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Morton Place Horta: Sneak Peek

Colorful Inspiration

As we get ready to share Morton Place Horta with you, I wanted to give you a sneak peek at what we are working on to make this house unique. We are in the final, most exciting parts of the preparation of Morton Place Horta  as the floors are sanded and painted, the walls have been primed to receive their final coats of paint and the bricks are being laid in the back patio.  All of our design choices take inspiration from our fabulous Art Nouveau windows. 

Colored paints  and wallpapers are going up! 

If you are familiar with our other homes, you know that color is a huge part of our signature look. When I first arrived in Brussels, I found myself in a boxy, white-walled rental flat with glaring overhead lights and a rock hard couch.  For a city so full of architectural character, my home was emphatically charm free. I wanted Morton Place to represent all of the warmth and coziness my business flat lacked. This House has three distinctive stained glass windows in Art Nouveau style which immediately set the tone for the colors of the house. 

Claudia takes the lead on this, choosing the yellows, greens and even some pink paint  and wallpapers for each bedroom and common space. Expect some bold choices for our three home offices, making perfect backdrops for video calls.
As always at Morton Place, we prefer to offer individual bathrooms. For this house, we’ve had a lot of fun with with colorful tiles and old fashioned sinks on pedestals, a modern twist on the Art Deco style. 

Common areas

 

This is really where the magic happens. Memories are made in the common spaces of MP, whether it’s a birthday party hosted in the basement, a BBQ in the back courtyard or an evening watching Eurovision in the living room. Isabelle is busy scouring the warehouses of her favorite furniture suppliers to select the best vintage pieces to bring character and comfort to our common areas. We’ve also brought back the fabulous velvet couches so successful at Morton Place Louise. 

 

Plenty of Work from Home  Space 

Everytime we enter the Houses, we notice that residents are working from everywhere. At Morton Place Louise residents like gathering at the dining table, each typing away or listening to a meeting on their headphones and stepping away to their rooms for calls. At Morton Place Chatelain the home offices are always in use and the privacy curtain for calls is a big hit. At Morton Place Horta we will have two offices with full privacy and roomy comfortable desks in the Suites.

What’s happening Next

In the coming weeks, we hope to get our stained glass windows back from restoration. The lovely team at Atelier Flores have been painstakingly relaying the colorful windows which give the house its cheerful aspect. Keep an eye on our Instagram for pictures of their installation (@mortonplacecoliving). 

 

We hope to have given you a taste of what to expect at Morton Place Horta – sign up here to be the first to know when our previews of the house will begin! 

 

 

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Introducing Morton Place Horta

We Have News!

We’re excited to share some fantastic news about our latest venture, Morton Place Horta, launching in Summer 2024. This new development marks a new step in our mission to redefine coliving, extending a warm invitation to those who are perhaps further along in their professional journeys or seeking a community-oriented lifestyle within the heart of Brussels.

Refined All Suite Living: Morton Place Horta is designed with an All Suite concept, offering each resident the exclusivity of an entire floor, featuring a dedicated bedroom, bathroom, and living room. In addition to the suite, the shared common areas are comfortably designed and inviting, perfect for casual get-togethers with fellow residents or your personal guests, enriching your life with memorable community interactions.  

Elegant, Inspired Interiors:   With interiors influenced by the colorful Art Nouveau stained glass present throughout the house, our design team, lead by Claudia and Isabelle, have outdone themselves adding color and cheer to this graceful house. 

Unbeatable Location and Connectivity: Situated next to the grandiose Maison Communale of St Gilles and the bustling Place van Meenen, Morton Place Horta places you within arm’s reach of the trendiest restaurants and cafés. Conveniently located trams can whisk you away to the Louise business district or the EU Schuman area in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for quick commutes. From gourmet food trucks to chic wine bars and innovative eateries, this is a terrific place to live. 

 

Stay Connected: Don’t miss out on the developments and special previews of Morton Place Horta. Sign up now to keep informed and discover how you can be part of this unique community.

