When it opened in 1847, this elegant shopping arcade was the grandest in Europe (For further details see Galeries Royales de Saint-Hubert).

Exquisite examples of costume and lace, an industry that employed 10,000 women in mid-19th-century Brussels (For further details see Musée du Costume et de la Dentelle).

The 445 “martyrs” killed in the Belgian Revolution of 1830 lie buried in this square.

This large, atmospheric church is like something out of a Brueghel painting – aptly so, since Pieter Brueghel the Elder is buried here.

See how the other half lived in the grand rooms of the Royal Palace. A former hotel next to the palace houses a museum devoted to the history of Belgium since 1830.

This suite of 18th-century rooms contains a small but select exhibition of furniture, porcelain, clocks and other artifacts.

A bijou cinema with a fascinating collection tracing the early history of the moving image in the foyer.

The sole surviving gate of the 14th-century city walls.

There is something gloriously megalomaniac about this vast Neo-Classical pile.

This delightful toy museum appeals to everyone.

A spectacularly elegant and spacious shopping arcade built in 1847 (For further details see Galeries Royales de Saint-Hubert).

A pedestrianized shopping street close to the city centre, with many of the main European fashion chains and a large Inno department store at the northern end.

Ignore the shoddy environs: this is the place for cutting-edge fashion. All the Antwerp designers are represented in the shops here, and there are several outlets for notable Belgian fashion labels.

Smaller than the Galeries Royales de Saint-Hubert, but just as elegant. Here you’ll find second-hand books, prints, postcards and posters.

There are antique shops fronting onto the square, but try poking around in some of the side passages as well. Two of the finest chocolatiers, Wittamer and Marcolini, are here.

Top-name international couturiers, including Chanel, Hermes and Christian Dior, line Avenue Louise, while Congolese clothes shops, hairdressers and jewellers can be found in the covered Galerie Louise.

This covered arcade, similar to Galerie Louise, offers a good range of stores close to the Porte de Namur.

From early December to early January, this market offers all things Christmassy – crafts, decorations, presents – in thestreets around the Bourse and on Quai aux Briques.

The Place du Jeu de Balle has a daily flea market (6am–2pm) selling antiques, junk and curios, and there is a spread of shops up Rue Blaes too

This maze-like covered arcade sells T-shirts, baseball caps, leather goods, costume jewellery and incense – all surprisingly in the lower price range.

A famous watering-hole in the old bakers’ guildhouse. There is a medieval air to the interior decor. Also serves light meals.

Blink and you’ll miss this 17th-century tavern tucked down a side street of Rue du Marché aux Herbes. A great spot for people watching.

Not many cafés can claim to have had Marx, Rodin and Victor Hugo among their clientele, but the Vaudeville has a long history. Sit outside in the city’s most splendid arcade, or upstairs in a salon decorated with copies of the Communist Manifesto.

“Sudden Death” may sound alarming, but this famous bar, redesigned in Rococo style in 1926, is named after a card game. It is also the name of a gueuze beer.

Another classic, Le Cirio has been open since 1886 and is famous for its half-en-half – a mix of still and sparkling white wine.

Situated opposite La Bourse, Falstaff is a Brussels institution thanks to its stunning 1903 Art Nouveau design. Lively atmosphere and efficient, polite service.

An established Brussels favourite, especially popular with an avid chess-playing crowd. It was a former hang-out of Magritte.

The world-class chocolatier has seating where you can sample its heavenly products with a cup of tea or coffee.

The Musée des Instruments de Musique’s spectacular roof-top café.

This lively bar draws a young crowd with its live music on week nights and DJs at the weekend. Great atmosphere especially in summer.

This legendary 1930s Art Deco bar – designed to evoke a cruise liner – has entertained all the jazz greats. The place picks up after midnight.

Behind the gritty industrial exterior lies the best disco in town. World-class DJs spin a mix of techno and drum’n’ bass.

A glitzy Upper Town nightclub where international funk and groove mixes with cuttingedge French rap and R&B artists.

It’s hard to miss this stylish club, which hosts world music and dance parties most Friday and Saturday nights. International DJs also play here.

Jazz and blues bar with live concerts every night: 8.30pm on weeknights; 9pm on weekends. Dinner is available either before or during the performances.

Housed in a former Anglican church, this swish nightclub/ restaurant features a sumptuous gold and crystal decor, beautiful lighting and a vast dancefloor.

Take a taxi to the city’s trendiest watering hole in a renovated hunting lodge set amid the trees of the enchanting Bois de la Cambre. Terrace in summer.

This popular club enjoys a lively central location. The music ranges from electro and house to 1980s retro and R&B. On Sundays, Le You attracts a predominantly gay crowd.

At this townhouse lounge bar you can sip your cocktail in the lounge, bedroom or bathroom!

The ambience may be Latin but the music comes in all varieties at this lively dance club. Open late Thursday and all night at weekends. Four bars, restaurant.

Brussels’ most celebrated restaurant is family run and has two Michelin stars. For a taste of the superlative, innovative French cuisine, be sure to book weeks ahead.

One of Brussels’ most prestigious fish restaurants, this quiet, refined establishment attracts a mature clientele.

A stylish restaurant housed in an ornate former bank. The French-Belgian menu offers better value at lunchtime.

Dine on first-class fish and pasta beneath a world-renowned Arne Quinze sculpture at this elegant restaurant.

Boasting two Michelin-stars, this fish restaurant offers refined dining.

A favourite with locals for three decades, this timeless wood-panelled restaurant serves top-rate fish dishes.

This sleek, sexy restaurant on the southern edge of the Pentagon serves fusion cuisine. During the day, opt for the white dining room; at night, the black room is more romantic.

A long-standing favourite with locals who consistently praise the inventive menus and romantic shabby-chic style.

Founded in 1921, Aux Armes de Bruxelles is an institution: white-linen elegance and impeccable Belgian cooking.

Dine on mussels and flambéed steaks in a room decorated with old marine murals.

A no-frills bistro admired for its tasty Belgian classics and firstrate service.

An appealing estaminet (traditional pub) that stands by its 18th-century heritage to present a menu of fine Belgian-Bruxellois dishes.

Designed by Victor Horta in 1928, this Art Deco gem is in beautiful condition after a loving renovation. The Michelin-starred chef prepares faultless Belgian cuisine.

Treat yourself to a fancy lunch at this elegant brasserie, which receives glowing reviews. The carefully selected wine list also contributes to the restaurant’s popularity.

A jovial café serving sweet and savoury traditional Breton pancakes with mugs of Brittany cider.

Selling excellent bread with delicious fillings, as well as tempting pastries, Le Pain Quotidien (“Daily Bread”) is a huge success. This is the most central of the many city branches.

This cherished and popular restaurant refuses to change or diverge from its traditions of solid, good-value, truly Belgian cooking.

A traditional 1930s Belgian diner with accomplished waiters and an enthusiastic local clientele. The fish dishes are excellent.

A 17th-century cellar-restaurant delivering feasts of Belgian cuisine. The good food attracts appreciative locals as well as tourists.

Established in 1893, this moules-frites specialist is now an international brand.