Brussels has no fewer than 50 nightclubs and the cream of international DJs play here every weekend. Whether it’s techno, electro, house, R&B, ragga, salsa or oldies, Federico Grandesso discovers the choice of venues is as varied as the music they offer
The capital’s cult venue Spirito Martini in Rue Stassart was a church before it became a nightclub. A combination of cosy corners, arches, high ceilings and dramatic lighting – dance until dawn if you like. Open Fridays and Saturdays. www.spirito-martini.com
For a more sober luxury experience try the Belga Queen Club in Rue Fossé aux Loups. Located in the vaults of a former bank, underneath the restaurant of the same name, the colonial ambiance of the Belgian Congo has been recreated. Enter through the old safe to be greeted with a wide choice of cocktails, spirits and luxury Havana cigars. Monday through Saturday, with a resident DJ from 10 pm Wednesday for the rest of the week. www.belgaqueen.be
A popular venue, the Jeux d’ Hiver next to the roller skating rink in the Bois de la Cambre is reputed to be the place that yuppies go to be seen. The car park is full of convertibles. Open Thursday through Saturday night. www.jeuxdhiver.be
Located in the heart of Brussels, the Fiesta Club has quickly gained prestige. Catering for the international jet set, this is where the big stars come for a night out after gigging elsewhere. Offering disco, funk, dance, rap, hip-hop, soul, R&B, techno and house, it is located on the Quai des Usines. Open Fridays and Saturdays until 6 am. Smart dress code. www.fiesta-club.be
More casual is l’ Archiduc, an atmospheric jazz bar that has existed since the 1930s, now located on the fashionable Rue Antoine Dansaert near the Bourse. Stan Brenders, a pioneer of Belgian Jazz, turned it into the city’s jazz hot spot in the 1950s. Originally a classy and discreet art deco cafe use by brokers from the stock exchange, some of the original furniture remains. A place to drop in for a drink and listen to live jazz music from various eras. Regular concerts during the autumn and winter months. www.archiduc.net
