The Guinguettes Barc are a phenomenon in Brussels every summer and my favourite is the one in Duden Park because of the gorgeous view of the Palais de Justice (in a few years you won't even be able to see the scaffolding anymore). You can come at any point of the day and have a fresh drink, a burger, salad or chill and let your kids/dogs run in the park while you chat with your friends. There are 9 different locations (all with their own personalised name and personality) located in different parks throughout Brussels.
This popular concept of these open-air bars came originally from a French white wine. In the 19th century, they started popping up on the outskirts of Paris just outside of the tax border, mainly frequented by workers who bought this cheaper form of wine: le guinguet. They were lively bars with lots of dancing and happy voices, often located around the river Seine to expand the space. Today they are making a come back in many cities, not only Paris and Brussels. I can't talk for Parisians, but the Brusseleirs are extremely happy when the Guinguettes open up (usually in May/June) to catch the first rays of sunshine with a warm coffee in their hands.
There’s so much more to discover
Discover more in Brussels
Maison d'Érasme – A humanist's home in Brussels
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Brasserie Verschueren – Cool and timeless brasserie
"Brasserie Verschueren" Brussels is a cool and timeless brasserie located in a neighborhood where the likes of artists, intellectuals and musicians...
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Think Twice – Affordable vintage in the city
"Think Twice" in Brussels is against fast fashion and impulsive clothes purchases! Come here to get a range of amazing, sustainable, vintage clothes!
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Bar Beton – A bar inspired by Le Corbusier
"Bar Beton" Brussels is a bar inspired by Le Corbusier, making for a cozy and warm ambiance- cutting edge and retro, the local bar we'd all love to have...
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Shanghai Kitchen – Fine Chinese Cuisine
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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Royal Army Museum – Best panoramic view of the city
Upstairs you will find a relatively small rooftop and an amazing view of the city and the Cinquantenaire Park, almost worth the ticket price alone!
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MOK Speciality Coffee – Hipster central
"MOK Speciality Coffee": my choice in Brussels as a self-proclaimed coffee snob. I like their hanging plants, the floating central, the pastry selection...
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Caleo Café – A "Warm" Brunch in Saint-Boniface
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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Libraires Flagey – Comics and books
"Brüsel" is a perfect bookshop to browse through comics and books and get to know the ninth art, the atmosphere is very relaxed, and unlike most places...
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Atelier 34zero Muzeum – Little artsy heaven
It has everything anyone with a little interest in art would want: photographs, exhibitions, coffee, cakes, and even some animals and farming activities.
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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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Jazz Station – Good music in a unique venue
"Jazz Station" in Brussels is in a beautiful old neo-Renaissance Flemish train station from 1885 - the great music is only part of why I go there...
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