Sablon
It is the heart of the historic city.
Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés, on the corner of Rue de l'Escalier, Natural Corner, is the trendy meeting place for Bio product lovers, where one can easily find an extraordinary array of food products, refreshments, fruits, a nature friendly cosmetic line, and since recently, also purchase your favorite items and products by weight. Nearby, discover La Brasserie de Bruxelles, the latest hot-spot where one can find all of Brussels gathered on just one delicious table, composed of various local gastronomy products. Nearby, at number 43, Le Coup de Coeur is somewhere between a boutique hotel and a charming bed and breakfast. The building dates back to the 19th century, and is a wonderfully relaxing address steps away from both the Grand Place and the sablon's infamous antique addresses. Its lounge and three superb suits elegantly decorated to the last detail will please the fussiest traveller. Afterwards, take a break at Palais des Thés, where it is impossible not to find your favorite tea!
Opposite, the Jacques Brel Foundation, brings to life the music and career of this talented Brussels’ artist.
On Rue de l'Hôpital, walking up towards the Sablon pop into the small traditional knife boutique founded in 1821, Au Grand Rasoir, with an enormous selection of knives and other high quality gadgets for cutting and slicing. A little further up, you must stop off at Emery & Cie, an original interior design shop where Agnes Emery's creations are displayed in a grandiose setting. Further up, look into Collectors Gallery. Betty de Stefano will happily share her passion for Scandinavian 60's jewellery, George Jensen vintage... and antique perfume bottles. At number 37, Maison Anna Heylen, is a listed property from the architect Horta. That house provides a space for the clothes and accessories created by Anna Heylen. On the first floor, discover her doll collection.
At number 49, the new beauty concept Kroonen & Brown. The two lovely owners will share their passion for rare perfumes and refined cosmetics with you over a delicious cup of tea in their boutique's light filled salon. Slightly further up, YellowKorner offers you marvellous photography reproductions of artists, but in a limited edition. At number 57, Knott Shop offers al the women's, mens and accessory collections from the bekgian designer Jean Paul Knott, as well as exclusive pieces from his japanese collection.
At number 61, jewellery designer Christa Reniers's black and white boutique showcases rings, bracelets and earrings in silver, as well as limited edition pieces in gold, and semi precious stones.
At number 67, after much anticipation, milliner Elvis Pompilio is back after several years of absence, with even more talent. It is his pleasure to welcome you and advice you in his boutique-workshop.Just opposite, the publisher Taschen will make you dream with its incredible range or art and travel books.
At the bottom of the Place du Grand-Sablon is a pedestrian street : Rue de Rollebeek. It is lined up with charming little boutiques, including a few antique shops, the famous biscuit maker Dandoy, as well as Charlotte aux Pommes, known for stocking the best fashion designers in women clothes and accessories: Jean-Paul Gaultier, Prada, Jill Sander. It is often said that Belgian chocolate is the best in the world...
On the place du Sablon, you are spoiled for choice. The traditional chocolate maker Neuhaus is constantly developing new recipes while maintaining its quality and a 150 year old tradition. Media favourite Pierre Marcolini presents his creations in a spectacular concept store. And Wittamer, is not only a chocolate maker but first also and foremost one of the best pastry and ice-cream makers of the capital. The Wittamer family has been operating since 1910, has built an international reputation, and been appointed Royal Court supplier. Two steps away, on the corner, discover the superb jewellery collection from the French designer Jean Dinh Van He shall no doubt surprise you with the purity of his collections.
