Brussels, the city of comic art, historic squares and gastronomic surprises, is often visited at lightning speed. But what if you go for a weekend and have 24 hours to discover the city at a slower, more deliberate pace? This slow travel city guide leads you past special places where you can experience Brussels in a relaxed and sustainable way. Away from the hustle and bustle.
By train to Brussels - Relaxed and sustainable travel
The ideal way to start a slow travel adventure is by train. From the Netherlands, travel comfortably and sustainably by Thalys or Intercity Brussels to the heart of the city. In just a few hours you get off at Brussels-Midi, without long waits or CO2-intensive flights. From here, you can easily walk to your first destination of the day.
Curious about train options? Then take a look at the NS International website.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Rue Antoine Bréart 44a, 1060 Saint-Gilles, Belgium
1. The Wild Lab
Start your day in a green oasis of tranquillity at The Wild Lab. A café where sustainability and well-being go hand in hand. Order one of the healthy breakfasts from the menu, such as the wild acai bowl with granola, seasonal fruit and chia seeds. The interior, with lots of wood and plants, exudes warmth and invites you to a peaceful start to the day. Enjoy a nutritious meal while surrounded by like-minded travellers and locals living consciously.
Rue Ravenstein 20, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
2. Café Boudin
Café Boudin is a favourite spot among Brussels residents who love quality coffee and artisanal delicacies. The interior is warm and inviting, with wooden tables and seating areas with soft cushions. Order a strong espresso or a creamy cappuccino and pair it with an upside-down blood orange cake. This is the ideal place to take a break, read a book or do some quiet people-watching.
Rue Edith Cavell 10, 1180 Uccle, Belgium
3. Seven Brussels
For a sustainable lunch, Seven Brussels is an excellent choice. This contemporary restaurant works exclusively with organic, seasonal products and puts together their menu with care. Highly recommended are the rice paper pancakes with carrot, red cabbage, shiitake, spring onion and a shiso sauce. The minimalist interior is a feast for the eyes. Concrete-look walls, wooden chairs in modern shapes and mint-green tables and cushions. Prefer a drink to go? The matcha latte is my favourite!
Vlaamsesteenweg 167, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
4. Nightshop
When night falls, Nightshop is the place for a special culinary experience. This innovative restaurant combines seasonal ingredients with worldly influences, serving dishes that are as creative as they are sustainable. The fermented vegetables, combined with home-baked sourdough bread, will give you a taste of how good local and artisanal food can be. Don't forget to order a glass of natural wine; the wide selection perfectly matches the dishes on the menu.
Bookshops & concept stores
Vrijetijdsplein 1, 1200 Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe, Belgium
1. Cook & Book
For book lovers, Cook & Book is a true paradise. This unique bookshop is divided into several thematic rooms, each with its own atmosphere. The books floating on the ceiling and the wooden ladders by the bookcases give the room a special feel. Browse among novels in a classic library setting or find inspiration in a room full of design books and art magazines. Besides books, you can also go here for a coffee or lunch, making this place ideal for a relaxing afternoon of literary pleasure. On sunny days, choose a table on the terrace.
Kolenmarkt 81, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
2. Moires
Right in the vibrant heart of Brussels you will find Moirés, a colourful shop where craftsmanship is key. Here you will discover a selection of beautiful prints, stylish stationery and craft objects, each with its own story. From hand-printed posters to elegantly designed notebooks and playful interior accessories - every corner of the shop stimulates creativity. Moirés' playful look perfectly complements its vibrant neighbourhood, making a visit not only a shopping experience, but also an inspiring journey of discovery through art and design.
Nice to visit
Rue Dieudonné Lefèvre 4, 1020 Brussels, Belgium
1. Sustainable Village Be-Here
In a former industrial building in Brussels, Be-Here is a vibrant meeting place where sustainability and social innovation come together. Here you can buy local, handmade products, visit organic markets and participate in workshops on ecological living. The atmosphere is convivial and inspiring, with a mix of creatives, entrepreneurs and city dwellers working towards a greener future. A walk through this sustainable village introduces you to innovative initiatives and proves that slow travel is not only about relaxation, but also about awareness and connection.
Check the agenda to see what activities are on when you visit Brussels.
Staying over?
Witte de Haelenstraat 16, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
1. Hotel Leon16
For a stay that combines tranquillity and sustainability, Hotel Leon16 is a perfect choice. Located in a quiet neighbourhood, this boutique hotel offers spacious, atmospheric rooms decorated with natural materials. After a day full of discoveries, this green oasis with its own courtyard garden is a nice place to unwind. The hotel has three rooms in total. Each room has its own special features. In room Ernest, for instance, you will enjoy a warming bath. Room Alfons is perfect for movie nights thanks to its beamer. And the Meeting Suite is perfect for business meetings
Slow travel in Brussels means enjoying the city without haste. By choosing sustainable eateries, local shops and special places like Be Here, you will discover the city in a conscious and relaxed way. Take your time to wander through atmospheric streets, discover hidden gems and be surprised by the versatility of this city. With this guide in hand, you can experience Brussels in a way that is not only good for you, but also for the city and its inhabitants.
Love,
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