Absinthe bar full of dark, hidden corners

Word to the wise: Absinthe is notoriously strong, with some varieties going up to 90 percent proof, so take it slowly.

Across the alley from Delirium, just 100 metres from Grand Place, Floris is large but separated into a labyrinth of intimate spaces, each specialising in a different spirit. Hundreds of different varieties of whisky, gin, pastis, rum, tequila and juniper (Belgium's national spirit) are on offer, all with their own drinking apparatus. But most come for Floris' signature spirit, absinthe.

Faced with no less than 300 types of absinthe could be overwhelming if it weren't for the extremely knowledgeable staff who will help you choose as well as prepare it using traditional methods with sugar, a spoon, fountain or fire in a shot glass or shaped glass pipe.