If you're a luxurious world-traveler and you want to experience the very best of Brussels, there's no other place more perfect for you than Avenue Louise. This is where all the big money congregates to, spending some cold hard cash on the finer things in life. Sure, Brussels isn't necessarily Paris, but it does offer equally first-class experiences. And with relatively fewer crowds, all the luxury is yours for the taking. Think fine-dining with some of the best international business in the world. Want to go shopping? The best brands like Chanel, Dior, and Versace are all lined up in this beautiful avenue. And for accommodation? Your choice of any five-star hotel or a chi-chi apartment!
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As far as Belgium is concerned, Antwerp is considered their "art capital." However, Brussels has its own neighborhood beaming with creativity as well. Ixelles is known as the "art district" of the Belgian capital, housing artists and bohemians of different creeds, beliefs, and walks of life. It's here where the unleash their creativity, often in modes of exhibitions held within the various galleries that make up this chic area. For your travelers who just want a good time, this is the place to stay. Especially at night, when all of the bars and nightclubs get lit!
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You could say that the previous neighborhoods are the more "touristy" type in Brussels. And just like any other major city, there are some that, despite the influx of international visitors year after year, still adhere to the local lifestyle. Les Marolles is such a place. Though it's become quite the haven for immigrants coming in to live and work in the country, the overall vibe here is quintessentially Belgian. It's here where you'll get to see, more fully, both the French and Flemish influences that have shaped the country's culture. As well as, of course, a few tourist-friendly hotspots such as cafes, restaurants, and more.
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And speaking of Belgium's local lifestyle, it doesn't get any more old-school than in Sablon. Complete with centuries-old gothic architecture and cobblestone streets, it's the type of European city that seems like it never entered the 20th-century, let alone the 20th-century. You'll really feel you're in the olden days here as you view the numerous antique shops selling priceless items dating back to probably the Middle Ages and beyond. And when you're in need of a break, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy some authentic Belgian chocolate in the many cafes that sell them here. It's practically the neighborhood's specialty!
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Now, unto somewhere livelier. Brussels isn't exactly known for being a festive city. It's not like Barcelona where they hold a few giant fiestas annually. What usually draws people into the Belgian capital is its relatively peaceful nature. Though there's still Saint Gery. This neighborhood is arguably the liveliest one in the whole city. With bars and nightclubs lining up the streets as far as the eye can see, it's easy to see why it has such a reputation. For you travelers out there who go to these major cities to also get a glimpse of the nightlife scene, this is definitely the neighborhood for you.
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Saint Gilles is somewhat of an anomaly in terms of neighborhoods in European cities. For one thing, the area is slowly becoming quite the haven for your creatives, almost rivaling that of Ixelles as the "art center" of Brussels. With writers, artists, musicians, and more flocking to this district and livening up with their works, it has drawn many young travelers into this scene as well. But, with that said, Saint Gilles is also still one of the quieter areas on this list. As compared to Saint Gery, the people here are more laid-back and relaxed, enjoying life their own ways instead of partying.
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Even though Brussels isn't as popular as Paris or Rome, and it's not exactly a business haven like Berlin and Milan, it's still very much a diverse city. A lot of the locals that reside here are actually expats—workers and refugees who immigrated here in search of a better life. And a good number of them set up their new homes in Saint Josse-ten-Noode. Now, if you're actually planning to live here, this area is always a great place to start. You never know you might see a lot of people from your own country who moved here. They can better show you how to ease into becoming a true-blue Belgian!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
There's a reason why Brussels is quickly becoming Europe's next biggest hotspot. Its neighborhoods alone are different and diverse and might fit the sort of traveler that you are. Whatever type of explorer you are, you'll find an area that's right for you in this Belgian capital!
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