Dansaert and Sainte-Catherine: trendy, lively neighbourhoods

The Sainte-Catherine district is best known for its excellent selection of restaurants, bars and cafes. The many fish restaurants reflect the area’s history: for centuries, this was Brussels’ fish market and port. Place and street names such as Vismet, Baksteenkaai, Brandhoutkaai, Hooikaai and Handelskaai are subtle reminders of this past.

But it’s not just food lovers who will enjoy the area. The district has a rich heritage that reflects its development over the centuries, from a medieval city centre to a modern urban neighbourhood. Highlights include the Church of Saint Catherine, the 13th-century Black Tower, and the Church of Saint John the Baptist at the Béguinage. The Grand Hospice (or Pacheco Institute) has stood on the site of what was once Europe’s largest beguinage since 1827. It's a superb example of how historic heritage can be adapted for contemporary use. Just a short stroll away, you can also explore the history of Belgian Freemasonry.

Be sure to visit rue de Flandre to see the Maison de la Bellone, a beautiful 17th-century patrician residence that now houses a performing arts venue. For a relaxed exhibition about Brussels, head to the Halles Saint-Géry. This this iconic venue is now being returned to its original purpose of providing visitors with a welcoming, lively and inviting marketplace that preserves its cultural role in the heart of Brussels.

Cutting-edge, vintage, elegant or extravagant… Brussels is incredibly eclectic when it comes to fashion. Whatever your style or budget, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye in the trendy boutiques of Dansaert. A good place to start is rue Antoine Dansaert, where you can visit Stijl, Icon and Dries Van Noten - three fine examples of the many stylish shops in the area. For contemporary jewellery, head to NOJ (Non Ordinary Jewelry) and Saskia Hutt. Other recommended spots include Valérie Berckmans’ boutique-cum-worshop, Encré Atelier and Centreville Store.

Vintage lovers should check out Foxhole, Think Twice, Isabelle Bajart and Docks Caviar, and if ethical shopping and upcycled products are your thing, make sure to visit Retro Reset, Aesthete Kidswear and Vêtue.

MAD Brussels is also worth a mention: the fashion and design institute on the Nouveau Marché aux Grains regularly hosts exhibitions, showcasing primarily Brussels-based talent.

As we’ve already mentioned, for the best seafood, head to the Vismet and place Sainte-Catherine. Many restaurants here serve excellent mussels, seafood and fish. A standout is the fish bar Noordzee. On sunny days, the high tables outside are perfect for enjoying a glass of white wine with a delicious homemade shrimp croquette, fish soup or fish 'à la plancha'. At La Belle Maraîchère, you can sample the very best of old‑time Brussels, enjoying phenomenal fish dishes in the company of locals, tourists and foodies alike. Still got room for a little more? Just a little further along, Le Vismet is a treat, where you can watch chef Tom Decroos at work in the open kitchen, with views over a stylish interior and a relaxed, distinctly Brussels atmosphere.

Many avant-garde chefs have set up shop near the Porte de Flandre, at the end of rue de Flandre in recent years. Young chefs who aren’t concerned with Michelin stars but are focused on contemporary, locally-inspired cuisine with a heart for both city and planet. On a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, drop by Nightshop - open at the most improbable hours. You’ll always be amazed by outstanding creations and fantastic natural wines. At Aster, you’ll be treated to a set menu of around ten excellent dishes cooked over a charcoal fire. Nearby, Kline serves what they call a ‘brutalist’ cuisine, offering top-quality dishes designed for sharing.

For a quick bite, there are plenty of options in the area. Pita The Original is perfect if you love juicy Greek gyros. At Rambo, the smashburger is amazing - crispy and then melting in the mouth. For a Belgian snack, don’t miss Chouke Fritkot, serving crispy golden chips in a paper cone. Insider tip: if the queue isn’t too long at Dierendonck butchers, pop in for a delicious sausage roll or a wagyu burger.

This neighbourhood is also a paradise for coffee lovers. Mok ranks high in The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops, the renowned Brussels label Wide Awake Coffee has two shops nearby, and Koul is one of the, well… coolest coffee spots on the continent. And honestly, outside Portugal, is there anywhere better for pasteis de nata than Forcado on rue Antoine Dansaert? Não creio, amigo.

One more tip for families: Chicago Café has opened Giulia Trattoria on rue de Flandre!

A visit to Brussels wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a great beer in a traditional pub. At the end of rue Antoine Dansaert, cosy cafe Walvis comes highly recommended. Barbeton, Barré and Chez Lutgarde have all more than earned their reputations. The bar at Brussels Beer Project is a must for sampling freshly concocted creations in the heart of this unique brewery. You can experience the same spirit at Brasserie Surréaliste, a lively restaurant and brewery set in an Art Deco building on the Nouveau Marché aux Grains.

For an authentic Brussels beer experience, rue de Flandre is another excellent choice. Roskam, for example, has a fine selection, and on Sunday evenings they host live jazz. At Au Laboureur and Au Derby, you’ll meet true locals. On the Vismet, Café Merlot, Le Cheval Marin and Au Bassin are all great stops. Prefer a glass of wine? Head to La Flaque. And on rue Sainte-Catherine, Bar des Amis and Billie are two charming spots for a drink.

Evenings in Brussels are just as lively. If you love dance, theatre and other performing arts, why not catch a boundary‑pushing performance at unique city theatre KVS or Théâtre National? For more experimental work and thought-provoking shows, head to the Beursschouwburg. These multidisciplinary venues keep a finger on the pulse and are deeply rooted in Brussels’ cultural life.

Fancy something a bit more playful? Grab a microphone! Rent a themed room at karaoke bar Karafun and enjoy some hilarious moments with your friends.

For those looking to really let loose and show off their dance moves, Madame Moustache is the place to be. In this cabaret-style dance bar with a twist, you won’t hear techno, but a lively, eclectic mix of pop, funk, kitsch and retro. Another favourite for night owls is the Archiduc, an iconic jazz bar housed in a stunning Art Deco building, where the atmosphere is always spot on.

KFK Hope, Lava, Lord Byron, Archipel… the list of bars in which to keep the night going is long. Just around the Halles Saint-Géry alone, you could go on a pub crawl every evening. And of course, the beer spots mentioned earlier also deserve a place on your itinerary. The point is: you’ll never be bored here - that’s a promise!