Brussels uni district among 'coolest neighbourhoods in Europe', says Guardian

Brussels' university district, around Ixelles cemetery, has been named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Europe by The Guardian.

The British newspaper selected 10 "less-touristy" districts where it said visitors could "really get under the skin of Europe's great cities".

It says of the university quarter: "This part of Brussels, on the public transport network but pretty much off the tourist trail, has as many elderly residents as young professionals looking for bars and boutiques."

The Guardian says the area's proximity to both VUB and ULB universities "has attracted emerging talent and new investment". The neighbourhood even has its own local beer, Cimdix.

Local highlights include See U, the major redevelopment of the Gendarmerie Royale barracks, which has brought together more than 50 community projects including a velodrome, organic market and family-friendly cafe L'Haricot Magique.

Read the full article - including details of the other nine selected European neighbourhoods - here.

Photo: Eric Danhier/Visit.Brussels