Exploring Brussels' hip side - checking out the latest addition, the Standard hotel, using Eurostar as transportation
Brussels, the de facto capital of the European Union, is not just a political hub but also a city teeming with creativity and vibrancy. Beyond the modern elegance of The Standard Hotel, the Belgian capital offers a wealth of creative and vibrant spots for modern art, dining, and nightlife.
Located in the heart of Brussels, The Standard Hotel stands tall with 200 rooms and suites spread over 28 storeys. The design of the hotel is a unique blend of 1970s Americana, postmodern Japanese architecture, and 1930s Belgian design. The hotel's lobby bar offers a mid-century modern themed space and showcases a coconut martini, making it a chic spot for a drink.
If you can't secure a table on the rooftop, the ground floor of The Standard Hotel offers all-day dining at Double Standard. The restaurant serves a Belgian-American menu, with a recommendation for the DS burger topped with creamy raclette.
But the real draw of The Standard Hotel is Lila29, located on the 29th floor. This stunning venue is divided into a restaurant, bar, and rooftop sky park, offering 360 views of the city, making it a popular spot for sundowners and summer parties. The menu at Lila29 is Iberian inspired, with recommendations for crab pan de Cristal and crispy prawn croquetas.
For those seeking a modern art experience, Brussels offers several options. The Art Brussels Fair, held annually, showcases 165 Belgian and international galleries divided into sections such as Prime, Solo, Discovery, and ‘68 Forward. This event attracts about 26,000 visitors and features a diversity of innovative galleries and artworks.
Areas like Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, and the city center house many contemporary galleries such as Aeroplastics (Ixelles), 10N Gallery (Uccle), and others clustered in neighborhoods with ongoing contemporary art exhibitions. Notable art museums in Brussels include ADAM Brussels Design Museum, MIMA, and the Museum of Modern Art, which contains selections from major artists like Jan Fabre and temporary exhibitions.
The Objects With Narratives gallery, located in the Beaux-Arts palazzo building on the Place du Grand Sablon in the art district of Brussels, is known for its contemporary sculptural pieces and exhibits multiple exhibits over six floors. The gallery's glass walled ballroom on the entrance floor is a palatial hall of gilt, chandeliers, and trompe-l'oeil.
As the evening unfolds, Brussels' neighborhoods rich in galleries such as Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, and around Rue du Châtelain and Rue Sainte-Catherine come alive with creative restaurants, cafés, and lively bars that complement the art scene. These areas typically feature trendy dining options and vibrant nightlife appealing to a modern crowd.
Lastly, Brussels is famed for its chocolate. Neuhaus, a place in Brussels, is where "praline" was invented in 1912 by a Swiss pharmacist of Italian origin. The city's chocolate shops offer a delightful treat for visitors, making a trip to Brussels a sweet experience in more ways than one.
Whether you're an art enthusiast, a foodie, or a nightlife seeker, Brussels offers an immersive experience beyond the Standard Hotel. Explore the Art Brussels Fair and galleries in Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, and the city center for modern and contemporary art. Around these neighborhoods, you will find a variety of creative dining and nightlife venues that thrive alongside the buzzing art world.
Prices at The Standard hotel Brussels start from £120 a night, and you can book a stay at standardhotels.com. For those seeking an alternative hangout, Kiosk Radio, a wooden shack in the heart of Brussels' historic Parc Royal, streams a radio station and DJ sessions 24/7, making it the coolest spot in the city on a sunny day.
- The Standard Hotel in Brussels, with its Iberian-inspired food at Lila29 and mid-century modern lobby bar, is a chic destination for fashion-and-beauty conscious travelers.
- Beyond the hotel, art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the vibrant art scene, visiting galleries in neighborhoods like Ixelles, Saint-Gilles, and around Rue du Châtelain and Rue Sainte-Catherine.
- Brussels, known for its culinary delights, particularly chocolate, offers food-and-drink aficionados a sweet experience for those seeking a distinctive taste of lifestyle beyond politics.
