Guidebook for Brussels
Essentials
Closest supermarket at 50 mtres from the front door. Open 8-22h on wkdays, 9-21h wkends. Small one though, you might have to go to the big Delhaize a bit further to find everything you need.
Anspachlaan 106
Closest supermarket at 50 mtres from the front door. Open 8-22h on wkdays, 9-21h wkends. Small one though, you might have to go to the big Delhaize a bit further to find everything you need.
Best croissants and pains au chocolat in town! Everything there is pretty much delicious and freshly made on the spot! Open every day 7-19.30h
118 recommandé par les habitants
Charli
34 Rue Sainte-CatherineBest croissants and pains au chocolat in town! Everything there is pretty much delicious and freshly made on the spot! Open every day 7-19.30h
Cooperative organic store, opened recently with a distinct Nordic vibe. Open mondays till saturdays 9-20h
Quai au Bois à Brûler
Quai au Bois à BrûlerCooperative organic store, opened recently with a distinct Nordic vibe. Open mondays till saturdays 9-20h
Food Scene
The french tea! The pastries! The friendliness! They offer breakfast all day through. A charming little place! Try the green tea cake if they have it! Open only Tu 12-18.30h, Wed & Sat 9.30-18.30h
17 recommandé par les habitants
A.M. Sweet
4 Rue des ChartreuxThe french tea! The pastries! The friendliness! They offer breakfast all day through. A charming little place! Try the green tea cake if they have it! Open only Tu 12-18.30h, Wed & Sat 9.30-18.30h
Beautiful interior, luxurious atmosphere and all in all rather affordable. Right outside my place so very easily accessible. Count between 22 and 40 euros per person, drinks included.
The Dominican
9 Rue LéopoldBeautiful interior, luxurious atmosphere and all in all rather affordable. Right outside my place so very easily accessible. Count between 22 and 40 euros per person, drinks included.
If you have a bit more to spend (50-60 euro per person including drinks), then this is the absolute best middle range restaurant around. Authentic Belgian dining in a gorgeous setting. Open 7/7 12-24h
42 recommandé par les habitants
Au Vieux Saint Martin
38 Pl. du Grand SablonIf you have a bit more to spend (50-60 euro per person including drinks), then this is the absolute best middle range restaurant around. Authentic Belgian dining in a gorgeous setting. Open 7/7 12-24h
The best Lebanese snack in the centre. Have a durum falafel or chicken with tahini. Heaven! Complicated opening hours: Wed-Fri 12-15h and 18-01h - Sat-Sun 13-15h and 18-02h => Belgium...
22 recommandé par les habitants
L'Express
8 Rue des ChapeliersThe best Lebanese snack in the centre. Have a durum falafel or chicken with tahini. Heaven! Complicated opening hours: Wed-Fri 12-15h and 18-01h - Sat-Sun 13-15h and 18-02h => Belgium...
Unfriendly service BUT they make their noodles on the spot in the traditional way and it's damn delicious. Best dish I find is the nouilles sautés aux scampis! Open mo-sat 12-23h and sundays 12-15h
30 recommandé par les habitants
Au bon bol
9 Rue Paul DevauxUnfriendly service BUT they make their noodles on the spot in the traditional way and it's damn delicious. Best dish I find is the nouilles sautés aux scampis! Open mo-sat 12-23h and sundays 12-15h
No nonsense food, really good prices, all served in an authentic and typically Belgian setting. Dutch, French, English and Spanish spoken. Open mon-fri 16.30-midnight, wkends 12-15h & 16.30-midnight
174 recommandé par les habitants
La Fin de Siècle
3 Av. de l'ArméeNo nonsense food, really good prices, all served in an authentic and typically Belgian setting. Dutch, French, English and Spanish spoken. Open mon-fri 16.30-midnight, wkends 12-15h & 16.30-midnight
This place is from the same owners as Fin de Siècle 30 mtrs down the road, but there's a better chance of getting a table than at Fin de Siècle. Open 7/7 17:00-midnight
Rue Van Artevelde
