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…
Must-see entertainment in Belgium
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…
Brussels
Eight generations of the Toone family have staged classic puppet productions in the Bruxellois dialect at this endearing marionette theatre, a highlight…
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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…
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Brussels
This celebrated classical-music space is home to the National Orchestra and Philharmonic Society. From the outside, the Horta-designed 1928 art deco…
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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…
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Ghent
A visionary architectural premonition of art deco, the 1912 Vooruit building is a prominent venue for dance, rock concerts, film and visiting theatre…
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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…
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Brussels
Inside the graceful, glassed-over Galeries St-Hubert, this art deco beauty concentrates on foreign and art-house films. An authentic Brussels movie…
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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…
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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…
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…
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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…
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Bruges
Cultuurcentrum Brugge coordinates theatrical and concert events at several venues, including this majestic 1869 theatre. Opera, classical concerts,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Antwerp
This meticulously restored 1928 cinema in Borgerhout hosts wonderfully wide-ranging international musical acts as well as a fine program of alternative…
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Brussels
Burlesque and brassy, Cabaret Mademoiselle is a new venue that combines drag, circus and comedy, served up with some first-rate Belgian beers.
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Brussels
Ixelles’ stylish flagship venue in an art deco liner-esque building has several concert halls and an eclectic music policy.
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Brussels
Cultural centre, exhibition hall and concert venue incorporating an 1826 glass verandah. Overlooks the botanical gardens.
Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie/Koninklijke Muntschouwburg
Brussels
Belgium was born when an opera at this grand venue inspired the 1830 revolution. Nowadays it primarily hosts contemporary dance, and classic and new…
Brussels
The ultimate in alternative cinema, Nova shows off-beat international movies that are more thought-provoking than entertaining (subtitles will be French…
Brussels
Offers a diverse mix of contemporary music including rock, jazz, rap and disco. The café feels like a free club on weekend nights.
Brussels
The glass-vaulted courtyard of this 18th-century stunner is used for occasional concerts.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Liège
One of Liège's most prominent central buildings, the opera house contains a breathtaking, multilevelled classical-style auditorium.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Brussels
This Brussels-based company built around choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker strikes a winning balance between traditional and avant-garde dance…
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Northeast Belgium
Mechelen's municipal theatre and cultural centre occupies the stone-fronted former palace of Margaret of York.
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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…
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Bruges
This cultural group organises theatre productions, events and concerts and coordinates performances at the Koninklijke Stadsschouwburg and Magdalenazaal…
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Antwerp
This venue is home to the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, though it also showcases other classical concerts, visiting ballets and occasional popular music…
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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…
