video Grand Place

On Place de Brouckère, visit the mythical Hotel Métropole; its decor may be familiar as it has often been filmed and appears in many classics. At the Cafe Métropole, with its sumptuous late XIXth century decor, enjoy the use of its large and sunny terrace. For a gourmet meal, reserve a table at Alban Chambon, who’s Italian baroque style is so appealing. On the left is the Passage du Nord, which is a marvellous historical shopping arcade first inaugurated in 1882, that leads you to Rue Neuve, the most commercial main street of the inner city where you can find all the famous international brands. You also cannot miss a shopping trip at City2, the huge shopping mall that offers around 104 boutiques with its four floors, including one floor just for the Fnac. Beside it is the Belgian department store Galeria Inno, with its attractive and seductive windows.

On place de la Monnaie, do not miss the creations of the Belgian artist Daniel Buren in the hall of the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie. Behind the opera, a former Dominican convent is now a luxurious design hotel: The Dominican. The interior layout of this magnificent building, in which painter Jacques-Louis David lived his final years, are intact. The lounge bar is the perfect place for a nightcap among friends before or after an evening at the opera. On the corner, don't miss International Home of Cooking,  a huge space dedicated to the art of the kitchen. You will find absolutely every accessory and utensil coming from all corners of the world, books, and gift ideas, but most of all, staff that are competent and friendly. At 30 Boulevard Anspach discover the brand new entertainment complex Viage, a place dedicated to your enjoyment. A restaurant, theatre and casino are sure to entertain, whether you enjoy a little gambling or are going for the entertainment.

On Rue Fossé aux Loups, The Samouraï, one of the first Japanese restaurants opened in Brussels, and still one of the best, is located in the nearby gallery. Next door, In a stunning late 19th century building, which used to be a bank, is the Belga Queen, a spectacular trendy restaurant created by Antoine Pinto. After your meal, you can have drinks and smoke a cigar at the Club downstairs, located in the former vault of the bank.  A bit higher up, on the corner, is an Art Déco façade, created by the architect Michel Jaspers for the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel. It offers all the conveniences for businessman, including meeting rooms and spacious rooms.  The bar-restaurant Atrium, a superb place with its glass roof, invites you to relax and unwind. The renowned chef Ives Mattagne shall make you discover and taste his savoury seafood cuisine, at the gastronomy restaurant the Sea Grill.  A few steps away, at number 20 Rue des Sables, visit the Belgian Comic Centre. Tintin, Snowy, Gaston, The Smurfs and the likes await you there. At the entrance, La Brasserie Horta is the place to be for fans of architecture and avid readers of local comic strips.
On Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères, taste a beer with a slice of bread and cream cheese at La Mort Subite, one of the oldest and most authentic cafés in Brussels.

On Rue de l’Ecuyer, enter the Galeries Royales Saint Hubert sheltered from above by beautiful glass panels. This place is loved by the inhabitants of Brussels: you can shop, have a coffee and get a bite to eat there.

Want to go for a coffee break ? Head to Le Mokafé and its famous terrace, a traditional meeting place for locals. Opposite in Galerie du Roi, le Théâtre des Galeries, renowned for its celebrated end of the year "revue" Next door, treat yourself to gorgeous Vintage Haute Couture Jewellery at Ciel mes Bijoux. At number 6, the Champagnothèque with its surprising décor, will satisfy people with a taste for all things refined  thanks to its champagne tasting menu for discovering well known and other more exceptional champagnes. Nearby, the Tropismes bookstore, a landmark, has a children’s library, l'Appartement, from which you can walk into the main bookstore via a little inner garden leading to the galerie des Princes. One can find a large and relevant selection of books in a splendid cinema setting. For a hearty and filling meal, around the corner of Galerie des Princes and Rue des Dominicains, is the Ogenblik, one of the temples of gastronomy, who’s chef proposes a savoury and creative cuisine in a luxurious pub setting.

On Rue des Dominicains, the headquarters of Léon de Bruxelles made the Belgian dish of "mussels and fries" famous throughout the world. Opposite, on the corner of Rue des Bouchers, is another great Brussels classic: Aux Armes de Bruxelles, a famous fish restaurant set in an authentic 30’s decor. You are now in the heart of the Ilot Sacré, one of the oldest districts of Brussels. Discover the Théâtre Royal de Toone which carries on the Brussels folk tradition of puppet theatre, and enjoy a belgian beer in its authentic 300 year old Estaminet.

Go back to Galerie de la Reine, where on the left hand corner, La Librairie Saint Hubert stocks a magnificent selection of art books. Admire the classified architecture of this treasured historical building. On the opposite side is Delvaux, a Belgian leather goods manufacturer and an institution in itself. Do not miss Neuhaus, a superb chocolate shop. Opposite at Radillon, watch lovers and collectors will be sure to find the exclusive model of their dreams. Just next to it, the new refined concept store of the chocolate factory Mary, an almost 100 year old house which offers a range of more than 70 different pralines.  Next door,  La Taverne du Passage is a landmark, a pub where you can have dinner before or after a show ; The Belgian specialties such as the "shrimp croquettes" are a must there. Visit the expo "Bruxelles en Scène" for an underground tour of Brussels. Next door, stop at Café du Vaudeville, to discover some local belgian beers as well as flavours of the Belgian gastronomy. Its adjacent Théâtre du Vaudeville can now organize diner shows. Spending a night in that marvellous gallery is now possible : the Chambres d'Hôtes au Vaudeville offer four superb suites in the heart of Brussels. Opposite, the boutique Ligne offers a selection of furniture and contemporary design accessories, some created by Belgian designers such as Xavier Lust and Pol Quadens.

