🌆 The trendy neighborhoods of Brussels to absolutely visit in 2025

Updated October 20, 2025 by Pierre

There are days when Brussels still surprises me. Even after years of strolling its streets, I sometimes stumble upon a new hidden café, a colorful facade or a lively terraceBrussels is a bit like that: a city that never fully reveals itself.

Today I wanted to share my “favorite” neighborhoods, the ones where I like to get lost on a Sunday, where you meet as many artists as families, where the smell of coffee mixes with the noise of the tram 🚋☕

🎨 1. Saint-Gilles – The bohemian and arty soul

Ah ... Saint-Gilles ❤️ This neighborhood has that little something of Paris-Montmartre, Brussels version.

Between the facades Art Nouveau, the stylish thrift stores and lively terraces of Place Van Meenen, you quickly feel at home there.💬 Personally, I love starting the day with a coffee at Chyl ou Parlor Coffee, then go down to Morichar Square to observe the ballet of the inhabitants: strollers, bicycles, endless discussions.

On weekends, the market of the Parvis of Saint-Gilles is an institution. You'll meet as many artists as neighbors who just come to "have a drink in the sun."

Le Saint-Gilles Parvis market is the place where everyone meets after work especially Mondays for the marketThe atmosphere is relaxed, almost festive: you meet friends around a drink in one of the wine bars from the corner, where we linger near the food trucks to nibble on a piece.
And above all... impossible to miss the stand Chinese who prepares divine Pad Thai — it's become a real Thursday night ritual! 🍜🍷✨

👉 Atmosphere: bohemian, multicultural, sincere

☕ 2. Ixelles – Casual elegance

Ixelles is a bit of a “chic but cool” neighborhood.
Between the Châtelain district, Flagey Square et Louise Avenue, we find a rare mixture: designer boutiques, Art Galeries, and charming wine bars.

🌿 Little tip: lose yourself in the alleys around Rue du Bailli, this is where the most beautiful local boutiques and discreet terraces are hidden. We find our favorite restaurants there: Yamato , Old Boy , Emile Bistro , ...

And then there is many Ixelles ponds… If you go there at sunset, you'll understand why so many Brussels residents are in love with it. I've spent countless evenings there, remaking the world with friends, waffle in hand 🍦✨

🎧 3. Dansaert – Stylish urban

Neighborhood Dansaert is for me the symbol of the new Brussels generation : creative, free and a little rebellious.
There are concept stores, designer studios, minimalist bars and a good dose of street art.

💡 If you love fashion, take a look at Style, Hunting and Collecting ou Bel'Arte.
And for a drink? Direction Barbeton, Map of the World or King of the Belgians, right next to the canal — a great classic.

In the evening, the neighborhood comes alive. You can hear French, Dutch, English, Portuguese... a real cosmopolitan mix which makes Brussels so charming 🌍

🍻 4. Flagey & Ixelles Cemetery – Student Spirit

I still remember my student evenings at Flagey…the square was vibrating with life!
On summer evenings, we sit on the steps, share a local beer, and watch the sun set over the ponds.
It's an unpretentious place, but always full of energy.

A little further, Ixelles Cemetery (yes, the name makes you smile 😅) is the haunt of ULB and VUB studentsTapas bars, terraces, Thai restaurants and gourmet burgers follow one another.
Guaranteed atmosphere on Thursday evenings 🍻🎶 Don't miss out on stopping by frit'flagey

🧘 5. The Parvis de Saint-Josse district – The discreet revival

Long shunned, St. Josse changes visibly.
Around Parvis and Scailquin Street, young entrepreneurs are opening cafes, galleries and coworking spaces.
It's a neighborhood in full renaissance, a little rough, but incredibly lively.

💬 I recently discovered a small Syrian café there where the owner offered me a baklava “for the road”. That’s also Brussels: unexpected encounters that leave you smiling.

❤️ My personal opinion

Brussels doesn't have a single face. It's multifaceted, surprising, sometimes a little messy, but always endearing.
Each neighborhood has its own personality, its own rhythm, its own regulars.

And the best part is, you can do anything. on foot or by tram, moving from one universe to another in just a few stations.
I believe it is this mix of diversity and authenticity that makes Brussels a a city on a human scale, but with a huge heart 💛

✨ In summary: my “not to be missed” neighborhoods

Neighborhood	ambience	Ideal for…
Saint-Gilles	Bohemian & arty 🎨	Markets, vintage cafes
Ixelles (Châtelain/Flagey)	Elegant & casual 🌿	Brunches, strolls, aperitifs
Dansaert	Urban & stylish 🧢	Fashion, design, nightlife
St. Josse	Authentic & changing 🧡	Local discoveries
Ixelles Cemetery	Student & festive 🍻	Evenings, terraces, burgers