Home > Destinations > Brussels > Avant-Garde District

Avant-Garde and Fishy

Rue Antoine Dansaert, Place Catherine & Place Saint Géry

If your look is more funky than classical, hip rue Antoine Dansaert is probably what your credit card is calling out for. Buy wow outfits at Natan, slinky little numbers at Chine (2 rue Van Artevelde) and conservative styles with a twist at Olivier Strelli (no 44). Stijl (no 74) attracts top Belgian designers, from Ann Demeulemeester to Dries Van Noten and Sophie d’Hoore, and there’s even KAT en Muis for designer kids. If you are petite, you may even squeeze into some of the designs yourself! Just down the road is Europe’s first covered mall, Les Galleries Royales de Saint-Hubert. Its sparkling glass roof tops a lush, neo-classical interior comes in handy when it rains. This is the place to feel regal as you sweep past luxury Delvaux handbags and manbags, really original costume jewellery, fine Belgian lace and, there’s no getting away from it in Brussels, chocolate. The Neuhaus boutique, with its wooden panelling infused with praline scents, is where this classic brand was launched. In comparison to the frilly Galeries, high-street shopping along rue Neuve doesn’t seem that special – until you find that the prices of familiar brand stores, from Mango to H&M are even cheaper than they are at home. Get to know Brussels’ favourite department store INNO – it’s time for a one-stop shop.

Wine and dine On the rue Antoine Dansaert Pop into Bonsoir Clara for a trendy vibe, French cuisine and colourful setting (nos 22-26, +32 (0) 2 502 09 90) or snack on fresh sandwiches in convivial surrounds at Les Pains Quotidiens. It’s a five minute walk from rue Antoine Dansaert to the site of the old fish market, Place Sainte Catherine, where old favourites include La Belle Maraichèreand La Marée. Try something new in the dramatic, red, black and white Le Fourneau (8 Place Sainte-Catherine, +32 (0) 2 513 1002) for a theatrical experience as well as a taste sensation. Chef Pierre Godart plays the lead role from the open kitchen at the restaurant’s heart. Waiters play secondary parts, interpreting the menu of dishes. Diners are an appreciative audience.

Party Take a cocktail in retro L'Archiduc, a stylish throwback to the 1930s, then head for studenty Saint-Géry square, packed with bars and terrasse cafés.

Brussels