Approaching the European Quarter, it’s virtually unthinkable not to stop by one of the trendiest bookstores in Brussels. At 30 de l’avenue de Arts, Filigranes welcomes fans of literature and beautiful books 365 days a year. Sundays are renown for readers indulging their passion over a cup of tea while enjoying a live jazz pianist.

Ten minutes away on rue du Trône tucked away in a superb classified « Art Nouveau » building lies l’Ancienne Poissonnerie, a restaurant with Italian cuisine and bustling with a flow of eurocrat food lovers.

Behind the corner at 4 Place de Londres, share the chef Dominique Aubry de Chou’s passion for “terriors” (local artisinal products), which are enhanced with his cooking finesse. All meals are cooked for you in a kitchen opening out onto a unique room. A point of note: the cellar can be seen through the glass floor.
Rue d’Idalie, at 12, visit the Livia Kova beauty institute on Rue d’Italie for a wonderfully relaxing moment with their exclusive range of treatments for men and women. Indulge in their massages using Bali oil, specific anti-wrinkle treatments and slimming treatments. Be sure to cap off your visit with a relaxing treatment in their spa. Steps away,... at 35,  l’Hôtel Radisson Blu EU offers all the qualities of a reputed international hotel chain. Functional comforts, an irreproachable welcome and an ideal location next to Gare du Luxembourg, enjoy a meal at their Williards restaurant for your business lunches or their evening menu.
Opposite, don’t hesitate to poke your nose in rue du Parnasse where you can discover l’Hôtel Renaissance, a five star hotel offering all the comforts of such establishments, but also with the largest fitness centre in the neighbourhood with 2000 m2 for staying in shape.
Still on rue du Parnasse is a particularly original address where you can find one of the only, if not they only, English tailor specialised in ceremony rentals. John Kennis effectively takes care of gents looking for genuine smoking jackets – very British and so cute! At the end of rue du Parnasse, Bepositive is a timeless address dedicated to health and relaxation. It’s stocked with quality organic products, cosmetics, wellness gadgets and home deco objects, offers wellness courses and treatments, and is ideal for anyone looking for a healthier daily lifestyle.

A few steps away lies Gare du Luxembourg and the new European Parliament, an architecturally pleasing complex for fans of modern architecture and Hergé (the large black and white fresco) who visit it with gusto.

Opposite the station is a small boutique-restaurant, Arthur’s, also playing the health game, with its selection of fresh homemade dishes to be relished on site, or purchased as take away, starting from 7am.

On Place du Luxembourg lie a number of small cafés for lunch or a friendly drink. The pub-restaurant Fat Boy, honours sports fans by airing live sports matches, serving hamburgers and beers, pleasing a rowdy crowd of mates. Le Tout Bon on the corner of rue d’Arlon offers fresh unpretentious meals made with quality products. Take a small detour by rue du Luxembourg and you will appreciate the beautiful Phoolan “brasserie”, serving typical Belgian food and killer cocktails, in an attractive setting.

Only steps away, l’Hôtel Léopold appeals to the most traditional taste buds with its elegant setting and menu with many courses in its restaurant Le Salon les Anges, with its beautiful terrace tucked away calmly in the back of the building.
Go back to Place du Luxembourg, then go towards Place Jourdan. On your right in the middle of Parc Léopold you can visit Solvay’s library, an Art Nouveau building constructed in 1092 by the architect Henri Vandeveld and which is classified as an historical monument.

Place Jourdan l’Hôtel Sofitel Brussels Europe is steps away from the EU buildings and offers a veritable haven of peace and luxury. The refined interior decoration of the rooms and the superb roof terrace is ideal for enjoying a nightcap. On the corner, the Neuhaus chocolate boutique will satisfy your sweet tooth, and make a delightful gift for your friends.
On the square, at number 67, the Indian restaurant Shimla offers a pleasant and authentic Indian menu steps from l’Esprit de Sel Brasserie, which offers traditional French and Belgian cuisine in an agreeable setting. They have the good sense to offer two versions of the suggestion menu: the entrée or meal sized version. Enjoy their terrace any time of the year. There is also the restaurant for refined palettes, L’Assiette de Bernard which is only open for lunch.

