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Hi, I’m Atlas, your personal AI travel assistant. I can help you plan a trip, recommend destinations, recommend hotels, or answer any travel-related questions.

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Welcome to the capital of Belgium! Known as the heart of the European Union, Brussels is absolutely buzzing. Modern neighbourhoods sit side by side with Art Deco buildings and historic landmarks. 

Brussels

Belgium, small but packs a punch. Not known among its fellow Europeans as a destination hub nor among those beyond the continent but look close and you will find some hidden gems. A confusing country with 3 official languages! We're here to help you navigate it and find the best best places in Belgium. 

Lying on the North Sea coast, Belgium's immediate neighbours are France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands. The small nation of Belgium might leave you surprised by its rich and gorgeous heritage. It boasts a number of fascinatingly historic cities packed with medieval and Art Nouveau architecture and famous for their long traditions in arts, fashion and fine dining. If you've seen the best of them, the Belgian countryside offers anything from sandy beaches to the densely forested hills and ridges of the Ardennes. Brussels, the country's vibrant capital, is a modern world city with a highly international character. It combines massive postmodern buildings in its European Quarter with impressive historic monuments, such as the World Heritage listed Grand Place, surrounded by guildhouses and the Gothic town hall. There's Laken Castle and the large St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, dedicated to the cities patron saints. The Royal Palace is a more recent but no less grand structure. One of the city's most famous landmarks is the Atomium, a remarkable steel structure and remnant of the 1958 World's Fair.

Trainworld is a museum dedicated to trains and public transportation. 

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A white apartment building in Schaerbeek glistens next to a green tree on a sunny day in Brussels. 

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Josaphine's is a popular spot to stop for snacks and drinks in Park Josaphat in Schaerbeek. 

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Park Josaphat is a picturesque park in the Schaerbeek neighborhood of Brussels. 

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The sun shines through into a pond in Park Josaphat in Schaerbeek. 

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# Meet Schaerbeek

Everyone calls Brussels a giant melting pot, but you don’t really believe it until you pay a visit to the Schaerbeek neighbourhood. The highly diverse neighborhood is located north of the city centre. Of course you’ll find hints of typical Brussels-esque things like Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture. But Schaerbeek has its own vibe going for it too! Did you know Schaerbeek has its own mascot? Head into Josaphat Park and you might be able to meet one of them - it’s a donkey! Back in the day, Schaerbeek was the main producer of the sour cherries that turned into the alcoholic cherry beer called ‘Kriek’. Legend has it the local donkey was in charge of carrying all the cherries from one place to another. The more you know! Besides, donkeys are pretty cute. 

Schaerbeek feels a lot like a suburb. A lot of the locals who have lived here for a while or are starting to raise families. The area is starting to get a bit more of the expat scene, as they’re working to add more trendy restaurants and bars. There’s more and more things to do in the neighbourhood, and with a beautiful park centered in it all, we don’t blame them for checking out Schaerbeek - and we think you should too! 

### Learn Something New 
Schaerbeek has something for the curious ones of all ages! For a family day out in Brussels with the kids, don’t miss out on  Schaerbeek’s **Trainworld**! Where are our future conductors at? Learn all about locomotives and how they run, with massive trains dating back to some of the first models. If you’re interested in something a little more adult friendly, there’s also the **Schaerbeek Beer Museum** - Beer lovers rejoice! There’s a collection of over 2,000 beer bottles, old beer-making machines, and so much more. Plus, they’ve got a very pretty outdoor garden! 

### Get Outdoors
Schaerbeek is known for its park in the centre of the neighborhood, **Josaphat Park**. It’s the perfect place to take a break and get out in nature while still being close enough to the city. If you’re around in spring, you won’t want to miss the cherry blossoms that bloom here! Take a peaceful walk under the trees, stop to feed the ducks, or bring the kids for a game of mini golf! If it’s the fresh outdoors you’re craving, Josaphat Park is a great, green option. 

### Sip n Dine 
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so start your day out right and head to *Boentje Cafe*, the first zero waste coffee house in Brussels! A perfect choice for eco-friendly travellers. Not only do they have a delicious lunch and brunch menu, but their aim is to take care of you while also taking care of the planet! If it’s not brunch you’re after, you should try out *Yoka Tomo* - a craft Japanese restaurant with great food and an even better drink list (especially if you’re into sake!) 

Schaerbeek is a relaxed and laid back kind of neighborhood, and their bars reflect that. You’ll find cool local bars with a friendly atmosphere. *Copain* has good beer and wine, guaranteed for a great time! If you’re wanting to stock up with beer on the go, we recommend Le Barboteur *Bierotheque* - they’ve got over 300 takeaway beers for you to try! 

### Shop til You Drop
One of Schaerbeek’s best highlights is definitely **Les Ecuries van de tram** - located inside one of Brussels’ oldest tram stations, it’s now a popular spot for social and cultural events. It’s best known for the Friday and Saturday market, focused on local and organic products. Wander under the covered market and find local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts all from people in the Schaerbeek neighborhood. 

### Time to Play
If you need something for the kids to do, or maybe you’re just looking for some fun for yourself - go to **GET AIR Belgium**! This trampoline park is lined wall-to-wall with trampolines to jump the day away. They’ve also got a zip lining course, foam pits, a dodgeball court, and more! Get all your energy out while having a full day of fun. 

### Stick Around for a While! 
Don’t feel like going home yet? We don’t blame you! There’s some great places to rest your head in Schaerbeek. [Avenue Deschanel B&B](https://www.booking.com/hotel/be/avenue-deschanel-b-amp-b.html?aid=304142;label=gen173nr-1DCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaI4CiAEBmAExuAEXyAEM2AED6AEB-AEDiAIBqAIDuALR7pGOBsACAdICJDg1M2IyMjNkLTAwMGYtNDc0Yi1hOGViLTRmOWNmYmY4ODhkOdgCBOACAQ;sid=58b6b149c2f7905e120e70686f0e16ce;atlas_src=sr_iw_title;dest_id=648;dest_type=district;dist=0;group_adults=1;group_children=0;nflt=ht_id%3D208;no_rooms=1;room1=A;sb_price_type=total;type=total;ucfs=1&) has the perfect location. It overlooks Josaphat Park and the Mat de Lalaing Monument, so it’s safe to say you’ll have a great view! If you don’t mind being a bit further out, [B&B Osiam](https://www.booking.com/hotel/be/maison-d-ha-tes-osiam.html?aid=304142;label=gen173nr-1DCAEoggI46AdIM1gEaI4CiAEBmAExuAEXyAEM2AED6AEB-AEDiAIBqAIDuALR7pGOBsACAdICJDg1M2IyMjNkLTAwMGYtNDc0Yi1hOGViLTRmOWNmYmY4ODhkOdgCBOACAQ;sid=58b6b149c2f7905e120e70686f0e16ce;atlas_src=sr_iw_btn;dest_id=648;dest_type=district;dist=0;group_adults=1;group_children=0;nflt=ht_id%3D208;no_rooms=1;room1=A;sb_price_type=total;type=total;ucfs=1& ) is absolutely worth it. They have private wellness facilities, an indoor and outdoor pool, and a Japanese garden with a sundeck. Did we mention there’s a spa? Yup! This is luxury at its finest. Don’t forget to try out the sauna and steam bath! 

But what about the other Brussels’ neighbourhoods? Check out our other guides and see what else this city has to offer! 

Schaerbeek

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