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Recyclart
This 'arts laboratory' located in the Marolles' old Chapelle train station along Rue des Ursulines revitalised what was previously an industrial wasteland. It now hosts cutting-edge gigs and parties with emerging DJs, art installations, various community workshops and theatre productions, and has a daytime café.
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Roi des Belges
This is one of Brussels' best summer terraces, with friendly staff and cheap snacks. It's also extremely popular, so be prepared to queue. It's owned by local entrepreneur, Frédéric Nicolay, who's responsible for transforming Place St Géry into the jumping scene it is today.
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Sounds Jazz Club
Unassuming but immensely popular Ixelles venue with a small podium out back where local or visiting musicians play modern, big band or salsa six nights a week. You can grab a bite to eat preconcert; acts start around .
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Stade Roi Baudouin
International attention rarely focuses on Brussels with its limited number of quality sporting venues. The national stadium, Stade Roi Baudouin in Heysel, is the main host, attracting cycling races, athletics meetings and football matches.
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Studio 5
Relatively new cinema and a hit with Brussels' movie-loving public. Part of the restored Flagey building near the Ixelles ponds, it has one auditorium with three screenings per night (last at ) and a bimonthly programme based either on theme or director.
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Styx
The façade forewarns that it's seen better days but this tiny two-screen Ixelles cinema is still a fab spot to catch repeats, with midnight sessions on Friday and Saturday in summer.
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The Music Village
Brussels' most polished jazz venue is housed in two 17th-century buildings a few streets back from the Grand Place. Theoretically it's members-only, but nonmembers can enter by adding €2 to the nightly cover charge. Wine and dine from , with concerts beginning at . The musos are squeezed onto a small podium that's visible from everywhere. Bookings are wise.
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Théâtre du Vaudeville
Cabarets, concerts and various theatre productions take place at this old theatre within the Galeries St-Hubert. Programme leaflets are available in the foyer inside the arcade.
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Théâtre Les Tanneurs
Marolles theatre known for its dynamic dance and drama.
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Théâtre National
By virtue of being bilingual, the Belgian capital has not one but two national theatres. This spanking-new glass-fronted theatre is the Francophone counterpart of the Flemish Koninklijke Vlaamse Schouwburg.
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Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie/Koninklijke Muntschouwburg
Brussels' premier venue, better known as La Monnaie to French-speakers or De Munt to the Flemish. The revolution of 1830 was sparked during an opera performance here. Contemporary dance and opera are the draws, the latter having an eclectic programme of classic remakes and modern productions. The season runs from September to June. To find out what's on, pick up the free quarterly La Monnaie/De Munt Magazine .
Read more about Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie/Koninklijke Muntschouwburg
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Théâtre Royal de Toone
Eight generations of the Toone family have staged classic and historical puppet productions in the Bruxellois dialect at this endearing marionette theatre, and it remains a highlight of any visit to Brussels. Shows are aimed at adults, but kids love them too. Discounted tickets for children and concession holders are available for around €7 , except on Friday and Saturday nights. The attached bar opens from noon to midnight.
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UGC De Brouckère
This 12-screen multiplex opposite the swish Hôtel Métropole is the capital's grande dame - sip on a beer and relax in armchairs while watching the latest Hollywood offerings.
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Van den Stock Stadium
Brussels' most famous football team, RSC Anderlecht, plays at Van den Stock Stadium in Anderlecht.
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Walvis
Sounds from soul to punk to progressive rock (live, DJs or just through the speakers) play at this ubercool bar, where entry's free, the atmosphere buzzes and staff are great.
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Wild Geese
During the week, Eurocrats party like it's Paddy's day at Brussels' biggest Irish pub. It hosts regular live gigs, DJs and big-screen sports, and the kitchen turns out classic pub grub (loaded baked potatoes, juicy, thick-cut Irish steak), as well as a full Irish breakfast (OK, brunch - and with homemade soda bread!) from noon on weekends.
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Zebra
The coolest bars in Brussels have been established by local legend Fred Nicolay. The three on Place St Géry (Zebra, Mappa Mundo and Roi des Belges) were his first, and Zebra is the original of the originals. All three share the same traits - uncomfortable wooden garden chairs, lax service and the hippest of clientele.
