Belgians love colour and light and, making short thrift of the dismal climate, they themselves illuminate their streets. The gigantic floral carpet that is periodically laid in the main square is famous; the Grand Place, an architectural space where the Gothic style of the Maison du Roi lives together with the City Hall, the lavish Palace of the Dukes of Brabant and the Victor Hugo house.
Brussels comes to the world on picture postcards through its emblematic Atomium, constructed in 1958 for the Universal Exhibition, nowadays a place for amusement and psychedelic dining. Nevertheless, behind this futuristic image is a hidden-away city marked by the splendour of Art Nouveau in the early part of the 20^th century. The rendering of a city to an art that was fleeing from the horrendous aesthetics of industrial production has left us with more than 500 buildings with preciously decorated façades housing museums, residences, restaurants, confectionery shops… The confectionery and chocolate shops are to Brussels what pubs are to London: the city is peppered with them and amongst them, the legendary Neuheus, a Victorian-style shop which keeps as top secret the original praliné recipe. The passion for chocolate reaches such proportions that it even has a museum of its own, the Cocoa and ChocolateMuseum on the Rue de la Tête d’Or. Here also is one of the few European museums in existence devoted entirely to the comic, an art form that impregnates everything in Brussels and all on account of one sole character, Tintin, whose creator, Hergé, is revered.
And, while foreign correspondents give their last-of-the-day, live broadcasts concerning the information pouring out from the European Union institutions, in the district known as the ‘European Quarter’ – from the Rue Dansaert to Sainte Catherine – Brussels dwellers are out on the Rue du Page, Notre-Dame du Sommeil or Wolvengracht, enjoying the latest fashion in entertainment: old factories and derelict premises converted into luxury restaurants.

Fellini:
Metal structures, large wall clocks, train seats, and the station from Fellini’s film “La Dolce Vitta” made into a stage set. Creative international cooking and relaxed surroundings.
34 Place du Châtelain, Brussels, 1050

Bonsoir Clara :
This is a trendy restaurant that stands behind the quality of its dishes. Its wine list is spectacular. One of the establishments in the centre of the city mixing minimalism with a colourful touch in a glass showcase that runs throughout the establishment.
Rue Antoine Dansaert 22-26, Brussels, 1000

La Quincaillerie :
An exclusive city brasserie, it offers innovative market cooking in an elegant atmosphere. Elaborate dishes, a mixture of flavours, colours, and aromas, it is a unique experience for the palate.
45 Rue du Page, Brussels, 1050

La Truffe Noire:
Exclusive restaurant located in the heart of the city, specialised in cooking dishes with truffles.
12 Boulevard de la Cambre, Brussels, 1000

Les Salons de l’Atalaide :
This restaurant’s menu is simple and delicious. With a French-Mediterranean culinary base, it thrills even the most exclusive, difficult palates.
89 Chaussee de Charleroi 89, Brussels, 1060

Le Prevôt:
Here we have the charm of a restaurant that offers quality at a moderate price. It has been decorated by the designer Alexandre Masson with old fabrics, soft colours, Baroque mirrors, and candles. This is a romantic establishment offering traditional Belgian-French cooking. Excellent.
93 Rue Victor Greyson, Brussels, 1050

La Tour D’y Voir:
The best-kept secret in Brussels. Mysterious cooking, visitors never know what they are going to eat, and once they find out, the creativity and quality of the dishes are always surprising. A charming establishment where you can get away from the everyday routine. In the heart of the aristocratic Grand Sablon Square, it is located inside a 14th-century former chapel.
Place du Grand Sablon 8/9, B6, Brussel, 1000

Samourai:
Discovering the true flavours of Japan is always a challenge in a foreign city. Authentic dishes, high-quality, refined Japanese cooking right in the heart of Brussels.
28 Rue du Fosse-aux-Loups 28, Place de Monnaie, Brussels, 1000

The Gazebo:
This is a new restaurant in the Belgian capital, specialised in American haute cuisine. Its varied menus are imported from a wide selection of contemporary American dishes, offered with the innovations of the best chefs of New York, Atlanta, and California.
5 Place du Nouveau Marche aux Grains, Brussels, 1000

Chez Patrick:
This is an authentic, typical Brussels restaurant, known by the people of Brussels. The restaurant, founded in 1931, is a symbol of the continuity of the region’s traditional cooking, with the best quality.
6 Rue des Chapeliers, 1000 Brussels

Greenwich:
This is a pub with wooden panelling and marble tables. Used by various film directors as a setting for periodic filming, it is one of the most well-known spots in the old quarter of the city.
7 Rue des Chartreux, 1000 Brussels.