 

P.S.: Morton Place Horta is where you can find friendships while enjoying your privacy in an unforgettable setting. Join us in shaping this vibrant community!

Brussels Grand PlaceMP Holdings

Hidden Gems in Brussels: our tips for spots off the beaten path

Hidden Gems in Brussels: Discover Tourist Spots Off The Beaten Track 

 

Brussels, the heart of Europe, is a city known for its spectacular sites that draw thousands of tourists each year. But as a local resident, you might want to explore beyond the usual and show visitors some unexpected spots when giving a tour of the city. Here are our recommendations for some interesting spots to add to your usual route, promising you a unique experience in Brussels.

In ’t Spinnekopke: Brussels’ Oldest Secret

Believe it or not, the oldest restaurant in Brussels, In ’t Spinnekopke (The Spider’s Web) is still somewhat a secret. Founded back in 1762, this charming estaminet stands discreetly on a quiet square in the city centre. With its intimate rooms adorned with tiled floors, wood panelling, and vintage beer signs, it offers a cozy atmosphere that’s not too fancy yet full of character. A stone’s throw from the must see Grand Place – getting there is a wonderful walk through some of ancient Brussels’ most atmospheric streets. 

Parc Pierre Paulus: A Hidden Valley

Hidden in a deep valley is one of Brussels’ most romantic parks, Parc Pierre Paulus. Finding the entrance next to the Parvis de Saint Gilles metro station might take a bit of searching, but it’s worth it. Once you are through the gate, you’ll be welcomed by a secret park built on a steep slope featuring a pond, a bridge, all recently restored to their fantastic glory. A welcome green spot in densley populated Saint Gilles, pack a picnic or bring a book for some green time.  A stone’s throw away from Morton Place Parvis, it is a must-visit!

Galeries Saint-Hubert: A glorious 19th century shopping arcade with vintage shops 

Omnia omnibus, or everything for everyone, reads the inscription above the entrance to the Galeries Saint-Hubert. Built in 1846, this stunning arcade was designed to cater to every need. From shops to theatres, cafés, restaurants, and even apartments, it’s a bustling hub that encapsulates the spirit of Brussels. You can check out more about this  glorious arcade on their website Galerie Royale Saint Hubert .

Passage du Nord: A Restored Beauty

The Passage du Nord  is another shopping arcade, slightly less glamorous than it’s cousin the Galeries Saint Hubert,  but full of shops and restaurants which you and your guests will want to explore. A decades long renovation has restored its original charm, you can find an oyster bar, knife shop, and even a milk bar. Explore more about this hidden gem Passage du Nord 

Crosly Bowling Alley: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Ready for some old-fashioned fun? Just steps away from the grand place and nestled in the ancient neighborhood of Sablon is the Crosly Bowling Alley. Take a descent down the cobblestone streets and find one of Brussels’ authentic 1950s arcade and bowling alleys. Always lively and teeming with families and groups of friends, it’s a true gem in Brussels!

 

So, next time you’re showing someone around or simply want to explore the city by yourself, don’t forget to visit these tourist spots off the beaten track in Brussels. Happy exploring!

 

Discover More Hidden Gems of Brussels!

Loved these offbeat spots in Brussels? Yearn to discover more? There’s plenty more where that came from! Join our community of international professionals who love exploring Brussels just as much as you do. Get exclusive access to our curated list of hidden spots, local events, and insider tips to make your life in Brussels enriching and exciting. 

 

 

White StairsMorton Place

Choosing your Coliving House: Our Insider Tips

 

Successful coliving: finding the right fit

Coliving is seeing a huge boom and it seems that every flat share or micro apartment is being rebranded to hop on the trend. The choices are dizzying and often times overwhelming. It is therefore really important for residents to be very clear about what exactly they should look for when choosing their future home. Furthermore, with the pandemic many of our residents are choosing a room without having a chance to visit the house in person. Once you have checked on the usual criteria of location, price and lease terms, we have established a checklist we recommend for choosing your room wisely.

