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.

Flagey, place Sainte-Croix, 1050 Brussels . More info on flagey.be

In the same art deco building as Flagey, you’ll find one of the most emblematic cafés in the city! 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.

Belga, place Eugène Flagey 18, 1050 Ixelles .

More info on their Facebook page .

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.

More info on visit.brussels .

This Italian restaurant is the hidden gem we love. Located on Chaussée de Vleurgat, you’ll certainly pass by 10 times without even noticing. And it would be a shame because 52 and The Secret Garden is probably one of the cutest restaurants in Brussels! Its secret weapon? The bucolic, colorful and calm garden. The open kitchen, fresh ingredients and very friendly staff make this place one of our all-time favorites!

52 and The Secret Garden, chaussée de Vleurgat 52, 1050 Ixelles .

More info on 52andthesecretgarden.be .

Brace yourselves, brunch lovers! Because La Petite Production serves brunch 7 days a week, and all day long. Yes, you read that right. Who said you had to wait until Sunday for brunch? Here, the staff is welcoming and the smell of coffee fills the room... You instantly feel at home. The place has a modern atmosphere with a touch of warmth brought by the exposed bricks and natural materials such as wood. Small Formica chairs add a splash of color to space. On the menu, between eggs of all kinds, bacon, pancakes, sausages, French toast, beans or fresh viennoiseries, brunch aficionados will find everything they need! La Petite Production is definitely one of the best brunch places in Brussels.

La Petite Production, rue du Couloir 5, 1050 Ixelles . More info on lapetiteproduction.be .

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!

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.

Atelier Relief, rue Vilain XIIII 20, 1050 Bruxelles .

More info on atelier-relief.com .