Nestled in the heart of the Parc du Cinquantenaire, Bagnole Brasserie is far more than a typical museum café. Located within the iconic Autoworld building, it’s the perfect spot for a gourmet break — whether you’re exploring the vintage car collection or simply in search of a quiet and delicious moment. Nearby, the Art & History Museum makes this a cultural stop not to be missed in one of Brussels’ most beautiful parks.

With wide bay windows, a sunny terrace and views over the majestic arches of the park, Bagnole appeals to lovers of fine machines and fine food alike.

The menu celebrates Belgian brasserie favourites, revisited with freshness and generosity. A feel-good cuisine, simple yet full of flavour — perfect for a relaxed lunch or friendly gathering.

Dishes worth trying include:
• Glazed chicken wings, young leaves, shaved parmesan
• Italian-style beef tartare, sautéed vegetables
• Fish & chips, crispy batter and house tartare sauce
• And for dessert: lemon cream, topped with crunchy meringue

A warm and welcoming table where heritage meets indulgence.

Just steps from the European Quarter, Le Mess is housed in a historic building: the former officers’ mess of the Etterbeek barracks. Behind its understated façade lies a space of grandeur and calm, with soft light, high ceilings and the quiet charm of a stately home. Wood floors, spacious volumes and a welcoming atmosphere make Le Mess truly timeless.

At Le Mess, vegetables are more than a side — they are the soul of the plate. Treated with care and creativity, they inspire a seasonal cuisine that is fresh, expressive and full of flavour. Some standout dishes include:

• Vegetable tartare, mustard seeds, cashew emulsion and flat-leaf parsley
• Beet carpaccio, apple, ash-ripened goat cheese and Sichuan pepper
• Vitello, stracciatella, anchovy cream, confit tomatoes and taggiasca olives

A cuisine rooted in simplicity, in a place where authenticity meets understated elegance.

Starting point: Grand-Place

There’s no better place to begin. Considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world, Grand-Place is the historic and symbolic heart of Brussels. Its magnificent architecture reflects the city’s prosperous past, with its lavishly decorated guild houses, the Gothic Town Hall, and the Maison du Roi.

📸 Don’t miss:
✔ Admire the gilded façades of the guild houses.
✔ Spot the Maison des Ducs de Brabant, a row of seven houses behind a monumental façade.
✔ Touch the golden statue of Éverard t’Serclaes, beneath the archway of Rue Charles Buls. Legend has it that touching his arm brings good luck and ensures a return to Brussels.
✔ Enjoy a coffee on the square and watch the bustling life unfold.

Stop 2: Galerie Bortier (3 min walk)

Leaving Grand-Place via Rue de la Madeleine, you will arrive at Galerie Bortier, a hidden gem full of charm, tucked away from the crowds. Built in 1848, it is home to passionate booksellers and renowned gourmet artisans.

📸 Don’t miss:
✔ Browse antique books and rare editions in the independent bookstores.
✔ Stop by one of the fine grocery stores or artisanal patisseries.
✔ Take a break in this quiet passage for a moment out of time.

Stop 5: Manneken-Pis (2 min walk)

A few steps away, you’ll find Manneken-Pis, Brussels’ most irreverent symbol. This small bronze statue from the 17th century represents the cheeky, rebellious spirit of the city.

📸 Don’t miss:
✔ Check if he’s wearing one of his many costumes (over 1,000 outfits in his collection!).
✔ Enjoy a crispy Belgian waffle from one of the nearby vendors.

Stop 6: Zinneke-Pis (7 min walk)

After Manneken-Pis and Jeanneke-Pis, it’s time to meet the third member of Brussels’ quirky fountain trio: Zinneke-Pis, a sculpture of a dog lifting its leg, located on Rue des Chartreux. This modern addition symbolizes Brussels’ cultural diversity and melting pot identity.

📸 Don’t miss:
✔ Compare this contemporary sculpture to the older statues along the route.
✔ Explore the Marolles district nearby, one of the most authentic neighborhoods in Brussels.

Stop 7: The Cat House (5 min walk)

To end this walk on a unique note, head to La Maison des Chats on Rue du Marché au Charbon. This peculiar façade features cat sculptures seemingly watching over passersby—a discreet yet fascinating detail in the city’s architecture.

📸 Don’t miss:
✔ Spot all the sculpted cats hidden in the façade.
✔ Enjoy the lively cafés and bars in the area, known for their warm and vibrant atmosphere.

At 19 Grand-Place, in one of the most iconic buildings in Brussels, Maison Grand-Place opens its doors to the most exclusive events. A historic setting, breathtaking views, and timeless elegance—here, every reception unfolds in a space where past and present meet with grace.

Its unmatched highlight? An exclusive balcony overlooking the Grand-Place, offering a spectacular view of Brussels’ most iconic events: Ommegang, Winter Wonders, the Flower Carpet… A privileged spot to raise a glass while watching the city come alive before your eyes.

With 350 m² of event space spread across two levels, Maison Grand-Place adapts to all event formats:

• Private dinners and elegant receptions – A refined setting at the heart of a truly exceptional venue.
• Seminars and conferences – Where the prestige of the space enhances every presentation.
• Product launches and exclusive soirées – Because some events deserve a historic backdrop.

Capacity:

• Seated dinner: 30-150 guests
• Standing cocktail reception: 50-200 guests
• Conference/Seminar: 30-150 guests

Just a few steps from the Grand Place, Galerie Bortier offers a moment suspended in time. This 19th-century covered passage, built in 1874, was long the domain of booksellers and independent bookstores, providing a haven for lovers of rare books and fine editions, tucked away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Today, the gallery is experiencing a vibrant renaissance, where book culture meets an innovative gastronomic scene. Alongside bookstores and small publishing houses, the passage is now home to artisanal food counters, transforming this historical landmark into a must-visit destination for both curious minds and food lovers.

For nearly 150 years, Galerie Bortier has preserved its Belle Époque charm, with its bright glass ceiling, intricate ironwork, and intimate ambiance. Today, it reinvents itself without losing its soul—a haven of culture and taste, where visitors come to discover, read, savor, and share.