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Scanorama’s guide to
BRUSSELS
This guide was updated in October 2002

BRUSSELS
USEFUL INFORMATION
AIRPORT TRANSFER
The airport information desk is open daily
from 7 am to 10 pm. There is no tourist
information desk but a board at arrivals
displays hotel information.
The Airport City Express (tel: +32 2
753 24 40) operates from Level -1 at
Zaventem Airport (16 kms east of Brussels).
Tickets cost €2.40 for a second-class
single and €3.70 in first class. Trains run
every 15 minutes (6 am-midnight) and the
journey takes about 20 minutes.
A taxi downtown costs around €30.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Brussels has a modern and inexpensive
public transport system run by STIB (tel:
+32 2 515 20 00). Timed tickets for metro,
buses and trams cost €1.40 for one hour’s
unlimited travel, but it’s more economical
to buy une carte of 10 tickets for €9. Trans-
DINING – EXCLUSIVE
COMME CHEZ SOI
Pierre Wynants’ restaurant is simply the
finest in town, French or other, so be sure to
book well in advance. Closed on Sunday
and Monday. 23 place Rouppe. Tel: +32 2
512 29 21.
LA QUINCAILLERIE
This beautiful hardware store in Ixelles has
kept its original design from 1903. A restaurant
since 1988, it is a respected but relaxed
favorite of the slightly better-heeled. 45 rue
du Page. Tel: +32 2 533 98 33.
BONSOIR CLARA
Modern European cooking and a stylish
design job make this a favorite among the
fashion-conscious. Closed Sundays. 22 rue
Antonie Dansaert. Tel: +32 2 502 09 90.
LE PETIT BOXEUR
Bernard Alain’s intimate little eatery near
the Bourse is not cheap, but worth it for serious
foodies. Never mind that the owner is a
dentist by day, the innovative locally based
port maps and timetables are available
free from the STIB office and TIB information
centers in town.
TAXIS
Taxi ranks display a yellow-and-blue license
sign and are situated outside mainline railway
stations and other strategic sites, apart
from being hailed in the streets. The fare is
€0,99 per kilometer within the capital
region and €1,98/km outside it. An extra
€1.86 is added between 10 pm and 6 am.
TIPPING
Tips are included in the bill although it’s
expected to add ten percent at a first-class
restaurant; less at mid-priced ones.
SAS OFFICE
Tel: +32 2 643 69 00 | Mon-Fri 9 am-5.30
pm. SAS ticket office at Brussels Airport:
tel: +32 2 714 08 40 | Sun-Fri 6.30 am-8
pm, Sat 6.30 am-5 pm.
menu is a treat by any standards. 3 rue
Borgval. Tel: +32 2 511 40 00.
DINING – CLASSICS
AUX ARMES DE BRUXELLES
Finest among the overkill of establishments
just north-east of the Grand Place.
Order a bucket of mussels and knock yourself
out. 13 rue des Bouchers. Tel: +32 2 511
21 18.
LES ALGUES
They’re tearing up the street outside at
the moment, so the tranquility isn’t what it
used to be, but Les Algues is as good as they
come if it’s seafood you’re after. No credit
cards. 15 place Ste Catherine. Tel: +32 2 217
90 12.
AU STEKERLAPATTE
This unassuming French place on a deserted
side-street behind the Palais de Justice is
where you book if you want to impress with
your local knowledge. Closed Mondays,
otherwise packed. 4 rue des Prêtres. Tel: +32
2 512 86 81.

