Must-see entertainment in Belgium

  • L’Archiduc

    Brussels

    This intimate, split-level art deco bar has been playing jazz since 1937. It’s an unusual, two-tiered circular space that can get incredibly packed but…

  • 500px Photo ID: 133041995 - Music Village.Brussels, December 2015

    Music Village

    Brussels

    A polished 100-seat jazz venue housed in two 17th-century buildings with dinner (not compulsory) available from 7pm and concerts starting at 8.30pm or 9pm…

  • Marionettes during a play for children at Theatre Royal de Toone.

    Théâtre Royal de Toone

    Brussels

    Eight generations of the Toone family have staged classic puppet productions in the Bruxellois dialect at this endearing marionette theatre, a highlight…

  • Concertgebouw

    Bruges

    Bruges’ stunning 21st-century concert hall is the work of architects Paul Robbrecht and Hilde Daem. It takes its design cues from the city’s three famous…

  • BOZAR

    Brussels

    This celebrated classical-music space is home to the National Orchestra and Philharmonic Society. From the outside, the Horta-designed 1928 art deco…

  • Cinematek

    Brussels

    In a wing of the BOZAR cultural centre, the modern and stylish Cinematek includes a little museum where you can browse archives and memorabilia. The real…

  • Vooruit

    Ghent

    A visionary architectural premonition of art deco, the 1912 Vooruit building is a prominent venue for dance, rock concerts, film and visiting theatre…

  • Sounds Jazz Club

    Brussels

    A small and unassuming but immensely popular Ixelles venue, Sounds has concerts most nights, with styles varying from modern to big band to salsa. The…

  • Cinéma Galeries

    Brussels

    Inside the graceful, glassed-over Galeries St-Hubert, this art deco beauty concentrates on foreign and art-house films. An authentic Brussels movie…

  • Cactus Muziekcentrum

    Bruges

    Though small, this is the city’s top venue for contemporary and world music, hosting both live bands and international DJs. It also organises festivals…

  • De Bijloke Muziekcentrum

    Ghent

    You'll find a wonderful selection of classical music concerts (some outdoors) at this repurposed historical site that was once an abbey and then a…

  • AB, Ancienne Belgique, live music venue.

    AB

    Brussels

    The AB’s two auditoriums are favourite venues for mid-level international rock bands and acts such as Jools Holland and Madeleine Peyroux, plus plenty of…

  • Art Base

    Brussels

    One of the best little venues in town for music fans with eclectic tastes. It resembles someone’s living room, but the programming is first rate, and it’s…

  • Koninklijke Stadsschouwburg

    Bruges

    Cultuurcentrum Brugge coordinates theatrical and concert events at several venues, including this majestic 1869 theatre. Opera, classical concerts,…

  • Spirit of 66

    The Ardennes

    One of Belgium’s foremost venues for blues-rock gigs, Spirit of 66 also has a knack for finding and re-presenting half-forgotten former greats whose star…

  • Bizon

    Brussels

    A happening little grunge bar in St-Géry featuring home-grown live blues, a range of beers and a selection of jenevers (gin). Located on a street of…

  • Jazz Station

    Brussels

    An appealing venue in an 1885 former station. There are also exhibitions, a multimedia jazz archive and practice rooms, where you can listen in on…

  • De Roma

    Antwerp

    This meticulously restored 1928 cinema in Borgerhout hosts wonderfully wide-ranging international musical acts as well as a fine program of alternative…

  • Cabaret Mademoiselle

    Brussels

    Burlesque and brassy, Cabaret Mademoiselle is a new venue that combines drag, circus and comedy, served up with some first-rate Belgian beers.

  • Flagey

    Brussels

    Ixelles’ stylish flagship venue in an art deco liner-esque building has several concert halls and an eclectic music policy.

  • Le Botanique

    Brussels

    Cultural centre, exhibition hall and concert venue incorporating an 1826 glass verandah. Overlooks the botanical gardens.

  • Cinema Nova facade

    Cinema Nova

    Brussels

    The ultimate in alternative cinema, Nova shows off-beat international movies that are more thought-provoking than entertaining (subtitles will be French…

  • Beursschouwbourg building streetview

    Beursschouwburg

    Brussels

    Offers a diverse mix of contemporary music including rock, jazz, rap and disco. The café feels like a free club on weekend nights.

  • Maison de la Bellone from the street

    Maison de la Bellone

    Brussels

    The glass-vaulted courtyard of this 18th-century stunner is used for occasional concerts.

  • Kaaitheater facade

    Kaaitheater

    Brussels

    Bastion of Flemish avant-garde theatre located in a distinctive 1932 building.

  • Musée Tchantchès

    Liège

    Outremeuse's rakish resident, Tchantchès, appeared one day between two stones in 760, in Charlemagne's reign. This folklore hero and city mascot refused…

  • Circuit Spa-Francorchamps

    The Ardennes

    Circuit Spa-Francorchamps is a world-class motor-racing circuit. It hosts Belgium’s Formula 1 Grand Prix, and has been cited as many F1 drivers' favourite…

  • Retsin’s Lucifernum

    Bruges

    A former Masonic lodge owned by a self-proclaimed vampire. Ring the bell on a Sunday night, pass the voodoo temple and hope you’re invited inside, where…

  • Opéra Royal de Wallonie

    Liège

    One of Liège's most prominent central buildings, the opera house contains a breathtaking, multilevelled classical-style auditorium.

  • Brass’Art

    Brussels

    Sitting on the long Place Communale in the predominately Arab and African Molenbeek district, this simple and hugely inviting bar-café is run by…

  • Le Lac

    Brussels

    This vast two-tier artists' studio opens onto the street and hosts ad hoc exhibitions and events. It sells beers and snacks, and you can look at the art…

  • Palace Cinema

    Brussels

    An impressive 1905 picture palace and music hall reinvented: this is the city's oldest cinema, housed in a fine art nouveau building. For part of its…

  • De Muze

    Antwerp

    Fascinating, intimate spaces fill this three-level gabled cafe, with good contemporary live jazz daily from October to May (9pm Monday to Thursday, 10pm…

  • Rosas

    Brussels

    This Brussels-based company built around choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker strikes a winning balance between traditional and avant-garde dance…

  • Stadsschouwburg

    Northeast Belgium

    Mechelen's municipal theatre and cultural centre occupies the stone-fronted former palace of Margaret of York.

  • Info-Cultuur

    Antwerp

    Next door to and interconnected with the tourist office, this is a handy central place for buying tickets for concert, opera, theatre and dance…

  • Cultuurcentrum Brugge

    Bruges

    This cultural group organises theatre productions, events and concerts and coordinates performances at the Koninklijke Stadsschouwburg and Magdalenazaal…

  • Koningin Elisabethzaal

    Antwerp

    This venue is home to the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, though it also showcases other classical concerts, visiting ballets and occasional popular music…

  • Muzikantenhuis

    Ghent

    Ropes, horse harnesses and the sayings of Rumi on the walls give this very inexpensive café a slightly cheesy atmosphere, but the free traditional Turkish…

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