For a great after-work drink, head to Brussels’ great bars

This is the part of the capital that the visit.brussels team calls home. We've tested everything around here! Start in the upper part of the city between Place Fernand Cocq and Porte de Namur. Here you're spoilt for choice. Café Tulipan, Le Cocq, Wokr17... all bars where local beers are served alongside signature cocktails. Then, around the Mont des Arts and Brussels-Central Station, you'll find the already renowned Château Moderne, Plein Publiek, Loft and Share & Fun. These are all very different addresses, but offer a wide range of drinks and snacks.
In the capital's historic centre, there are several districts that are well known for meetings with colleagues. The bars near the Bourse, such as the Falstaff or Les Brasseurs, promise an authentic, historic atmosphere. Around the Halles Saint-Géry, Mappa Mundo, Le Roi des Belges, Zebra and La Machine are popular with young people and day-trippers! Just around the corner, Roskam and the Bar des Amis are two must for fans of the Sainte Catherine district. And if you're fancy making a beeline for the canal, make sure you stop off at Walvis. You won't be disappointed.

Our top tip? Château Moderne, for its terrace, its DJ sets and it’s incredible view of the Mont des Arts.

Now then, here they know how to have a good time! Expats from all four corners of the continent have brought their art of living and partying with them in their suitcases. Feel like celebrating the end of the working day in style? Place du Luxembourg (Place Lux' for aficionados) is the place to be. Ginette bar, VesterBar, Network Brussels and Beer Factory welcome you with open arms, in every language. Place de Londres is also worth a visit with London Calling, Public House 12 and Non Peut-Être. Around Squares Ambiorix and Marie-Louise and Schuman roundabout you'll find Papillon. Another must-see address is Grand Central, right next to the Leopold Park.

Our top tip? Grand Central for its enormous first-floor terrace with a view of Leopold Park, its happy hours and its burgers.

When you think of after-work drinks, you rarely think of the area around Madou metro station. And yet, if, by chance, your wanderings take you there, stop by Caberdouche. Here you're guaranteed a warm and cosy welcome. By to the Botanical gardens, pop into the Nhow Brussels Bloom hotel bar. This eclectically styled bar offers a cosy atmosphere for a quieter end to the day. In much the same vein, the Serra bar at Hotel Indigo is a real haven of peace near Rogier metro station. And if your office is close to Tour & Taxis, then you'll no doubt be familiar with the famous Gare Maritime Food Market.

Our top tip? Caberdouche for its local atmosphere, its central location and its craft beers. 

Looking for a local atmosphere? Make your way to the neighbourhood in and around the Parvis de Saint-Gilles. From 18:00 onwards, the bars come alive, round after round is ordered and the laughter goes on into the early hours. The square's big advantage? You can easily move from one bar to another and enjoy the various atmospheres of Café Flora, Café Maison du Peuple, L'Ermitage, Brasserie de l'Union and Brasserie Verschueren. And if you're a fan of post-match atmospheres, Le Louvre de Saint-Gilles is the meeting place for all fans of the local football team, Union Saint-Gilloise. The Club House at Joseph Marien Stadium is also a great spot on match days. In the Marolles, Le Réservoir bar offers a pleasant interlude: a mix of a cultural evening and drinks with friends.

Our top tip? Brasserie Verschueren for its history, its retro decor and its famous hot ginger drink.

Are you more of a smart casual person? Then you'll love Jeux d'Hiver in the Bois de la Cambre. The club Jeux d'Hiver organises after-work events every Thursday. The green lung of the capital is also home to the Flore, a bar with a studied design. Avenue Louise has no shortage of addresses where you can enjoy delicious cocktails and wines; Loui Cocktail Bar perfectly matches the vibe. A short distance away, Lily's is also a must of the Brussels after-work scene. A short stroll to the rue du Bailli and you can sample one of the 30 beers of the Brussels Beer Project taproom. On Wednesdays from 14:00 to 19:00, you can even wander around the market on place du Châtelain with a glass of white wine in your hand!

Our top tip? Wednesdays at Place du Châtelain: the place to be.