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
A simple but still refined style characterizes this café, which at night becomes a warm wine bar with small plates to share.
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Ziever’Art in Anderlecht is a buzzing, volunteer-run hub mixing art, fun, and community. From concerts to kids’ workshops - there’s always something happening!
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I haven't yet been able to identify all the villages/churches marked on the small stone wall but I'm sure I will at some point!
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The Perché rooftop bar is on top of the JAM hotel, which is why not many people wander up here, but it's so worth it! It has a great view and comfy chairs.
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With an extravagant vintage decore, the bar takes its name from Queen Fabiola, a Spanish noblewoman who was a very beloved Queen consort of the Belgians.
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With a cozy interior and a pleasant scent of toasted coffee beans, Caleo offers different options for brunch, from viennoiseries to delicious pancakes.
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The name Nenu comes from the Vietnamese concept of “an nhau”, a style of drinking and eating culture, sharing small and large plates with friends & family.
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The stars of the menu are the homemade fluffy pancakes - an explosion of flavors, which come in different flavors, including a tiramisu and matcha version.
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If you come with a group, I suggest taking the “Moriawase” (Japanese for “assortment”), a larger plate that is easier to share and to try different things.
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As a meat lover, I absolutely enjoyed the dishes based on Iberic pork, including the spare ribs and the Jiang Rou Bao, which literally melted in my mouth.
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Peaking at my neighbors' plates, I decided to try the bass with garlic oil, ginger, and furikake, and the tartare de boeuf with pepper mousse and pickles on the side.
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294 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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