If you’re looking for a stylish incredible night out, Brussels is definitely a right place for you. It’s not only about the well knowsn Belgian beer (that gets 10 times worse right when you step outside the Belgian territory) and traditional pubs that await night owls, there’s also a pulsating jazz scene and an abundance of nightclubs. And what more, you can even find some cabarets there! A perfect conjunction of Dutch (Flemish) and French (Wallonian) culture!
Now I’m ’bout to list a couple of nice spots to see and things to do during the evening/night besides enjoying the atmosphere of this lively city!
- Sounds Jazz Club
Why not spend an evening discovering the Belgian jazz music scene? Though only one of the more established jazz venues decorating the city, the Sounds Jazz Club is a top choice for a great introduction to the lively jazz scene prominent in the capital. Located in Ixelles, the Sounds Jazz Club provides daily concerts featuring local and international artists to be enjoyed in a comfortable ambiance along with food and drinks.
- L’Archiduc
Entering L’Archiduc will make anybody think twice about where they are going: you need to ring a bell on the street first and then enter through a steel bubble swing door.
This spins you into another world, an art deco room with high ceilings, a half-moon balcony and piano in the middle. This unique night spot has long been famous for its jazz sessions where talented artists play from the world over and even Miles Davis joined in on one occasion. Perfect for jazz lovers, too!
- La Monnaiel de Munt
With spectacular programming, the historic La Monnaie boasts a number of internationally acclaimed shows consisting of traditional operas, musicals, concerts and dance recitals. Attendees will also appreciate the unique ambiance of the venue, as it shares a special connection to Belgium’s independence.
- La Bellone
It’s almost worth visiting La Bellone simply for the setting: a grand baroque façade opens onto a courtyard covered with a glass roof (my favourite hofje-type of scenery!).
This is the perfect intimate setting for the theater, dance, opera and circus performances that are hosted regularly throughout the year.
- WIELS
While the contemporary art center is usually considered as a daytime venue, individuals should not miss the opportunity to visit during the nocturne evenings, which take place every Thursday. This place is rightly renowned as being one of the leading artistic venues in the capital for housing contemporary art projects, exhibitions, and workshops for children and adults.
- Cinema Galleries
Known for screening art house films, Cinema Galeries offers a diverse program of movies and hosts several exhibitions, events, and notable artists for discussions all around the year. Keep an eye open for the free opening nights and stay up to date with the different international film festivals that often screen their productions here.
- Taverne Greenwich
As one of Brussels’s great art nouveau institutions, the centrally placed Taverne Greenwich is perfect for enjoying two great Belgian qualities: architecture and beer.
However, the atmosphere is not as loud as the architecture – it’s known as the “quiet bar” thanks to the amount of chess players or just observers there. This bar rarely gets raucous apart from the occasional Friday night when tango battle takes place there.
- Bazaar
As unique as the name implies, Bazaar’s rich and lively restaurant and bar sit on the brick arches of the nightclub below – you can find basicaly everything at one place.
The arabesque decorations and Moroccan red give the interior an infectious buzz that is complemented by an upbeat playlist. The combination of bar, restaurant and club makes Bazaar slightly, but not much, quieter than some of Brussels’s larger clubs. Nevertheless, it makes the perfect all-in-one venue for drinks, dinner and dancing.
- Le Botanique
Once the former home to Belgium’s national greenhouses, Le Botanique is now headquarters to several different concerts ranging from from indie, rock, hip-hop and beyond. With three beautiful concerts halls, Le Botanique delivers a full agenda of performances and exhibitions, plus its legendary festival Les Nuits Botaniques: a special three week festival hosting daily concerts.
- Fuse VIP
Fuse is Brussels’s home of hedonists and every Saturday night sees ever larger crowds dance to legendary DJs.
European electro is the theme and Saturday nights often last until 7am on Sunday morning, so be prepared. VIP rooms are available and during weekdays the venue, known as Blaes208, can be hired for exclusive events and parties.
Take a look here to see how many artists have already performed here: Wall of fame
And my personal favourite:
The Atomium!!
The unmistakable symbol of Brussels and Belgium, a unique creation in the history of architecture and a symbolic reminder of the World Fair in Brussels (Expo 58), the Atomium is today the most popular attraction in the Capital of Europe. Apart from a surreal walks through tubes and spheres, and a permanent exhibition about the building’s history, the Atomium also houses temporary exhibitions for a broad public. And what’s better than experiencing it all in the magical nocturnal atmosphere?
And now it’s time for some of my photos!
Night 1
Night 2
Have a great day!
Asequibles 