Like every year, Time Out publishes a series of rankings to reward out-of-the-ordinary places around the world. In 2025, for example, Tokyo’s Jimbōchō won the award for best neighborhood, while Cape Town, South Africa, took home the prize for best city. While Brussels failed to win either of these awards, it did stand out in the Best Street category. According to the famous publication, the Rue de Flandre is the 11th coolest street in the world.
Rue de Flandre: TimeOut’s 11th best street in the world
Right in the heart of the city, in the Sainte-Catherine district, Rue de Flandre won over the editors of Time Out, and Sarah Schug in particular. She emphasized its authenticity and vibrant atmosphere, far removed from tourist clichés. It’s true that with its cobblestones, quirky facades and centuries-old houses, it has nothing to envy the city’s star streets, such as its trendy neighbor Dansaert or the charming Rue de la Cigogne. Rue de Flandre is the epitome of historic charm, local dynamism and a creativity that thumbs its nose at the big retail chains. And even if some very nice shops have closed in the last decade, they’ve always been replaced by like-minded boutiques.
Culture, gastronomy and creative local boutiques
For years, the street has been putting locals in tune with its small shops. Just stroll down to buy a bonsai, hunt for vintage goods (don’t miss the street flea market) or get your bike repaired. In terms of tourism, the town boasts a surprising and little-known falconry museum, as well as the La Bellone baroque cultural center. One of Brussels’ hidden treasures.
Finally, it’s impossible to talk about Rue de Flandre without mentioning a few must-try restaurants, such as the excellent brasserie Le Pré Salé, the bistronomic Sélecto, the delicious Nightshop and the Italian restaurant Nuova Signora Ava. There’s also the Gramm gourmet restaurant, led by chef Kenzo Nakata. In short, there’s something for every taste and budget. And if you simply want to settle down for a mug or a coffee, Le Laboureur and Le Roskam are true institutions.
According to TimeOut, Rio de Janeiro’s Rua do Senado deserves first place this year. Osaka’s Orange Street in Japan and Porto’s Rua do Bonjardim complete the podium.