Kafka:
This spot is perfect for starting, or even finishing, the night. It serves several varieties of vodka and national beer. The atmosphere is relaxed in this establishment, which seems to have been taken from a postcard.
6 Rue de la Vierge Noire

L’archiduc:
Located on one of the city’s most fashionable streets, this art-deco bar is where artists and beautiful people gather. Live concerts and the best cocktails can be found in this bar, which dates back to 1937.
Antoine Dansaert, 6,1000 Brussels

Duke’s nightclub:
The Duke's elegant nightclub, unique in Brussels, is the place to dance the night away to the sound of your favourite music. Duke's Nightclub is open from 11:00 p.m. until dawn Thursday to Sunday.
5 Rue Duquesnoy,, Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place, Brussels 1000

The Wild Geese:
Formerly the meeting place for the Irish who were fleeing their homeland during the times of Limerick in 1691. Today, it is a well-known spot where you can savour the best and the widest variety of beer in an authentic setting.
2-4 Avenue Livingstone, Brussels, 1040

Le Morte Subite:
A traditional place to taste the city’s best drinks, in a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
7 Rue Montagne-aux-Herbes-Potagères 7, Brussels, 1000

Falstaff Gourmand:
This café, built in 1903 and situated next to the Bourse, is a gem. In the early 80's this place became a blockbuster, the clientele was rejuvenated, and it became the place for the hip and trendy. The Falstaff and its speciality half en half (a champagne glass filled at your table with half sparkling wine, half dry white wine) was a Belgian legend.
Rue des Pierres, 38 Brussel, 1000

Café Bizon:
Blues sound, live concerts, the best drink of the night, simple decor. An impressive spot.
76 Karperbrug, Brussels, 1000

Chutneys:
When coming in, the first thing you feel is the vibrant atmosphere. A mixture of young business people and visiting tourists makes it a very cosmopolitan place. The colonial decor enhances this 'out of town' feeling, giving you a sensation of escapism.
Rue Duquesnoy 5, Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place, Brussels, 1000

Dandoy
Next to the Grand Palace, the Dandoy family shop makes the finest speculaas in Brussels. Travellers must go in for a moment and let themselves be surprised by these typical cookies with almonds and spices, and the collection of old moulds.
Boterstraat 31

Chocolaterie Duval:   
Different visits are available to see the production of chocolate using traditional Belgian chocolate-making methods. Demonstration and tasting. Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Rue des Chardons 19, 1030 Brussels
   
Chez Moeder Lambic:
Beer is the queen of Belgian drinks, and there are over 450 different varieties. One really must visit the city’s breweries to sample local varieties such as gueuze or the spontaneously fermented beer typical of Brussels. This brewery tempts with nearly 700 brands of beer.
Rue de Savoir

Chez Leon:
This establishment is an obligatory stop to try traditional Belgian mussels, usually served in a broth with white wine, onion, garlic, and butter. Eating the typical moules is a timeless ritual that can be enjoyed all over the world, but nowhere as often and pleasurably as in Brussels.
18 Rue des Bouchers, Beenhouwersstraat, Brussels, 1000

Langhendries:
Belgium has over eighty varieties of cheese, which gives it more proportionally than Holland, Switzerland, and France together. This shop specialised in cheese is located in the centre of Brussels, and is one of the city’s best known.
At Rue de la Fourche 41, 1000 Brussels.   

