72 Hours In Brussels: Where To Stay, Eat, Party & Get Inspired In The Belgian Capital

“Healthy.” That’s how Brussels-based DJ Lefto Early Bird describes his home city’s creative scene – and the word feels just right. Pulsing with collectives, Belgium’s capital is having a moment.  

Once overshadowed by its flashier neighbours Paris and Berlin, Brussels is carving out its own identity: a dynamic, supportive and refreshingly unpretentious ecosystem where music, art, fashion and nightlife intersect. Weaving her vision in Brussels, fashion designer Kenza Taleb Vandeput calls it: “A little safe space for artists to explore.”  

What makes this compact, multilingual city stand out isn’t just the output – it’s the attitude. There’s a DIY spirit here; it’s a city that creates space for experimentation. “For me, the most important things happen in the small, temporary spots,” says local record-spinning talent AliA. “The places that open for a year, then close – but in that time, something really special happens.” 

We met up with Lefto, Kenza and AliA at this year’s Horst Arts & Music Festival, a mash-up of music, arts and architecture that brings the city’s creative threads together once a year for a blowout weekend of good energy. The festival is part-rave, part-think tank, and a perfect snapshot of how Brussels does things: collaboratively, carefully, but always with a beat. 

So, here’s our guide to plugging into that spirit over 72 hours (with a few recommendations from our new friends). These are the spaces, places, and parties that make this small city feel unexpectedly huge – prepare to bookmark these for your next visit...

DAY ONE

Check Into... Cardo Hotel. If you’re here for the creative scene, then this bold design hotel, just north of the city centre, is the perfect base. It has it all: weird art, incredible views, a rooftop pool, and one of the best breakfast buffets going (we’re talking a whole chef-manned-station dedicated to serving up the perfect eggs). Or skip the hotel and find an Airbnb tucked into the cobbled streets of Saint-Gilles or the eclectic heart of the Marolles. Both neighbourhoods are great locations for exploring the city.  

Head Straight For... Kiosk Radio in Parc de Bruxelles. This one’s a non-negotiable for your itinerary. The radio-booth-come-hangout-spot, housed in a tiny wooden kiosk in the park, is the cherished epicentre of Brussels’ creative scene. Whether you’re there for the live sets or just soaking in the vibe with a glass of wine, it’s your gateway into the city’s buzzing underground. Stick around long enough and you’ll cross paths with an artist, a zine maker, someone throwing a party in a disused warehouse – maybe even Lefto himself. If you’re ever stuck for what to do, someone at Kiosk will sort you out. (Or, you know, keep reading. We’ve got you, too.) 

Wander Over To... The BOZAR cultural centre. A short walk from Kiosk, BOZAR is an architectural gem and multidisciplinary art space where exhibitions, concerts, and design intersect. The bookstore has a solid selection to speak of, too. And on that note... 

Don’t Miss... TULITU, a queer feminist bookshop with a beautifully curated selection of literature, zines and artwork close to the city centre.  

Make Dinner Reservations At... Nightshop, a candlelit restaurant on Rue de Flandre with an ever-changing menu that brings bold, seasonal flavours to the table. Or try Kline, a go-to eatery on the street opposite which dishes out locally sourced, globally inspired small plates. Both are great options if, like us, you can’t say no to a natural wine pairing... 

Stop For A Nightcap At... La Flaque, a short walk around the corner. It might look lowkey but don’t be fooled – it’s a local favourite for a reason. Full of charm and, so we hear, the kinds of people who always know where the afters are.  

DAY TWO

Wake Up With... Coffee and a cardamom bun at Bouche: a cute little spot near Palais Royal de Bruxelles serving up specialty coffee and equally good matcha!

Spend The Day At... ​​Asiat Park in Vilvoorde, just outside the city – a former military base-turned-sprawling creative playground. Equal parts experimental art space, skatepark and laid-back picnic zone, it’s famously home to the forward-thinking Horst Arts & Music Festival, an immersive celebration of electronic music, architecture and contemporary culture. But the action doesn’t stop there. All year round, Asiat Park comes alive with a packed programme of events that make it well worth the trip. From open-air film screenings to photography workshops, you’ll find that all sorts of community happenings pop up across the site’s warehouses and green spaces. Stroll along the river, explore artist-run studios, and don’t miss a stop at Bar Bâtard, the on-site café-bar where live gigs and sourdough pizzas keep the vibes flowing. 

Level Up With A Fancy Dinner At... Klok in Stalingrad, because, by this point, you’ll have earned a bit of elegance. It’s sophisticated food without being pretentious – one of the city’s most exciting modern kitchens. All the ingredients are hyper-local and the chefs are wickedly inventive. So, now your belly’s full... 

Go Out-Out To... Anywhere that’s having a party. Whether it’s the weekend or a weekday – Brussels doesn’t sleep on nightlife. Check if Rebel, Gay Haze or Not Your Techno are hosting anything while you’re there – these collectives champion inclusivity on their hedonistic dancefloors. And, if you’re lucky, Horst might be throwing one of its rare, iconic club nights back at Asiat Park. 

DAY THREE

Head For Brunch At... Rascal’s Café in Saint-Gilles. It’s got big caff energy, perfect for a post-party debrief. Take a pew at one of the diner-style tables and wait for a plate of greasy goodness to revive you from your hangover. Great people-watching, excellent interiors and even better hash browns. Pro tip: before you leave, bag one of the deliciously gooey chocolate chip cookies for the journey home. You won’t regret it.  

Take A Stroll From... Saint-Gilles into the lively Marolles – Brussels’ cultural artery. This neighbourhood is home to numerous antique shops, thrift stores and street murals. And one thing you really can’t miss here is...

Go On A Treasure Hunt At... Marché aux Puces. This beloved flea market is held daily at Place du Jeu de Balle and is a goldmine for bizarre lighters, unique vintage garms, and the ugliest vases you’ll ever love. The whole square overflows with trinkets and secondhand gems, often at bargain prices – just don’t forget your cash!

Get One Last Music Fix At... Spend an hour (or three) flipping through racks at Crevette Records, Circle Story, Tropicall Records or Sono Ventura. Marolles is known for its independent record stores and each one has its own vibe and specialities, whether you’re into leftfield electronica or old-school Afrobeat.  

Book A Last Supper At... Badi, a beautiful cider bar near Porte de Hal with great food and an energy just right for rehashing the trip’s inside jokes for the hundredth time over.