Pavo's City guide X Brussels

This week we have listed our favorite places for you in a new City guide. This time Pavo has settled in the world city of Brussels. The vintage paradise of Europe if you ask us!

Brussels is a city full of culture, history, and surprises, and what could be more fun than exploring the city in the fall? The leaves are changing color, the streets are a little quieter, and there are hidden treasures everywhere. Whether you’re into vintage, antiques, or just want to enjoy delicious food, Brussels has it all. We’ll take you along our favorite hotspots, starting with one of the most unique places in the city: Vossenmarkt.

Your city trip starts at the Vossenmarkt , the place in Brussels for vintage lovers. Located in the Marollen district, this market is a paradise for anyone who loves second-hand finds. From coats and hats to antique cameras and paintings, you will find everything here. The atmosphere is lively and authentic, with stalls full of bric-a-brac and curiosities. Take your time to browse through the stalls and enjoy the idea that you can just discover a hidden treasure in Brussels. For example, there are many beautiful glass vases and ashtrays from Val Saint-Lambert. The old glass factory in Belgium that makes the most beautiful glasses with often beautiful colors. The Vossenmarkt is at its best in the morning, so start your day early!

After your visit to the Vossenmarkt it is time to explore the surrounding district, the Marollen . (the nicest district in Brussels ;)) This district is known for its many antique shops and second-hand clothing stores. Walk through the narrow streets and discover boutiques full of special furniture, art and design. The Marollen has a raw charm and is a must-visit for those who love a mix between authentic Brussels and the artistic atmosphere. Here you will not only find vintage clothing, but also stylish interior pieces that tell a story. For example, an antique dealer told us that last week he had sold a Togo set by Ligne Roset to a Dutch couple for only 800 euros! Of course, he could have asked ten times as much, he found out afterwards ;)

After a morning full of vintage and antiques, it's time to relax with a delicious lunch. Pop into Todt's , a favorite of ours in Brussels and also of locals and visitors. Here you can taste the best lasagna you've ever had, rich in flavor and perfectly prepared. But Todt's is also known for its excellent steak tartare , a dish you shouldn't miss if you like refined, classic flavors. Todt's has a small menu, but what you can find are very good Belgian dishes. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly service make Todt's the perfect stopover during your discovery tour of Brussels.

Brussels is a big and diverse city, and what better way to explore it than by bike? Cycling is the ideal way to easily get from one neighbourhood to another, while enjoying everything the city has to offer along the way. Don’t miss the beautiful Brussels Botanical Garden , a green oasis in the middle of the city. It’s the perfect place to relax between all the exploring, with beautiful walking paths and impressive plant collections.

If you are near the Grand Place and feel like having a nice meal, a visit to Rue des Bouchers is a must. This narrow street in Brussels is known for the large number of fish restaurants that are brought together here in a small space. In the summer you can dine outside, while in the winter you can sit inside by a cozy fireplace. Although Rue des Bouchers is sometimes seen as a "tourist trap" in Brussels, in this case it is absolutely not a punishment. The atmosphere and culinary experience make it a unique experience.

Did you follow our Cityguide and discover new favorite spots in Brussels ? We would love to hear about your experiences! Let us know how your visit to Brussels was and which places you visited. And we would love to hear which city you think we should explore next for our next Cityguide. Share your recommendations with us, we can’t wait to discover more unique destinations!