by Urbanaut Firma is a super-inspiring co-working space housed in an age-old industrial building. It’s a creative haunt for independent creatives and free-thinkers in Brussels and features spaces for work and professional events. Cantine, firma’s in-house lunchbar serves up delicious vegetarian fare along side food and caffeine.
by Urbanaut Back in the day Brussels’ port went as far into the centre of the city as Place Sainte-Catherine, now one of the city’s loveliest squares. The longest dock ended at the location where St Catherine church now stands, and the area remains closely tied to its maritime history. Numerous fish restaurants, buzzing bars and a long pond ensure for great people-watching, and a fun time any day of the week, just a few minutes walk away from Grand Place’s and The Bourse’s hordes of tourists. The laid-back atmosphere is ever present on Sundays, where Noordzee (Mer du Nord) fish bar gathers crowds socialising over tasting prosecco, oysters, mussels and all that jazz. Unmissable.
by Urbanaut Grand-Place – known to Bruxellois as the Grote Markt – is the central square in Brussels. It is flanked by gorgeous guildhalls, the Town Hall and the Brussels City Museum. The Grand-Place was pivotal in the city’s history, having hosted refugees, makeshift hospitals and military forces during World War 1. Today, the square is home to terraced restaurants, boutique shops and the iconic Godiva Chocolatier.
by Urbanaut The Halles Saint-Géry are late-19th-century covered market halls that now house a heritage exhibition center and bar. Head here for an amazing atmosphere and great beers while checking out the exhibitions of the week! There are various events organized here on a regular basis - concerts, markets, dance classes, etc.
by Urbanaut Belgium is known for beer, so it only makes sense that they have a whole museum dedicated to it. This 18th-century version keeps traditions alive, and shows off the brewing and fermentation hubs that make Belgian beer so coveted. Don't leave without toasting to Belgian beer culture in the cosy beer cafe.
by Urbanaut Goupil Le Fol is a crazy place. Nothing is given away by the dark façade of this establishment, you probably would not even notice it while walking by. But if you do walk by, do yourself a favor and walk in. Imagine an old apartment, with a non-traditional structure, twisting up and down and right and left. Someone really decided to go all out with the vintage/old decor you’ll only find in a hidden flea market no one knows about. The light is very dim, but the infused wines they have here are to die for. That’s their specialty. Period. Well, and also the capability of this place making you feel you are lost inside a house full of random stuff. It is quite the experience! Enjoy!
by Urbanaut The Belgian Comic Strip Centre is an homage to the Ninth Art if there ever was one! In an Art Nouveau building, it packs the best works of Franco-Belgian comic pioneers as well as contemporary works. The museum is a cultural ambassador for Belgium focusing on comics, including the world-renowned Tintin, the Smurfs and Blake and Mortimer.
by Urbanaut If a home-like stay in the heart of Brussels sounds tempting, Teddy Picker will be right up your alley. We’re fans of the modernist architecture and chic interiors– famous designers meet homely touches from owners Tim and Ben, including a record player and classic vinyls. The terrace and garden are great to enjoy views of the city skyline from.
by Urbanaut If you are a book worm who is on a mission to buy moderately-priced first or old editions of literary classics, check out this reader’s paradise in Galerie Bortier! It has everything from dusty old novels to botanical manuals to old cooking books. Keep away if you are at risk of spending all your money on books and don’t have enough luggage space! No, but really: this should definitely be a spot to check out on your way to beautiful downtown Brussels! You won’t regret it!
by Urbanaut Five escape rooms right between Mont des Arts and Grand Place are a great solution to a rainy day with friends or kids. Great staff and well designed hour-long adventures.
by Urbanaut The BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts was imagined as an artistic challenge; it was brought to life as a place that hosts all forms of art while stripping it of elitism. The museum building in itself is a stunning work of art and a fitting home for the marvels that reside in it. When you're walking through the building, keep in mind that majority of it was built underground so it doesn't obstruct the king's view of the lower town!
by Urbanaut MIMA – or Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art – is a visual arts museum that is set in a former brewery (how ‘Brussels’ is that?). The fixed and rotating exhibitions focus on the gamification of knowledge and is spearheaded by young artists who transgress typical artistic genres. They host two main exhibitions per year, with themes revolving around social issues including identity, ecology, and freedom.
by Urbanaut If you are one of those people who need to be entertained when visiting cultural spots, look no further than this quirky spot! Besides being hosted in one of the most beautiful buildings in town, a clash of Art Nouveau architecture and neoclassical design, you’ll be able to see (and, in most cases, play!) more than 1000 musical instruments from different times and places. The museum shop is also worthy of a visit.
