Les Bains du Centre

A cute, older pool, with a nice view of Brussels. It's in easy walking distance of the Midi train station and surrounding hotels. The cheerful staff speaks French and Dutch, although you'll manage if you don't speak either language. The pool and changing area are on the third floor. There aren't any lockers, but you'll be assigned to a changing room with two doors. You lock one door and your stuff inside and exit the other side. Remember your number and the attendant will let you back into your changing stall after you've completed your swim. If you plan to shower afterward, bring your shampoo on deck with you as the showers are on the pool deck. The facility had plenty of kickboards, buoys, and noodles.

Current hours are:

• Monday - Thursday: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM;
• Friday: 7:30 AM to 8 PM;
• Saturday: 7:30 AM to 5 PM;
• Sunday: Closed.

On the Friday I was there, however, I was told the pool was closed from 2 to 4 PM, likely for a swim practice.

It's an old pool (built in 1949) but it has its charm. The staff is very helpful, even with language barriers. Using the changing rooms is definitely an experience worth trying. The pool gets busy during lunch time, but it's OK for lap swim. Swim caps are required and available for purchase if you don't bring one with you.

The street it's in leads out of Place du Jeu de Balle not far from Midi (South) Station. This is an oldish pool with lanes for lap swimming. It can get crowded with children over weekends but one can still swim in the middle lanes.