Ahhh the afterwork… That sweet moment when work finally rhymes with aperitif. Gone are the eternal drinks on the terrace (even if we still love them): the capital abounds with activities that transform your Thursday evening into an unusual outing. To unwind after work, the city is full of ideal addresses. As Bruxelles Secrète looks after your well-being in all circumstances, the editorial team has prepared a top list of the best afterwork bars in the capital. With friends or colleagues, we invite you to debrief on the day’s events, or on the contrary, to avoid talking about “work” and relax after work in these 100% exotic spots.
The funniest and craziest afterworks to try out in Brussels:
A regressive exhibition: Mundo Pixar Experience
How about meeting up with Woody, Buzz and the Indestructibles to unwind after a hard day’s work? At Brussels Expo, Mundo Pixar Experience takes you into the colorful world of Pixar’s greatest animated films. Ideal for reliving your childhood, taking crazy selfies and laughing with your colleagues in front of the Pizza Planet truck, this outing is sure to put you in a good mood, even after a stressful day.
📍Address: Brussels Expo
An unusual experience: Sensas in Ixelles
Who says afterwork has to take place in a bar? Sensas is THE multi-sensory experience that’s scary, hilarious and unique in Brussels. Working as a team, you’ll take on crazy challenges in the dark, awaken your 5 senses (or even a 6th) and come out… united. Laughter guaranteed, especially if your boss panics at the taste test!
📍Address: Rue de Livourne 65, 1050 Ixelles
A meditative experience: Explore The True You at MOIR (Museum of Infinite Realities)
Looking for a chillier, more introspective afterwork experience? Head to MOIR (Museum of Infinite Realities) to try out “Explore The True You” with your colleagues: an immersive journey that reconnects you with yourself (and your holographic guide animal, among other things) through sound, light and interactive experiences. Perfect for relieving stress, recharging your batteries, refocusing and regaining your self-confidence before the next Excel on Monday. Duloup, eagle or fox, which will be your boss’s animal totem?
📍Address: MOIR, Rue du Marché aux Poulets 30, Brussels, 1000
An immersive courtroom: The Jury Experience
Become a juror in a thrilling trial at this afterwork event designed to get you using your grey matter. “The Jury Experience plunges you into a life-size courtroom, where you and your colleagues will have to judge a criminal case… a Brussels version of 12 Angry Men. Suspense, debate and nervous laughter guaranteed! Be careful, make the right choices!
📍Address: Espace Lumen – Chau. de Boondael 36, 1050 Ixelles
A creative workshop in the dark with Neon Brush
Tired of classic aperitifs? Come and daub fluorescent canvases at Neon Brush, brush in one hand, glass in the other. The program includes neon paint, a glass of wine or beer and a chill atmosphere. Subdued decor, neon lights everywhere, a feel-good playlist and drinks to unwind:the perfect afterwork to unleash your inner artist (even if you paint like a fish)!
📍Address: The Sister Brussels Café, Rue Chair et Pain 3, 1000
Arcade Gold – Prison Island: the afterwork for real gamers
Looking for action in a retro-futuristic setting? Head for Prison Island’s Arcade Gold: gaming-style escape rooms with physical challenges, puzzles and speed tests… It’s the perfect place to let off steam in Mario Bros mode after an interminable meeting, and FINALLY relieve the tension accumulated during a long day’s work.
📍Address: Prison Island Brussels, 12 Rue de Getry, 1000
And for the more traditional: afterwork bars that always get the job done
– La Luck: ultra-chill Canadian gaming bar in Sainte-Catherine
– W XYZ Bar at the Aloft Hotel: for signature cocktails and table soccer
– Le BrewDog: craft beers and city views from the docks
– Le Tigre: urban jungle ambience and divine gin and tonics
So, have you found the perfect afterwork venue for next Thursday? Whether you’re in the mood to scream in the dark, judge a fake criminal or paint fluorescent unicorns, Brussels has something to surprise you… even after 6pm! Try it out with your colleagues (or solo, no judging).