While Brussels may not be known for its nightlife, visitors will be pleasantly surprised at all of its great bars and clubs, and it is a hidden gem in terms of what it offers. Exploring the city by night is lots of fun, and there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether it's the DJ sets and drag shows or atmospheric bars and live music sets. Here are some places to head to if you're looking for a great night out.
Much of what Brussels offers in terms of nightlife is centered around the Grand Place in the heart of the city. The tiny cobbled streets that snake away from the stunning marketplace are home to various fantastic bars that are very atmospheric and serve up loads of great Belgian beers - something the country is renowned for. While it is almost impossible to list all of them, here is a selection of the most popular and unique bars in the center. One thing that makes Brussels' nightlife so good is that while wandering around, you'll almost certainly come across a great bar or two wherever you go.
Nightlife in Brussels
While it is very touristy, no trip to Brussels is complete for many visitors without a drink or two at Delirium Café. The bar has the most beers in the world, with over 2,000 being served, and is packed at the weekends with people worldwide. There is a lively atmosphere on almost any evening of the week, and it hosts live music events. You'll find many bars along the alley in which it is situated, specializing in tequila and absynthe if you want to take the night in another direction. Located down two narrow alleys right next to each other, Au Bon Vieux Temps and L'Imaige Nostre-Dame are both very atmospheric and will give you an insight into authentic Brussels bars. While the former serves up Westvleteren XII, once voted the best beer in the world, the latter hosts very cozy live music sets on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Another very atmospheric bar next to the Grand Place is Goupil le Fol, which used to be a brothel. Nowadays, its assortment of cluttered rooms is fun to wander around, and the eclectic decorations make it a great place to have a drink. You'll see lots of couples here on dates. Some other classic Belgian bars nearby are A La Morte Subite, A La Bécasse, and Le Corbeau. The first two are quite similar as they are quieter and ideal for people who want to chat over a delicious beer. Le Corbeau, in contrast, is very lively, and after 11 pm, you'll find everyone dancing on the tables and singing along to songs in French!
If you fancy singing yourself, then O'Reilly's NUA is where you want to head to for karaoke, and any evening of the week, you'll find people singing their hearts out. Another favorite Irish bar that isn't too far away is Celtica, and people primarily come here for the cheapest beer in Brussels. There is also a dancefloor upstairs that, during the weekends, gets packed to the early morning. Bonnefooi is the place for live DJ sets or music gigs. It is quite small and cozy and gets full late in the evenings. If you want to go to a gig, it is next to Ancienne Belgique, one of the city's leading live music venues. For jazz lovers, the Music Village is where you want to go, and they have musicians playing most nights of the year. Another great spot to head to just a stone's throw away from the Grand Place is Place Saint-Géry, as you can find many bars clustered together here.
Other attractions in Brussels
In summer, you'll find everyone drinking outside together, and Mezzo, Mappa Mundo, and Cafés des Halles are among the most popular bars there. While the latter two are ideal for people wanting to enjoy a beer and hang out with friends, Mezzo has a dancefloor that gets very crowded during the weekends if you're going to dance a bit. Just around the corner from here in the trendy Dansaert area is L'Archiduc, which is a lovely art deco bar. It is very stylish and can get quite crowded late at night. Barbeton is another bar worth visiting, primarily known for its cocktails.
Place Sainte-Catherine is another spot in the center, with many popular bars. For a lively atmosphere, Via-Via, Monk, and Bar des Amis are the ones you want to head to. Brussels is generally very safe for LGBTQ visitors, and Rue du Marché au Charbon is where you can find most of the city's gay bars. There is a very welcoming and lively atmosphere about the place, and in nice weather, the street is packed with revelers from all the bars hanging outside together. Near here, you'll find Chez Maman, which has legendary drag shows for you to enjoy, and at Mademoiselle, there are drag and burlesque performances. Both venues are free to enter and are fun and festive with a very inclusive vibe. Away from the city center, Saint-Gilles is a very trendy spot to head to, and its parvis is packed during the weekends with merrymakers. Chez Moeder Lambic and Café Maison du Peuple are two of the most popular bars in Brussels, and La Trinquette is fantastic if you're into your wines. There is a festive atmosphere in the Parvis de Saint-Gilles, especially during the summer when the weather is nice.
Nightclubs in Brussels
In addition to its endless array of unique bars and lively spots, Brussels is also home to some fantastic nightclubs if you want to dance the night away until the early morning. For instance, one of Europe's most famous techno clubs is Fuse, and internationally renowned DJs always perform there. Another firm staple on the Brussels night scene is Madame Moustache, which always offers something different. While it often hosts cabaret shows, you're just as likely to find a DJ performing or a themed party night to enjoy. You Night Club, which attracts a reasonably young clientele; Mirano Continental, which caters to a luxury clientele; and Spirito, located in a former church, all boast exceptional settings for music and dance lovers in Brussels!
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