Restobières:
Brussels has many typical dishes, among them the "waterzooi," a creamy fish soup with turbot, as well as the famous Flemish thick soups, made with roasted beef marinated with different aromatic herbs such as laurel and thyme, accompanied by onion, sugar, vinegar, and beer sauce.
Rue des Renards, 32,1000 Brussels

Restaurant Vincent:
In this establishment that is typical of the city, you can enjoy one of the most traditional dishes of Brussels: eel in green sauce. Its special texture is recommended for the most daring palates.
Rue des Dominicains 8-10, 1000 Brussels

Frite Flagey:
The Belgians were the inventors of chips. Fryer restaurants and other chips stands are the heart of Belgian culture. If there is a place that one must make a pilgrimage to in Brussels in search of chips, this is the place-- Frite Flagey. Absolutely an indispensable visit.
Place Flagey

Gaufreries:
One of the marvels that stand out among all the others produced in Brussels is the gaufre or waffel in Flemish, that is to say, traditional waffles. Sold on every corner at typical food stalls, they are served with everything: vanilla, cream, chocolate, fruit, ice cream, etc.
Rue de Manneken Pis

Place du Jeu de Balle Flea Market:
This is an ideal place for travellers looking for extravagant objects and collection pieces. This picturesque market offers the most curious, peculiar objects.
Place du Jeu de Balle de 7h a 14h

Kaat Tilley :
Casual, elegant women’s clothing. Belgian haute couture.
4 Koningsgallerij, Brussels, B-1000

Bernard Gavilan:
This shop sells daring fashion, harking back to the 80s, for men and women.
Des Pierres, 27

Broken Jaws:
Luxury streetwear and singular imported pieces.
Rue A. Dansaert 52

Marithé + F. Girbaud:.
Sophistication, design, quality articles, this renowned brand name is one of the most internationally recognised.
Dansaert  15-27

Alice
Urban art gallery and shop.
rue A. Dansaert 182

Le Bonheur
Defined as the audiovisual supermarket, this shop offers classic records, DVDs, current CDs, graphics, and objects related to audiovisual art.
rue A. Dansaert 196

People Shoes Design
The most colourful and fashionable footwear in the city.
rue du Lombard 16
   
Prive Joke
Streetwear for setting trends. Chic and elegant.
rue Marché-au-Charbon 76/78

Place du Grand Sablon:
This beautiful architectural grouping includes buildings from the 16th to 19th centuries.  It is currently a privileged location for prestigious antique shops, typical restaurants, and chocolate shops. The antique market, set up near the church, with its red and green shops, fills the square with life and attracts many curious people.

Garden of the Van Buuren Museum:
This includes 4 original creations: The "Pittoresque" garden and the "Grande Roseraie" (a large rose garden) by Jules Buyssens, the labyrinth, and the "Jardin du Cœur de René Pechère." A dreamy corner.

Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée Comic Book Museum:
In the comic book museum one can find the whole history of Belgian comics and some French ones, as well as some temporary exhibits by other authors.  Clear examples are Hergé, creator of The Adventures of Tintín, and the painted murals that can be seen all over the city.

Cathedrale des Saints Michel et Gudule
This building is one of the most emblematic architectural works of the city of Brussels, begun at the beginning of the 13th century and finished over two centuries later. The current temple is Gothic style. Its façade with a double tower is imposing. In its sober interior, the stained glass windows, sculptures, and paintings stand out.

Manneken Pis:
In the Brussels dialect, this means “Child Urinating.” This is a 50-cm bronze statue located in the historical centre of Brussels, which portrays a small naked boy urinating. It is one of the city’s symbols and main tourist attractions, symbolising the independent spirit of its inhabitants.

Grand-Place:
The main square of Brussels is its nerve centre. It is home to styles such as the Gothic, Baroque, or Renaissance, and its buildings in turn make the whole very beautiful.

Atomium
Another of the city’s main symbols, it is a structure that is 103 m high, representing an iron crystal that is enlarged 165 thousand million times. It is one of the city’s main tourist attractions.

Saint Hubert Gallery:
Another of the elements that give the city personality and history is this covered gallery, the oldest commercial street in Europe. It dates back to 1846.