a relatively short distance from the city center, typically a 15-20 minute drive without traffic jams. It is accessible by a few public bus routes depending on which side you’re approaching and by taxi for about 20 GEL.
Admission and pricing for the general "sea" area are free, allowing public access to its vast expanse. However, specific beach clubs located on its shores, such as the Tbilisi Sea Club, charge an entrance fee. For instance, the Tbilisi Sea Club typically charges 35 GEL (approximately $7.4 USD) per person, which often includes free parking, a sunbed, and access to their outdoor pool and the sea.
While the Tbilisi Sea supplies drinking water to the population, specific, recent public water quality reports for the swimming areas within the reservoir itself are not really detailed anywhere I know about. But a lot of people swim there anyhow.
Lisi Lake: A Relaxing Lakeside Retreat
Lisi Lake is a large pond located northwest of Tbilisi, offering a peaceful and generally less crowded atmosphere compared to other city attractions. It is highly regarded for its tranquil ambiance, scenic bike trails, and natural beauty. The water warms up well (reaching up to 28°C in summer), and it features a soft rocky bottom, which makes it easy for the kiddoes to walk out, though the water quality is a bit dubious.
The water is murky and brown, and one can only guess at what pesticide and construction waste from the surrounding hood is ending up there. So swim at your own risk. But people swim, and I’ve been it and never had a problem.
There’s a nice, forested area here with a boardwalk along the lakefront, giving a kind of summer vacation vibe. Lots of options for drinks and food here. You can also find bicycle rentals, which is great considering there’s a 4-kilometer circular route around the lake. The area also features cafes, restaurants, relaxation zones with hammocks, and a children's park. It is also known for its fishing spots. All the play areas cost puli though, so don’t think you’re going to get off light.
Getting there involves a 15-20 minute drive from the city center. It is accessible by public bus route #29, taxi (approximately 15 GEL / $2.2 USD from the city center), or private car. A large parking lot is available.
Admission and pricing for access to the lake are complimentary. However, a parking fee of 3 GEL (approximately $1.1 USD) applies. Rentals for activities such as bikes, kayaks, or water surf, as well as food and drinks from the cafes, incur separate costs. Regarding water quality and safety, the water is noted for its minerals and therapeutic properties. Lisi Lake is best for relaxation, nature walks, cycling, picnicking, and fishing, offering a peaceful escape from the city. Swimming is an option for those who are comfortable without the presence of lifeguards. Visit in the morning or before sunset for a more pleasant experience and to avoid larger crowds, especially on weekdays.
Turtle Lake: A break in uptown Vake
Turtle Lake is another in the series of misnomers but is perhaps the biggest. Turtle Lake is quite a bit more of a pond than a lake. The etymology here is equally as mysterious as Tbilisi Sea, but I guess if that’s your qualification for sea, than calling a pond a lake is a natural progression.
The place is surrounded by forest, with hiking trails leading to the ethnographic museum, Vake Park, Mtatsminda, and Vera, and beautiful views about at any clearings around. It also seems to be a breath of fresh air, and is easily the most accessible of the natural water holes.
Only in the past few years has it really been open for swimming. And when I first moved here there was a broken down zipline and a paddle boat rental that closed up shop. So at some point in time people were swimming there… I think when I left about a decade ago they opened a little floating stage, and there’s a half boardwalk/line of bars on one side with a hiking path and a workout area on the other.
Epic views while hiking around Turtle Lake
The water is questionable, but probably better than Lisi’s, since the only thing above it is Mtatsminda. But people do swim there now: there’s weekly water yoga sessions, operational paddle boats again, and an easy way in and out from some of the waterside cafes.
Getting there is easy peasy. Just take a bus to Vake Park. There you’ll see a cable car. Take the cable car. Get off, turn left, and voila, you’re there. So a little bit of adventure, for a lot of relax.
