Feeling adventurous? Head for this very special Brussels neighbourhood in the commune of Laeken. It sits in the shadow of Heysel, which underwent a significant urban transformation preparation for the International Exhibitions of 1910 and 1958.
Fancy a change of scene that’s just on your doorstep? Head for the ‘Pagodes’ neighbourhood which takes its nickname from the Chinese Pavillion and the Japanese Tower that can be found there. Even though the apartment blocks are omnipresent, there is also a city garden with traditional workers’ houses from the 1920s. The canal and the ‘Royal Domain of Laeken’ separate the neighbourhood from the rest of the city. Don’t miss a trip down ‘rue De Wand’ while you’re in the area, This lively high street runs all the way through this friendly neighbourhood and is popular with families. There’s a good mix of big commercial names and independent shops, so it’s a smart place to go if you’re looking for choice and quality: You’ll find beauty products, fashion, decoration, cafes and restaurants, supermarkets, food shops, bookstores, toy shops, cobblers, opticians and mobile phone retailers…The shopping precinct offers a variety of products that appeal to locals from the residential area and people living in the surrounding communes and nearby regions.
