- Belgium Guide
- Cities
- Belgian Beer
- Belgian Chocolate
- Belgian Tradiions
- Cheap Brussels Hotels
- Family
- Famous Belgians
- Getting Around
- Getting There
- Languages
- Living
- Nightlife
- Outdoor Activities
- Parks and Gardens
- Shopping
- Sport in Belgium
- Study in Belgium
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Useful Phone Numbers
- Weather and Climate
- Top in Belgium
- Companies
- Community
- Contact
When the sun goes down, there are still plenty of things to do and see in Belgium. Particularly if you’re in one of the big cities such as Brussels or Antwerp, the choices seem virtually endless – from bars to clubs to coffee shops and live events. In other places outside the city, post-sundown activities may not be as lively nor as varied but you can be sure there are still a number of places offering good food and entertainment – and of course beer!
If you’re in the mood for a drink, a bite, or something out of the ordinary, check out some of the most recommended night-time haunts in Belgium:
Edmond Machtensstadion: Also known as Stade Edmond Machtens, this 15,000-seater is home to the FC Brussels football club. Since its opening in 1939 in the Saint-Jans-Molenbeek district in Brussels, it has been the favorite place for locals to spend an exciting night watching live football action.
Delirium Café: Beer, beer and more beer. Delirium Café is a destination all on its own what with its collection of more than 2000 beers (or 2500 if you will believe their press release) from all over the world. This distinction has earned the bar a place in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2004, as well as a reputation that has made it a popular watering hole in Brussels.
Theatre Royal de Toone: A marionette theater that dates back to the early 19th century, the Theatre Royal de Toone is one of the most popular theater in Brussels. Catch performances such as The Three Musketeers, Faust, Don Juan and Hamlet in different languages and dialects. The theater also serves different kinds of beer to guests.
Café d’Anvers: One of Antwerp’s more popular nighttime destinations, this trendy club and bar is located in the red light district. It opened in 1989 and since then this former church, then cinema and garage turned club has been packing it in the weekends with revelers who dance to house and techno music played by the DJs.
Café Vlissinghe: Bruges’ oldest pub, this traditional Flemish bar has been around since the early 16th century. Although it does not serve as many beers as the other pubs which boast of 400 or more, Vlissinghe holds up pretty well to the competition by offering 130 varieties and a line of very strong, eight-percent proof “tripel” ales.
Tao Lounge Bar: Popular with tourists, expats and locals alike, the Tao Bar is one of Ostend’s trendy party places. The modern, stylish interiors compliment the varied cocktails and culinary menu offered in the place. DJs play music such as funk, hip hop, r&b in keeping with the cool ambience of the place.
L’Archiduc: One of the hippest bars in sedate Brussels, L’Archiduc is located in Anotine Dansaert, a stone’s throw away from the Stock Exchange Market. From the outside it doesn’t look like much but after ringing the doorbell to be let in through a swing door, you enter a stylish Art deco room with elegantly furnished tables. Come for the cocktails and stay for the music – swing and jazz performed live. It is also a venue for concerts and musical performances.
Casino Kursaal: Located in Ostend and covering over 26,000 square feet of gaming space, it is said to be Belgium’s largest casino. There are over 130 gaming machines (with about 50 slot machines), 24 table and poker games, a restaurant and a live entertainment performed regularly in the concert hall.
Bourla Theater: it is Antwerp’s grandest theater designed by French architect Pierre Bruno Bourla in the neo-classical style. It opened in 1834 and has been declared a protected monument in the city. The theater houses the theater company “Toneelhuis.” It also boasts of a restaurant called “The Foyer” which is open daily.
O’Reilly’s: If the name doesn’t give you a hint, it is an Irish bar and it is the biggest of its kind in the capital region of Brussels. Watch the latest sporting event in the bar’s 2 big screens, 12 HD plasma TV’s or just come in for their ales and classis Irish food.
Dali’s Bar: A lounge and dance club which was designed in the tradition of the surrealist works of Salvador Dali. Located in Petite Rue des Bouchers near the Grand Place in Brussels, the place attracts the younger set of night crawlers with its set of music ranging from electronice, house and Nu-Jazz.
The Greenwich: The watering hole of Belgian icon and Surrealist painter Rene Magritte, the place does not only serve beer and other drinks. At night chess players gather here for a competitive game or two. The place does not play any music as this is for serious chess players.
