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!
Rue de la Cigogne
€
free
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Brussels guide.
Piscine l'Espadon has three pools; a normal one, a small one for kids and even a mini heated one for babies and toddlers, with slides!
By
You order a bouillon, which can have different bases, meat or veggie options. Add the sauces, what you would like to eat and then the magic happens.
By
The crispiness of the chicken perfectly matched the softness of the freshly made waffle, and the teriyaki sauce was just the “savory” cherry on top.
By
"JeanBon" Comptoir Gourmand in Brussels offers freshly prepared products that are homemade with love, for your breakfast, lunch and apéritivos at home.
By
Spanish-souled "Café Mercedes" in Brussels tells the history of its neighborhood through the eyes of its owners who've been here since the '60s...
By
"Altitude 100" in Brussels is a fascinating place in the commune of Forest in Brussels. I like it's a church in the center of a big roundabout!
By
My favorite is Spanakopita, a buttery & flaky phyllo pastry with a filling of cooked spinach and feta cheese. For dessert I recommend a slice of Bougatsa!
By
"La Boule d'Oro" is my personal no. 1 brasserie in Brussels. This corner cafe resembles my primary school cafeteria & has excellent Belgian food & beer.
By
The "Cemetery of Brussels" (opened in 1877) was designed as an English landscape garden - get lost among avenues and cobbestone streets here...
By
"Le Monts des Arts" is my favorite place in Brussels, as all my friends know already - especially the esplanade at the end of it. Just go at sunset...
By
At España Calidade they hang around twenty types of dried ham on big hooks around the store, in between the huge paella pans and spicy peppers.
By
They look at each other and then it starts right away, no time to think, they just do. What I love most is the conversations you have afterward...
By