BRUSSELS

EU parliament
BRUSSELS
LA MAISON DU CYGNE
The exquisite restaurant on the Grand
Place where Karl Marx used to hang out.
Bring a large wallet if you want to taste the
first-rate truffels or foie gras. Closed Sundays.
9 Grand Place. Tel: +32 2 511 82 44.
DINING – MODERATE
LOLA
Very chic eatery that fits neatly into the posh
antiques district. Lots of suits around
lunchtime, munching classic French cuisine.
Popular among gays. 33 place du
Grand Sablon. Tel: +32 2 514 24 60.
LE PRÉ SALÉ
White tiling and goat’s-head coat hangers
give this seafood place near Ste Catherine
an abattoir feel, but the food, service and
relaxed atmosphere more than compensate.
20 rue de Flandre. Tel: +32 2 513 65 45.
BALTHAZAR
If you need a quick bite between that sleepy
EU meeting and your plane home, head for
Jean Yves Beugent’s innovative Mediterranean
table. 63 rue Archimède. Tel: +32 2
742 06 00.
LA MEILLEURE JEUNESSE
Named after a Pasolini poetry book, this
artsy French bistro in Ixelles has the most
gorgeous waiting staff in the city. 58 rue de
l’Aurore. Tel: +32 2 640 23 94.
DINING – INEXPENSIVE
DIVINO
A new Italian restaurant with glorious food
at humane prices. Simple decor and somewhat
crowded tables, but homey. Don’t miss
the hip unisex washrooms downstairs. 56
rue des Chartreux. Tel: +32 2 503 3909.
ZEBRA
Run by the people who brought us Bonsoir
Clara (see Exclusive), Zebra is a well-filled
trendy bar at night and an affordable kickback
café during daylight hours. 33 place St
Géry. Tel: +32 2 511 09 01.
DA KAO
It’s more rugged than the fancier Asians
across the street, but good Vietnamese value
for your money. 38 rue Antoine Dansaert.
Tel: +32 2 512 67 16.
LA VACHE QUI REGARDE
PASSER LES TRAINS
Any place called “the cow that watches the
trains go by” deserves a mention. One of
the brightest, cleanest and most adorable
cafés in town. Plus, it’s eco-friendly. 29
galerie de la Reine. Tel: +32 2 513 33 36.
BARS
FALSTAFF
Its fabulous art nouveau and art deco interior
has made this an institution. Great beer
selection and generous opening hours. 17-
21 rue Henri Maus. Tel: +32 2 511 87 89.
GREENWICH
The chess haven where Bobby Fischer is
rumored to have beaten Marcel Duchamp
at the age of 11. Twice. A little worn and
smoky, but a good place for contemplation,
since loud conversation is discouraged. 7
rue des Chartreux. Tel: +32 2 511 41 67.
LE CIRIO
This classy joint by the Bourse has been
around since 1886 and is the place where
the demi-demi (half champagne, half white
wine) was invented. 18-20 rue de la Bourse.
Tel: +32 2 512 13 95.

AU SOLEIL
If you want to mingle with scruffy twentysomethings,
this ex-clothes store is the place
for you. Pretty street facade but few frills
inside. No plastic money accepted. 86
rue du Marché au Charbon. Tel: +32 2 513
34 30.
NIGHTCLUBS & DISCOS
FUSE
The most happening techno-house club in
the city, if not the country, especially on Fridays
when nothing much else is going on.
Hosts a popular gay night, La Demence,
once a month. Visa cards only. 208 rue
Blaes. Tel: +32 2 511 97 89.
WHO’S WHO LAND
A legend on the Euro dance scene. Keeps
shutting down and re-opening. May have
lost a bit of edge along the way, but still
steaming on a good night. Fridays and Saturdays
only. No credit cards. 17 rue du
Poinçon. Tel: +32 2 512 52 70.
MIRANO CONTINENTAL
The semi-tacky revolving dance floor of this
old cinema draws more mature and wellheeled
partyers. Saturdays only. No credit
cards. 38 chaussée de Louvain. Tel: +32 2
227 39 70.
TOUR ET TAXI
Housed in an old Gothic church, this huge
club has the faithful jumping to house and
trance. Drawback: The neighborhood is not
Brussels’ finest, so take a cab. No credit
cards. 5 rue Picard. Tel: +32 2 420 55 05.
LIVE MUSIC
L’ANCIENNE BELGIQUE
“AB” to those in the know, this classic rock
venue announces acts practically every
weeknight. Fits 2,000 guests, not necessarily
seated. 114 boulevard Anspach. Tel: +32 2
548 24 24.
MAGASIN 4
This old warehouse near the Yser metro has
a reputation for breaking in bands for bigger
venues. In other words, here’s where you
catch tomorrow’s acts today. No credit cards.
4 rue du Magasin. Tel: +32 2 223 34 74.
BRUSSELS
LE FOOL MOON
Hard to get to but one of the best places in
town for live music, especially for stuff like
soul and acid jazz. 26 quai de Mariemont.
Tel: +32 2 410 10 03.
L’ARCHIDUC
Benefitting greatly from its central location
and generous opening hours, this tiny art
deco jazz café has long been popular for fine
live acts and mellow lounging. 6 rue Antoine
Dansaert. Tel: +32 2 512 06 52.
SHOPPING – DEPARTMENT STORES
INNO
Five floors of fairly basic Belgian-owned
all-under-one-roof shopping on the number
one shopping street in town. Also has a
branch at the head of chic Avenue Louise.
Mon-Sat 10 am-6.30 pm. 111 rue Neuve.
Tel: +32 2 211 21 11.
GALERIES ST HUBERT
A contender for “The World’s Thinnest
Mall”, but a real architectural gem. This
upscale glass-covered arcade from 1847 is
Europe’s oldest. North-east of Grand Place.
CITY 2
If you don’t mind the crowds, this mall has a
large number of specialty shops, plus a huge
Fnac for books and music. Not very posh,
Grand Place

