What I love most about Brussels is that strolling through it feels like travelling without ever leaving the city. Each neighbourhood has its own identity, atmosphere, and cultural influences which offer a completely different experience. That diversity is what makes Brussels so inspiring to me.
Villa Empain is the kind of place I find that I keep coming back to. The Art Deco architecture is striking, but what makes it particularly interesting is the contrast with what’s inside. The frequently changing exhibitions make it feel as though you’re never visiting the same place twice. It’s one of those spots that stays inspiring no matter how often you visit.
Visiting Van Buurenmuseum feels like stepping into a very personal world of art and design. The house is full of thoughtful details and the gardens are just as special. On a sunny day, it’s the perfect place to slow down and take your time walking around.
A real Brussels classic for a reason. Magritte’s work has that playful, surreal twist that always keeps it interesting. Afterwards, find a waffle van parked nearby and have a waffle overlooking the beautiful Mont des Arts!
After strolling through the city, visiting its museums and noticing its emblematic Art Deco architecture you’ll become more familiar with Brussels’ striking design history. Today, Belgium’s love for design continues with understated fashion sense and an interior design movement rooted in balancing minimalism with a welcoming warmth. For those interested in exploring these facets of Brussels here are some more recommendations for you.
This place feels just right, perfectly curated and considered. More like a gallery than a shop, which makes it really nice to walk through. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, it’s very inspiring.
The flea market at Vossenplein is always fun to walk through in the morning, especially if you enjoy searching for unique pieces. What I like about this area is that you can easily continue towards Welcome Gallery and Haute Antiques afterwards. They’re both very close and offer a more curated selection, so it’s nice to combine the three and make a full walk out of it.
A well-known spot in Brussels for a reason. There’s so much to see. It feels more like walking through a collection than a typical store. It’s definitely the kind of place you want to take your time in.
A really nice mix of Belgian designers and bigger international names. I like that you can find both more everyday pieces and something a bit more special in one place.
A go-to for vintage designer pieces that still feel very wearable. It’s the kind of place where you might just find something unexpected.
This place is always fun to visit. There’s a really good mix of pieces, from clothes to accessories, so you can easily spend some time browsing and you can genuinely come across something unexpected every time you go.
When eating out, I pay attention to the overall experience rather than just the food. I notice interiors, but not necessarily because they're perfectly curated, sometimes the most memorable places are quirky, unexpected or wonderfully imperfect. What matters is that a place has a soul and a sense of authenticity. Above all, genuine hospitality makes the biggest difference. Friendly service can turn even the simplest place into somewhere you'll want to return to time and time again.
This place is perfect when you’re in the Marolles area and want something fresh without making a whole plan around it. Go in for a quick lunch and end up spending an afternoon there for its vibes.
Lola is a classic and always a good choice. It’s warm, welcoming, and consistently good. Oh, and the lobster ravioli... it's so good, it’s hard to forget.
A place with a lot of energy and a menu that keeps evolving, which makes every visit a little different. It’s made for sharing dishes and spending time together.
Rather than pastries and sweet desserts, I tend to prefer cheese and a Geuze beer and as such tend to trade in cafes for unique and fun bars. My criteria for bars doesn’t tend to be too different from restaurants but I do like to focus on the cozy and authentic vibe of the place.
Always lively,
never too polished, it has that slightly chaotic, cosy energy that makes you
want to stay for “just one more.”
PS: They serve the best Bloody Marys in
Brussels!
Chez Richard is such a charming spot. It’s easy, relaxed, and perfect for people watching while having a drink with a snack on the side.
On a sunny day, this is exactly where you want to be. The terrace is great for a long apero with friends, and letting time fly by.
Tempted to visit? Book The Standard, Brussels for the perfect city getaway and follow in Ama’s footsteps to uncover the city’s rich character, vibrant culture, and hidden corners.
Many of Ama’s favourite spots are clustered around the Marolles and City Centre/Bourse districts, making them easily accessible from The Standard, Brussels. These lively neighbourhoods are perfect for exploring on foot, with each street revealing its own mix of independent boutiques, local cafés, and unexpected discoveries. Wander beyond the recommended addresses and you’re sure to uncover a few hidden gems of your own.