On Place du Sablon, the antiques district, do not miss the famous Sablon antiques market on weekends. This area is an ideal place to stroll. Located in a superb town house, the Galerie Pierre Bergé et Associés is a renowned auction room, as well as an exhibition place, dedicated to contemporary design. A few steps away, Le Vieux Saint Martin, is the restaurant to be seen in, is appreciated for its Belgian specialities : the “américain-frites” is rumoured to be one of the best in the capital. On the same side of the street, the restaurant Lola is also a sure bet. In-between the two is Flamant’s new flagship decoration store, which brings together all of its collections, in a country home setting. One needs to visit the Atelier en Herbe. Its owner shall share with you, the plants he discovered around the globe. On weekends, do not miss the famous Marché du Sablon, where antiquarian’s red and green striped stalls attract a large number of locals, as well as Parisians. Ideally located, overlooking the Sablon antiques market, the NH Hotel du Grand Sablon is perfect for business trips or those "antiques and chocolates shopping" week-ends. If you are looking for a gourmet dinner or a business meal, think of the l’ Ecailler du Palais Royal. Opposite the majestic Notre Dame du Sablon gothic church, Le Pain Quotidien a bakery with shared tables for eating, invites you to have a taste of its natural products and food.
On Place du Petit Sablon. Côte d’Or invites you to come and take a bite of its world-wide chocolate collection. For a moment of peace, take a stroll in the gardens and admire the statuettes which all represent the various corporations of Brussels.
Take rue de la Régence, go back towards the courthouse (Palais de Justice), whose presence dominates the city of Brussels. Just behind it, on Rue de Wynants 21, do take stop at Larmes du Tigre, the most pleasant and appetizing Thai restaurant !
On Place Poelaert, discover its superb panoramic sight overlooking the city as well as an extraordinary restoration: the old Jacqmotte coffee house buildings. Take the panoramic lift which will take you to Rue Haute. At number 146, Easy Tempo is a fashionable Italian restaurant . Their truffles ravioli are a delight.
Return to Rue de la Régence, towards the Place Royale, take time to visit the Musée d’Art Ancien and the Musée d’Art Moderne’s exceptional collections. Slightly hungry ? Discover The MuseumCafé. For a sophisticated Belgian meal, opt for the MuseumBrasserie. Its menu was overseen by Peter Goossens, the Chef at the Hof van Cleve, which boasts three stars in the Michelin guide. Next door, be one of the first to discover the newly opened Musée Magritte, an entirely renovated museum that now solely exhibits a vast collection of works by the most famous Belgian surrealist, René Magritte.
Place Royale has impressive views over Mont des Arts. Around the corner, the BIP Tourism Office in order to help you discover the hidden treasures of the city. Beside it, the superb building Old England, an Art Nouveau masterpiece, which today houses the Museum of Instruments. When the weather is fair, stop at MIM, a restaurant with sublime views over to the Grand’Place and located on the top floor. A few steps away, the Palais des Beaux Arts/ Bozar designed by famous architect Horta, offers remarkable shows and exhibitions. A paradise for the art and design lover : the Bozar Shop. Open 7/7, it offers more than 10.000 art books, CDs and DVDs, a vast selection of art magazines, and original gifts and gadgets.Opposite, the atelier-boutique of Belgian chocolate "maitre" (master) Laurent Gerbaud tempts you to try his daring creations renown for gracefully mixing sweet and salty flavours together, and also his personal selection of chocolate from around the world. Tickle your taste buds and participate in one of his demonstrations of traditional chocolate making. Nearby, visit the new Palais des Congrès, a hotspot since its recent renovations, and don't miss the frescoes by Delvaux and Magritte. Near the gardens, the transparent cube shaped entry building by Belgian artist Arne Quinze, Square, is lit up each night in spectacular fashion. With its wonderful panoramic view over the Albertine gardens, le bar-restaurant Kwint is a showstopper. Its quality products: Kaspia caviar, truffles exclusively from Maison de la Truffe de Paris, a highly qualified chef and imposing sculpture by Arne Quinze will seduce the best of us.
For a moment of relaxation, walk through the Parc de Bruxelles, opposite the Palais Royal. Next door, visit the Dynasty Museum.
Rue Royale, after the Rue de la Loi and its ministries, you will be won over by the shop of the most famous Belgian florist, Daniel Ost. Further on, discover the Botanique the Botanical Gardens and its magnificent greenhouses, which have all been transformed into an exhibition and animation space. Next to it is the Hôtel Bloom, with its bright and modern decor and whose 350 rooms all portray the floral theme in frescoes done by young artists.
