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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To Meli
Greek Delicatessen in Schuman
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
Emilia
D'Ettorres
La Boule d'Oro
Brasserie as good as gold
"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
Davy
Verbeke
Cemetery of Brussels
In the city of the dead
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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Davy
Verbeke
Le Monts des Arts
Magical sunset view
"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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Renata
Riva
Théâtre l'Improviste
Creative evening ensured
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
Anna
van Wuijckhuijse
España Calidade
Authentic Spanish meat
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
Anna
van Wuijckhuijse
Café Aa
Living room café
The Café Aa is a small place with amazing couches and a very charismatic owner who plays relaxing music and cooks one 'meal of the day'...
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Anna
van Wuijckhuijse
Viva Lasagna
Mouthwatering lasagna
I especially love their chicken lasagna because it takes away a little bit from the heavy pasta dish but still fulfills all of your carb cravings...
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Anna
van Wuijckhuijse
La Cambre Art School
When architecture meets art
"La Cambre Art School" in Brussels is situated in the building of the beautiful, well-known Cistercian Abbey. Explore its romantic courtyards & gardens...
by
Petra
Perazzini
Hippodrome de Boitsfort
A historical racetrack
The "Hippodrome de Boitsfort" in Brussels is a historical horse track that's now a part of cultural heritage surrounded by beautiful nature.
by
Petra
Perazzini
Buddy Buddy
Vegan café and best nut butters
"Buddy Buddy" in Brussels is a cozy, minimalist café with great coffee - but what makes them special is their delicious home-made nut butters!
by
Petra
Perazzini
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