In the capital of Europe, where businesspeople and tourists constantly cross paths, waffles are devoured by the dozen and every corner seems made for Instagram, finding a moment of peace, quiet, and a little elegance can be surprisingly difficult. Read on to discover the city through the eyes of someone who makes a living capturing enchanting moments.
Before we get into Brussels, tell us about yourself.
“Hi! I’m Robin, an Antwerp-based photographer. As a student, I lived in Brussels, and I can wholeheartedly say that it’s the place that shaped me the most. When I’m not shooting for fashion brands or amazing hotels, you’ll often find me here, checking out some of my favourite spots.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with The Hoxton on many, many projects. To me, it’s more than a hotel, it’s a creative hub where different worlds naturally come together. Not just in the hotel but around it too. Let me show you some of my favourite spots!”
Tour & Taxis Park
“When I lived here as a student, this is where I would come to enjoy some alone time. It can be surprisingly quiet, with beautiful views of the Brussels skyline,” Robin recalls. This is the perfect place if you want to enjoy a peaceful walk. Start at the Pont du Jubilé, a century-old Art Nouveau building with a view over the park and the skyscrapers. After taking in the view, take a stroll through the park. “Great place to slow down a bit. It reminds me of my childhood afternoons in my garden.” At the end of your walk you’ll arrive at Gare Maritime, a former railway station that remained in use until the 1980s and has now been transformed into a food market. The pavilions and cross-staircases contain 10,000 m³ of timber, making it the largest wooden project in Europe. Another must-see on Robin’s list, that’s just a short walk away, is the KANAL-Centre Pompidou, which will open at the end of 2026.
“It’s a great place to slow down a bit. It reminds me of my childhood afternoons in my garden.“
MAD Brussels
“If there is one thing I love, it’s when design and fashion invite people in, rather than making it feel inaccessible”, Robin explains. And that’s exactly why this made his list of favourite spots. Currently exhibiting the work of 11 Belgian stylists, the fashion and design center strives to be an inclusive institution: anyone can visit for free, while creatives can rent ou the spaces for their own projects. “There is always something new and exciting to discover here, and if you look closely, you will even see some of my work being presented!”
Dansaert
Around the corner of MAD you’ll find this trendy street. “It’s one of the best places in Brussels for independent fashion, and the shops here actually care about quality.” Robin’s personal favourite on the street is STIJL, a multi-label luxury designer store that focuses on Belgian designers. Founded by Sonja in the mid-eighties, the store quickly became a pioneering force in Brussels fashion. Sonja was among the first to recognise and champion the work of the Antwerp Six, the influential group of Belgian designers who graduated from Antwerp’s Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the early 1980s and went on to put Belgian fashion on the international map. Four decades later, STIJL remains a Brussels institution and a true shopping staple, celebrated for its sharp edit of Belgian and international designers and its enduring role in the city’s fashion scene.
“If there is one thing I love, it’s when design and fashion invite people in, rather than making it feel inaccessible.“
Kiosk Radio
Hidden in the heart of Parc Royal, you’ll find this small wooden café that broadcasts live music 24/7. For Robin, it’s a place where “music and people come together, sharing drinks and building a community.” Whether you join an event that they host or simply stumble upon the place by accident, the kiosk is a meeting point where different communities overlap, and everyone is included.
Chez Papi
You can’t say you have visited Brussels without visiting a friterie, and for Robin, this is the one. “If you like people watching, this is where you need to be. It’s close to the main tourist attractions and to the station. One time I even saw Emmanuel Macron passing by.” And don’t worry if you don’t know what to order: “You can never go wrong with a portion of fries with Andalouse sauce, creamy and slightly spicy, and a Mexicano, a spicy deep-fried snack”, according to our local photographer.
“If you like people watching, this is where you need to be. It’s close to the main tourist attractions and to the station. One time I even saw Emmanuel Macron passing by.“
Le Fontainas
Tucked away in a side street just off the busy Boulevard Anspach, this cosy bar is where Robin first got to know Brussels. On the corner of a quiet street, overlooking an old church, this is a great place to enjoy some breakfast, coffee, or Robin’s favourite drink: violet syrup with soda water. “Not only did I discover my go-to drink here, but I also discovered the Brussels gay scene.” Though not a gay bar, it is a place to feel at home for everyone.
Book your stay at The Hoxton, Brussels to experience the neighbourhood.
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