The 5 best hidden, unusual and secret places in Brussels
Updated on November 18, 2022 by pierre
The 5 unusual tourist spots in Brussels
Are you coming to visit Brussels, and are you more the type to want to see what others haven't seen? Fan of history, dead ends and hidden and unusual back houses? Small dead ends and alleys located far from the general public? It's perfect ! These places in Brussels are usually not seen by those who visit Brussels in one day.
Follow the guide, we are going to discover these hidden and secret places in Brussels.
If you are interested in this theme, do not miss either:
1. The Pelgrims House
How about seeing a mansion dating from 1905? For the time, the architect opted for a rather unusual and innovative layout interior spaces. Basically, the project was a much smaller villa than the one we know today. It was in 1927 that a pharmacist (Eugène Pelgrims) bought the house and called on the architect Fernand Petit to enlarge and modify it.
Today, this project is a real architectural jewels of Saint-Gilles. Hidden at the entrance to the park Pierre Paulus, his style Art Déco interior is just waiting to be visited. You won't miss the incredible winter garden with its exotic plants.
Rue de Parme 69, 1060 Saint-Gilles- Brussels
2. Ageadium
Did you know that this place was once kept secret? Until the XNUMXth century, it was the place for Brussels parties par excellence. Today this unusual treasure hidden and out of the shadows and he makes you dream ! staircase in marble, flower patterns, colorful parrots on the walls, … The Aegidium, a place steeped in history, The Aegidium is located in Saint-Gilles on the Parvis Do not miss its large hall which once housed impressive performances and shows: its Moorish style will give you the impression of being in an Arab palace. Read more here
If in the 80s it had fallen into oblivion, this place is alive and well today!
Parvis de Saint-Gilles 18, Saint-Gilles
3. The last piece of the wall of Brussels – The black tower
If you want to see the old wall of Brussels, there is not much left. We would even say that your best bet is to go see “The Black Tower”. It is one of the last preserved remains of the first medieval walls of Brussels. It dates from the beginning of the 13th century. You will find it just behind the Sainte-Catherine church. Did you know that in the 18th century it was transformed into a tavern? She was called “In de Toren”. If you pass by near lunch, know that it is located not far from Place Sainte-Catherine, the ideal place to eat fish in Brussels
Place Sainte-Catherine 29, 1000 Brussels
4. Rue Porselein, one of the prettiest streets in Brussels
If you go through Anderlecht (for example to buy factory chocolates), it is a detour not to be missed. It could be the prettiest street in Brussels. Behind this rather atypical street name. It seems that its name would then come from purslane (or porcelane)… an edible plant. Nothing to do with "porcelain". It seems that the plant was once present in this street. Before owning, it was called the "little street connecting the church to the high street", a little longer, but once there, the name takes on its full meaning! Colorful facades, it is worth the detour!
4. Rue de la Cigogne, A dead end near Place Sainte-Catherine
If in French it is called “La rue de la Cigogne”, in Dutch it is less easy to pronounce: Ooievaarstraat. It is also sometimes called "Impasse de la Cigogne" but this second name is not correct. You will not fail to walk this lane of 70 meters fenced at its end.
In good weather, you wouldn't feel like you're in the center of Brussels… It's rather rare to see people in the center sitting in the street and chatting with their neighbours. It's good to see. If you look for the entrance, you will find it "Rue Rempart des Moines". You will have to cross a small porch. Notice at the entrance, the statue you will see is none other than Saint-Roch, the protector of the plague
- If you are interested in status, be sure to see unusual statues in Brussels