Choosing your coliving

1. Who will my housemates be?

Maybe you are new to the city, or have come out of a relationship and want to make new friends, people choose coliving for a variety of reasons but they all want to get along with their housemates. If your future House Manager isn’t asking you about yourself – how can they know if you’ll get along with your future housemates?  Be skeptical of a house that lets you sign up online without getting to know you. If you are a professional maybe you don’t want to live with students who have a different schedule to your own.  Also check for languages. If you only speak English and German, you might feel a little left out in a house full of French speakers.

Tip: Ask what length of time most residents have been living at the house, high turnover is a red flag and disrupts community bonds.

2. Cleaning and maintenance

Most coliving homes outsource the cleaning and it isn’t done by the residents. If you are the one who ends up cleaning the piles of dirty dishes left in the sink and it makes you grumpy, choose a house with a frequent cleaning service eg twice a week for groups larger than 5. You might also check who takes out the garbage and brings the bottles to the bottle bank.

Tip: its not nice to find strangers walking into your room to clean or do maintenance, find out if there is a fixed maintenance and cleaning team for your house and how long they have worked there 

Morton Place Coliving in Brussels

3. The Wifi

Many of us are working from home so the speed of the wifi network is important. What was once a good enough connection when everyone was at the office, is no longer adequate when everyone is working from home on zoom and teams. Ask about wifi support in your potential house.

Tip: If you see wifi boosters in the electricity sockets of your future house and there are more than 5 people living there – chances are the wifi is not going to be strong enough. If you are really worried – ask for a speedtest done a laptop – a mobile phone doesn’t give an accurate reading.

Kitchen Coliving Brussels

4. The Kitchen

Often the most well used part of the house, so how many people do you share a refrigerator with? How about the freezer? The dishwasher? Do you have a clear, private space to keep your food? If you like to bake, is there an oven, what does it look like inside? If you like a tidy kitchen, have a look in the sink and in the refrigerator to see if your hygiene standards are met, find out who cleans the kitchen and how often. At Morton Place we clean the common areas twice a week by the same cleaning crew for many years.

Tip: if you see residents having to lock up their food or storing it in their bedrooms this isn’t a good sign of trust between the housemates.

5. The Room

Other than the general look and feel – what should you look for in your room? Does your bedroom have a secure lock which you alone can open? What is the bathroom situation? You might find some “bathrooms” are nothing more than a sink and a shower partitioned off in a corner of your room where the steam fills up your bedroom, and the toilet is down the hall and shared with other housemates. A Morton Place our houses are purpose built, so our bathrooms are fully equipped and ensuite, no sharing.

Tip: check the closet space and if you have more clothes than can fit, ask about secure storage options.

Shared Housing Brussels Availability

6. The tour

Pre recorded online visits are great for figuring out the layout of a house but after a few years a house can look tired. If you can’t visit your future residence in person, ask for a live video tour. This allows you to witness whether the house is as advertised and see the house in its lived in state.  Check the garbage situation, the sink situation, the messages on the blackboard. All will give you a feel for the life being lived in the house right now. At Morton Place we invest a lot of time and effort in taking pictures each bedroom so future residents have a good idea of what to expect when they walk through the door. In fact one of the most often repeated phrases by visitors is “wow – it looks just like on the website”.

Tip: If you don’t choose to rent from an established coliving company, be doubly careful, we have heard our share of horror stories of online fraud. When in doubt, don’t send your money.

Accommodation Brussels Belgium

Relax and have fun!

Cohousing is a terrific way to make life long friends during your time in Brussels. Give yourself a few weeks to settle into the routine of your new house.  Investing time in making sure you have made the right choice at the outset will save you a lot of hassle from having to move from a substandard room to a better, more comfortable housing option.

 

 

Brussels Grand PlaceMP Holdings
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What to expect when you move to Brussels

Moving to Brussels: What to Expect Bienvenue! Welkom! Willkommen! No matter how you say it, if you’ve decided to move to Brussels, welcome to your new adventure! 

