Maison d'Érasme Brussels
A humanist's home in Brussels
It seems that almost every important thinker, philosopher and writer has passed through Brussels at some point: Victor Hugo, Baudelaire, Rimbaud, Verlaine, Karl Marx... to name a few. Erasmus, the Dutch Renaissance thinker and humanist, who went on to found a highly popular student exchange programme, lived in Anderlecht for a few months on his way to France.
At the time, Anderlecht was a thriving cultural hotspot and an important seat of learning. These days, it is a quiet neighborhood in the West of Brussels, often overlooked by tourists and locals alike. That's a shame, though. The house where Erasmus stayed is now a fascinating museum, full of old manuscripts and artifacts that document his work, humanist learning and the general atmosphere of the period.
When I went, I was almost alone in the museum and had the elusive Brussels sun shone, I would have lingered to enjoy the medieval herb garden in the courtyard. Even with the rain, it was a great experience.
The entrance ticket also grants you entry to the nearby Béguinage, which is definitely worth a visit. I took advantage of being in Anderlecht to have a look around the area and there are some interesting old streets and traditional brown bars.
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Tatar
Tartars in all forms and cocktails
Tatar was born with the intent to bring together a fine cuisine that mixes Mediterranean and Japanese tastes and mixology. Cocktails wise, I chose Osaka!
by
Emilia
D'Ettorres
Le Petit Train de Forest
Miniature train ride
"Le Petit Train de Forest" in Brussels is a miniature railway run by passionate volunteers, complete w/ real 1:8 models of locomotives! It makes me happy.
by
Davy
Verbeke
Iyagi
Authentic Korean takeaway
From side dishes like dumplings to main dishes like Bibimbap and Bulgogi, all are served with freshly cooked vegetables, steamed rice & homemade sauces.
by
Emilia
D'Ettorres
Tokidoki
Japan in Belgium
Do you just want everyday dishes that you would eat at home in Japan? Then "Tokidoki" in Brussels is what you are looking for. No sushi or noodles here!
by
William
Mertens
Certo
Hungry and thirsty
"Certo" in Brussels is a tiny Italian restaurant on a corner just behind Place Saint Boniface and one of my favorites. Federico Mazzoni is the perfect host!
by
William
Mertens
Tero
Small plates to share
"Tero" in Brussels is so much more than a restaurant - it's a philosophy. It offers tasty, natural cuisine that follows the seasons!
by
William
Mertens
Rambo
LA-style smashed burgers
"Rambo" in Brussels will make you feel like you're in LA. Loud music, an open kitchen and three amazing types of burgers!
by
William
Mertens
Les Petits Bouchons
Zwanze kitchen
"Les Petits Bouchons" is a typical Brussels bistro with a lot of wood, some mirrors and old-skool lighting. Zwanzers love it!
by
William
Mertens
Ziever'Art
Community culture in Anderlecht
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!
by
Davy
Verbeke
Belga & Co
Coffee roasters
"Belga & Co" in Brussels is one of the city's great coffee places. Everything made in-house, friendly service, big window, no frills - just good coffee.
by
William
Mertens
Glacier Zizi
Best ice cream in Brussels
Even though it's a little out of the route for most, Glacier Zizi is definitely worth the detour! Ice cream, waffles, crêpes, smoothies... Your pick!
by
Anna
van Wuijckhuijse
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