TRAVEL GUIDE | CABANA TRAVEL | WORLD OF CABANA
Belgian designer Nathan Bruckner, co-founder of Manhattan-based design studio Casalta, grew up in Brussels, a city that shaped his discerning eye for architecture, antiques and craftsmanship. He shares an insider's guide to the city he called home for many years, revealing the galleries, shops, restaurants and hidden corners that make the Belgian capital an endlessly rewarding place to explore.
BY NATHAN BRUCKNER | CABANA TRAVEL | 15 JULY 2026

My Favorite Place to Stay: Hotel Amigo
My favorite place to stay when I’m in Brussels is the home I grew up in, where my mother still lives today. But if I were to check into a hotel, I’d choose Hotel Amigo. Part of the Rocco Forte group, it's comfortable, elegant, and within walking distance of everything.
My Favorite Museum or Gallery: KANAL Brussels, Bozar, or Wiels
Both the Bozar and Weils are wonderful buildings and well worth visiting. Bozar is an incredible museum and cultural center that hosts major exhibitions throughout the year. The detailing in the lobby is especially beautiful and shouldn’t be missed. KANAL Brussels is also exciting for its scale, architecture, and ambitious contemporary programming.
My Favorite Green Space or Park: Sonian Forest
The Sonian Forest is where I go for bike rides close to my house. It’s an incredibly beautiful place, filled with ancient beech trees that are remarkable. Growing up around this place, I never realized how special they were, but later in life I came to appreciate just how extraordinary these trees are.

My Favorite Coffee Shop: Café Belga
The building itself is stunning, and because it's close to home, it always felt casual and unpretentious. It was a fun place to hang out during high school and never seemed particularly special at the time. Only after coming back home later in life did I realize how unique it really was. I even referenced the space in one of our projects.
My Favorite Restaurant: Noordzee (Mer du Nord) or Brasserie Georges or Au Vieux San Martin
Noordzee (Mer du Nord) is a very special place. It’s a simple seafood counter where you stand outside at tall tables with toothpicks, eating fresh seafood in the middle of the square. It’s casual and lively. The seafood is excellent, and the whole experience is uniquely Brussels. Brasserie Georges and Au Vieux Saint Martin are also longtime favorites.
My Favorite Bookstore: Peinture Fraîche
Peinture Fraîche has a great curated selection of books and magazines across art, design, and culture. It has a classic Belgian storefront and facade that gives it quite a charm.

My Favorite Shop: Wittamer Chocolates
Wittamer is one of my favorite shops in Brussels. My go-to order is the Merveilleux: meringue, crème fraîche, and dark chocolate shavings. It’s simply delicious.
My Favorite Hidden Treasure: Museum David and Alice Van Burren
Within walking distance from my place, the Museum David and Alice Van Buuren feels like a hidden gem in Brussels. The house is a beautifully preserved Art Deco home filled with period furnishings, artwork, and beautiful gardens.
My Favorite Thing To Do: Going to the Grand Sablon
The Grand Sablon is one of my favorite areas in Brussels because there’s so much to experience within a short walk. The square hosts a wonderful flea market surrounded by antique dealers, galleries, cafés, and beautiful architecture. I love stopping for a Merveilleux dessert, visiting the antique shops, or heading over to Bozar, which is nearby. Brasserie Vieux Saint Martin is another favorite in the area.
