Welcome to one of Brussels’ largest neighborhoods, Ixelles!
Nestled in the Ixelles umbrella is Flagey and Chatelain, both suburbs with a unique culture. Ixelles is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood. One of the best spots to visit in Ixelles is the famous Mantoge African district filled with shops and restaurants that differ from the typical Belgian classics. There’s a lot of history in Ixelles, and if you weren’t aware - it’s actually the birthplace of actress Audrey Hepburn! (You can even see where she lived!)
The Mini-Neighbourhood of Flagey
The Flagey area of Ixelles is totally its own mini neighborhood. Go for a visit and you’ll soon see how popular this area is with locals. Flagey’s highlights include the weekly Flagey Market that happens over the weekend at the Flagey Square. If you’re looking for a place to go out with friends, you’ll always find a fun crowd around the square!
The Quirky Chatelain
A little more quiet and cozy, but is definitely worth a visit while you’re in Ixelles. Chatelain is full of things to do! This is the perfect area to spend the day wandering around and getting some shopping done. If you’ve never been to Rue Du Bailli, it is absolutely worth checking out. The trendy shopping street is filled with tons of cute local stores, so you’re bound to find something to buy here. Between these areas in Ixelles, there is always something to do, which is why we love it so much!
Learn Something New
You can easily add some museums onto your list while wandering Ixelles. There’s a little bit of something for everyone here. Visit the CIVA Museum to take a deep dive into Belgian architecture, or head to the Wiertz Museum to witness the home and studio of beloved artist Antoine Wiertz! If you brought along the little ones, make sure to stop by the Children’s Museum or the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences - both equally fun and kid friendly!
Get Outdoors
Escape the hustle and bustle and head out into nature. It’s right around the corner! Brussels is known for its picturesque parks and the neighbourhood of Ixelles is no different. Just within the area you’ve got some seriously great options for some green scenery. Located in the Bois de la Cambre is the Abbaye De La Cambre, a historical and architectural gem with a gorgeous garden area. Here you’ll also find Tenbosch Park, a smaller and more intimate park compared to the Bois de la Cambre. Size doesn’t really matter, though you’ll still feel like you’ve entered the forest without leaving the city behind!
Sip n Dine
There is no shortage of yummy food and cool drink spots in Ixelles! Given that it’s a relatively popular spot for expats and people working in the EU bubble, there’s plenty of trendy bars in the area. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, we highly recommend My Tannour in Flagey, a delicious Syrian food spot. If you want to be let in on a little secret - check out the hidden gem 52 and the Secret Garden! It’s a hidden Italian restaurant with a vibrant garden area. Definitely insta-worthy!
If you’ve gone out in Brussels before, chances are you’ve heard of Cafe Belga. If you haven’t heard of it, listen up. This is one of the hottest spots to go out in Brussels, and definitely the best in Ixelles. Located in the popular Flagey Square, the bar has live music and DJs to get you up and moving any night of the week! If you want something a bit more upscale, try out Le Tigre - an Asian BBQ restaurant and bar, and a local favourite for their experimental cocktails.
Shop til You Drop
If you’re into vintage clothes, you won’t want to skip out on Ixelles. The Brussels Vintage Market takes place here, with tons of clothes to sift through. For weekend markets, the Flagey Market is THE spot. Tents with local produce, crafts, and food are all surrounding the Flagey Square. If you’re looking for more high-end options, the Rue Da Bailli is a super trendy street filled with boutique shops. If you’re a bookworm, make sure to stop by Peinture Fraiche - an impressive bookshop filled with a variety of new and second-hand books. Basically, if you’re in the mood to buy something new, you’ve got a lot of options in this neighborhood.
Time to Play
If you’re looking for a fun time out, there’s no limit in Ixelles! Between escape rooms, bounce arenas, and bowling, there’s tons of activities to keep you and your friends busy. Brussels Bowling Ixelles is a great spot to work on your strike, or check out Escape Rush - the most immersive escape game in Brussels! Try to escape from a submarine bunker, a Tokyo lab, or the White House!
Stick Around for a While!
If you feel like you haven’t quite seen there is to offer in Ixelles, we don’t blame you. The Ixelles neighborhood spreads out over both Flagey and Chatelain - this means you have plenty of options for accommodation! Why not extend your stay and check one of these cozy boutique hotels!
Jardin Secret - We won’t keep this one a secret from you! Hidden in the middle of Ixelles is this extremely cute and cozy hotel, complete with a secret garden area and a heated pool! You can even stay in and dine and drink at their restaurant and bar, or just take a quick 15 minute walk back into the central part of Brussels.
Maison Flagey Brussels - Any big Art Nouveau fans out there? Let’s face it, it’s kind of hard not to be after visiting Brussels! What if we told you that you could stay in a historic Art Nouveau building? The Maison Flagey building dates all the way back to 1906, and after being beautifully restored this is the perfect place to stay to get the full Brussels architectural experience. Did we mention they offer homemade croissants?
Not ready to leave the city? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of Brussels neighborhoods to explore! Check out all of our guides on Brussels city and its unique neighborhoods.