It's quiet, it's small, it's hidden in-between place Jourdan, the Parliament and rue Belliard. It has a pond, a few nice buildings, a long history, a few paths to walk around it, benches to rest, and nobody will complain if you lay down with your picnic basket (as long as you take your trash home!). That's the Parc Leopold of Brussels!
Since early 2017 the new House of European History museum has opened in the middle of the park in the Eastman building, built in 1934-1935 by Mr Eastman (the inventor of the Koadk camera!), a good escape when the weather suddenly turns rainy as in a typical Brussels day.
It was created as a zoological garden back in 1851, and at that time, even giraffes were living there. Now you can see rare trees and animals, students passing by (there's a high school, slightly falling apart, I've been told, but it still fascinates me) and the Solvay Library, which is now a conference centre.
In winter, I've seen the pond completely frozen… I feel bad for the poor swans living there!
Rue Belliard 133
€
no-price
Find your way with 292 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The coffee is good, yes, and so are the pies! You could just stay there all afternoon having a tasty brunch, teleworking, playing games, and reading...
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At Tartes Françoises the pies look and taste homemade - they are to die for. My personal favourites are the banana bread and the mini gourmand.
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The warm atmosphere and easy-to-share dishes mean this is a great place for groups. Do check their website beforehand as the menu changes every month.
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People come to Caberdouche for the atmosphere, homemade food, the terrace, and for the beer menu, which includes carefully selected, original beers.
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This cosy bar serves carefully selected wines, and specialty cocktails made with a local Belgian liqueur (Eau de Villée), as well as beers and other common drinks.
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Boasting buckwheat pancakes (filled with ham, cheese, egg, or mushroom), dry sausage, country-style pâté, and terrine, the menu even includes gluten-free options.
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In my opinion, there is no better place in the city center to enjoy a good glass of wine with a fine dinner at a fair price than at Le Cercle des Voyageurs.
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Le Wappers is one of those timeless neighborhood pubs where the tables and chairs have been polished by generations of locals and the TV is always on (unless there's a concert).
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The name is a play on the word 'filou' (crook) but I assure you that this place is worth its weight in gold.
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The vibe is retro and boho, reminiscent of a canteen: parquet floor, recovered school tables and chairs, old fashioned posters.
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The display is adorable; the teal wall beautifully compliments the sofa overflowing with cushions, and the little alcove gives you all the privacy you need to indulge (i.e. stuff your face)
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Extra large coffee and delicious pastries will keep you warm and comfortable while the many plants and pots on display (also for sale!) calm your soul and tickle your brain.
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292 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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