Discover our locals' 294 hidden gems in Brussels

Uncover Brussels beyond the Grand Place with Spotted by Locals! From art nouveau architectural gems hidden in plain sight to a variety of local breweries, our Spotters reveal the city's true character.

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Travel Guides by these Brussels Locals!

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Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Brussels through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Brussels

Check out our latest hidden gems in Brussels

Things to do in Brussels

Léopold Café Presse

Brunch café

The coffee is good, yes, and so are the pies! You could just stay there all afternoon having a tasty brunch, teleworking, playing games, and reading...

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

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Stéphanie

Newport

Jul 3, 2025

Les tartes de Françoise

Heavenly pies

At Tartes Françoises the pies look and taste homemade - they are to die for. My personal favourites are the banana bread and the mini gourmand.

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Snacks

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Stéphanie

Newport

Jul 3, 2025

La Tapasseria

Peruvian restaurant

The warm atmosphere and easy-to-share dishes mean this is a great place for groups. Do check their website beforehand as the menu changes every month.

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Restaurants

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Stéphanie

Newport

Jul 3, 2025

Caberdouche

Soulful brussels café

People come to Caberdouche for the atmosphere, homemade food, the terrace, and for the beer menu, which includes carefully selected, original beers.

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Bars

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Stéphanie

Newport

Jul 3, 2025
L'apéroterie Brussels

L'apéroterie

Drinks, appetizers and live music

This cosy bar serves carefully selected wines, and specialty cocktails made with a local Belgian liqueur (Eau de Villée), as well as beers and other common drinks.

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Bars
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Music
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Snacks

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Stéphanie

Newport

Jul 3, 2025
Joran Cidrothèque Brussels

Joran Cidrothèque

Cider, pancakes and live music

Boasting buckwheat pancakes (filled with ham, cheese, egg, or mushroom), dry sausage, country-style pâté, and terrine, the menu even includes gluten-free options.

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Bars
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Coffee & tea
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Music
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Snacks

by

Stéphanie

Newport

Jul 3, 2025

Le Cercle des Voyageurs

Restaurant with character

In my opinion, there is no better place in the city center to enjoy a good glass of wine with a fine dinner at a fair price than at Le Cercle des Voyageurs.

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Bars
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Restaurants

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Stéphanie

Newport

Jul 3, 2025

Le Wappers

Untouched pub with live music

Le Wappers is one of those timeless neighborhood pubs where the tables and chairs have been polished by generations of locals and the TV is always on (unless there's a concert).

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Bars
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Music
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Restaurants

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Stéphanie

Newport

Jul 3, 2025
Le Canard Sauvage Brussels

Le Canard Sauvage

Restaurant and bookshop

The vibe is retro and boho, reminiscent of a canteen: parquet floor, recovered school tables and chairs, old fashioned posters.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants

by

Stéphanie

Newport

Jul 3, 2025

Filousophe

Bar and events venue

The name is a play on the word 'filou' (crook) but I assure you that this place is worth its weight in gold.

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Art & culture
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Bars
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Music
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Restaurants

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Stéphanie

Newport

Jul 3, 2025

Momade Cupcakes

My fairy-tale pastry shop

The display is adorable; the teal wall beautifully compliments the sofa overflowing with cushions, and the little alcove gives you all the privacy you need to indulge (i.e. stuff your face)

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Coffee & tea
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Snacks

by

Stéphanie

Newport

Jul 3, 2025

Cache-Pot

Coffee and green fingers

Extra large coffee and delicious pastries will keep you warm and comfortable while the many plants and pots on display (also for sale!) calm your soul and tickle your brain.

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Coffee & tea
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Relaxing
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Restaurants

by

Stéphanie

Newport

Jul 3, 2025

Heading to Brussels?

294 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

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We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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