Tbilisi nature
So as you can see, there are a lot of cool bits of nature around Tbilisi and a lot of water fun to stay cooled off. Summer in Tbilisi isn't so bad, even in the raging heat, I promise!
Your Ultimate Guide to the Top Swimming Spots in Tbilisi
Summers can be brutal in Tbilisi.
Temperatures can easily soar into the upper 30s (around 100°F). The humidity and smog create an oven-like effect. Luckily, many restaurants and cafes have air conditioning, making it bearable.
When I endured a Ukrainian winter, I learned that alcohol can be your friend. A shot before leaving the apartment can make you forget the cold. In a Tbilisi summer, an icy cold brew is your ticket to relaxation. However, if you're traveling with kids, are a Muslim, or simply prefer to cool off in water, hitting the pools is essential.
I’ve got you covered. Here’s a complete list of swimming spots in Tbilisi, from natural settings to luxurious hotel pools.
Key Takeaways
Diverse Options: Tbilisi offers a wide range of swimming spots, from exciting water parks like Gino Paradise to serene natural escapes like Lisi Lake and luxury hotel pools.
Family Fun vs. Serious Swims: For a full day of family entertainment, Gino Paradise is the top choice. For dedicated lap swimmers, professional facilities like the Vake Swimming Pool or the Olympic Complex are ideal.
Accessible Luxury: Many high-end hotels, like the Radisson Blu and Sheraton Grand, offer day passes to their pools, allowing you to enjoy a luxury experience without booking a room.
Understanding Tbilisi's Aquatic Offerings
Tbilisi has a variety of swimming options. However, not all are reasonably priced. Some can be surprisingly expensive. Perhaps it’s to keep the crowds down? Who knows. If you’re willing to spend, you’ll mostly get what you want. There are alternatives to traditional pools, like relaxing at a lake or enjoying a water park, which is often a cheaper option.
Types of Swimming Spots
Water Parks: Designed for maximum fun, water parks are perfect for families and thrill-seekers. They feature numerous slides and diverse pools, offering a full day of entertainment.
Hotel Pools: Many hotels in Tbilisi provide luxury and convenience. Their well-maintained pools often come with amenities like spas and gyms. Some hotels offer day passes, making a premium experience accessible without an overnight stay.
Sports Complexes: Ideal for serious swimmers, these facilities typically feature Olympic-sized pools and professional environments, often including comprehensive wellness amenities.
Tbilisi’s Waterpark
Gino Paradise: The Ultimate Aquatic Oasis
Gino Paradise is a 13-hectare aquatic wonderland near the Tbilisi Sea. It’s the largest and most popular aqua park in Tbilisi, especially since the Didube water park shut down during COVID.
The park boasts a variety of features. Its pools include a wavy pool with a climbing wall, a slow-moving "wild" river for floating, and a panorama pool with a bar and sea views (although I saw a construction wall instead). There’s also a dedicated outdoor children's area with slides and warm water. For relaxation, hot tubs with hydro massage are available. A 25-meter Olympic pool is meant for serious swimmers, but mostly it’s filled with teenagers.
My kid loved the wave pool. Every time the signal went off for the waves, he would drag us back out there. He was absolutely bonkers about it.
There’s also Eastern Europe's tallest 31-meter toboggan, featuring six tunnel slides and five different speeds.
The slingshot and a steep-ish slide
Beyond swimming, the complex offers a wellness experience, including a wellness center, spa lounges, a private seating garden, a fitness room, and a swimming academy. It features 17 types of saunas, a small lake for trout fishing (with on-site preparation), and 12 food courts for any craving. Gino Paradise provides access to a safe, well-equipped beach on the Tbilisi Sea, complete with sunbeds, showers, and dressing rooms. This extensive list of facilities means there’s something for everyone—from families and thrill-seekers to those seeking relaxation. The comprehensive offering drives its popularity, as it allows visitors to fulfill multiple leisure needs efficiently, providing high perceived value despite the admission fee.
