Brussels Nightlife

Like a jazz rhythm that defines so much of the city's music, Brussels's nightlife is impromptu, at times schizophrenic, alternately relaxing and cool, or hot and fast. Although there are a host of choices for eclectic nightlife, the city after dark is often outshone by brighter and more vibrant European cities.

Most locals anchor the afternoon to the night with a pint or two of the city's world-famous beer. This is best done in one of the many Old World-style pubs or cafés dotted about the city, such as in Place Brouckere. These are more after-work meeting places, popular with all ages, than party destinations. A mellow evening can continue with jazz concerts in the many jazz clubs, or with theatre and dance shows.

An edgier side of Brussels herds late-night bar flies and club goers into eccentric themed venues. Rue du Marché au Charbon is a lively strip of bright bars. Upper-town clubs tend to be more trendy and expensive than lower-town, where a more casual clientèle dances the night away to electronic beats. Renowned DJs frequent Brussels's clubs and a regular line-up of heavyweight bands play at the city's concert venues.