Must-see entertainment in Brussels

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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.

  • 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…

  • Rosas

    Brussels

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

  • Théâtre du Vaudeville

    Brussels

    Cabarets, concerts and various theatre productions take place at this old theatre within the Galeries St-Hubert. Program leaflets are available in the…

  • Koninklijke Vlaamse Schouwburg

    Brussels

    Behind a restored Renaissance facade, the state-of-the-art Royal Flemish Theatre mounts edgy dance and theatre productions, occasionally in English.

  • Chez Maman

    Brussels

    Chez Maman features the capital’s most beloved transvestite show: Maman has been wowing the crowds here for over 20 years.

  • Anderlecht Football Club

    Brussels

    The home of Anderlecht football club. You can buy tickets, shirts and memorabilia at the fanshop.

  • Théâtre Les Tanneurs

    Brussels

    Sitting on the edge of the Marolles, the theatre is known for dynamic drama and dance.

  • Arsène50

    Brussels

    Last-minute discounted and half-price tickets for cinema, theatre and assorted shows.

  • Bronks Youth Theatre

    Brussels

    Offers theatre, mime and workshops for toddlers and children most weekends.

  • Forest National

    Brussels

    The city’s temple for larger international gigs and local favourites.

  • UGC De Brouckère, cinema.

    UGC De Brouckère

    Brussels

    This 12-screen multiplex opposite the swish Hôtel Métropole is the capital's grande dame. Sip a beer and relax in armchairs while watching the latest…