Getting there isn’t straightforward. It’s located on Beshenova Street, adjacent to the Tbilisi Sea. Public transit is limited, but you can get a cheap taxi from Station’s Square or take the 333 bus.
The kids' section
Admission for Gino Paradise is set at 99 GEL (approximately $36.7 USD) on weekends, with a sale price of 74.25 GEL (approximately $27.5 USD) available. This makes it one of the cheaper places to swim and relax, even less than some pools.
Children under five years old get in free.
Tbilisi Sea Club: Exclusive Lakeside Leisure
Located directly on the shores of the Tbilisi Sea, the Tbilisi Sea Club offers a well-equipped environment for relaxation and active water activities. It provides amenities and services for a fee, moving beyond simple water access to deliver a comprehensive leisure package.
Key features include two pools, one designed for children. There’s also a spacious sunbathing area on a floating dock, perfect for sunbathing.
From Tbilisi Sea Club's Facebook
For those seeking active pursuits, the club offers water slides, children's playgrounds, and opportunities for various water sports. Lessons for sailing, water skiing, and swimming are available. The club is equipped with cafes and a large restaurant that can accommodate up to 1,000 people, making it suitable for events like weddings and birthdays.
Public transit is as challenging as getting to Gino Paradise, so a taxi is advisable.
Admission is 40 GEL (approximately $14 USD) per person on weekends, typically including free parking, a sunbed, and access to the outdoor pool and the Tbilisi Sea. Children are usually admitted for free.
The Tbilisi Sea Club is best for families with children, couples, and individuals seeking a managed, amenity-rich beach club experience. It’s ideal for those wishing to combine swimming with sunbathing and other water sports. The club offers a more private experience compared to free public beaches, making the entrance fee worthwhile.
Sport Center Swimming Pools
Vake Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre: The Professional's Choice
Established in 1965, the Vake Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre is one of the best and most popular swimming pools in Georgia. It’s known for its long history, professional staff, and commitment to cleanliness and safety. This facility has hosted numerous significant sports championships, solidifying its reputation.
The key features include a 50-meter indoor pool, often described as the cleanest in Georgia. Since it’s an indoor facility, it’s less about summer fun and more about lap swimming.
From Vake Swimming Pool's Facebook
Getting there is easy; it’s just past Vake Park on Chavchavadze Ave. 49B. It’s accessible by various public transport options, including bus lines (345) from Vake or Rustaveli, or by taxi.
Admission for a one-day pass is 100 GEL (approximately $37 USD), which includes access to the swimming pool, sauna, and fitness club. For children aged 8 to 18 years, admission is 50 GEL (approximately $18.5 USD) per day. Monthly and yearly passes are also available, offering better value for frequent visitors.
Neptune Sport Complex: All-Season Aquatic Fitness
Neptune Sport Complex is a full-service, all-season sports and wellness complex in Tbilisi. It’s one of the city's largest gym facilities, providing an extensive range of swimming, exercise, and relaxation amenities. Its retractable roof allows for year-round access, which explains the 100 GEL admission price.
From Neptune's Facebook
Key features include versatile pools: a 25-meter main pool and a 12-meter children's pool, both with a retractable roof. This design allows for open-air swimming during summer.
The complex also offers a comprehensive fitness and spa experience, featuring a state-of-the-art gym, wellness area with Finnish and Turkish saunas, steam room, and massage services. For structured exercise, Neptune provides fitness classes, including pilates, spinning, Latino dance, boxing, and aqua fitness, along with individual swimming lessons from professional trainers. An on-site café serves wholesome dishes.
Getting there is straightforward, similar to the Vake Swimming Pool.
Olympic Complex (Isani): For Serious Swimmers
The Olympic Complex in Isani features a 50-meter, 8-lane pool, serving as the primary training ground for the Georgian water polo team. This facility is a key destination for professional and serious swimmers.
