MiMA Museum
The Millenium Iconoclast Museum of Art, as the name itself states, is quite a different little contemporary-art based museum, located in an old converted brewery along the canal of Brussels, in Molenbeek. This museum unlike many others, hosts temporary exhibitions regarding contemporary, pop-culture, humorous and ironic themes. Each exhibition is held for a different amount of months, and most of the art published is originated from Belgian artists. The museum also includes a gift shop that sells remarkably unique items portraying the art they have on display. Of course, this intricate and quirky place wouldn’t be complete without its own little café at the very entrance with brick walls and a dark coloured floor. The MiMA Museum welcomes you to explore the urban side of art and a breath-taking view of the city!
Address: Quai du Hainaut 41, 1080 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean
Access: tram line 51, metro lines 1, 5
Price: 9,5€ adults, 7,5€ kids/students, 3€ kids 6-12
Café Walvis
Just at the edge of the Dansaert area and opposite of the canal, you will find this cosy brown coloured café. Café Walvis, best known for its coffee and beers, is definitely a chill place that attracts a lot of young adults given to the enthralling location, that focuses on the arty and urban side of Brussels. The café itself is engulfed by the soft welcoming shades of brown of the table and chair sets, walls and floors. What makes this place so special and desirable is the fact that it has a large space on the outside with colourful sets of tables underneath the shade of a large tree. The image brings a sense of relaxation and of familiarity to the people sitting there, making them feel like they are away in a calm and carefree world.
Opening hours: 09:00 – 23:59 everyday
Address: Rue Antoine Dansaert 209, 1000 Brussels
Prices: 9€ to 18€
Les Tissus Du Chien Vert
Visible from across the canal, with its green neon sign and crème coloured walls lies this large fabric store. While fabrics, sewing and clothing may not be of extreme interest to many people, it is definitely a good idea to visit this shop at least once. The exterior of the building isn’t really promising, but once inside, one feels as if they have entered a quiet, fairy-like world. Thousands of colours, fabrics and accessories decorate the space and a vintage atmosphere is brought to life by the old wooden floor. Decoration and creativity are here the most important aspect of the store’s character; old ships hulls hanging from the ceiling, old painted-over cars and telephone boxes fill the place up. Every corner of the shop holds a different surprise; from large vintage mirrors to even small ponds with live fish! So grab your coat and step in this hidden gem of a shop! Creativity and inspiration await you!
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm every day except Sunday
Address: Rue du Chien Vert 2, 1080 Bruxelles
Au Laboureur
The Dansaert area, one of the most favourable amongst young adults in Brussels, brims with selections of cafes, restaurants and small shops. Right at the end of Rue de Flandre, by the corner, you will find the café “Au Laboureur”. A dark coloured palette for this café, a sombre visual look but the atmosphere meets a light and easy feeling. This café is the type that opens early in the morning, where you will find older people sitting by themselves drinking a coffee or an typical Belgian early morning beer, reading the newspaper or having a casual conversation with the owner. A real locals meet-up place, an authentically Belgian spot with cheap prices and rich stories. While it may not look like the most appealing place from the outside, this café is definitely the place to go and talk to strangers, hear stories about the intricate city of Brussels and have a laugh.
Opening hours: Rue de Flandre 108, 1000 Bruxelles
Address: 10am to 12am
Le Phare du Kanaal
Writers, creatives, work-driven people, unite! “Le Phare du Kanaal”, a co-working café situated just along the canal by the side of Molenbeek, is the perfect place for you. This place is not your average café that occasionally offers space to study or work, but is especially designed for this very important purpose! Its simple but bold design of white furniture and walls with accents of soft faded red coloured bricks are soothing to the eye and therefore offer the ideal setting for a long focused working session. The café is divided in four different sections, each of them bidding specified needs, such as the café, a co-working space, meet-up rooms or private event rooms, that are available for rent for whomever needs them. By combining their love of projects and creativity with drinks and food, the team of “Le Phare” strives to help and welcome all creatives and individuals of Brussels city.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 8:00pm, Saturday: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Address: Quai des charbonnages, 40 – 1080 Brussels – Belgium
Contact: 02 410 06 84 or hola@lepharedukanaal.com