Summer’s finally here in Brussels! And there’s no better way to celebrate than a weekend pub crawl. Perfect timing, as I’ve been meaning to share my favourite way to spend an unforgettable evening in the city centre for months now.
And if it’s raining (because we are in Brussels, after all), don’t worry, all the bars have great interiors. No excuse not to put your party hat on then!
First stop: aperitif at Casco
One of the most crucial but difficult decisions you’ll make in Brussels… Where to start off your evening?
Personally, I’d recommend you start with Casco, which is increasingly becoming my home from home. It’s next to the Bourse, so is easily accessible by public transport, no matter where you’re coming from. The atmosphere is always great and they get a DJ in most weekends. The service is fast and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of beer, cocktails or wine.
And the cherry on top?
If, like me, you like to start your evening with a bite to eat, they serve delicious sharing dips, and even homemade burgers or hot sandwiches. Veggies welcome! Last but not least, don’t forget to take a souvenir photo upstairs in their photo booth. Perfect for creating great memories.
It’s also a fantastic place to end the evening. Please note that the upper floor is available for private hire if you’re planning a birthday party or other celebration!
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Second stop: Café Metteko
We love Halles Saint-Géry, with great venues like Mappa Mundo, La Machine the Zebra and the Café des Halles, of course.
But tonight, I suggest you stop off at Café Metteko, a bar on the Piétonnier with a truly magnificent interior. On sunny days, they can even remove their sash windows, allowing you to enjoy their interior from the edge of the terrace. There is often live music at the end of the day. Perfect for a quick drink in a Belgian bar before hitting the road again.
Third stop (optional): Ebrius Artis
I love Ebrius because the building is in-cred-i-ble. One of the emblematic places for IHECS students. The bar is several storeys high, made entirely of wood, and there are lots of little staircases everywhere, leading to cosy little rooms. Personally, I think it has a pirate vibe. There’s also a kicker at the back to help get the party started (if necessary). It’s a little out of the way, but if you don’t mind a bit of walking I really don’t think you’ll regret it. And the evening’s visitors are always impressed.
Fourth stop: Moeder Lambic
If you’re a beer lover, you absolutely have to visit the Moeder Lambic brewery on Place Fontainas, which also offers homemade beers.
First of all, I love their life philosophy: “We serve beautiful beers to beautiful people“.
But above all, they have an incredible selection of craft beers. The waiters will advise you according to your tastes and your desire to discover new things. What more can you ask for? The only possible drawback is that if you decide to try a few of their beers, you might not make it to any other venues on this list…
Fifth stop: Brasserie Surréaliste
For this next stopover, we’re changing neighbourhoods: heading for Dansaert and its sublime Brasserie Surréaliste. My words cannot do the beauty of this place justice. You enter the building under a beautiful glass roof, climb a few stairs and there you discover their breathtaking great hall. Keep your eyes peeled if you visit the bathrooms too, because even here the decor is not left to chance.
Where their beers are concerned, they brew their own IPA-style beer in the cellar. And they’re some of my favourites. If you can’t make up your mind, ask the waiters for their recommendation. Personally, my current favourites are the Surrealist Pale Ale and Venus Effect. They’re also developing a range of alcohol-free beers, so give them a try!
Sixth stop: Lutgarde brewery
You’re going to think I say this about all beers, but Lutgarde is my favourite. They’re always my first pick from the supermarket shelves. And straight from the Lutgarde bar, it’s even better! What’s more, you’re in a great location in the Dansaert district.
If you get peckish after all that walking (and the drinks at each stop…), they serve great cheese platters too.
Seventh stop: wherever the night takes you?
Now you’ve got six great places to enjoy a drink. And if, after all that, you still feel like partying, here are some bars and clubs where you can enjoy the rest of the night:
– Jardin des Hospices: check to see if they have any events on. They often host concerts on summer weekends.
– Barbra: head back to the Bourse and pop into this great new bar. Their DJs will be on hand to get you dancing.
– Cartagena: if you’re in the mood for a Latino fiesta, I can thoroughly recommend Cartagena.
– Bonnefooi: a must for Brussels locals to wind down the evening.
Brussels: a host of ways to spend your best evenings
Now you’re all set for a great night out! As a bonus, you can follow the pre-made bar-crawl itinerary on Google at this link. All in all, you’ll be doing about thirty minutes of walking around our magnificant city on your night out. If you’re enjoying beers at every stop, don’t forget to drink some water too!
As you’ll have gathered, Brussels has plenty of great places to spend unforgettable evenings. And if these bars have whetted your appetite to discover even more great venues, you’ve come to the right place. Treat yourself and discover your favourite spot here.
Would you rather forego planning completely and allow yourself to be taken by surprise? Emile tours will be live from the 18th July. Find out more in this article.
If you go down this route, don’t hesitate to tag us in your future Instagram stories! And tell us what you thought of the tour!
Enjoy !
