Brussels "Impasses" Brussels

Brussels "Impasses" Brussels

Hidden routes to the past

Sarah from Brussels

About me Originally from Montreal, I've always dreamed of seeing the world. My interests in politics and travelling led me to a career in international relations and inevitably to Brussels, which I first discovered in 2010 while studying for my Master's degree. Living in Europe was my dream, and living it is better than I imagined. On a daily basis, I try to fulfill my addiction to hygge, my...
"The Impasses in Brussels are a part of its historical charm. There are some famous ones, but I do think the hidden ones are really worth discovering!"

One thing I like about Brussels is its historical charm; it's an old city with an interesting past. The city-center is full of beautiful historical buildings and is well-worth visiting. When I first walked around in Brussels, I discovered another charming aspect of the city - its passages, also known as the "Impasses" in French; hidden dead end routes, which you can find in all corners of the center.

Indeed, Brussels has a few narrow alleys and impasses that are beyond charming, giving you a small town feel, where you can step into the past (almost literally). I'm not talking about famous and obvious passages such as the Galeries royales St-Hubert (which are absolutely gorgeous and a must-see in Brussels, of course). I'm talking about hidden ones. My favorite being the Rue de la Cigogne (photo) in St-Catherine. So cute! Its entrance arch, little houses, old cobblestones, the trees... adorable. There's also the famous impasses leading to old-school bars L’Imaige Nostre-Dame or Au Bon Vieux Temps, which adds to the historical discoveries. Find these hidden passages and impasses, and step into Brussels' past!

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Brussels Spotter Sarah

About me Originally from Montreal, I've always dreamed of seeing the world. My interests in politics and travelling led me to a career in international relations and inevitably to Brussels, which I first discovered in 2010 while studying for my Master's degree. Living in Europe was my dream, and living it is better than I imagined. On a daily basis, I try to fulfill my addiction to hygge, my quest for beauty, my passion for excitement and my pursuit of happiness – and that of others. Why Brussels All roads led me (and led me back) to Brussels. After all, it is the capi...

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Rue de la Cigogne

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Dec 2, 2025

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