Weekend: visit Brussels in three days

• Morning
  Head south to Ixelles, one of the capital’s most inspiring districts. Take the opportunity to visit the Ixelles Museum, an iconic venue celebrating Belgian and international art. As you explore, elegant Art Nouveau façades line the quiet residential streets. Don’t miss the Horta House, a masterpiece by architect Victor Horta.
  Continue your morning at the Van Buuren Museum, a private villa converted into a museum, nestled in a lush green setting. Its period furniture and officially recognised gardens bear witness to the refinement of early 20th-century Brussels.
• Lunch
  Head to the Osteria Romana, a welcoming restaurant with antique décor where Italian dishes are served… straight from the pan. Here, everything is homemade, fragrant, generous and joyful.
• Afternoon
  Slow the pace at Bois de la Cambre. This huge landscaped park is the natural extension of the Sonian Forest. By boat or on foot, let yourself be carried away by the tranquillity of its shaded paths and central lake.
• Evening
  Two options await: enjoy an organic, locally sourced dinner in one of Ixelles’ socially conscious canteens, or opt for a livelier evening over a seafood platter in the Sainte-Catherine district, another hub of Brussels’ convivial spirit. To aid digestion, a night-time stroll along the old quays is a must.

• Morning
  Start with a visit to the Sainte-Catherine organic market, located a stone’s throw from the majestic church. The friendly, relaxed atmosphere is perfect for stocking up on cheeses, sourdough bread and heirloom vegetables for a picnic lunch.
  Then head to the unmissable Atomium, the futuristic symbol of the 1958 World’s Fair. From the panoramic sphere, the view over the city is breathtaking. This is the perfect opportunity to take a photo that will remind you, weeks later, of this wonderful weekend in Brussels.
• Lunch
  Enjoy a picnic on the lawns of the Royal Park of Laeken, made up of your finds from the market. A moment of calm, surrounded by greenery and heritage, shaded by centuries-old trees.

• Afternoon
  Head to the Tour & Taxis district, a former industrial site that has been converted into a cultural hub. With its galleries, ethical stores and urban gardens, the area embodies Brussels’ gentle and innovative transition.
• Evening
  End your stay with dinner at Bel Mundo, a community café housed in a former market hall that has been given a new lease of life. Here, dishes are seasonal, ingredients are locally sourced, and the welcome is always warm.

Prolong the enjoyment by exploring the Marolles district. A hotspot for flea markets and antiques, this lively, working-class neighbourhood centres around the Place du Jeu de Balle, where the flea market welcomes bargain hunters, curious visitors and enthusiasts of rare objects from dawn onwards. Stroll among the stalls, chat with the stallholders and soak up the authentic atmosphere.

Step inside the Les Brigittines gallery, a contemporary art centre housed in a former Baroque chapel. Both a place for creation and for meeting people, it showcases the city’s artistic wealth with a bold programme spanning dance, performance and visual experimentation.

Fancy a short trip beyond the city? Head to Louvain-la-Neuve (35 km away), where the Hergé Museum pays tribute to the creator of Tintin with a fun, immersive and richly documented exhibition. It’s the perfect chance to relive childhood memories or rediscover the world of ligne claire illustration.

Finally, there’s nothing like a cone of golden chips and a local craft beer, enjoyed in one of the cosy pubs in the Saint-Géry district. A last moment of conviviality before setting off again.