Sidestreet Travel

It’s been sixteen years since I first went to Brussels. I was on an exchange in Holland, where I was a fresh-faced 20-year-old in Europe for the first time. At the time, I was studying geopolitics, multi-lateral diplomacy, and art history, so Brussels felt like the convergence of politics, culture, and partying. My first trip was with 12 classmates; you’re probably already cringing, knowing the shoestring budget and how that manifested in the cheapest place to room, eat, and drink. However, we still had a blast exploring a new city, drinking our weight in beer, and creating memories to last a lifetime.

Fast-forward to 2024. As a working professional, I revisited Brussels with my boyfriend, opting for a cozy neighbourhood called St. Gilles instead of the rowdy city centre. This choice marked a significant shift from my university days, and I was pleasantly surprised by the new perspective it offered.

Of course, the city centre of Brussels is still more or less the same. Still, once you venture out into the adjacent neighbourhoods, you’ll find yourself transported into delightful neighbourhoods that are bustling with locals, interspersed with tourists, edged with a bit of grit with space for a beautiful assortment of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes that keep a city lively, engaging, and local. Architecturally, this neighbourhood is brimming with Art Nouveau and Art Deco design. The Horta Museum, Aegidium, or Maison Pelgrims are notable buildings.

Now that you have a glimpse of my journey in Brussels let’s explore the top spots that made my weekend in this vibrant city truly memorable.

Where to eat and drink:

Gusti Pizza: A tiny little spot in Saint Gilles with a colourful and vibrant charm. The pizza here is so tasty and a bit playful, such as the cheeseburger pizza, or some my cock an eyebrow at the Hawaiian. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurer, you’ll find something delicious here, and of course, cooked with a proper pizza oven!

Le Dillens is a vibey bar and restaurant in the Saint Gilles area with an excellent terrace. It offers a fantastic selection of natural wines, beers, ciders, and snacks.

Mendo Ramen— is a relaxed spot offering traditional ramen with handmade noodles. You can choose from meat or vegetarian broth/soup options. If you’re dining alone, sit at the bar and get cozy with a bowl of ramen and an ice-cold beer (or a note cup of green tea). The staff is friendly, the vibe is chill, and the food is delicious.

Little Tokyo—I came across this spot for a friend’s birthday party, which is suitable for groups, but make a reservation—a nice selection of Japanese comfort food, including ramen. I would recommend Mendo for ramen, though. However, the other dishes were quite good. Overall, it has a nice vibe, tasty cocktails, and a place to share plates for a date or with friends.

Forcado Pastelaria—If you need a taste of Portugal, you must pop by this little cafe. Expect creative twists on the classic pastel de nata, but the OG is available. You can also find Portuguese wine, sodas, and other pantry items to take home.

Hinterland—A popular brunch spot in St. Gilles, Hinterland offers a nice assortment of small bites like pastries, cakes, and smoothie bowls. For a proper weekend indulgence, upgrade to eggs, Benny, or pancakes with mascarpone. The portions are sizeable, so it’s a good spot to fuel up for the day.

Stella’s Coffee—This coffee spot is such a little gem. The cafe is a hot spot for the neighbourhood pups, featuring a wall of Polaroid photos of all the dogs (and some cats) that come to the shop. You can take an espresso-based coffee or opt for a filter coffee. I tried the Mexican beans, and they were delicious. If you go for breakfast, try their breakfast sandwich.

A night on the town:

Karaoke Bar Barvis Sprl—this iconic karaoke bar has locals and tourists flocking to this show-stopping bar. If you’re the performative type, you can elevate your performance by taking center stage for your song. Song requests are taken periodically throughout the night, so be quick with your request. If you don’t get a request, enjoy the ride and the atmosphere in which everyone is singing.

Café Maison du Peuple: This is a funky bar, especially on a Friday night. When I was there, they had a DJ playing fun disco tunes. There is a good selection of beer and cocktails and a decent food menu. When the weather is nice, they have a fantastic terrace. This spot is in the city centre but en route to Saint Gilles.

L’Ermitage Brewery Saint-Gilles—For a more chill night, hit up this eclectic local brewery. It offers a creative selection of craft beer, natural wine, and sourdough pizza. Each beer cleverly corresponds to a card in a tarot deck, emulating the art nouveau aesthetic that runs deep in the city while being playful and delicious. Expect a chill vibe from this local spot. I loved this spot.

Shopping:

Books & Magazines —PTYX is the type of bookstore I covet. They offer a fantastic selection of books on film, art, literature, architecture, gardening, philosophy, and even smaller publications (and everything else). A copy of the recently released Sophia Coppola Archive in the window stopped me. If you want a unique selection, this is a great spot.

Reservoir Store— A premium concept store for men and women. A low-key modern aesthetic with key hype brands and unique local and global brands.

Arts & Culture:

The Horta Museum, a living museum housed in the renowned art nouveau architect’s home, is a worthwhile visit. A spiralling space, well-preserved to this day, offers a fascinating insight into Horta’s design inspirations, from shells to other natural artifacts. Due to its popularity, booking in advance is recommended. *Note you cannot take photos inside the museum.