Want to go to a concert or show in Brussels but don’t know where to turn, or which venues to look for? Don’t worry, Bruxelles Secrète has got you covered! Here are our top 5 venues to go to for concerts, live music, theater, opera and more.
Forest National
In 2007, the Forest National passed the 3,000-concert mark in Brussels. Opened in 1970, this venue is one of the behemoths of live music venues. Johnny Hallyday, Charles Aznavour, Tina Turner, Taylor Swift, Rihanna and Lana Del Rey have all performed here.
See the Forest National program here.
📍Avenue Victor Rousseau 208, 1190 Forest
Stade Roi Baudoin
With 50,000 seats, the Stade Roi Baudouin is the largest concert venue in Brussels. In the summer of 2023 alone, the venue hosted two music superstars: Beyoncé and The Weeknd. It has changed names several times: Stade du Centenaire, Stade du Jubilé, Stade du Heysel…
Consult the King Baudouin Stadium program here.
📍Marathonlaan 135/2, 1020 Brussels
Ancienne Belgique
Since 1979, L’Ancienne Belgique, or AB, has been a benchmark for live concerts, covering the whole musical spectrum with a preference for rock and pop. Its spaces, such as the Grande Salle and the Club, resonate almost nightly with memorable performances. Legends such as Jacques Brel, The Cure and Iggy Pop have left their mark on this iconic venue. Be sure to check out the AB website to see the line-up of free summer festivals!
📍Bd Anspach 110, 1000 Brussels
ING Arena (Palais 12)
Opened just 11 years ago, in September 2013, Brussels’ ING Arena venue has built up a solid reputation very quickly, thanks in particular to its programming that has welcomed Muse, Angèle, Nicki Minaj, Indochine… It also hosts the FCKNYE festival, which takes place on December 31.
Consult the Palais 12 program here.
📍Av De L’Esplanade, 1020 Brussels
La Monnaie
Located in the center of Brussels, in De Brouckère and on the Place de la Monnaie, the Théâtre de la Monnaie is an excellent venue for live music, more oriented towards theater, spectacle and especially opera. The 2024 program includes the opera Siegfried, among others.
Consult La Monnaie’s program here.
📍5, Place de la Monnaie, 1000 Brussels
Le Botanique
Sometimes nicknamed “Le Bota”, Le Botanique is a concert hall located right next to the metro stop of the same name, as well as the Brussels Botanical Gardens. It’s one of the most popular concert halls in the world, thanks to its programming. It features live music by emerging artists.
See the Botanique’s program here.
📍Rue Royale 236, 1210 Brussels
But also: many places in the city
With its thousands of candles, Candlelight transforms many of the city’s venues into exceptional concert halls. Let yourself be seduced by tributes to many artists and genres of classical music, and enjoy live music in new places!