The good stories of Brussels
People, independent businesses, ideas and culture. Find stories that make you want to explore Brussels, step inside and meet the people who bring the city to life.
“A Touch of Presence”: Izabel Angerer at PARADIS ART ROOM, free opening on 21 November
Free opening for all on Saturday 21 November 2026, 5pm–9pm, Chaussée de Charleroi 49. Exhibition until 23 January 2027.
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AI cover illustrationBXLOVE invites you to discover Brussels with howtovisit.brussels
BXLPositive introduces howtovisit.brussels, the BXLOVE platform for choosing your favourite places, building a route, then printing or downloading it with its Google Maps links.
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Original cover artworkAt Corica, coffee starts long before the cup
At 49 rue du Marché aux Poulets, Corica combines coffee sold by weight, tasting and roasting. Its Brussels story began long before it acquired its present name.
Read the summaryOriginal cover artworkDracula at Toone: one voice, six puppeteers and an entire theatre
Dracula runs at Toone until 7 November 2026. Behind the characters, a collective craft sustains a Brussels tradition inscribed on UNESCO’s heritage list in 2025.
Read the summaryOriginal cover artworkAt Micro Factory in Molenbeek, sharing machines also means sharing the work
On rue Heyvaert, a shared workshop brings together wood, metal, screen printing and digital fabrication. Members contribute time as well as paying for access.
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AI cover illustrationNos Pilifs: real trades behind the bread and plants
A bakery, a biscuit workshop and a nursery: Ferme Nos Pilifs connects production and retail with adapted employment in northern Brussels.
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AI cover illustrationAt La Fruitière, cheese is a mother-and-son story
Véronique Socié won the national title in 2016, Léo Begin in 2024. Together, they built a Rue du Marché au Charbon business around selling, maturing and sharing cheese.
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AI cover illustrationTULITU takes books beyond the bookshelves
A signing on 29 October, a live-illustrated reading in Molenbeek and an event at Amazone: the Rue de Flandre bookshop also has a life beyond its walls.
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Maison Mazhar in Brussels: Berber rugs find a home on Rue Blaes
A Berber-rug showroom, a founder and a shared beginning: discover Maison Mazhar at 132 Rue Blaes in Brussels’ Marolles neighbourhood.
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Eight Brussels: sourdough bagels made on Rue du Pépin
At 48 Rue du Pépin, Eight Brussels shapes and bakes sourdough bagels on the premises. Meet the city-centre project from the founders of Seven.
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Coudboul in the Marolles: artisan ice cream with Brussels connections
Coudboul connects artisan ice cream, Pinpin biscuits and Parlor coffee at 6 Place du Jeu de Balle in Brussels’ Marolles neighbourhood.
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Bread Bazar: sourdough and Provence on Rue de Flandre
Bread Bazar brings sourdough bread, pastries and pompe à l’huile to 191 Rue de Flandre: a Brussels bakery with a story worth discovering.
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Addis Stories: Ethiopian coffee in the heart of Brussels
At 48 Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains, Addis Stories brings Ethiopian coffee, craft and the coffee ceremony to Brussels’ Sainte-Catherine area.
Read the summaryYour Brussels starts here
Like a place? Find its details in the original story, choose your favourites and build your itinerary.
Every short read links to the original story. Publication dates come from BXLPositive; photographs and illustrations retain their credits. Before visiting, check opening times and access with each venue.
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