Ixelles

A cultural, gastronomic and architectural gem
Word to the wise: Ixelles is home to two fantastic cultural spaces, the Ixelles Museum, which has held art exhibtions since 1892, and the newly opened Flagey.

Multi-cultural, young and vibrant, Ixelles boasts some of the best and most characterful restaurants and bars in the city. Throw in colourful markets, historic squares, wonderful art nouveau and art deco architecture and some stunning 12th century churches and you can happily spend hours wandering its winding streets.
The two main areas of interest are Place Flagey, with its huge market-filled square and buzzing art deco cultural centre, and Saint Boniface, where locals gather to eat and drink in the Asian and European restaurants and bars, in the shadow of the glorious church. The nearby African quarter, Matonge, is also worth visiting for its jewellery and craft shops.

An intriguing, diverse mix of elegant high living and working class authenticity, Ixelles also boast the Bois de la Cambre, the city's prettiest park, on its southern edge