Louise – Brussels’ chic and high-end neighbourhood

Do you like the finer things? Then the Louise neighbourhood is the place for you. It is known for its high-end fashion boutiques, gourmet restaurants and chic hotels.   

Go for a stroll along boulevard de Waterloo and avenue Louise. These shopping streets are rich in art galleries but also hotels, bars and historic buildings dating from the Belle Epoque. The neighbourhood promises you superb architectural, commercial and artistic discoveries. 

The Louise district is a shopper's paradise. If you want to treat yourself, there are 3 main streets that you absolutely must visit. First is boulevard de Waterloo, which is home to prestigious Belgian designers like Delvaux and Diane von Furstenberg. Major international brands are also present. Make sure to stop by Mayfair, a gigantic boutique featuring numerous fashion and design labels. You’ll also find Filigranes bookstore, offering an exponential range of publications. Opposite, avenue de la Toison d'Or is perfect for smaller budgets as it is home to more affordable brands: Arket, Zara, &Other Stories, Juttu. Finally, on avenue Louise, you will find Belgian store Essentiel Antwerp and Bellerose. For high-end perfumes, there’s only one address that matters: Senteurs d’Ailleurs. Looking for beautiful and timeless toys? Serneels is the perfect spot. Take your luxury shopping experience up a notch at La Maison Degand or Maison Natan.

After your shopping, treat yourself to a tram ride along avenue Louise to discover the Max Hallet and Solvay mansions, two masterpieces of Art Nouveau. Contemporary art galleries are dotted along the surrounding streets. Make a stop, for example, at the Xavier Hufkens gallery. It's one of the most influential in Europe. It exhibits emerging and established artists in a magnificent setting. 

Your tram ride will take you to the end of avenue Louise where the Palace of Justice dominates place Poelaert. From there you have a beautiful view of Place Royale and a panoramic view of Brussels. Watching the sun set here is a must! 

Among the area’s hidden gems is Egmont Park, next to Egmont Palace, which is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.  

Around avenue Louise and boulevard de Waterloo, you'll find countless must-visit food spots that blend elegance and culinary diversity. 65 Degrés serves refined dishes in a genuinely human setting. Italian cuisine lovers will enjoy Osteria Romana, while Kartouche impresses with its creative dishes with a Belgian twist. For a sustainable vegetarian brunch, head to Frank. Nenu, with its Asian influences, delights lovers of spicy flavours. And speaking of spices, don’t miss La General, a modern and friendly Mexican cantina. Last but not least, La Fabrique en Ville, tucked in Egmont Park, is a refreshing oasis for an outdoor lunch.

After shopping and a treat, you might decide that it's five o'clock somewhere... In that case, it's good to know that the upper town houses some of the best cocktail bars in Brussels. Both in winter and summer, a tasting session at Edgar's Flavors is an absolute must – this bar excels in cocktails with tequila, mezcal, and other agave-based spirits. A bit more intimate is Alice Restaurant & Cocktail Bar. Thanks to its unusual decoration and atmosphere, you immediately imagine yourself in an authentic American speakeasy. Ökēn, located in the TheMerode private club, welcomes you to its exclusive world for a multisensory experience. Sip a signature cocktail made with Belgian spirits in the jazzy ambiance of the Maison Louise hotel bar.