A new way to visit Brussels TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER
From its famous Art Nouveau architecture to the breathtaking Grand Place, not to mention famous attractions such as Mannekin Pis and an array of world-class museums, the Belgian capital is certainly not short of crowd-pleasers. But if you want to enjoy more than the city’s well-known gems, check out a new digital platform designed to help you discover Brussels like a local. Created to be used on-the-go, ‘Now. Brussels’ is a pioneering real-time city guide which offers geo-localised results to users seeking nearby hotspots. Whether you are trying to find the perfect brunch spot or the latest pop-up 80 | Issue 67 | July 2019
bar, Now.Brussels will show you where to head with smart recommendations. “For example, when it’s sunny, all the restaurants with terraces will go to the top of your search results,” explains Fiona Amoroso, digital marketing advisor at visit.brussels. “And you won’t find any out-of-date tips, or recommendations for places which are currently closed.”
less tourists. There’s a really relaxed vibe as people hit the terraces to soak up the sun,” she enthuses. Top places to try for an al fresco drink include the rooftop of the Beursschouwburg art centre, and Le Grand Central, which offers a breathtaking view of Leopold Park from its first floor terrace.
An authentic experience
If you are seeking greenery, Brussels is home to a selection of secret gardens just waiting to be explored. Hidden gems include the gardens of La Cambre Abbey, which is just a stone’s throw from the vibrant Flagey neighbourhood and is the ideal spot for an improvised summer picnic. Also worth a visit is
Now.Brussels provides a much more authentic vision of Brussels life, and lets you discover the city’s hidden pearls. According to Fiona Amoroso, summer is a great time to get to know the Belgian capital. “All the locals are chilled out, the weather’s good and there are
Hidden gems