A breath of fresh air: Seven of our favourite Belgian cafe terraces

Hotel Bonhomme
This historic family-run hotel has been standing next to the river Amblève since 1768. Many famous people have spent a night or two here, including King Albert I. You can sit on the terrace shaded by a row of ancient trees drinking a glass of the local beer
26 Rue de la Reffe, Remouchamps

The School of Life
The School of Life in Antwerp hosts regular philosophical discussions inspired by Alain de Botton’s reflections on life, love and all the rest. The school occupies a bright modern pavilion on the quiet Munthof square. There’s a coffee bar with a large terrace on the square where you can sit in the sun reading De Botton’s The Architecture of Happiness.
2 Muntstraat, Antwerp

Clouds in my Coffee
Located in a neighbourhood of Turkish bakeries and cheap clothes stores, this is not a place you stumble on by chance. But it’s worth the hike to experience this relaxed coffee bar with bare brick walls, matte black tables and old school chairs. The walled garden at the back is a friendly hipster hideaway in Belgium’s coolest town. And it’s open almost every day. B&B also an option.
104 Dendermondsesteenweg, Ghent

Jam Hotel
The Jam Hotel (pictured) is one of the coolest spots in town, even if you aren’t staying as a guest. Located in the old St Luke architecture school, it welcomes locals to its rooftop bar. Take the lift to the top floor and perch on a stool next to a narrow swimming pool gazing over the roofs of Saint-Gilles. There’s also a small indoor bar with a couch, bookshelves and a log fire that gets lit on cold days.
132 Chaussée de Charleroi, Brussels

De Gouden Vis
This Art Nouveau cafe on Mechelen’s old fish market looks a bit shabby, with bikes parked in the hallway and faded posters peeling off the wall. But the former fishmonger’s shop is a wonderful, romantic place to grab a beer. You might even, if you’re lucky, find a place to sit on the little waterfront terrace in the shade of an old vine.
7 Nauwstraat, Mechelen

Les Comtes de Méan
The gorgeous hotel Les Comtes de Méan is located in two ancient townhouses high above Liège. Go through to the back of the hotel and you’ll find a terrace with a fabulous view of the church spires and steep roofs of the old town. A beer here is a bit more expensive, but it’s a sublime spot to sit out in the sun.
9 Mont Saint Martin, Liège

La Capitainerie
Namur has plenty of convivial cafe terraces on old squares, but this floating dock has become the place to be when the sun comes out. It’s moored on the Jambes side of the river Meuse with a stunning view of the citadel. You can stop here for a coffee in the morning sun or call in for a glass of sangria in the early evening. They also organise stand-up paddling competitions and occasional concerts.
38 Boulevard de la Meuse, Namur

This article first appeared in The Bulletin Summer 2017. Pick up a copy in newsagents now, browse the magazine here or subscribe today...