5 sights and bites in Quartier des Libertés
With streets named to commemorate Belgian independence and the country’s fundamental freedoms—Rue de la Révolution, Place de la Liberté—Quartier des Libertés, or the Freedom Quarter, was once a working-class neighborhood. Today, it’s a great place for a short walk to see some sights and grab a bite along the way. Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the Pentagon, you’ll find this easily walkable neighborhood full of welcome surprises.
Walk Details
Distance: 1km
Walking time: 11min
1
Congress Column
Pl. du Congrès, 1000 Bruxelles
We’re kicking off today’s walk at the Congress Column—built to commemorate the creation of the Belgian Constitution by the National Congress of 1830–31. It took nine years to complete going up between 1850 and 1859. It was designed by Joseph Poelaert—yep, the same guy behind the Palace of Justice. At the top, you’ll spot King Leopold I, Belgium’s first monarch, while at the base, the four pillars of Belgian constitutional freedom—Education, Association, Worship, and Press—stand alongside an eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, added in 1922. The area was originally called Place des Panoramas, thanks to its sweeping views of the city. And speaking of views—step past the Congress Column and take a look for yourself.
2
Basils
Rue du Congrès 31, 1000 Bruxelles
After all that walking, you’ve got to be getting hungry, right? I kid, but there’s no way I’m letting you walk right past one of the best pizzerias in the city—Basils. Brussels is a city with opinions when it comes to pizza. You’ll often see a few local spots popping up on those “Best Pizza in Europe” lists, but if you ask around, Basils is a name you’ll hear again and again—especially from locals…and with a sizeable Italian expat community here, that’s a recommendation worth taking seriously. They’ve got a lineup of signature pizzas, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
3
gàstra
Rue de l'Enseignement 110, 1000 - Bruxelles
If a whole pizza isn’t quite what you’re looking for right now, the just a few doors down from Basils you’ll find gàstra. Describing itself as a boutique shop and restaurant inspired by traditional Greek cuisine, gàstra is where you’ll find chef Kyrkos Zisis at work. From savory Greek pastries, fresh salads made daily, everything here will make your mouth water. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy a glass of Greek wine on the terrace and people watch while you indulge! Try the chicken pie, it’s heavenly.
4
BARKBOY
Rue de l'Enseignement 20, 1000 Bruxelles
Read for that caffeine kick? Just down the street we’ll come to BARKBOY. This specialty coffeeshop is known for it’s iced drinks, made fresh and then served in a takeaway can. This dog friendly café also has a sweet treats, if you haven’t quite got your fill yet. If coffee isn’t your thing, they’ve got matcha and other hot teas as well. If you’re looking for that can, then you’ve got to do takeaway, but if you’re looking for a little pause, it’s a nice place to sit inside as well. I also love that they do refills on their batch brews.
5
Passerelle Tondo
Leuvenseweg 44/40, 1000 Brussel
Enough food, let’s end on a sight. That a large metallic ring seemingly hovering over the middle of the street? That’s Passerelle Tondo, which was completed in 2021. It’s actually a connecting bridge that links the Belgian Federal Parliament, to your right, and the Forum building to the left. The footbridge, which takes its inspiration from a style of Renaissance circular art, tondo, took nearly two years to complete, though the COVID pandemic didn’t help matters. I’ve always found this UFO, flying saucer-like passageway fascinating, mostly because it’s tucked away in a corner of the center that while yes, is still quite central, all things considered, is rarely seen or visited by tourists, or even locals for that matter.
