The Insider's Guide to Brussels

Editor Aurélie Bunneghem lets us in on the city's secrets as featured in our downloadable Wallpaper* Guide

In her role coordinating the editorial content of Brussels lifestyle quarterly tl.mag, Aurélie Bunneghem is constantly hunting for new trends in retail, architecture and fashion. In the crowded streets of Lower Town, she likes to peruse the design selection at La Fabrika and the jewellery at Joya (175 rue Antoine Dansaert). When it comes to vintage fashion, her favourite store is the eponymous Isabelle Bajart (25 rue des Chartreux), "who selects the clothes and accessories herself".

However, "the real Brussels" is found outside the centre. Favoured fashion haunts include Graphie Sud (195 rue Berkendael), for its original brands. Bunneghem browses for design tomes at Peinture Fraîche (10 rue du Tabellion), and photography books at Librairie Husson (142 chaussée d’Alsemberg).

Living in the capital means access to a varied entertainment scene and Bunneghem recommends venues such as the concert halls at BOZAR (23 rue Ravenstein). For drinks and dinner she visits Bar du Matin, followed by Café des Spores. Alternatively, she heads to Pixel (39-41 rue Ernest Allard), before a meal at French restaurant Oprhyse Chaussette (5 rue Charles Hanssens), where the "food, mood and wine are the three roots of a good evening out".

We hope our preview has given you an idea for a new year city break. You can find out about the places mentioned above - and more - by downloading our Wallpaper* City Guides here.