Maybe you’ve visited this vibrant city before, and if so, you have a small taste of all the things that make Brussels so great — even beyond the beer, frites, mussels, chocolate, and waffles. But living in Brussels is a much different experience than a short city break. Thousands of people move to this amazing city every year – and it’s easy to see why. There’s a lot to get excited about so keep reading for the inside scoop on living your best life day-to-day, plus some administrative tips for making Brussels your new home.

What to expect from Brussels life

Languages in Belgium 

Belgium has three national languages: French, Dutch, and German. French dominates the Brussels scene, but the capital city is officially bilingual along with Dutch. You’ll probably notice that all the street names are written in French and Dutch, along with food & package labeling, advertising, public transport, and lots of other day-to-day communication. The German language will prevail only if you venture to a small corner of eastern Belgium. 

Luckily for the plethora of expats who call Brussels home, language education is excellent in Belgium so most locals speak English without any trouble. In fact, most websites and public transport stations all tend to have things written in English so communicating won’t be an issue! 

And if you have the time and interest to learn a new language yourself, here’s a list of language schools in the Brussels region.

Making Friends in Brussels

Brussels welcomes around 40,000 newcomers every year. Loads of people come here because so many European institutions and companies are based in this city. So there are plenty of jobs around – particularly in service areas like law, PR, and consulting. As a result, Brussels is a fairly busy city and quite a youthful one too. One of the best parts of living in this vibrant capital is meeting new friends from all over the world! You’ll mix with a multitude of expats out at networking events, bars, coffee shops, food markets, restaurants, concerts, local events and just walking around the city. Expect to mingle with plenty of international professionals in all facets of your daily life, many of whom have probably emigrated from other countries like you.

Weather in Brussels

Belgium has a special weather reputation, right? Grey, rainy, blah. In realty, there’s more to Belgian weather than this unfortunate stereotype! Yes, the one thing you can count on is rain – but it’s not all day, everyday. Sometimes it even hails for added excitement! In general, the temperature is mild all year round, and you’ll likely see beautiful sunny spells in the late spring, summer and even into fall. Some summer days are downright hot, so you might even escape to the Belgian coast. The winter months aren’t unbearable either; snow can fall, but the temperatures rarely drop too far below freezing. Pro tip: it’s best to invest in a small umbrella to keep in your bag since Brussels always seems to play tricks on the weather apps!

Now, when you arrive in Brussels, there are various admin tasks you need to concern yourself with. We’re talking about financial admin, registration, figuring out how to get around, and so on. Bearing that in mind, here’s what you can expect:

Current Covid Regulations in Brussels

As you can imagine, Covid regulations change constantly. While we are currently experiencing minimal impact to daily life in Brussels, it’s a good idea to check the region’s official Covid site for the most up to date information. You’ll find answers to all your questions regarding Covid certificates, vaccines & boosters, testing sites, pharmacies and more.

How to Register at the Commune: Registering Your Residency

As you may know, Brussels consists of 19 separate communes, or municipalities. Belgian law requires that most adults register with the commune where they reside if planning to stay longer than three months. 

Head over to our step by step guide on how to register your residency. 

Two key points to keep in mind when planning your move to Brussels: 

When landlords say you can register or “domicile” with your lease that means you can register to live in Brussels legally. If you have seen the term “non-domiciliation,” you can’t register to live legally at that address and might want to reconsider housing options. 

Residents of non-EU member states will need to apply for a visa prior to requesting residency. Most likely your employer has already finalized this process, which includes work permits and necessary applications. 

Online Services: Staying Connected 

At Morton Place, you’ll be up and running with wifi and Internet services in no time. But if you need to start from e-scratch, update your mobile phone service, or require other online necessities, you’ll find a slew of spots in Brussels to stay connected. Visit companies like Proximus, Orange, Telenet, Base, and Mobile Vikings for internet and mobile subscriptions, prepaid & SIM cards, products and more. Pop into the Apple store for all the latest & greatest gadgets, centrally located near Avenue Louise. 