In the middle of the square, the infamous Brussels institution, the “FritKot” (french fry stand) la Maison Antoine honours the good reputation of Belgian fries and is appreciated by everyone including international VIPs. It’s not unusual to run across stars and celebrities here. In true Belgian style, tasting these fried delicacies while enjoying a good beer is mandatory, such as on the terrace of Café de l’Espérance where you can bring your fries. On the right lies la Chausée de Wavre, a pedestrian area with the reputed cultural centre Le Senghor. In homage to Léopold Senghor, an interesting variety of shows, conferences, and meetings of all kinds are on offer, along with a warm welcome. Opposite at 337, the traditional ice cream maker Capoue delights customers with his nostalgic ice cream. This reputed ice cream maker respects traditional methods of making ice cream while offering a large selection of both classic and more creative flavours. Next door, Bébé Chou Chou et Moi is a nice restaurant investing all of its skill in serving the humble potato in any which way. In the summertime, enjoy its pleasant terrace.

Nearby Place Jourdan, le Théâtre Varia on rue du Sceptre runs the most contemporary shows in the capital. Architecture, authors and ambiance are at the forefront of this internationally reputed theatre.
At number 15 Chaussée St.Pierre, the chef Alain Troubat du Stirwen who has been awarded the title of ‘Maître Cuisinier de Belgique’, honours renown purely traditional French dishes with impressive know how. Grandmother’s cooking and daring cuisine in an art nouveau setting will impress food lovers and traditionalists alike.

Back at Place Jourdan, the florist l’Ilot Fleuri will have you discovering exotic varieties of plants and flowers, as well as excellent original contemporary sculptures, paintings and photographs, on display in the window. Next door, at number 27 lies another Brussels institution, Au Vatel, a reputed bakery with its own dining room and the best french bread (“baguette”) you can find in all of Brussels. It’s worth the detour.

Leave the surroundings of Place Jourdan behind and find yourself on rue Vautier, where art fans can discover the sumptuous and unusual Musée Wiertz, created in the old atelier of Antoine Wiertz (1806-1865), which showcases monumental paintings. Steps away find the internationally renown Musée de Sciences Naturelles which puts on excellent exhibits in its exceptional setting, and is renown in Belgium and in Europe. This museum is an unforgettable destination for kids and adults alike and must be visited at least once when in Brussels.

If you’re interested in architecture, environmental or historical addresses, there are still quite a few to discover in the European Quarter: la Maison Cauchie, le Parc du Cinquantenaire, le Pavillon Horta and the celebrated « Passions humaines » by Jeff Lambeaux, and the Musée du Cinquantenaire and its restaurant Midi 50. Stop by the  wonderful exposition of classic cars at Autoworld.

On the other side of Place Schuman, at the heart of rue Archimède you can find the only gourmet kosher address in the city, at the Balthazar in an elegant setting with a nice shady terrace. Finally, on boulevard Charlemagne are two favourite hotels, the elegant Hôtel Silken tickles all the senses thanks to a gallery of art dedicated to European photography, and fine dining at their delectable l’Objectif restaurant, which boasts a hearty breakfast. At night, a gorgeous bar shakes up a dozen different mojitos. To relax, a beautiful spa with an outdoor solarium and all the modern comforts await.

A little further away,  the haven of peace and relaxation the Martin’s Hôtel features its striking restaurant Icones, a wonderful bar, and its superb terrace. Nearby, at the start of rue Stévin, at number 134, find the Kafenio, a Greek trattoria style with a varied menu that pleases the nice, easy going crowd that populates the venue.

Head towards Parc Cinquantenaire, the other side of the Schuman roundabout, and you will find the modern pub Multi Culti set in an attractive large room filled with light, ideal for a light Mediterranean meal. Finally, to finish off this colourful route, between avenue d'Auderghem and chaussée de Wavre, make the most of the relaxing Parc Félix Hap by strolling through its orangery dating back to 1850, its pond with a large variety of aquatic plants, and amazing trees.