Brussels: our 6 favourite places in the Flagey neighborhood
Flagey is one of Brussels’ most vibrant neighborhoods, with an amazing choice of restaurants, bars, and cultural hotspots. All these qualities obviously make it a great spot for our new coliving house … And a little guided tour made in Cohabs!
Table of Contents
Flagey culture house & studios
Flagey is an art deco building in the shape of a ship, designed in 1938 by the architect Joseph Diongre for the Belgian National Radio Broadcasting Institute. It was built according to the strict technical and acoustic standards of the time and is therefore well known worldwide.
That’s right, Flagey attracts the best musicians on the planet! The building was completely revamped and reopened to the public in 2002, and we think it would be sacrilege not to attend a concert there every once in a while.
Café Belga
In the same art deco building as Flagey, you’ll find one of the most emblematic cafés in the city, Café Belga! With its famous terrace open year-round, it’s the best place to enjoy the sun, when it shines.
In the summer, the Belga deploys dozens of deckchairs on the Sainte-Croix square, turning it into a cheerful open-air bar. Whether you go there at 11 a.m. for brunch, 6 p.m. for after-work drinks or 1 a.m. to end a festive evening, you’ll find what you are looking for in this Brussels institution.
Market
Like every proper neighborhood, Flagey has its very own weekend market! Here, you’ll find fruits and vegetables, fish, roast chicken, and all the usual. But what we like most about this specific market is the presence of food trucks!
Their few tables and chairs invite you to take your time, grab a cup of coffee at the PIM Coffee On The Go truck (one of the best in Brussels, in our humble opinion), test Indian, Portuguese or Moroccan food, or even get a few oysters with a glass of white wine!
Insider tip: do not miss the greek stall and their tasty spanakopita! Oh and of course, if you need something more hearty than oysters, you’ll find the best fries in Brussels at Frit’ Flagey.
Les Pénates
Tucked away in the heart of Ixelles, Les Pénates is a cozy, unpretentious gem that feels like your favorite local spot—even on your first visit. With its mismatched furniture, handwritten chalkboard menus, and candle-lit tables, the vibe is effortlessly warm and intimate.
Here, it’s all about simple, seasonal plates with a Mediterranean twist: think burrata, grilled vegetables, marinated fish, and natural wines to match. The staff is friendly, the portions generous, and the atmosphere just the right amount of lively without being loud.
Whether you’re after a casual date spot or a long dinner that turns into late-night chats, Les Pénates nails it every time.
Ixelles Ponds
Right by Flagey Square, you’ll find the Ixelles Ponds, one of the nicest places for a walk, picnic or a run in Ixelles. This trendy and romantic spot is home to some of the most beautiful houses in Brussels, mixing various architectural styles: neo-classical, Flemish neo-renaissance, art nouveau and art deco. If you’re in the Flagey area, this is a must-see!
Atelier Relief
Nestled in the heart of Brussels, Atelier Relief is a beautiful art gallery with an interesting twist.
The concept? To go out of the frame of classic photography by bringing it an architectural dimension. Atelier Relief is located in a former Brussels embassy, in a beautiful house at the corner of a street. This unique setting makes it one of the most beautiful workshops/art galleries in Brussels.
