If you need a break from the Brussels' buzz, the Centre Tour à Plomb or Hageltoren in Dutch is the perfect cultural oasis to visit. You can find it in an old lead production and storage facility (like the name indicates) and is located right next to the canal that leads to Charleroi for easy transport of materials. In the early 2000s, it was transformed into a cultural center and organizes a series of activities year-round from feminist conferences, to cultural exhibitions. Check out their upcoming events before you go, it is very local, so most of it takes place in French.
The bar downstairs can seem a little dungeon-y, but rest assured, they have good hot and cold drinks and it's the perfect place to relax on a cold and rainy day. Admire the industrial architecture and the large cartoon street art at the entrance. Sit down in the small but comfy garden out front or walk through the many rooms with activities going on. Parents with kids, couples, groups of friends, everyone has their pick at the Tour à Plombe! The best part is, unless there's a specific event that requires entrance, normally the center is free of charge, you just have to pay for your drinks.
Find your way with 294 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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!
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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.
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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.
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"JeanBon" Comptoir Gourmand in Brussels offers freshly prepared products that are homemade with love, for your breakfast, lunch and apéritivos at home.
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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...
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"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!
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"Joseph Marien Stadium" in Brussels doesn't look like a stadium - it's another Art Deco building that fascinates me with its long, beautiful facade.
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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!
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"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.
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The "Cemetery of Brussels" (opened in 1877) was designed as an English landscape garden - get lost among avenues and cobbestone streets here...
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"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...
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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...
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294 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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