Key features include its main attraction: a 50-meter, 8-lane Olympic pool. It’s important to note that this pool often has a water polo court set up, meaning lanes might run width-ways during certain times. However, staff can typically open a full 50-meter lane upon request, especially in the evenings. Access to a gym is usually included with pool passes, and the complex is known for its decent changing rooms.
Getting there requires some travel. The complex is located at 5 Malxazis Turn (მალხაზის შესახვევი). It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Isani Metro stop, with public buses running directly to the pool.
Admission for a two-hour pass is 20 GEL (approximately $7 USD), and a monthly membership is 220 GEL.
Krtsanisi Residence Pool (Sport Time): Scenic Urban Escape
Located on the edge of the city in Krtsanisi, the Krtsanisi Residence Pool, or Sport Time, offers a swimming experience with picturesque views. This spot provides a refreshing escape amidst the urban bustle, combining relaxation with convenient amenities.
Key features include a spacious outdoor swimming pool measuring 21m x 7m with a depth of 1.3m to 1.9m. The facility includes a beach bar and cafeteria, ensuring refreshments are readily available. Access to the fitness facility is also included with pool entry.
Getting there involves traveling to Krtsanisi, likely best accessed by taxi or private car from the city center.
Admission for daily entry to the outdoor swimming pool is 30 GEL (approximately $11 USD) on weekdays and 45 GEL (approximately $15 USD) on weekends. Children under three years old are admitted free, and minors under 12 years can enter for 15 GEL (approximately $5.5 USD).
Hotel Swimming Pools
Holiday Inn Tbilisi Pool Garden: Luxury & Convenience
The Holiday Inn Tbilisi features one of the city's most luxurious outdoor pools, distinguished by natural wood flooring and decorative trees. This creates a refreshing urban escape. This pool, along with those at other prominent hotels like Radisson Blu, The Biltmore, and Wyndham Grand, exemplifies a trend where luxury hotel amenities are accessible to the public through day passes. This model provides a premium swimming experience without the cost of an overnight stay, enhancing Tbilisi's appeal.
From the Holiday Inn Booking.com
Key features include a seasonal outdoor pool measuring 25m x 7m x 1.4m. Day entry typically grants access to the hotel's sauna and fitness facilities. The hotel also offers amenities such as a buffet breakfast (available for a surcharge), a bar/lounge, and a snack bar/deli. Guest reviews frequently highlight the pool, location, and staff as positive aspects.
Getting there is easy due to its location at 1, 26 May Square, Saburtalo. It’s accessible by public transport, with Tsereteli Station a 20-minute walk away. Taxis also provide easy transport.
Admission for daily entry to the Pool Garden is about 100 GEL.
Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel Pool: Rooftop Views & Urban Luxury
The Radisson Blu Iveria Hotel, a 5-star property in Old Tbilisi, offers a luxurious swimming experience. For luxury hotels, the swimming pool is not merely a facility but an integral part of a broader, high-quality experience. The pool significantly contributes to the overall allure of the hotel, attracting both staying guests and local patrons.
From Radisson Blue's website
I visited once a long time ago, and someone else was paying, so I had a great time. The place is clean and serves good drinks. While it’s not designed for family fun, it is enjoyable.
It’s probably around 100 GEL these days too.
Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace: Luxury & Comprehensive Wellness
The Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, another massive 5-star hotel, offers a luxurious wellness experience with both indoor and seasonal outdoor swimming pools. Located in Avlabari, it provides stunning panoramic views of the city and Old Town, making it an appealing urban retreat.
Key features include an indoor pool, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a dedicated children's pool. The hotel boasts a full-service spa, a 24-hour health club, and a cutting-edge fitness center. Visitors can enjoy a jacuzzi, grotto, steam room, and sauna, along with a spacious relaxation area. Additional amenities include a poolside bar, a restaurant, and free self-parking.
Getting there is convenient due to its location in Old Tbilisi. It’s accessible by public transport, with the 300 Aragveli subway station just a 9-minute ride from Station Square. Various bus routes serve the area, and taxis offer a quick ride from the city center.
