Brussels is the home of the European Union and NATO, but is the Belgian metropolis really a city of music?
This historic urban sprawl is beautiful and full of history, but it’s not necessarily a music mecca. However that doesn’t mean Brussels is completely devoid of a music scene.
It’s home to some of the best record stores in the world as you can see by the video below and that’s not to mention the cultural spaces this city offers, not just for music, but for a whole range of artistic endeavours.
As a country Belgium is home to some incredible music festivals in Rock Werchter and Tomorrowland, but Brussels is almost certainly best experienced as a city that you go to for a variety of reasons and not just for its music scene.
If you do find yourself in Brussels though you can’t miss the following selection of record stores, music venues and festivals while you’re in town.
Kick Off Summer With Les Nuits Botanique
With an impressive names such as Lou Reed, The Libertines, Band Of Horses, Arctic Monkeys and Jeff Buckley amongst others having played this event before Botanique is a series of events held across three venues to kick off the summer season. Is there really any better way to start the warmer months?
Find Some Rare Vinyl Gems At The Collector
Rue de la Bourse 26
“Vinyl is king” as they say and when a store that’s been operating for forty years has this as their motto you know they mean it. The shelves are mostly filled with funk, soul, rock and disco tunes and other rare releases. It’s a collection that’s easily large enough to get lost in and if you do the staff are generally pretty helpful too.
Catch Live Performance Art At Halles de Schaerbeek
Rue Royale-Sainte-Marie 22
This former market, which is now defined by its glass and steel exterior, is a must-see simply because of it’s a beautiful piece of architecture. As a bonus dance, circus, theatre, performance art and concerts are also held here. A market for almost 40 years this establishment is now one of the best spots to witness live art.
Buy Vinyl From One Of The City’s Best Shops In Veals And Geeks
Rue des Grands Carmes 8A
Considered by some as the city’s best record stores we’re betting you won’t be leaving this store without at least a couple of LPs in your hands. The reason being? It’s as simple as their selection being awesome. From second hand releases, reissues to magazines and t-shirts you can’t miss this store.
Swing By The Music Village, One Of The City’s Best Jazz Venue
Steenstraat 50
Sure it’s not the most inspiring name for a music venue, but this establishment has got a few things going for it. The first being that it’s centrally located, you’ll find this music house just down from the Grand Place. Opened in 2000 after two 17th century houses were renovated the venue itself is exquisite. More importantly though The Music Village is a world class jazz club, which hosts some of the country’s most talented musicians.
Head To Every Electronic Muso’s Favourite Record Store In Doctor Vinyl
Rue De La Grande Ile 1 Groot Eiland
Renowned by electronic producers and DJs Doctor Vinyl is often frequented by the biggest names in the business. Opened six days a week this record store has some of the best records and sample ready tunes. For electronic maestro’s this is a haven in every sense of the word.
Visit This Cultural Centre In An Abandoned Train Station – Recyclart
Ursulinenstraat 21
Things we like about Recyclart: It’s NFP, located at an abandoned train station, it’s a training centre for wood and metal construction, bar and arts centre rolled into one and it organises everything from parties, gigs, to exhibitions, debates and lectures. Are you sold yet?
Experience The City’s Best Gig Venue In Ancienne Belgique
Anspachlaan 110
In its long history The AB has been everything from a bank vault to a nursing home and a banqueting hall. The 15th century building is now most famous for putting on some of the city’s best gigs. Since 1996 The AB has been Brussels’s go to venue for sizeable local and international acts.
Experience The Royal Palace In Festival Mode At Iris Celebration
Every year in May The Royal Palace Of Brussells is transformed for one weekend into the site of one of the city’s best festivals. Concerts are held throughout as fireworks light up the sky both nights. On Sunday a street festival features plenty of mini festivals, activities for the kids and pop-rock, jazz and classical musicians performing throughout.
Head To La Tentation For The Best Up And Coming Artists
1000 Brussels
Encased by a brick exterior that feels warmer than it does dated La Tentation aims to be an establishment with cultural diversity at its heart. There’s a significant bent towards interactive music and dance projects, but whether it be photographers, painters, film producers, activists or any artist for that matter you’ll no doubt find them here.