BRUSSELS
but it gets the job done. Northern end of rue
Neuve.
HEMA
Not exactly for the fashion-minded, but the
budget traveler can find lots of good bargains
here. Branch at 19 chaussée d’Ixelles.
111 rue Neuve. Tel: +32 2 227 52 11.
BOUTIQUES
STIJL
Short of going to Antwerp, this street has the
best fashion in Belgium. Stijl has a selection
of the Antwerp Five and other hip designers.
74 rue Antoine Dansaert. Tel: +32 2 512 02 13.
ESPACE BIZARRE
Achingly hip furniture and household paraphernalia
in a huge downtown store. Specializes
in bedroom, textiles and lighting
with a Japanese twist. Mon-Sat 10-19. 17-19
rue des Chartreux. Tel: +32 2 514 52 56.
NEUHAUS
The company that boasts having invented
the modern praline in 1912 is a must for
lovers of up-market chocolates. 25 galerie de
la Reine. Tel: +32 2 512 63 59.
LA BOUTIQUE TINTIN
Everything you could want from the little
Belgian cartoon adventurer. Great place to
bring the kids when they turn out not to
share your awe at the Grand Place. 13 rue de
la Colline. Tel: +32 2 514 51 52.
MARKETS
PLACE DU CHÂTELAIN
The makeshift Sunday food market at Gare
du Midi is much larger, but this one on
Wednesdays in Ixelles (noon-8 pm) has a
nicer neighborhood feel. Rue du Bailli at
rue de L’Amazone.
GRAND PLACE
Not exactly the biggest flower market on the
planet, but very likely the one with the best
setting. Has a modest business going every
day, and a bird market on Sundays. Grand
Place.
PLACE DU JEU DE BALLE
Daily flea market (7 am-2 pm) in Marolles
offering all the junk you would ever want to
see. Reportedly, people occasionally make
good finds. Otherwise, just enjoy the atmosphere.
Rue Blaes at rue de L’Hectolitre.
PLACE DU GRAN SABLON
The streets surrounding this lovely square
are lined with antique shops. The weekend
market (Sat 9 am-6 pm, Sun 9 am-2 pm)
draws hoards of locals looking for good
finds. Rue Lebeau at rue des Sablons.
10 GREAT SITES
GRAND PLACE
The undisputed heart of the city, if not the
country. Flanked by an amazing collection
of baroque guild houses, this is one of the
world’s most beautiful squares. Don’t forget
to rub Everard at No. 8 for good luck.
MANNEKEN-PIS
The little boy perpetually relieving himself
is Brussels’ most famous sight, much thanks
to his outlandish wardrobe. If you’re lucky
he’ll be wearing his Elvis outfit. Corner of
rue de Chêne and rue de l’Etuve.
CATHÉDRALE DE STS
MICHEL ET GUDULE
A marvelous piece of 15th-century Brabant
Gothic architecture. Now all bright and
shiny, having been renovated in time for the

wedding of Prince Philippe and Princess
Mathilde in 1999. Open 8 am-6 pm daily.
Place Ste Gudule. Tel: +32 2 217 83 45.
MUSÉE HORTA
The father of art nouveau has scattered
masterpieces all over Brussels. One of the
few you can actually visit is his former St
Gilles home, now a homage to the man. 25
rue Americaine. Tel: +32 2 537 16 92.
EU PARLIAMENT
Political junkies flock to see their favorite
MEPs in action in what the locals call
the “caprice of the Gods”. Still, the buildings
are nice and extravagant. Metro station
Trône or Maelbeek. Rue Wiertz. Tel: +32 2
2843453.
MUSÉE BRUXELLOIS DE LA GUEUZE
You don’t have to stick to run-of-the-mill
lager beer. The Belgians certainly don’t.
Instead, they brew self-fermented lambic,
champagne-bottled gueuze and, oh yes –
cherry beer. 56 rue Cheude, Anderlecht. Tel:
+32 2 520 28 91.
WATERLOO
One of the most important battles of all time
took place just south of Brussels on June 18,
1815. Reenactments are held every fifth
year; the next one due 2005. Waterloo Visitors’
Centre, 254 route du Lion, Braine
l’Alleud. Tel: +32 2 385 19 12.
MUSÉE RENÉ MAGRITTE
The well-heeled northern suburb of Jette
houses the former home of the Belgian surrealist.
10 am-6 pm Wednesday to Sunday.
135 rue Esseghem. Tel: +32 2 428 26 26.
CENTRE BELGE DE LA BANDE DESSINÉE
Among all literary art forms, the Belgians
have developed a particular fondness for the
comic strip. See what the attraction is in this
beautiful Horta warehouse. 20 rue des
Sables. Tel: +32 2 219 19 80.
MUSÉE DES INSTRUMENTS
DE MUSIQUE
It sounds dull, but this place is a treat even if
you’re not a freak of organology (the science
of musical instruments). Cordless headphones
let you hear the instruments you
approach. Housed in the city’s most gor-
geous art nouveau buildning. 1 rue Villa-
Hermosa. Tel: +32 2 545 01 30.
GREAT WALKS
BOIS DE LA CAMBRE
The woods are cordoned off and the car traffic
can be maddening at the northern end,
so you have to go deep into it to relax. Less
constrained than the rest of Brussels’ parks.
South from the end of Avenue Louise.
ART NOUVEAU IN IXELLES
Much of Brussels’ splendid art nouveau
architecture was torn down after the war, but
there is still enough left from the likes of Victor
Horta and Paul Hankar to make a walkabout
worthwhile. South of metro station
Louise.
SURREALIST BRUSSELS
Belgians don’t get more surreal than René
Magritte. This tour gives you a taste of what
it was like to walk in his otherworldly shoes.
Tourist Information Brussels (TIB). Hôtel de
Ville, Grand Place. Tel: +32 2 513 89 40.
GUIDED TOURS
BRUSSELS
BRUSSELS BY WATER
Even though it’s a stretch to think of Brussels
as a water city, there is a port. And if you’re
willing to venture south of the city, there are
Galeries St Hubert

