Brussels: The World in a City
Brussels is one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities, shaped by generations of people who have made it their home. Discover how migration has transformed its neighbourhoods, food, culture and streets, creating a city full of different influences, creativity and local stories.
A Mosaic of Neighbourhoods and Cultures
Brussels is not one single world, but a mosaic of many. From one neighbourhood to the next, the atmosphere can change completely. Local markets, family-run shops, places of worship, cafés and restaurants reflect the many communities that have shaped the city over generations.
Around the Anderlecht Abattoir, market life brings together people and flavours from across Brussels. In Matonge, African culture and businesses give the neighbourhood a distinctive identity. Along the canal and in Molenbeek, the city’s industrial past meets the everyday life of a diverse, changing community.
These neighbourhoods are more than places on a map. They tell stories of migration, work, food, family and belonging — and show how different cultures have helped shape Brussels into the city it is today.
3 Ways to Experience Cosmopolitan Brussels
Explore Heyvaert and the Anderlecht Abattoir Market
Head to the Heyvaert neighbourhood and the Anderlecht Abattoir, where market life, food businesses and the movement of goods reflect Brussels’ international character. The market takes place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Saturday is our favourite day to visit: it has just the right amount of bustle to soak up the atmosphere, browse the stalls and experience the neighbourhood at its liveliest. Fridays tend to be quieter, while Sundays can get very crowded.
Discover Matonge
Around Matonge, near Porte de Namur, explore streets lined with African shops, hair salons, food stores and restaurants. It’s a neighbourhood where you can experience the influence of Congolese and other African communities on Brussels’ culture, commerce and food scene. For the real Matonge experience, make sure to step inside the Galerie Matonge, where you can discover even more of the neighbourhood’s character and everyday life.
Try Turkish Pide and Lahmacun
Head to the Turkish neighbourhood around Chaussée de Haecht in Schaarbeek, where bakeries and restaurants serve traditional favourites. Try pide, a boat-shaped flatbread with savoury toppings, or lahmacun (a.k.a. Turkish pizza), a thin, crispy flatbread topped with seasoned minced meat and herbs.
While you’re in the area, look out for the small statue of Nasreddin Hoca sitting backwards on a donkey on Chaussée de Haecht. Nasreddin is a beloved figure in Turkish folklore, known for his humorous stories with a wise twist. The donkey often plays a central role in his tales, symbolising humour and down-to-earth wisdom. It’s a funny coincidence that the donkey is also the symbol of the municipality of Schaerbeek!
Discover Cosmopolitan Brussels by Bike
Cycling is a great way to discover the different sides of cosmopolitan Brussels. Moving from one neighbourhood to another, you’ll encounter different atmospheres, shops and cultures, sometimes just a few minutes apart.
By bike, you can cover more ground than on foot while still having time to stop at a market, browse a shop window or explore a street that catches your eye. It’s also a great way to venture beyond the usual tourist routes and discover neighbourhoods that tell a different story of Brussels.
With Cactus, you can discover this side of Brussels on our Bike & Bite Brussels culinary tour or our private Cosmopolitan Brussels bike tour.
Bike & Bite Brussels: A Culinary Tour Around the World
Taste your way through the cultures of Brussels.
Join our public Bike & Bite Brussels tour and discover the city’s multicultural character through its neighbourhoods, local food and the stories behind what you taste. With five food tastings along the way, this guided bike tour brings together culinary discoveries, urban exploration and insights into the communities that make Brussels unique.
It’s an ideal way to experience the diversity of Brussels through its flavours, while discovering parts of the city you might otherwise miss.
[Discover Bike & Bite Brussels]
Private Tour: Cosmopolitan Brussels
Explore the many worlds of Brussels with your own group.
Looking for a more personal way to discover the city? On our private Cosmopolitan Brussels bike tour, a local guide introduces you to the neighbourhoods, communities and stories that have shaped the Belgian capital. Learn how migration, international influences and everyday life have contributed to Brussels’ distinctive identity.
The route and pace can be adapted to your group, making this a great choice for friends, families, organisations or colleagues who want to explore Brussels beyond the usual sights.