by Urbanaut Don’t be fooled by the name - the Royal park facing the Royal Palace is not for royalty, BUT you’re likely to be in the neighbourhood at some point or another, given that it’s right around the corner from most museums. If so, make sure to take a stroll - in summers pop-up bars are set up, and concerts take place regularly in the afternoon.
by Urbanaut One for the history fanatics - Coudenberg was once the palace of Charles V, until a raging fire consumed whatever was left of the building overground. The underground labyrinth of rooms, however, paints a fascinating picture of the lives and tales of some of Europe's most powerful rulers.
by Urbanaut This must see is a not-so-big museum with an incredible collection of art, furniture and objects dating to the end of 1800s and the beginning of 1900s. This should definitely be on your to-do list if you are interested in experiencing a diversified collection that truly embodies the artistic spirit of the time. The perception is that this museum was created with the idea of giving its visitors a real taste of how much beauty was created in this specific timespan, rather than concentrating too much on a few artists. You’ll enter a world of color, gold lines, sinuosity and dreamy atmospheres! Don’t miss it!
by Urbanaut History buffs, this is your spot! In this museum of Belgium's past and heritage you will find an examination of an abundance of themes, including democracy, migration, languages and solidarity. The permanent collections are a great way to spend a free day, you might even stumble upon a fun event in the different gallery spaces.
by Urbanaut Egmont Park is an oasis of calm where you can lay down, enjoy a picnic and admire the beautiful sculptures, including the famous Peter Pan one. The park is connected to the Palais d’Egmont, a neoclassical palace that today receive foreign ambassadors and statespersons from all over the world.
by Urbanaut Built in late 19th century, Palais du Justice is said to have been the largest building in Europe at the time of its construction. Have a peek inside to absorb its grandeur, and see legal consultations taking place in the spectacular interiors.
by Urbanaut From parliamentarians to functionaires to interns, Place du Luxembourg (or Place Lux, as it is lovingly referred to) is The place to be on Thursdays, rain or shine. More so in the summers, when crowds from the European Parliament and Commission flock to the lawn in the middle of the square for a drink or twenty, to network, socialise, but really - to just let loose. With an average of 5 languages overheard in any given conversation, this is Europe at its best.
by Urbanaut The home of the largest transnational parliament in the world, the EP is well worth a visit for aficionados of world politics and architecture. The interactive museum, called the Parlamentarium, is free to visit and a great place to learn about European politics. The Hemicycle, the site of many historic votes, is buzzing with political excitement so don't miss that.
by Urbanaut Ever fancied seeing dinosaur bones up close? This museum is the place to be! Here, you'll find permanent exhibitions featuring bones of dinosaurs that were dug up in Belgium. Don't forget to browse through the fascinating displays of minerals, shells and insects, as well as the stories of evolution and humankind.
by Urbanaut Located in the heart of the European quarter of Brussels, the Parc du Cinquantenaire is littered with beautiful buildings, tall trees, free chaise lounges, a beautiful fountain and the obligatory waffle van. It’s pretty much a crowd favourite in Brussels and is home to three museums and a statue of a Green Dog that’s said to bring good fortune.
by Urbanaut The UNESCO World Heritage status of the house comes as no surprise, Victor Horta’s house is truly one of the Art Nouveau highlights in a city that fames itself for Art Nouveau. Stained glass, mosaics, wood carvings, all remained in tact in the architect’s studio. The interplay between the building and the interior is exquisite, don’t be discouraged by the line to enter.
by Urbanaut Despite being open for just a few hours a day, the Place Flagey Market sees scores of shoppers and visitors from all over Brussels. On weekdays, the market only sells flowers, fruits and vegetables and some clothing. On Saturday and Sunday, you'll find plenty more knick-knacks and items on display, as well as some delicious street food.
by Urbanaut Located in beautiful Parc du Cinquantenaire, Autoworld will eat up several hours of your time, and you will never regret it. Yes, that also applies to those who don’t have a passion for cars! Great fun for both children and adults alike, with over 300 vehicles to admire - ranging from rickety old models to today's supercars. The newly minted interactive zones are the place to be if you want to feel a rush of adrenaline or play around with the world's best automobiles. Grab a seat in The Bar by the colonnade in time for when they take one of the old timers for a spin – just remember to pick your jaw off the floor when it’s done!
