Why stay here
Laid out in the nineteenth century under King Leopold II and named after his eldest daughter, Princess Louise, Avenue Louise was designed to connect the city with the Bois de la Cambre forest park. Today it is Brussels' most prestigious commercial address — international fashion houses around Place Stéphanie and the Toison d'Or, and elegant residential blocks further south.
The real treasure lies just off the avenue. The streets of Saint-Gilles and Ixelles hold some of Europe's finest Art Nouveau architecture, including Victor Horta's own house and studio, now the Horta Museum and part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing. The Châtelain neighbourhood adds independent restaurants, wine bars and a popular Wednesday market.
Essential sights
- Horta MuseumUNESCO-listed Art Nouveau
- Place Stéphanie & Toison d'OrFlagship fashion
- Châtelain quarterDining & market
- Abbaye de la CambreHistoric abbey gardens
- Bois de la CambreForest park & lake
- Palais de JusticeCity viewpoint
Practical notes
Trams 8 and 93 run along Avenue Louise, and Louise metro station connects to the city centre in minutes. The avenue is long — distances between shops and sights can be greater than they appear on a map, so trams are the most comfortable way to cover it. Horta Museum visits are timed; book through the museum's official channels.
More information: Horta Museum official website.
