Guidebook for Brussels
Food Scene
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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
29 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
9 et Voisins
1 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
Antoine Dansaertstraat 16
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
Delicious Belgian food! A bit like Vincent but the dishes are more sophisticated.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Restaurant de l'Ogenblik
1 Galerie des PrincesDelicious Belgian food! A bit like Vincent but the dishes are more sophisticated.
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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)
Zuidstraat 15
15 Rue du MidiCute place that serves decent lunch and nice coffees. Open 7/7 12-midnight
When you're looking for a barista coffee, pretty large choice of cakes and muffins. Mon-Fri: 07:30-20:00 / Sat-Sun:
08:30-20:00
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Coffee Company
45A Rue du MidiWhen you're looking for a barista coffee, pretty large choice of cakes and muffins. Mon-Fri: 07:30-20:00 / Sat-Sun:
08:30-20:00
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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...
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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
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.
The french tea! The pastries! They also offer breakfast all day through. A charming little place! Try the green tea cake if they have it!
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A.M. Sweet
4 Rue des ChartreuxThe french tea! The pastries! They also offer breakfast all day through. A charming little place! Try the green tea cake if they have it!
Very Belgian and known for its mussles! Open mon-sat 12-14.30h and 18-22.30h
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bij den Boer
60 Quai aux BriquesVery Belgian and known for its mussles! Open mon-sat 12-14.30h and 18-22.30h
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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. Mo-Fr noon - 2:30pm, 6:00pm-10:00 pm. Sat & Sun open till 11:00 pm
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Umamido St-Catherine
1 Pl. Sainte-CatherineJapanese ramen. Delicious!! Not the cheapest however: 14 euros for a bowl. Mo-Fr noon - 2:30pm, 6:00pm-10:00 pm. Sat & Sun open till 11:00 pm
Drinks & Nightlife
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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
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
125 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Monk
22 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
17th century café in Brussels, this gloomy place is something out of the ordinary. The stained glass windows and entirely wooden interior would be lost without the tremendously loyal customer base.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Au Bon Vieux Temps
8 Sint-Nikolaasgang17th century café in Brussels, this gloomy place is something out of the ordinary. The stained glass windows and entirely wooden interior would be lost without the tremendously loyal customer base.
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
A cosy square lined up with nice bars, always vibrant and active. Nice vibe!
119 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Saint-Géry Island
Place Saint-GéryA cosy square lined up with nice bars, always vibrant and active. Nice vibe!
Shopping
One of the better and hipper designers stores in Brussels at the moment. Don't be put off by the sometimes blunt staff. Open tue-sun 12-19h
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hunting and Collecting
17 Rue des ChartreuxOne of the better and hipper designers 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
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
One of the oldest and best cookie bakeries in Belgium! Everything is simply delicious and addictive. Open every day (also sundays) 10-17h
49 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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
Not at all like the crap that sells under the Godiva name in the US, Belgian Godiva remains one of the best. Don't make the tourist mistake to buy chocolate at some random shop or worse, Leonidas!
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Corica Grand Place
49 Rue du Marché aux PouletsNot at all like the crap that sells under the Godiva name in the US, Belgian Godiva remains one of the best. Don't make the tourist mistake to buy chocolate at some random shop or worse, Leonidas!
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Avec Plaizier
50 Rue des EperonniersLots of nice and fun postcards, posters, books & objects. Definitely worth a visit! Open mon-sat 11-18h
Sightseeing
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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.
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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!
Big medieval cathedral dating back to the 11th century, right around the corner from here. This is where the royal weddings and funerals take place.
91 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels
Esplanade de la Sainte-GuduleBig medieval cathedral dating back to the 11th century, right around the corner from here. This is where the royal weddings and funerals take place.
This brewery is situated quite centrally in the city and is easily accessible from the appartment. They organise guided visits if you want to see what a real brewery looks like from inside!
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brasserie Cantillon
56 Rue GheudeThis brewery is situated quite centrally in the city and is easily accessible from the appartment. They organise guided visits if you want to see what a real brewery looks like from inside!
Arts & Culture
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Magritte - Museos Reales de Bellas Artes de Bélgica
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.
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Magritte
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!
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo 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!
Essentials
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 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
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
The closest supermarket, if you want to buy groceries for breakfast for example. Open mon-sat 08-20, friday till 21
Rue de l'Ecuyer 23
23 Rue de l'EcuyerThe closest supermarket, if you want to buy groceries for breakfast for example. Open mon-sat 08-20, friday till 21
Everything Else
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