Admission for an all-inclusive day pass is 100 GEL (approximately $25.9 USD). They even host DJ parties on Fridays.
Essential Tips for Your Tbilisi Swim Day
To ensure a comfortable and safe swimming experience in Tbilisi, consider the following essential tips:
Best Times to Visit
Summer Season (June-August): This period is when outdoor pools and water parks are at their prime, offering the most enjoyable conditions for cooling off.
Weekdays vs. Weekends: Pools and water parks like Gino Paradise can get crowded on weekends. Weekdays generally offer a more relaxed experience, allowing for greater enjoyment of the facilities.
What to Pack
Sunscreen: With Tbilisi's hot summers and ample sunshine, sunscreen is essential for outdoor swimming.
Towels: While some facilities provide towels, it’s always a good idea to bring your own.
Cash (Georgian Lari - GEL): Many establishments accept card payments, but smaller vendors may require cash. Public transport also operates using a unified card system or requires exact cash fares.
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially at outdoor locations with limited shade.
Swim Cap: Certain professional pools may require swim caps for hygiene. It’s advisable to check with the facility beforehand.
General Safety and Etiquette
Doctor's Note: Don’t be surprised if a swimming pool requires a "doctor's note" for a fee onsite. This is common and costs around 15 GEL.
Europark Note: As of July 21, 2024, Europark is no longer operational, and this guide focuses on currently available options.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Tbilisi Swim Awaits!
Tbilisi offers a diverse array of swimming experiences, catering to every preference. From the exhilarating slides and entertainment of Gino Paradise to the luxurious comfort of upscale hotel pools and the professional training environments of sports complexes, there’s an aquatic escape for everyone.
With this comprehensive guide, visitors can make informed choices that align with their specific needs. Whether seeking family fun, a peaceful retreat, rigorous fitness, or urban luxury, Tbilisi's swimming spots provide ample opportunity. So, pack your swimwear, grab your towel, and prepare to beat the heat while creating unforgettable aquatic memories in Georgia's vibrant capital!
Stay tuned for the next blog about natural swimming holes, and sign up for the newsletter below to not miss it!
Belgian National Day, celebrated annually on July 21, is a vibrant public holiday marked by parades, family fairs, and either fireworks, a light show, or both. The date itself though holds a specific royal significance rather than marking the country's actual fight for freedom.
The celebration really commemorates the day in 1831 when Leopold I took the constitutional oath as the first King of the Belgians, officially establishing the new kingdom's monarchy. This date was later solidified as the national holiday by his son, Leopold II.
So, while modern festivities embrace the nation's identity with street food, music, and family fun, the holiday's origin is firmly rooted in the founding of its monarchy, not the revolution that made it possible.
Parc du Bruxelles on National Day
It's my favorite holiday in Belgium though. It starts with a parade and children’s fair and ends with the Cinquantenaire turning into a giant beer garden with fireworks banging on overhead (or drones winging around making a menacing display). It’s a true family holiday, with something for everyone. Bouncy castles, street food, beer, folk music, rave music, and so on.
The second year we were there, we had decided to meet up at my place. My Georgian mother-in-law was visiting, so we could stuff ourselves with khatchapuri and then head on out. We had our blanket in arm and started walking on down, the family and a couple of friends. And then we got to a massive crowd outside of the gates.
And on the other side of the gates?
No massive crowd.
What gave? The guards were turning people back. Too many people in the park. But a quick survey of the surroundings showed there were more people just outside the gates in a tighter area! So, I made a mental note and resolved that the following year, there would be no khatchapuri. We would sit on a blanket and eat sausages, dag nabbit jesh maritad blin!
The Belgian Revolution
July 21 is not the real Belgian National Day. It’s actually a complete fabrication of a proud king’s imagination. The real Belgian National Day is on September 27. That date is about the Revolution, which started when a bunch of opera-goers from La Monnaie got super pissed off at the Dutch monarchy and hit the streets.