On Rue de la Colline, discover a shop dedicated to Tintin, the world famous reporter created by the Belgian comic strip artist Hergé.

The Grand' Place of Brussels mindblowing : it is simply a wonder, and on some days it seems surreal, so take your time while visiting. Stop at the terrasse of La Chaloupe d’Or or Au Roy d'Espagne, two cafes that ooze charm. La Maison du Cygne and its restaurant Ommegang offer an enchanting setting for a gourmet dinner. Real lace is a gift that is always appreciated throughout the world. Treat yourself, or a loved one, to some genuine Brussels lace. The family lace makers Rubbrecht are one of the last to employ traditional methods. The BITC, a tourism office can inform you about Brussels during your stay. Visit La Maison du Roi and the Hôtel de Ville. At number 4, discover La Maison des Maîtres Chocolatiers Belges, a boutique for showcasing 10 chocolate makers of excellence who create Belgian chocolate using traditional methods. On the first floor of the building lies the workshop where you can take a class at their chocolate academy and a superb cocktail and dining room with a view overlooking the Grand Place. 

Hotels in the heart of the city: Le Meridien Bruxelles is ideally located just in front of Central Station (with direct access to Zaventem Airport) and has a delicious french gourmet restaurant L' Epicerie.

Rue de la Madeleine, Le Dix-Septième hotel is an oasis of peace and quiet, offering a few rooms in a magnificent townhouse. On Rue Duquesnoy, the Royal Windsor Hotel promotes belgian fashion through its FashionRooms, designed by Belgian fashion designers such as JeanPaulKnott#, Xavier Delcour, Christian Wijnants, Nicolas Woit and Romy Smits. 

Rue des Eperonniers, the art shop Plaizier is heaven for postcards and posters fans. It specialises in limited editions of modern artists such as Ever Meulen and the photographer Marie-Françoise Plissart. Opposite, the Al Barmaki restaurant has been the Lebanese restaurant of choice for more than 30 years now. where one can enjoy lebanese specialities in a welcoming Moorish setting.

A few steps away, on the corner of the Rue de la Violette, Marianne Gray has set up in a renovated building from the 1930’s, the most Parisian hairdressing salon in Brussels. Its esthetic booths offer an area dedicated to well-being and serenity. Rue Marché aux Fromages, the three levels of Balthazar have all it takes for the man of the XXIst cntury to be properly clad. It is the ideal place to find a gift for your loved one.

The Hotel Amigo, on rue de l’Amigo is a five star hotel which has just been renovated. Try its delicious Italian cuisine in its Ristorante Bocconi, where its bar remains one of the most pleasant meeting places. Opposite, the the biscuit maker Dandoy’s tea room is often packed with customers, attracted from all over the word by the famous Belgian waffles. From there, take a stroll in the small streets of this old neighbourhood, and pay a courtesy visit to the most famous little boy (ketje) of Brussels, an emblematic figure of the capital : Manneken Pis. On Rue au Beurre, stop off at Dandoy, a family institution, founded in 1829, is renowned for its specialities, such as the famous “Greek bread”, for whom locals go crazy for! Or why not take a look in Galler Grand Place, known for its delicious chocolate and its "Langues de Chat" biscuits inspired by Philippe Geluck’s cartoon character. At number 28, Oliviers & Co indulge your passion for olive oil. This adorable boutique offers a unique selection of cosmetic products made from the finest organic olive oils. Additionally, exclusive gourmet food products made with olive oil by renown chefs are available. Next door, the jeweller De Greef offers an extensive selection of watches, but also unique pieces of jewellery designed by Arnaud Wittmann.

Back to the Bourse du Commerce. On Boulevard Anspach, at n° 73 indulge in this honorable landmark that is Au Suisse, and succomb to its “pain français tomates/crevettes”, a total delight! 

Nearby, at 164, rue du Midi, the restaurant Alexandre cooks up inventive meals that mix flavours to perfection. Chef Alexandre Dionisio is the 2010 winner of the infamous TV show Top Chef. Enjoy his meals from Tuesday to Friday night.

On the Place Rouppe let yourself be seduced by some grand luxury : one of the biggest names in gastronomy, awarded with two "Michelin stars" the renowned Comme Chez Soi, founded by Pierre Wynants and now under the authority of the great chef Lionel Rigolet. A little piece of advice: try to reserve a table in the kitchen. 

The Saint Jacques neighbourhood is very animated, whether it be during the day or at night ! On Rue des Grands Carmes, you will find Lady Paname, a sensuous boudoir devoted to erotic toys and a collection of sophisticated products, all dedicated to personal pleasure. In the heart of it, on Rue Marché au Charbon, lies the Café Fontainas, with its renowned terrace that has become a staple for all the gorgeous bachelors of Brussels. A few steps further, the small boutique of the german designer Conni Kaminski, is much appreciated for its superb stitches as well as its asymmetrical trims. Two steps further lies the boutique Prive Joke, with its personal selection of fashion labels and a corner dedicated to the range of Fabuleux Marcel de Bruxelles. On the corner, the very stylish vintage boutique Ramon & Valy, offers an exceptional selection of clothing and unique accessories.