Rue Van ArteveldeThis place is from the same owners as Fin de Siècle 30 mtrs down the road, but there's a better chance of getting a table than at Fin de Siècle. Open 7/7 17:00-midnight
Incredibly good bagels and burgers served with delicious oven-baked potatoes with olive oil and rosemary. One of my absolute favorites for lunch! Monday closed. Tue-thurs 12-15h & 19-22h, wknds 12-23h
Kolenmarkt 100
100 Rue du Marché au Charbon KolenmarktIncredibly good bagels and burgers served with delicious oven-baked potatoes with olive oil and rosemary. One of my absolute favorites for lunch! Monday closed. Tue-thurs 12-15h & 19-22h, wknds 12-23h
This was the first ever Pain Quotidien. Great place to stop over for breakfast, lunch, a pain au chocolat or a coffee! Open mon-sat 7.30-19h, sun 7.30-18h
76 recommandé par les habitants
Le Pain Quotidien
16 Rue Antoine DansaertThis was the first ever Pain Quotidien. Great place to stop over for breakfast, lunch, a pain au chocolat or a coffee! Open mon-sat 7.30-19h, sun 7.30-18h
Famous for its quiches and pies, it's a great place to have a healthy lunch. Stay away from the meat dishes! Pies are delicious too. Open 7/7 7.30-23h
15 recommandé par les habitants
L'Arcadi
1B Rue d'ArenbergFamous for its quiches and pies, it's a great place to have a healthy lunch. Stay away from the meat dishes! Pies are delicious too. Open 7/7 7.30-23h
Baksteenkaai 60
60 Quai aux BriquesVery Belgian and known for its mussles! Open mon-sat 12-14.30h and 18-22.30h
Very known with the Bruxellois for their delicious burgers. Rather pricey though, around 15 euros. That includes a salad and fries of course. Open mon-fri 12-14h & 18-22.30, wkends 12-15h & 18-22.30
74 recommandé par les habitants
Houtsiplou
9 Pl. RouppeVery known with the Bruxellois for their delicious burgers. Rather pricey though, around 15 euros. That includes a salad and fries of course. Open mon-fri 12-14h & 18-22.30, wkends 12-15h & 18-22.30
When you're looking for a barista coffee! Large variety of cakes and muffins. Mon-Fri 07:30-20:00 Sat-Sun 08:30-20:00
8 recommandé par les habitants
Coffee Company
When you're looking for a barista coffee! Large variety of cakes and muffins. Mon-Fri 07:30-20:00 Sat-Sun 08:30-20:00
Right across the street. Cute place that serves decent lunch and nice coffees. Open 7/7 12-midnight
Zuidstraat 15
15 Rue du MidiRight across the street. Cute place that serves decent lunch and nice coffees. Open 7/7 12-midnight
Best french fries I've had in Brussels. Very good! Open every day from 11 till at least 1AM (friday and saturdays till 7AM)
56 recommandé par les habitants
Fritland
49 Rue Henri MausBest french fries I've had in Brussels. Very good! Open every day from 11 till at least 1AM (friday and saturdays till 7AM)
Very appreciated by the locals, this place serves you absolutely delicious seafood at their counter that gives out onto the pavement. Open tue-sat 11-18h, sun 11-20h
208 recommandé par les habitants
Mer du Nord
45 Pl. Sainte-CatherineVery appreciated by the locals, this place serves you absolutely delicious seafood at their counter that gives out onto the pavement. Open tue-sat 11-18h, sun 11-20h
Japanese ramen. Delicious!! Not the cheapest however: 14 euros for a bowl. Mon-Fr noon - 2:30pm, 6:00pm-10:00 pm. Sat & Sun open till 11:00 pm
25 recommandé par les habitants
Umamido St-Catherine
1 Pl. Sainte-CatherineJapanese ramen. Delicious!! Not the cheapest however: 14 euros for a bowl. Mon-Fr noon - 2:30pm, 6:00pm-10:00 pm. Sat & Sun open till 11:00 pm
Sightseeing
This brewery is situated quite centrally in the city and is easily accessible from the apartment. Guided visits for those who want to see what a real brewery looks like inside! Google for details!
47 recommandé par les habitants
Brasserie Cantillon
56 Rue GheudeThis brewery is situated quite centrally in the city and is easily accessible from the apartment. Guided visits for those who want to see what a real brewery looks like inside! Google for details!
