What to do in Ixelles? Where to go out in Ixelles? Restaurants, culture, parks: here are 10 ideas for outings, activities and things to do in one of the capital’s favorite communes!
1. Discover the European Parliament district
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, discovering the European Parliament district will help you better understand why Brussels is the capital of Europe. Have lunch on the Place du Luxembourg, visit the Parlamentarium and relax in the Parc Léopold.
📍Pl. du Luxembourg
2. French fries in Flagey
Ah, the famous frites debate between the Flagey team (Frit Flagey, to be exact) and the Jourdan team! Wander around the square, grab a croissant at La Fleur du Pain, buy a book at Librairie Flagey and treat yourself to a painting at the new Kinograph.
📍Pl. Eugène Flagey
3. See the Abbaye de la Cambre and its gardens
Although it straddles the communes of Brussels and Ixelles, we couldn’t fail to include Abbaye de la Cambre in this top list! This Cistercian abbey, dating from 1201, is enhanced by incredible formal gardens where you can relax in summer.
📍Abbaye de la Cambre, 1000 Brussels.
4. Walk around the Étangs d’Ixelles
There’s something so bucolic about these two ponds on the edge of Place Flagey! We love strolling along to the gentle sound of lapping water, their ducks and the magnificent Brussels mansions that line the ponds.
📍 Étangs d’Ixelles
5. Shopping at Le Châtelain
…and dine, brunch and shop at Châtelain! We love this Brussels neighborhood just off Avenue Louise. Its bakeries, trendy bars and trendy restaurants are a must for locals.
📍 Pl. du Châtelain
6. Stroll through Matongé
A cosmopolitan, lively district packed with bars and restaurants, Matongé is one of the perfect places to chill out with friends or go shopping. Go up chaussée de Wavre, cross place Saint-Boniface, turn onto chaussée d’Ixelles and go down to Fernand Cocq.
📍 Porte de Namur
7. Spend the evening at the theater
Is Ixelles a theater town? With an impressive number of venues and an equally rich and eclectic program, a visit to the stage is almost unmissable! Keep an eye on the program: Théâtre Varia, Théâtre Marni, Théâtre Mercelis, Espace Lumen, Théâtre de la Toison d’Or…
📍Several addresses in Ixelles.
8. Discover the Musée d’Ixelles
Please note: the museum is closed for temporary works, but is due to reopen this year.
Awarded a European Art Explora Prize, the Musée d’Ixelles is the town’s reference museum. It boasts an eclectic collection, reflecting its desire to be accessible to all forms of creativity.
📍Rue Jean Van Volsem 71
9. Browsing at Pêle-Mêle
There’s a plethora of good bookshops in Ixelles (Librairie Flagey, Filigranes Corner, NiJiNSKi), but if you’re on a budget, check out Pêle-Mêle, the second-hand book paradise on Chaussée de Waterloo!
📍Chau. de Waterloo 566
10. Drinks with friends at the Cimetière d’Ixelles
For students, the Cimetière d’Ixelles is one of the best places to meet for a drink. More of a gaming fan? Go to Meltdown. For comedy fans, head for the Kings of Comedy Club. For a bite to eat: Makisu and Be Burger.
📍Chau. de Boondael