The Belgian capital is not the only city to offer a selection of lofty watering holes during the summer months. From urban escapes to rural vistas, check out our selection of rooftop bars in Flanders and Wallonia. Admire the skyline of Limburg capital Hasselt from the Bon’air Rooftop, a stylish bar perched in the penthouse of the city centre Radisson Blu Hotel. Open to visitors as well as hotel guests, the 19th floor elevated lounge proposes a sharing menu and a variety of cocktails. Torenplein
8, Hasselt (Limburg) With views stretching over one of the largest ports in the world, SKYBAR Antwerp is perfect for observing the city and the busy Scheldt river. It is also a swanky 10th floor destination with live DJ sets on Friday and Saturday evenings and a busy event schedule that includes the Tall Ships Race on 11 & 12 July. You will need to book for dinner but can wander in for drinks, space permitting. A full bar menu includes cocktails. Sint-Pietersvliet 7, Antwerp
Located in De Koninck Brewery, Antwerp barbecue address Black Smoke possesses an urban rooftop high above its fiery grills and smokehouse. Alongside the panoramic views, there’s a full bar menu, including cocktails and craft beers from De Koninck and Duvel-Moortgat breweries. Naturally, you can also sample some of its barbecue specialities. On sunny days, DJs ramp up the heat. No reservations. Boomgaardstraat 1, Antwerp During July and August, lap up views of historic Ghent from the 6th-floor hotel lounge bar Yalo Rooftop. The city hotspot
offers a tasting menu, bites and a selection of mains and sides, as well as cocktails and other refreshing drinks. Brabantdam 33, Ghent In the heart of West Flanders’ hop district, just outside Watou, Bar Bernard is a chic and modern destination amid a rural outlook (pictured above and main image). As part of St Bernardus Brewery, the rooftop space proposes interior and outdoor seating and hosts beer tastings that round off a tour of the brewing site. Open to visitors for drinks and bites
from Wednesday to Sunday. Wines and spirits also on the menu. From 24 June, Trappistenweg 23, Watou (West Flanders) It is not only Bruge’s belfry that affords a panoramic view of the world famous medieval city. Head to Oda rooftop bar opposite St Salvator’s Cathedral for fabulous views in a modern setting. The restaurant requires a reservation but you can access the bar for a selection of signature and classic cocktails, as well as beer and wine. There’s accompanying bites and shared dishes. Only open
when weather permits. Closed 1 to 15 July. Steenstraat 96, Bruges Conveniently close to Liège’s futuristic Guillemins train station, the YUST hotel’s rooftop bar is a stunning 300m2 space. This is an ideal spot to admire not only the Calatrava-designed edifice, but also the Meuse river and sprawling city, while enjoying a sunset drink and a bite to eat. No reservations. Regularly hosts events. Esplanade Simone Veil 2, Liège The Neo-Gothic former central post office of Liège now operates as La Grand Poste, a modern
coworking space, food hall, craft brewery and rooftop. The second floor terrace, with both an indoor and outdoor space, proposes drinks and food. Open daily from early April to late September. Quai Sur Meuse 19, Liège Open exclusively once a month, the rooftop bar of the historic Hotel Selys kicks off its second season with a live DJ set on 18 June. Expect Afro House sounds and tropical cocktails. The Va, der Valk hotel is located in the heart of the city centre. Rue du
Mont St-Martin 9, Liège As its name indicates, restaurant bar Le Panorama occupies a lofty site atop Namur’s citadel. Reopened three years ago following extensive renovations, this institution dating from 1925 is the place-to-be in summer months. Its international menu is designed by Michelin-star chef Yves Mattagne and specialities include wood fire cooked Alsatian speciality, flammeküeche. Or simply sip a drink on the pretty terrace and take in the spectacular view of the Mosane valley. Route Merveilleuse 82, Namur The Point de Vue restaurant in
Rochehaut dominates the sinuous Semois river below. Also functioning as a bistro and a tearoom, the popular address proposes house cocktails and a selection of local brews, which can all be enjoyed from its fabulous terrace. Route d’Allée 3, Rochehaut (Luxembourg province) Sited on the rooftop of a co-working space and a window frame showroom, the contemporary-styled Toit restaurant proposes Sardinian specialities in a menu that changes weekly. The decor, with accents of wood, plus the cuisine and the location continue to draw diners to
this spot on the outskirts of the Walloon Brabant town. 481 Chaussée de Tubize, Braine l’Alleud Rooftop Summer Mons is an annual happening on the roof of the city’s fine arts museum. DJs, deckchairs and delicious cocktails plus a food corner are all yours for a single entrance price of €4 for the whole season. It also provides access to the art exhibitions. Until 26 August, Saturday & Sunday 14.00-22.00, Rue Neuve 8, Mons
rooftop bars, Flanders, Wallonia, Belgium, Hasselt, Antwerp, Ghent, Watou, Bruges, Liège, Namur, Mons, summer cocktails