For those who might associate Brussels with dry, dull landmarks such as, say, the European Parliament, it’s time to think again.

I’m standing outside a handsome red brick house in the upscale residential neighbourhood of Ukkels, the Van Buuren museum, which is actually a perfectly-preserved, Art Deco gem.

Constructed in 1928 by David and Alice Van Buuren, it’s a perfect place to visit during a year of celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Art Deco. While the movement may have originated at an exhibition in Paris in 1925, I’m discovering that Belgium’s otherwise stuffy-seeming capital seems to have plenty of it too.

Back at the Van Buuren museum, I find a charming, elegant, airy home with plenty of Art Deco-stained glass panels inside, period furniture and light fittings. You can take a self-guided tour as part of Brussels’ current programme of anniversary events – some of which run until 2026 – and I leave with thoughts of how the couple’s many soirees and dinner parties must have been greatly enjoyed.

Their house can be described as ‘classical’ Art Deco, while a 10-minute drive away, on Franklin Roosevelt Avenue, lies a different example. The exterior of Villa Empain, built in 1930 for the son of the engineer who designed the Paris Metro system, will certainly be familiar to anyone who’s been to Miami’s South Beach, with curved corners, geometric lines and sculptural patterns.

In fact, the city suffers from an embarrassment of riches when it comes to all kinds of architecture – in contrast to the Art Deco celebration, Brussels’ newest luxury hotel is widely hailed to be a masterpiece of the Art Nouveau period.

Corinthia Brussels may have only opened in late 2024 within the walls of this fascinating building, but a hostelry first existed here in 1910, when the King of Belgium had it constructed to host famous guests, which over the years included everyone from Winston Churchill to Andy Warhol.

Designed by renowned Belgian architect Henri Van Dievoet, this magnificent heritage building is a jaw-dropper, from the moment you walk through the imposing entrance on the Rue Royale. It features fabulous flourishes, decorations and ornamentation, and the first space you see after the lobby is the vast, airy Palm Court, flooded with light filtering through the 15-metre long stained glass roof.

It’s one of the many original features which has been sensitively preserved or restored by London’s G.A.Group, which oversaw the renovation and redesign of the building after it had stood empty for 17 years. 

Now, it all evokes a bygone era, while managing to remain resolutely contemporary.

The 90 rooms and 36 suites are spread over six floors; standard rooms are tastefully decorated in shades of either pearl grey or biscuit, with huge beds and spacious marble-floored bathrooms featuring Diptyque toiletries. 

The suites are more individual, particularly the five signature suites, which use different shades and patterns for their wallpaper, carpets and flooring, and have enhanced facilities, from a wraparound terrace to a dining table and workspace.

The underground Sisley spa spans an impressive 1,200 sqm, with six treatment rooms and a sizeable pool, while the dining and social elements of the hotel are a particular highlight. Elegant Palais Royal, just off the Palm Court, offers fine dining tasting menus by chef David Martin, while Le Petit Bon Bon brasserie specialises in local Belgian cuisine. And you can’t miss an inventive cocktail at the Under The Stairs bar, with a drinks list overseen by award-winning mixologist, Hannah Van Ongevalle.

The hotel is perfectly placed for sightseeing, too, with the striking Grand Place, or Grote Markt, lined with opulent Baroque guildhalls, just a 15-minute walk away.

A few moments more takes you to the iconic Manneken Pis, whose outfit changes almost daily, as well as a host of galleries, museums, and restaurants: don’t miss the surreal Magritte Museum, the futuristic Atomium, or even the museum celebrating chips. Stuffy and dull? Brussels is anything but.

How to book it: 

Eurostar offers fares from London to Brussels from £39 one way in Eurostar Standard class; from £70 in Eurostar Plus; and from £209 in Eurostar Premier. Rooms at The Corinthia Brussels start from €755 (approx £650 per night), including breakfast.