Big medieval cathedral dating back to the 11th century. This is where the royal weddings and funerals take place.
91 recommandé par les habitants
St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels
Esplanade de la Sainte-GuduleBig medieval cathedral dating back to the 11th century. This is where the royal weddings and funerals take place.
Built for the World Exposition in 1958, this massive building has the structure of an atom, hence the name. After years of decay it was thoroughly restored 2 or 3 years ago. Google for details!
518 recommandé par les habitants
Atomium
1 Pl. de l'AtomiumBuilt for the World Exposition in 1958, this massive building has the structure of an atom, hence the name. After years of decay it was thoroughly restored 2 or 3 years ago. Google for details!
This is the most famous flea market in Brussels. Held every day, it boasts a tremendous variety of all possible goods and wares. Best to go there between 9AM and 1PM
364 recommandé par les habitants
Vossenplein
Place du Jeu de BalleThis is the most famous flea market in Brussels. Held every day, it boasts a tremendous variety of all possible goods and wares. Best to go there between 9AM and 1PM
From here you have a panorama that overlooks the lower part of Brussels. The palace of Justice is also situated here, do walk in and take a look at the interior! An elevator takes you to the Marollen.
99 recommandé par les habitants
Poelaertplein
Place PoelaertFrom here you have a panorama that overlooks the lower part of Brussels. The palace of Justice is also situated here, do walk in and take a look at the interior! An elevator takes you to the Marollen.
Arts & Culture
For art nouveau lovers: Horta was the key European Art Nouveau architect. Not exactly in the centre but worth the visit if you're into architecture. Google for details!
433 recommandé par les habitants
Horta Museum (Musee Horta)
27 Rue AméricaineFor art nouveau lovers: Horta was the key European Art Nouveau architect. Not exactly in the centre but worth the visit if you're into architecture. Google for details!
If you like surrealist art, meet the Belgian Salvador Dali. The quality of the collection may vary strongly as art pieces are constantly sent out for international exhibitions. Google for details!
489 recommandé par les habitants
Musée Magritte Museum
1 Pl. RoyaleIf you like surrealist art, meet the Belgian Salvador Dali. The quality of the collection may vary strongly as art pieces are constantly sent out for international exhibitions. Google for details!
One of the most beautiful buildings in Brussels, this museum has a café/restaurant at the top which is definitely worth a visit. Especially in summer when the terrace is open. Openings hours are weird
427 recommandé par les habitants
Musical Instruments Museum
2 Rue Montagne de la CourOne of the most beautiful buildings in Brussels, this museum has a café/restaurant at the top which is definitely worth a visit. Especially in summer when the terrace is open. Openings hours are weird
Massive museum that boasts several permanent collections. My favourite is the Fin de Siècle museum with its large collection of surrealist paintings and art déco/nouveau items.
216 recommandé par les habitants
Musee Magritte Museum - Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
3 Rue de la RégenceMassive museum that boasts several permanent collections. My favourite is the Fin de Siècle museum with its large collection of surrealist paintings and art déco/nouveau items.
Drinks & Nightlife
What I'd call a total tourist trap, but apparently it's worth passing by! Featured in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest beer selection in the world!
368 recommandé par les habitants
Delirium Café
4 Impasse de la FidélitéWhat I'd call a total tourist trap, but apparently it's worth passing by! Featured in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest beer selection in the world!
Gorgeous end-of-century interior, even the toilets are amazing. Recently reopened after a tremendously costly renovation. Unfortunately the food is horrible so stick to drinks!
34 recommandé par les habitants
Greenwich Café Bruxelles
7 Rue des ChartreuxGorgeous end-of-century interior, even the toilets are amazing. Recently reopened after a tremendously costly renovation. Unfortunately the food is horrible so stick to drinks!
Thirties cocktail bar that has remained unchanged. Pretty pricey though, 8-10 euros for a cocktail. Fridays and saturdays there's often someone playing on the piano. Open 7/7 16-05h
146 recommandé par les habitants
L'Archiduc
6 Rue Antoine DansaertThirties cocktail bar that has remained unchanged. Pretty pricey though, 8-10 euros for a cocktail. Fridays and saturdays there's often someone playing on the piano. Open 7/7 16-05h
A cosy square lined up with nice bars, always vibrant and active. Nice vibe!
