Forest

Lying to the south-west of the city, bordered by the communes of Ixelles and St-Gilles towards the city centre to the north and by Uccle to the south-east, Forest was once an industrial suburb and now immigrants rub shoulders with those who live in the more exclusive homes around the parks. The commune is characterised by its art deco buildings, of which the 1930s town hall is an impressive example, and by a wealth of parks and gardens, including Parc de Forest, oak-filled Parc Jacques Brel and wild Parc Duden. Place de l’Altitude Cent is the highest point in Brussels and offers spectacular views across the city. Art exhibitions are held in the 18th-century Abbaye de Forest, rebuilt after fire destroyed its 12th-century foundations. The commune also boasts an ice-skating rink and the Forest National, the city’s biggest concert venue, which attracts major stars on international tours. Boutique shopping is available around the Place St-Denis and Place de l’Altitude Cent. In addition, the Jewish Beth Aviv school is found in the suburb. Forest is not linked to the metro network but is well served by trams and buses to the centre.