Brussels, Belgium (Point of interest)

Leave the traffic of Avenue Louise behind with a visit to the Abbaye de la Cambre, surrounded by perfectly manicured French gardens. Founded by Cistercian monks in the 13th century, it's a green sanctuary right in the middle of Ixelles.... Continue reading →

Halfway between design and architecture, the Atomium is a 102-metre-high representation of iron crystal molecules, designed for the 1958 World Fair. Reopened in 2006 after extensive renovations, it now illuminates Brussels' skyline at night. Try th... Continue reading →

Set in the Schaerbeek district, Autrique House is the first hôtel particulier designed by Art Nouveau darling Victor Horta in 1893. Now a museum, the house is filled with graceful corridors, asymmetrical shapes, curvy staircases and Horta's revolu... Continue reading →

Adjacent to the Royal Palace, the BELvue Museum is dedicated to the history of Belgium. Despite its petite size and relatively young age, the country has a fascinating history and now plays a predominant role as the "capital of Europe". From the p... Continue reading →

Built in 1928 by Victor Horta, Belgium's best and most important Art Nouveau architect, the Palais des Beaux-Arts, or BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts is a flourishing centre of cultural life offering top-notch cinema, theatre, talks and exhibitions.... Continue reading →

Since the 19th century, the Van Roy-Cantillon family has been producing Lambic, Gueuze and Kriek beers at these small premises near the Gare du Midi. Highlights of the tour include the gleaming barrels, brewing process, and the complimentary glass ... Continue reading →

Highlights at the Cinquantenaire Museum include a Roman, 4th-century AD mosaic from Syria, Chinese treasures and a gigantic Easter Island statue. You'll also find a good selection of Decorative Arts, from Roman times to Art Deco. The creator of Ti... Continue reading →

It's best to book three weeks in advance to be sure of a table at the legendary Comme Chez Soi, near Brussels' Midi Station. Serving fine Belgian cuisine, the setting is sumptuous, in Victor Horta's Art Deco style. Try classic dishes such as the sl... Continue reading →

Great for people-watching or romantic dining, Cospaia is just off smart Avenue Louise. Dress up and choose from terrace dining among the bamboo, the dazzling main room or private dining decorated in black velvet. You'll be seduced by foie gras with... Continue reading →

David and Alice were passionate collectors who decorated their home in Art Deco style. Filled with artwork spanning five centuries, including Van Gogh sketches and a Bruegel, it is now a museum. Don't miss the garden with maze and sculptures.... Continue reading →

The European Commission and the Council of Ministers both have their seats in the European Quarter of Brussels. Visit the Parliament building and, during part-sessions, attend a parliamentary sitting of this political powerhouse and see democracy i... Continue reading →

Fuse is Belgium's premier techno club, regularly welcoming international DJs to the Marolles district. Laurent Garnier, Luke Slater and Carl Craig have all mixed in this intimate club. Crowds tend to know their stuff, and the beats pump until dawn.... Continue reading →

Bursting with Gothic façades, the Grand'Place is one of Europe's largest city squares. Don't miss the gloriously asymmetric Town Hall and adorned guild houses. This is the historic heart of Brussels, with free concerts, cafés and a regular flower... Continue reading →

Victor Horta is Belgium's most celebrated Art Nouveau architect. The Horta Museum in Châtelain is Horta's former home and studio, with a sinuous staircase inspired by vegetation, twisting metal with asymmetric patterns and carved details on the fu... Continue reading →

Part of the Museums of the Far East, the Japanese Tower is set in the quiet commune of Laeken, home to the royal family. The kitsch pagoda features stained glass and a façade crafted in Yokohama, and is filled with Japanese porcelain. The complex... Continue reading →

KVS's programme includes theatre, dance, music, film, stand-up comedy and anything in between - usually with an international flavour. Experience the Bol (round) and Box halls and the trendy Café Congo.... Continue reading →

Ring the bell to enter the stylish L'Archiduc on the arty rue Antoine Dansaert. The cool 1930s Art Deco interior provides the backdrop for live jazz and sophisticated cocktails. Go for a pre-dinner "Jazz After Shopping" gig on Saturday afternoons.... Continue reading →

The L'Idiot du Village is tucked away from the tourists in the Marolles district, in the shadow of the Palais de Justice. The décor is cosy with gentle lighting and exposed brick walls, and the atmosphere best at night. Head chef Alain Gascoin ser... Continue reading →