Multicultural, original and gourmand, Brussels has the attraction of a human-sized city where people take time to enjoy life while also offering all the opportunities of a European capital. And being easily accessible, it is also a meeting place open to the world. Its museums and reputed galleries make it a must-visit spot for collectors. From the Renaissance to graphic novels, from Art Nouveau architecture to a sense of the absurd, here an experimental flair exists in perfect harmony with a classical style. And when it comes to fine food, the city’s young chefs cook up a daring contemporary cuisine. All in all, Brussels continues to inspire amateurs of comfort and beauty.
The real estate market
Prices have increased by 5% to 7% over the last five years. Depending on the municipality or neighbourhood, they range between €3,000 and €5,000 per sq.m for a mid-range area like the Haut de Forest and Saint Gilles. In the most coveted neighbourhoods, like the Ixelles Ponds, Avenue Louise, Prince d’Orange/Uccle Fort Jaco, a property in good condition can go for €6,000 to €7,000 per sq.m after negotiation. A new penthouse on Avenue Louise can reach €10,000 per sq.m. The most in-demand properties include family houses with 4 bedrooms and a garden.
Our advice
Choose your neighbourhood based on your lifestyle. Uccle-Churchill and Place Brugmann for a residential vibe and tranquillity. Auderghem and Watermael-Boisfort for the ideal mix of professional and personal life.
Saint-Gilles for a more vibrant day-to-day life at the bustling heart of Brussels. Lastly, Uccle-Ixelles for a second home, given that it’s also the closest neighbourhood to the European schools.
The secret? We can find apartments, former factories to renovate in a more contemporary loft-style in the Châtelain – Saint-Gilles – Forest – and city centre areas for more daring buyers. Get in touch.
Art of living
BARNES has put together a selection of top restaurants, trendy boutiques and cultural venues to help you discover what Brussels has to offer! Diaries at the ready!
Culture
Solvay Hôtel
@Hôtel Solvay
The Hôtel Solvay is an exceptional building inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage. To discover all the secrets of this Art Nouveau jewel, make sure to book a private tour with a guide.
Avenue Louise 224, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
La galerie Jonathan F. Kugel
@Jonathan F. Kugel gallery
The Jonathan F. Kugel gallery is a contemporary cabinet of curiosities that blends eras and styles through a programme of themed exhibitions.
Rue Watteeu 16, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
La Macadam Gallery
@Macadam Gallery
Macadam Gallery, tucked away in the historic centre of Brussels. Roda, Thomas Devaux, David Moreno… Renowned Belgian artists and the biggest international names are all exhibited here.
Place du Jeu de Balle 58, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Magritte museum
@Magritte Museum
Magritte Museum, an integral part of the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique: You’re not in the wrong place, it really is a museum. A must-visit to discover the work of the most famous Belgian surrealist artist, René Magritte.
Place Royale 1, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Shopping & Trips
The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken
Take an incredible stroll around the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, open from 15 April to 8 May, as per tradition. An exclusive visit!
Av. du Parc Royal, 1020 Brussels, Belgium
Diito
@Diito
A space devoted to design, launched by three architects. You’ll find rare vintage pearls and Belgian brands here, from the most exclusive to the more well-known.
Rue de l'Aurore 62, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Kure
@Kure
Kure, a boutique selling pieces by Belgian creators as well as limited edition gems. All this in a minimalist showroom.
Boulevard de Waterloo 13, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Hatshoe
@Hatshoe
Hatshoe, a store stocked with the most elegant shoes and designer sneakers. The hard part will be deciding between the hundreds of models.
Rue Antoine Dansaert 89, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Urban Therapy
@Urban Therapy
Urban Therapy, where each piece is selected with care. Perfect for finding eco-friendly decorative objects with a certain flair.
Rue de Flandre 84, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgique
The hottest reservations in town
Isabelle Arpin Restaurant
@Isabelle Arpin Restaurant
Isabelle Arpin Restaurant, under the masterful hand of Chef Isabelle Arpin herself. The menu is intuitive and seasonal, composed of colourful creations with an elegant and complex harmony of savoury, sweet and spicy.
Avenue Louise 362, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Villa Emily
@Villa Emily
Villa Emily, where Michelin-starred chef Jean-Marie Bucumi serves his sophisticated cuisine. High-quality and seasonal products are given a modern twist here with a Japanese influence. We particularly like the fish and vegetables in delicious sauces.
Rue de l'Abbaye 4, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Le Bozar
@Bozar
Le Bozar, a gourmet restaurant crowned with a Michelin Guide star. Chef Karen Torosyan doesn't hesitate to add Armenian touches to his modern cuisine.
Rue Baron Horta 3, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
Couvert Couvert
@Couvert Couvert
Couvert Couvert, a Michelin-starred restaurant just a few miles from Brussels, showcasing seafood and fish as well as local specialities. Incredible creativity. A rare selection of Belgian cheeses is proposed to round off the meal.
Sint-Jansbergsesteenweg 171, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
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