La Monnaie
You see, the head man of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, King William I of Orange (not the color, but also the color) was visiting his fair city of Brussels, and he wanted a mad-cap party to celebrate his fifteenth year of rule (not that the locals were very happy about it).
The opposition decided to cooperate with him on that.
The schedule went thus:
Monday the 23rd: Fireworks.
Tuesday, the 24th: Illuminations.
Wednesday, the 25th: Revolution.
The opera house was playing, La muette de Portici, a musical play about revolution and dancing. Just beforehand, a revolutionary newspaper tweeted out that people should leave on the fifth act. Not only because it was a disappointment, but because the King would never suspect people leaving after paying 150 euros a seat.
The United Kingdom of the Netherlands
Just to keep this short, William was the King of a United Kingdom that was invented just after Napoleon’s bout across Europe. The Frenchman was out collecting principalities like my son collects roly-polies on our walk to school, and after his defeat, something had to be done with all these territories.
At that time, the lowlands (or Netherlands) was divided in two parts, and one part (Flanders) shared the same rule with a weird bit of Francophonic, beer-swilling Minecraft squeezed between France and Germany. This bit of land was owned by the Austrian Emperor, who had inherited it from his Spanish relatives, who had inherited it from other Austrian relatives who had gotten it when they were running the Holy Roman Empire (this is the short, simple version, mind you).
So that was the “Austrian Netherlands”. The other Netherlands was actually a republic, but it was being constantly undermined by the powerful Orange family, who had centuries earlier migrated in from France after failing to take over that throne. Despite the country being a republic, the lands were still owned by someone, and that someone was the Orange family. Finally, Napoleon and his defeat paved the way for the Oranges, under William VI, to stake out a new claim, that of the Netherlands.
At the Congress of Vienna, Europeans gathered together to divvy up land that wasn’t really theirs. William threw down his claim, not only that the Netherlands should have a king (him) but also that it made perfect sense for him to throw in Brabant, Flanders, and Wallonia because, ohpsa, what’s this, they had also married into that family as well.
William VI then became King William I of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Not everyone likes a king, or does
The problem with the Dutch was that they were Protestant. The Flemish and Walloons were Catholic (having been under Habsburg rule). Now William had a brilliant idea. He thought he might fix that divide and make everyone a Dutch Protestant. Never mind that there were Catholics and Francophones in a great deal of his territories.
And that brings us back to the revolution and a newly independent Belgium, consisting of the Catholic states that were once a part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Now it wasn’t that these folk were against having a king. They quite liked the idea. They just didn’t like the idea of William being king.
"Episode des Journées de Sept 1830 sur la Place de l'Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles" by Gustave Wappers
After two days of brutal street fighting, William’s enforcers deserted on mass and he was no longer able to keep a hold on the territory. On September 27, the not-so-Dutch declared independence, claimed they were all descendants of the ancient Belgae tribe, and voted on a new form of government, this time led by a king, Leopold I.
Leopold was a Protestant nobleman from Saxe-Coburg (same line as the British and Russian rulers) who served in the Russian army against Napoleon. Of course, it’s weird they chose a Protestant just after fighting and kicking out the Protestants, but that’s Belgium for you.
He became the first king of Belgium on July 21. Ah, recognize that date?
Belgian National Day
Leopold was not such a proud man to make a day a holiday after himself. That claim goes to his son, Leopold II, the same guy who funded a lot of Brussels’ fantastic, monumental buildings from profits off his slave plantations in the Congo. He also moved Belgian National Day from September 27 to July 21, to firmly establish the identity of the crown with the people.
There is of course, the regularly recognizable arches that he had built. But there's also this bizarre goldfish pond with a Trumpian etching of slaves with crocodiles, with an inscription for the "brave Belgian explorers" and something about how they got rid of the Arab slavers (the sculptor either had a keen sense of irony or left it at the bank), though the "Arab" part was removed at the request of the mosque nearby.
