Nightlife in Brussels
Belgians like bars that turn into discos that also serve food, such as the trendy cafés in the Châtelain and Dansaert areas. Brussels won't disappoint beer fans, with over 450 home-grown varieties. Try Mappa Mundo for cocktails or Goupil le Fol for fruit liqueurs, both in the Bourse district. Club-goers can move on to techno beats or Latin rhythms also in the Bourse. Most bars close at 2am; clubs stay open until dawn.
Le Cercle des Voyageurs
Travel-themed lounge
Epicureans and explorers relax in deep leather armchairs at this
bar-restaurant set in the listed 17th-century Hôtel de Roest d'Alkemade off
the Grand'Place. Travel talks and exhibitions range from the discovery of
the Tonga to a bike trip across Asia.
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Address
18, rue des Grands Carmes, Brussels 1000
Telephone
+32 (0) 2 514 3949
L'Homo Erectus
Gay and friendly
Friendly, kitsch L'Homo Erectus is one of Brussels' favourite gay bars.
Thursday nights see Miss Dallas bringing back power-dressing and big hair on
stage. Located near the Bourse, there are plenty of gay clubs nearby.
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Address
57, rue des Pierres, Brussels 1000
Telephone
+32 (0) 475 831 107
A la Mort Subite
Traditional Belgian tavern
Named 'sudden death' after the final game of dice regulars would play before
returning to work, A la Mort Subite is a traditional Belgian tavern. Dating
back to 1928, the mirrored interior attracts locals and tourists. Try the
eponymous ale.
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Address
7, rue Montagne-aux-Herbes Potagères, Brussels 1000
Telephone
+32 (0) 2 513 1318
Goupil le Fol
French chanson and liqueurs
The charming atmosphere of Goupil le Fol (The Mad Fox), with its clutter of
records, paintings and cosy nooks, remains unchanged. Listen to French
chanson and drink home-brewed fruit liqueurs in a bar-lined street near the
Grand'Place.
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Address
22, rue de la Violette, Brussels 1000
Telephone
+32 (0) 2 511 1396
Transport
De Brouckère metro
Mappa Mundo
International drinking
Located on trendy Place St Géry, Mappa Mundo is especially popular with
30-something Europeans. Expect a mix of languages, a laid-back atmosphere
and some potent cocktails. Take a light meal on the terrace in summer.
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Address
2-6, rue du Point de la Carpe, Brussels 1000
Telephone
+32 (0) 2 514 33 55
Transport
Bourse metro
Le Corbeau
Party until late
Located near the Grand'Place, Le Corbeau was established in 1874 and is now a
student favourite. Weekends bring DJs, free-flowing beer and dancing. Its
long thin tables are usually crowded with lively groups, who don't go home
before 4am.
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Address
18, rue Saint Michel, Brussels 1000
Telephone
+32 (0) 2 219 5246
Cartagena
Salsa bar
Touted as Belgium's best Salsathèque, Cartagena gets a bit crowded but is
undeniably cosy. Move to feverish Latin rhythms, while a chico twirls you
around till dusk. Located near the Bourse area, there are plenty more clubs
across the road.
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Address
70-72, rue du Marche au Charbon, Brussels 1000
Telephone
+32 (0) 475 93 8153
Fuse
Techno clubbing
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.
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Address
208, rue Blaes, Brussels 1000
Telephone
+32 (0) 2 511 97 98
Louise Gallery
Dancing with the in-crowd
Trendy young designer-loving Bruxellois flock to the Louise Gallery,
located on Avenue Louise. DJs play mostly house and techno music at the
special parties that attract famous faces. If you fancy getting in, dress up
and smile at the bouncer.
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Address
Gallerie Louise level 1, Avenue Louise, Brussels 1050
Telephone
+ 32 (0) 478 79 7979
L'Axess
Cocktails, concerts and clubbing
Located in Brussels' industrial Tour & Taxis site, L'Axess is a real
late-night hot spot. People come for after-work cocktails, but usually end
up staying for dinner, live concerts on Thursdays, and a spell on the
dance-floor at the weekend.
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Address
Tour & Taxis, avenue du Port 86C Havenlaan, Brussels 1000
Telephone
+32 (0) 2 420 44 21
L'Archiduc
1930s jazz club
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.
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Address
6, rue Antoine Dansaert, Brussels 1000
Telephone
+32 (0) 2 512 0652
Flagey
Sound factory
The Flagey art centre is housed in a 1930s former radio broadcasting
building, located in Ixelles near the university. Calling itself a sound
factory, it showcases an eclectic mixture of jazz, contemporary and
classical music.
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Address
Place Sainte-Croix, Brussels 1050
Telephone
+32 (0) 2 641 1020
Ancienne Belgique
World music and indie
With a strong penchant for world music, Ancienne Belgique hosts live music a
few minutes' walk from the Grand'Place. The smaller more informal AB Box
hall accommodates intimate indie rock gigs, and seeks to launch local
talents.
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Address
110, Boulevard Anspach, Brussels 1000
Telephone
+32 (0) 2 548 2484
KVS (Royal Flemish Theatre)
Theatre, dance and music
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.
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Address
7, Arduinkaai, Brussels 1000
Telephone
+32 (0) 2 210 1112
Le Botanique
Culture among nature
A greenhouse converted into a concert hall, Le Botanique is set in
magnificent 19th-century gardens, near the Gare du Nord station. Its
programme is mainly francophone, with some international indie artists. Come
early and get lost among the vegetation.
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Address
236, rue Royale, Brussels 1210
Telephone
+32 (0) 2 218 3732
