Saint-Gilles: Brussels’ nouveau cool

If Victor Horta’s sensuous curves and curlicues were provocative in the architect’s time, they’re now the pride and joy of Brussels. A temple to Art Nouveau, his home-cum-studio celebrates its centenary with new rooms and one-off exhibitions.

You could visit for a Chouffe beer or a croque, but this cat café’s main appeal is a guaranteed feline cuddle. Mind you don’t leave with more than you bargained for: the rescued furballs are all up for adoption.

Heed the siren song of boom-box reggae to find this gathering of Brussels’ finest food trucks. There’s a UN’s worth of flavours, from pulled jackfruit burgers to moreish tacos, and jerk chicken sizzling on the BBQ. Thursdays, noon-9pm.

Move over, cronuts – the brioche doughnut (bronut?) is in town. The classic chocolate number’s comforting, but wild-berry frosting delivers more tang. Get there early, though – the small batches often sell out.

If craft beer’s a cult, Moeder Lambic’s original site in Saint-Gilles is its place of worship. Geek out with staff over hops, refrigeration and, yes, lambic beers – or just sit back and shoot the breeze in this atmospheric spot.

Brush up on your colour of the year in this bright and playful crash-pad, where each room has its own eye-popping scheme. Ask for a large room with a terrace and smugness-inducing views over the ’hood.

Hot desks don’t come more on fleek than those in this newly opened garage-turned-atelier, complete with a granny-chic café/lounge and shared workshop. Look out for gigs, talks and other fun nights run by members.