Manneken-Pis
BRUSSELS
some impressive boat elevators near Halle.
Brussels by Water. Tel: +32 2 203 64 06.
PRO VELÓ
Apart from renting out bikes, this outfit does
guided two-wheeled tours of the city and its
outskirts during the summertime. 15 rue de
Londres, Ixelles. Tel: +32 2 502 73 55.
TOURIST INFORMATION BRUSSELS
The tourist office offers a wide variety of bus
and walking tous in the footsteps of practically
everything. Hôtel de Ville, Grand
Place. Tel: +32 2 513 89 40.
ATELIER DE RECHERCE ET
D’ACTION URBAINE
The ARAU tour on Saturday mornings can
take you inside houses that are normally offlimits.
Also does coach trips. 55 boulevard
Adolphe Max. Tel: +32 2 219 33 45.
KIDS’ STUFF
MUSÉE DE SCIENCES NATURELLES
If your kids are into dinosaurs, this is the
place to take them. Some pretty impressive
dino wrecks have been found in Belgium.
260 chaussée de Waire. Tel: +32 2 627 42 38.
MINI-EUROPE
This is where the Belgians take Euro-frenzy
to a whole other level. It’s a Lilliputian ver-
sion (scale 1:25) of a wide selection of European
landmarks. Makes kids feel big. Bruparck,
20 boulevard du Centenaire, Laeken.
Tel: +32 2 474 13 11.
SCIENTASTIC
This hands-on science museum, housed
inside the Bourse metro station since 1994,
is where to bring inquisitive kids and let
somebody else answer all the questions.
Métro Bourse, Level 1. Tel: +32 2 732 13 36.
MUSEÉ DES ENFANTS
The clever “Childrens’ Museum” in Ixelles
offers lots of interactive attractions, as well as
painting and cooking classes. Mostly for kids
under 10. 15 rue de Bourgmestre. Tel: +32 2
640 01 07.
MOVE IT
GOLDEN CLUB
The gym where Belgian beefcake Jean-
Claude van Damme once got started. Open
noon to 10 pm on weekdays. 33 place du
Châtelain, Ixelles. Tel: +32 2 538 19 06.
CYCLING
The Belgian flatland is an invitation to bicycling,
and many locals do a fair Eddy Merckx
impression in their spare time. Sundays
with ADEPS, 44 boulevard Léopold II. Tel:
+32 2 413 28 97.
PATINOIRE DE FOREST
Unless the spectaculuar ice rink on the
Grand Place is skatable, the best pirouettes
can be seen (or performed) in the southwestern
suburb of Forest. 36 avenue du
Globe. Tel: +32 2 345 16 11.
JOGGING
The best places to jog are connected parks in
the southern part of the city, starting at the
end of Avenue Louise. Bois de la Cambre
and the Forêt de Soignes.
Visit our website www.scandinavian.net where
a new city guide will be added each month.
Updated October 2002
Editor: Henrik Harr, henrik.harr@sasmedia.se
Pictures from Sjöberg
Scanorama is published ten times a year by: SAS Media AB,
Gävlegatan 16, S-113 30 Stockholm, SWEDEN.
Scanorama is the inflight magazine of Scandinavian Airlines.