Nightlife And Entertainment
Although not as famous for its nightlife as, say, Amsterdam, Brussels is a bustling and vibrant city at night offering a wide selection of clubs, bars, theatre, cinema and cultural events. Whether you fancy dancing the night away at the hip Montecristo nightclub near Grand Place, take in some opera at Theatre de la Monnaie or just watch a mainstream film at Kinepolis, there’s always something to do in Brussels when the sun goes down.
Being at the heart of Europe means that Brussels is visited by top artists – although it’s home-grown entrainment scene is thriving. Jazz has been big in the city since the 1920 and there is year-round live jazz in many venues. Then there’s the annual Brussels Jazz Marathon in May.
When you’re out and about in Brussels at night, bear in mind that the public transport system only runs till 12.30 – it’s replaced by a night bus service which isn’t remotely as regular.
The Club Scene
Most clubs in Brussels have free entry, and even those that charge tend to be fairly reasonable to get in. There tends to be a wide selection of music types – live music and various genres including indie, rock, techno, salsa, dance and more. The legal drinking age in Belgium is 16 years.
Drinks tend to go for similar prices in most places and as you would expect, shots and cocktails tend to fetch fancier prices.
Around Grand Place there’s the notable Montecristo offering a mix of latin, salsa and mainstream music. Also nearby is You which plays techno and house style music and is spread over two levels. If you’re looking for live music in and around Grand Place there’s the lively Canoa Quebrada and Soixante.
In the Upper Town, the Palais des Beaux Arts holds a variety of live musical events and Botanique often hosts rock concerts. The Lower Town has a larger variety of clubs and bars including Le Bodega, The Fuse (which drwas big-name DJs) and Café Central.Clubs open at 2300, heat up at midnight and keep going until about 0600.
Bars
Famous for its beers, Brussels has a few centrally located beer havens such as La Bécasse, Rue de Tabora 11, A La Mort Subite, Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères, and La Rose Blanche, Grande-Place 11. The Le Soleil is known for its intimacy, while a number of bars transform into clubs as the night wears on. The younger crowd enjoy drinking at the bars around Place St Géry.
Cinema
If you’re into major Hollywood blockbusters then Brussels has a good selection of cinemas that will appeal. There are also a number of vintage & art cinemas showing classics & art-type presentations. In short, there’s probably something here for you, no matter what type of films interest you.
The major Hollywood type films run at UGC De Brouckere & Kinepolis. If independent Art features is more your style, there’s Actors Studio on petite rue des Bouchers as well as Vendom along chaussee de Wavre. Additional cinemas are available too, showing a range of contemporary, classic & independent films – these include Arenberg Galleries, Flagey Studios and Nova.
Opera & Theatre
There’s a rich choice available to those who enjoy classical music. Brussels is the home of three impressive opera houses – Theatre de la Monnaie along place de la monnaie is Brussels’ most famous opera house. The city also has the Conservatoire Royal de Musique and Palais des Beaux Arts.
Brussels also enjoys a vibrant theatre scene – the city enjoys several fine theatres that show a wide variety of plays, musicals and dances. Theatre 140 (along ave Eugene Plasky) offers a variety of English performances as does Kaai Theatre (place Sainctelette) and perhaps the most English of all – The Warehouse (located on rue Waelham).
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