BRABANCONNE
Rebuilt and restored by Louis XIV, it stands as a testament to the city’s wealth. A must-see. Grab a drink at the Roi d’Espagne. While you’re at it, snap a photo of the Manneken Pis. 10/10.
BRITISH
Sprawling, mostly residential, and green with its many tree-lined spaces, the city has a British feel accentuated by its distinct neighborhoods. You have the Center (downtown) with, among other things, the Halles St Géry—a failed renovation, but with terraces galore—the Sablons (lively, with Wittamer and Ladurée for foodies), Le Chatelain (market on Thursdays), the Brugman neighborhood (antique dealers, home decor shop: Scènes de Ménages), the Dansaert neighborhood (trendy and fashionable: Stijl, Hunting & Collecting), the Etangs d’Ixelles (market on Saturdays and Café Belga), the Marolles (flea market every day). 8/10.
BOURGEOISE
This is evident in the number of private mansions (hôtels de maître), luxury food shops (the unmissable Marché des Chefs, Rob), the tranquility, and the somewhat provincial lifestyle. The programming at La Monnaie Opera, the Beaux-Arts, and the National Theater is remarkable. 8/10.
BRUSSELS-IZED
A constant mishmash of styles. The demolition of interesting buildings. No urban planning. Constant construction. Traffic is a nightmare. It’s called “Brussels-ization,” but there’s no excuse for it. Now there’s a pedestrian zone that makes no sense and is VERY dirty. The pretext is ecological, yet it creates unbelievable and far from eco-friendly traffic jams. Public transportation is inadequate. Brussels has failed in its transition to a well-maintained metropolis worthy of the name. There’s hope with the new mayor! My opinion is starting to change. 5/10.
FRIENDLY
The people are charming. The city is a pleasant place to live. There is no aggression in interactions. This does not mean there is no insecurity. 7/10.
BILINGUAL
And even multilingual! Brussels certainly has a record number of nationalities. The French are probably at the forefront. The presence of European institutions and various interest groups that revolve around them contributes to the city’s international character. 8/10.
TO DO
SLEEPING.
Without a doubt, The Hôtel is a success. The former Hilton has been beautifully renovated. Obama stayed there during his last visit. Magnificent view from the top floor. Otherwise, there’s the Amigo near the Grand Place. A classic. But also the 9hôtel near Sablon. Very good. 7/10.
EATING.
Plenty of GOOD restaurants. My favorites, in no particular order: Les Larmes du Tigre (Thai), Gallery (Vietnamese), Yamastsu (Japanese), Sale e Pepe, La Piola (Italian), Le Vieux St Martin, Armes de Bruxelles (brasserie), Meilleure Jeunesse (stylish), Savoy (brasserie). Average 8/10.
SHOPPING.
Generally, head to Boulevard de Waterloo (Hermès, Gucci, Vuitton, Chanel) and Avenue Louise (multi-brand stores like Louise 54…). More specifically: Degand (for men, incomparable), Serneels (toys), Boutemy (flowers), Collectors Gallery (jewelry) and around the flea market for antiques and secondhand goods.
VINTAGE
D+ (1950s Italian, among others) and Showroom 144 (Dansaert District)
CAFES.
My favorites, even though I don’t spend all my time there, are the Métropole, the Mort Subite, and the Cirio for their fabulous decor. Otherwise, the Café de la Presse (Avenue Louise), Chez Richard (Sablon), the Bar du Matin (Avenue Albert), and the terraces in Chatelain. 7/10.
FRENCH FRIES.
Absolutely! Place Jourdan near the European institutions. 8/10.
PARTIES
The BEST nightlife in Brussels is GAY. La Démence’s parties are famous throughout Europe. Busloads of musclemen flood the city about every 6 weeks. Don’t miss it! Depending on your tastes. 10/10
GALLERIES
There are many, especially on Rue St Georges, including Hufkens and Jeroen Gordjin in the Sablons (neon art).
BOOKSTORES.
Filigranes Une des plus grandes d’Europe, Taschen (Sablon), Tropismes….
CULTURE.
Brussels is a city of exhibitions and museums. My favorite is the Van Buuren Museum, but I also love the Clockarium, which displays a whole collection of mantelpieces, and of course the Horta House!
