Brussels has a rich history that has made it the important city it is today. It mixes tradition and modernity like few other places in the world, and you only need to take a stroll through the city centre to understand this.
In terms of leisure activities, Brussels is a very lively and vibrant city, where you can enjoy any activity whatever your hobby.
Today we will talk about one of the main features of Brussels' evenings and nights: music. There's no better accompaniment to your Belgian craft beer than good live music, so check out the best bars and taverns with live music.
The Best Bars and Taverns with Live Music in Brussels
The Music Village
Rue des Pierres 50
Here you can breathe in the jazz club atmosphere from the street in front of the venue. Its appearance is cosy and elegant, and its name is more of a warning than a name; this is where the music lives.
The reason is that they offer live music six times a week, that is, every single day they are open. The quality of their music is as good as their location; next to the Grand Place. Thus, they have the great honour of being able to tell everyone that they offer more than 300 concerts a year. Breathe and feel the real jazz.
L’archiduc
Rue Antoine Dansaert 6
Its art deco style has seen illustrious names in music pass through its stage and bar and it is, in itself, an institution of Brussels nightlife and music in the country.
It has a fascinating history that began in 1937 with Madame Alice, although it was in 1953, with musician Stan Brenders at the helm and his almost daily performances on the grand central piano, that it became the temple of jazz that it is today. Relaxed atmosphere, luxurious décor, live jazz music of the highest quality and the feeling of being in a very special place.
Rock classic bar
Rue du Marché au Charbon Kolenmarkt 55
A true temple for rock music. And when we say temple we don't just mean that they play the best of the best of the genre, or their live concerts with tribute bands to rock legends. No, its entrance looks like that of a real temple. Become a Rock & Roll Templar.
An atmosphere for real rockers, where you can enjoy the best beers in town, while you chat with your friends, play chess, darts, table football or enjoy one of its fantastic live concerts. A visit here is as much a must as it is to the Grand Place.
Sounds
Rue de la tulipe 28, 1050 Ixelles
The home of Sounds Jazz Club, it is located in the south of the city, a few minutes from emblematic buildings such as the Palais de Justice and the Church of Notre Dame du Sablon. The best of the genre, both national and international, perform on its stage.
Every Wednesday from 9 pm to 2 am there is a jazz jam session with free admission, and on Thursdays and Fridays there is a concert by one of the big names in jazz at 9 pm. Plus, on Fridays after the concert it's time for the Gypsy Acoustic Jam session. Are you really going to miss it? Visit the House of Jazz.
Café Bizon
Rue du Pont de la Carpe 7
Give a new meaning to your Mondays and turn them into your favourite days thanks to Café Bizon. Believe it or not, a motorbike, a buffalo's head and a piano can work miracles on your mood.
Put all those elements together and you get the inside of Café Bizon and, with their Bizon Blues Jam Session every Monday, they'll make all your stress and bad moods go away and never come back. They also have acoustic concerts on some Wednesdays. This little corner of Brussels is loaded with quality, well-drawn beer, a cosy, homely atmosphere and blues music that will touch your soul.
Le strof
Rue de Rollebeek 1
Great atmosphere in this small bar with a great location and an even better terrace, where you can play a game of chess while watching the sun go down over a local beer and enjoying live music in the background. Here you can play a game of chess while watching the sunset, sipping a local beer and enjoying live music in the background. What more could you ask for from Brussels?
Their gigs, which usually run from Thursday to Sunday, mix all kinds of musical genres, although, as a tip, keep an eye on Instagram as that's where they keep all their customers up to date with the many gigs taking place there.
KFK Hope
Rue des Poissonniers 21
Cosy bar with a wide variety of the best Belgian beers. The service and customer service are fantastic and the atmosphere is one that invites you to socialise and meet new people.
One of the reasons for this is the numerous events they organise, including their comedy monologues and, of course, the music. Keep an eye on their social networks because they have everything you want to know about their performances.
Roskam
Rue de Flandre 9
Great atmosphere and treatment in the northern part of the city centre, about five minutes walk from the Brussels Stock Exchange, with numerous concerts throughout the year in an atmosphere that is a mix between underground, a neighbourhood café and a concert hall.
You've never experienced anything like it. It attracts numerous musical genres to its stage and you can keep up to date with its shows on its website and social networks.