10 tips for astonishing Brussels

Marollen: vintage shopping

The old working-class neighbourhood of Marolles is the place to be for vintage, street art, antiques and trendy pubs. Especially in Blaesstraat and Hoogstraat, you'll find countless shops, such as the popular Welcome Gallery. On Vossenplein, you can look for old treasures at the daily flea market.

WIELS: contemporary art in an old brewery

Once a brewery, now a centre for contemporary art in Vorst, south of the centre of Brussels. In the brewery, WIELS organises temporary exhibitions of renowned artists and upcoming talents. je

Atomium: surreal high-altitude visit

For the best view of Brussels, you have to go to the top of the Atomium. The nine spheres of this remarkable steel structure in Heysel Park represent atoms of an iron molecule. Meanwhile, get lost in the surreal interior and visit several permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Café Flora: eclectic enjoyment

In Brussels, it's Lionel Jadot who's at the forefront of creativity. Enthusiasts travel the city for his Zaventem Ateliers. The eclectic designer's distinctive style can also be admired in the city centre: for example, at the colourful Café Flora, in the heart of the Parvis de St-Gilles.

Barbeton: coffee & cocktails

Barbeton is a quaint living room café in the old city centre, serving coffee, homemade Iced Tea and original cocktails from early morning till late at night. Don't miss café Walvis a few metres away for a nice break.

Jubelpark: cultural relaxation

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city in the imposing Jubilee Park. The large avenues lead you to one of the many monuments and museums in the park. For example, the Museum of Art & History or the eye-catcher, the Triumphal Arch, which offers a magnificent view of Brussels.

La Fabrique: brunch with the locals

This hotspot is known in Brussels and the surrounding area for its home-cooked brunch. On weekends, many locals enjoy the delicious dishes on the menu here. La Fabrique is located in the Parc d'Egmont in the heart of Brussels. When the weather is nice, you can sit under the trees on the large shaded terrace.

Fish shop Noordzee: phenomenal shrimp croquette

The people of Brussels also love a quick bite to eat. Product designer Alain Gilles, for example, revealed that he never misses a moment to devour a shrimp croquette on the pavement of visbar Noordzee in the charming old city centre. A true phenomenon among locals.

Dansaert district: the Belgian catwalk

Fashion lovers will be in their element in the Dansaert district, where the first fashion pioneers already settled in the 1980s. No wonder that shops like STIJL and Icon proudly display the latest fashion from the Belgian catwalk.

Hotel Druum: wake up feeling inspired

Keep on dreaming about inspirational Brussels at Hotel Druum. Located in a former printing house in the city centre, the rooms are each designed by a different artist. From sleeping under circus lights to the whole family sharing a four-poster bed. Here you will wake up inspired!

@Mathieu