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 Carine Gilson, Delvaux and Diane von Furstenberg. Major international brands are also present. 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 Serneels for beautiful and timeless toys. Extend your luxury shopping experience at Maison Degand then return to the centre by taking the tram in the other direction. 

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.  

There's no shortage of places to eat in the neighbourhood. In the "brunch" or "eat on the go" category, two addresses stand out: La Fabrique en Ville located in the heart of Egmont Park and La Gazzetta known for its lunches and aperitifs. 

You could also book a table at Nénu, which offers refined Vietnamese cuisine. Le Chou de Bruxelles offers you Brussels specialities such as mussels (you can choose from 30 different kinds!) or duck breast with cherry sauce. The rooms are decorated in the colours of Belgium, including the place mat which looks like a Belgian flag.