119 recommandé par les habitants
Saint-Géry Island
Place Saint-GéryA cosy square lined up with nice bars, always vibrant and active. Nice vibe!
As authentic as a Belgian café could ever be. Beautiful interior, great atmosphere. Live bands on Friday! Open mon-sat 11-...h, sun 16-02h
Sint-Katelijnestraat 42
42 Rue Sainte-CatherineAs authentic as a Belgian café could ever be. Beautiful interior, great atmosphere. Live bands on Friday! Open mon-sat 11-...h, sun 16-02h
Very famous beer café. The waiters know all about their product. Place where the real Bruxellois go to have a drink. Open mon-sun 11-01h
164 recommandé par les habitants
Moeder Lambic
8 Pl. FontainasVery famous beer café. The waiters know all about their product. Place where the real Bruxellois go to have a drink. Open mon-sun 11-01h
With its awesome music, Fontainas is more or less the gay hub of Brussels although the crowd is very mixed (because the place is just supernice). Service at the bar only. Open 7/7 from 9 till midnight
48 recommandé par les habitants
Kolenmarkt 91
91 Rue du Marché au Charbon KolenmarktWith its awesome music, Fontainas is more or less the gay hub of Brussels although the crowd is very mixed (because the place is just supernice). Service at the bar only. Open 7/7 from 9 till midnight
Shopping
One of the oldest and best cookie bakeries in Belgium! Everything is simply delicious and addictive. Open every day (also sundays) 10-17h
49 recommandé par les habitants
Maison Dandoy
14 Rue Charles BulsOne of the oldest and best cookie bakeries in Belgium! Everything is simply delicious and addictive. Open every day (also sundays) 10-17h
One of the better and hipper designer stores in Brussels at the moment. Don't be put off by the sometimes blunt staff. Open tue-sun 12-19h
25 recommandé par les habitants
Hunting and Collecting
17 Rue des ChartreuxOne of the better and hipper designer stores in Brussels at the moment. Don't be put off by the sometimes blunt staff. Open tue-sun 12-19h
Fantastic second hand store! Everything at 15 EUROS PER KILOGRAM! OPEN ON SUNDAYS! Open mon-fri 10-16h and wkends 10-18
Hoogstraat 178
178 Rue HauteFantastic second hand store! Everything at 15 EUROS PER KILOGRAM! OPEN ON SUNDAYS! Open mon-fri 10-16h and wkends 10-18
Vintage store. Certainly not the cheapest in Brussels but every now and then you can find a hidden treasure there. Open thur-sun 10-18h
Vossenstraat 6
6 Rue des RenardsVintage store. Certainly not the cheapest in Brussels but every now and then you can find a hidden treasure there. Open thur-sun 10-18h
Cool 2nd hand store. Every month they hold a massive sale. For example 1st day of sale everything is 8 euro, last day of sale everything is 1 euro. Open mon-sat 10-18h
Oude Graanmarkt 57
57 Rue du Vieux Marché aux GrainsCool 2nd hand store. Every month they hold a massive sale. For example 1st day of sale everything is 8 euro, last day of sale everything is 1 euro. Open mon-sat 10-18h
Cool 2nd hand store. Every month they hold a massive sale. For example 1st day of sale everything is 8 euro, last day of sale everything is 1 euro. Open mon-sat 10-18h
Rue des Eperonniers 71
71 Rue des EperonniersCool 2nd hand store. Every month they hold a massive sale. For example 1st day of sale everything is 8 euro, last day of sale everything is 1 euro. Open mon-sat 10-18h
Vintage store. Certainly not the cheapest in Brussels but every now and then you can find a hidden treasure there. Open mon-sat 11.30-18.30h
Rijkeklarenstraat 4
4 Rue des Riches ClairesVintage store. Certainly not the cheapest in Brussels but every now and then you can find a hidden treasure there. Open mon-sat 11.30-18.30h
Lots of nice and fun postcards, posters, books & objects. Definitely worth a visit! Open mon-sat 11-18h
8 recommandé par les habitants
Avec Plaizier
50 Rue des EperonniersLots of nice and fun postcards, posters, books & objects. Definitely worth a visit! Open mon-sat 11-18h