Dedicated to the "Brave Belgian explorers of the Congo"
My kid used to love visiting the goldfish here, though I'd try to discourage it. But there's only so much you can do to persuade a 2-year-old. He loved it so much, he rolled a Hot Wheel right off the side, plopping into the water straight to the bottom. So, if you're around when they at last drain that thing, grab it and send it to me in Georgia, would you?
And that’s where we are next week, when Belgium celebrates the birth of their nation. Or kingdom. Or whatever.
The Official Parade
The official celebration begins with a large military and civil parade in the heart of Brussels. To get the best experience, plan on arriving early at the Parc de Bruxelles (Brussels Park). The parade, which typically starts at 4:00 PM, features soldiers, police and fire departments, and various civil service units marching past the Royal Palace.
The park is the prime viewing area, but it also hosts a day-long family fair starting at 10:00 AM. You will find bouncy castles, face painting, games, and plenty of food and drink stalls. Be aware that authorities often close the nearest metro stations for security, forcing large crowds onto narrow sidewalks.
So don't get there too early, it's easy enough to get a good viewing point for the parade and you want to keep some energy to linger around afterwards. Don't hurry to go: the massive crowds are crushing when leaving, so it's best to let them dwindle first. Catch a beer or waffle at the Woodpecker in the park before heading out and you'll still have plenty of time to make it to the Parc du Cinquantenaire for the light show.
The royal propaganda
The fun then continues over at the Parc du Cinquantenaire, where they have a huge light and drone show once it gets dark, incorporating the massive arches in the whole display. It’s really cool and a must see if you’re in town on July 21.
The placement of the final celebrations at the park, and indeed, the migration from the palace to the park, is no real accident either. As I wrote earlier, the real revolution, which had invoked ideals of republic and freedom (before they elected to have a king, ahem… mind you, only rich, male property owners could take part in the Provisional Government that decided this kind of things… so it made sense they’d decide to stick with a monarchy), was in September.
It was King Leopold II who moved it to the Cinquantenaire and made it a kind of “king’s day”. And his most famous legacy is the park’s monumental architecture. So from the palace to the park. And even today, the king makes a special appearance and gives a speech just before the light show.
The light show
As I mentioned earlier, you should get there with plenty of time. And again, food and beer is readily available, as they put in a bunch of stalls (though always with long lines, so maybe bring a picnic) along with Chez Maurice which is already there. Also bring a blanket, because all the benches in the entire park are always taken. Place the blanket towards the center so you can reserve a clear view of the show.
Lasers turning the 50 into a rave
They typically start a mix of rave-style, folk, and pop fairly early, and there’s also the big sandbox playground if you need to entertain your kid for a spell.
Then when it gets dark, there’s not much else to do but to cram into the center aisle and enjoy the show.
Schedule
For anyone planning to attend the celebrations in Brussels, here is a quick guide to help you navigate the day.
Event
Location
Start Time
Notes
Te Deum Mass
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
10:00 AM
Attended by the Royal Family and officials.
Family Fair / "Fête au Parc"
Parc de Bruxelles (Brussels Park)
10:00 AM
Free activities, games, food, and entertainment.
Military & Civil Parade
Place des Palais (in front of Royal Palace)
4:00 PM
Arrive early for a good viewing spot in the park.
Concert & Fireworks Show
Parc du Cinquantenaire
9:00 PM
Bring a blanket. Show starts after sunset, around 10:30 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belgian National Day free to attend? Yes, all official events, including the parade, park festivities, and fireworks show, are free and open to the public.
Is the event family-friendly? Absolutely. The daytime events at Parc de Bruxelles are specifically designed for children and families. The evening show is suitable for all ages, though it can be loud and crowded.
What should I bring? For the day, bring sunscreen, water, and cash for food stalls. For the evening, a blanket or picnic chairs are essential. Packing your own snacks and drinks can help you avoid long lines.