by Urbanaut If you want a break from central Brussels the perfect place to go is Van Buuren museum, a hidden pearl of Art Deco architecture and design located in Uccle, an aristocratic district of Brussels. The building served as a residence of the banker and amateur artist David van Buuren and his wife Alice, constructed in 1928 and designed in the style of the Dutch villas of the time: asymmetrical façades with different levels, covered in red hand-made bricks, arranged in a subtle interplay of lines. Surrounded by magnificent gardens, the house is carefully designed down to the smallest detail and presents an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures by renowned artists from the 16th to the 20th century: works by P.Bruegel and his sons, as well as from Fantin-Latour and Ensor, Signac, Braque, and outstanding representatives of the Belgian school. The rooms are richly and most elegantly decorated with precious wood, Labrador marble, unique tapestries, design rugs, spectacular stain-glasses and exclusive luminaires. There is an amazing unity of style between the six spaces of the gardens and the house.
by Urbanaut A temporary structure built for Expo 58 turns into an international symbol of Belgium– that's the story of Atomium in a snippet. This futuristic structure symbolises a vision to use atomic energy for the betterment of humankind. It also makes for some rad social media photos.
by Urbanaut This Art Deco-style private manse is an architectural marvel dating back to 1930. The massive property is now home to a modern art museum and plays host to concerts, performances and workshops. If you have time, consider dining in the cafe housed in what was once the Baron's private salon.
by Urbanaut It’s hard to believe that this stately brick-clad manse is only 15 minutes away from the city centre and the buzz of Europe’s political institutions, but it’s the truth. La Maison Chantecler is the home of Alan and Françoise, who throw open their doors to those looking for peace and tranquility on their vacation (or staycation). The house has a stocked library, a sun-soaked garden, a grand piano and a lovely swimming pool to dip in. They have three rooms to choose from, each with its own perks.
by Urbanaut A large park at the end of Avenue Louise is often compared to Bois de Boulogne in Paris, and it doesn’t lag far behind! A beloved picnic area for locals of all ages holds a lake used for boating, a race course, some restaurants, a club and a theatre. A tram ride away from the centre, these grounds are perfect for a stroll in good weather.
by Urbanaut Fosbury & Sons’ founders Stijn Geeraets and Maarten Van Gool sought to preserve the astounding edifice this co-working space is housed in– a modernist behemoth, first constructed in the 1970s by legendary architect Constantin Brodzki, with unusual structural forms, a monolithic feel and hundreds of honeycomb-style tinted windows. The interiors bid a cheery adieu to drab office spaces, choosing instead to create a more inspiring workspace dotted with art, sculpture and dappled sunlight. Companies, entrepreneurs, and individuals needing a break from their writing desk book spaces and rooms in this co-working space to jog their innovative spirit.
by Urbanaut Known to be one of the best green escapes Brussels has to offer, this lush park is part of the grounds of the Royal Museum of Central Africa. It features traditional manicured gardens and more wild grounds. The former colonial African museum, not without controversy, was recently renovated.
by Urbanaut Huge estate, a romantic neo-style castle, and incredible views: need I say more?! This place is a real time machine: wander in the gorgeously decorated rooms of this incredible place, that will make you dream of flowy, baroque gowns and secret passages. Margravine Arconati Visconti, the last owner as this gem now belongs to the Belgian state, “set up the castle as a museum for her very extensive art collection and thus created a time machine with which she could put herself in the past.”
by Urbanaut There’s no escape from the city quite like a forest, and you’ll feel that sentiment in full force near Borgloon. The forest is a popular camping ground for those looking to pitch their tents well away from the city. It is currently host to Tranendreef— four tear-shaped tents that hang off the ground from trees, looking quite like alien pods. But unlike alien pods, these architectural installations are for you to stay in, very close to communal bathrooms and BBQ areas.
by Urbanaut It’s hard to find descriptive words for this chapel-meets-art installation, but we think “great big optical illusion” might cover it. ‘Reading between the lines’ is a stunning single-steepled chapel whose metal walls dissolve into the landscape when seen from the side but look completely solid from the top or bottom. It was designed by architect duo Pieterjan Gjis and Arnout Van Vaerenbergh as a creative statement about the permanence of churches and the reflections they offer to devotees. It is removed from, yet exposed to the world, all at once.
by Urbanaut If you’ve ever fancied parting water and walking through it, like a certain theological vignette, you’ll definitely like cycling through water in Bokrijk. A cycle path runs 200 metres through a stunningly still pond which keeps at your eye level as you cycle through. We’d wager you won’t find such a perspective anywhere else; it’s also quite fun to watch heads bobbing ‘through’ the water from a distance. If you can’t cycle, worry not– you can still walk or jog through. Grab a bite to eat at the nearby St Gummarus Inn, The Slow Bakery, Monx, or Bistro Koetshuis.
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