 

 

Public Transportation in Brussels: Get Around Town in Public…

The public transport network in Brussels offers swift and reliable options for getting around town. Take your pick of trams, buses, and the metro depending  on where you are and where you want to go. You can even check your commute time at the interactive transport site STIB-MIVB and also find the fastest way to get from point A to B in this bustling city. 

Our Morton Place properties are very close to public transport stations, so we highly recommend using them for easy and reliable service. 

We recommend you order a MoBiB card online, as this is the easiest way to pay for public transport. You can top it up with as much money as you need, and it can be used to pay for all of the public transport operators in Belgium. These days, you can also use contactless credit or debit card to pay on board however as of this writing, it is more expensive to pay for a ride with contactless than via a MoBiB card. 

…Or Ride Alone in Private!

Brussels has seriously embraced alternative personal mobility. We’ve highlighted some of the more popular options below, but check out this complete list of mobility options ranging from electric kick scooters to private car shares. 

Electric (kick) scooter and ebike sharing services have taken over almost every corner of this city! While there is some controversy regarding safety and parking, these personal transport options, accessible via app, are extremely popular and very useful for zipping around. Brands like DOTT and Bolt offer both ebikes and scooters, while Lime, Voi, Bird and Tier have hundreds of scooters available.

Swapfiets lets you pay a monthly fee for your own personal electric bike — a great choice for shorter commutes and freedom on the weekends. 

Traditional bicycle shares like Villo! make it easy to ride from one fixed point to another with flexible payment options. 

Want to feel the wind in your hair? Well, under your helmet at least. Sign up for Felyx, the electric moped service that’s as fun as it is useful. 

Car sharing providers like Cambio and Poppy allow you to pick up a car at a station or within a zone and deliver it back when you’re done. 

Uber has experienced an ongoing legal battle here in Brussels, but currently the cars are running and it’s easy to order (and even pre-book) a pickup.  

If you have a private car, your lease at Morton Place qualifies you for a resident’s parking permit which you can obtain from the commune.

Shopping for Home Goods: Deck out Your Space with the Finishing Touches 

You will find plenty of shops in Brussels with the essentials for making your new space a home. If you just need to pick up a few toiletries, you’ll find mini markets like Proxy and Carrefour Express dotted around the city. 

If home decor, bedding, towels, novelty items and household appliances are on your list, add HEMA, Zara Home, H&M Home and Casa to the mix. All of these shops are within walking distance of Morton Place for you to explore. There are also two IKEAs around Brussels, for added retail therapy. (And meatballs).

Shop from the comfort of your own home with bol.com or amazon.com.be to have almost anything delivered to your front door! 

Can You See Yourself at Morton Place? 

We hope that you’ll join our Morton Place community! As a resident in one of our homes it is our mission to help you settle into Brussels while delivering you the unique benefits of a chic, all-inclusive, coliving environment. Feel free to reach out anytime!

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Bouquetbrussels kitchen

Our Neighborhood Markets: Top 5 Food Stalls

Our favorite Market Stalls and Foodtrucks

Supporting the small local businesses which give our neighborhoods character, and nourish our communities is important to our residents. For this edition of our series on the our Top 5 tips for residents at Morton Place, we focus on the outdoor food markets which are steps from Morton Place. A few minutes from Morton Place Chatelain is the the Wednesday afternoon market on the Place du Chatelain. Morton Place Louise and Parvis are steps from the market on the Parvis de Saint Gilles. This market is open almost daily as of 7.30 am until about lunch time with the exception of Mondays when it is closed, and Thursdays when it is open from 12-10pm. Not only do these markets feature farm to table ingredients but food stalls as well. Enjoy the Top 5 tips shared by our favorite foodie Chloé of  @brusselskitchen picking out the best food for you to enjoy during your time in Brussels.

– Tanya, founder @Morton Place

Top Market Scenes in Europe

Brussels has one of the coolest outdoor markets scenes in Europe, with street food stalls that would rival those of any indoor food market in London or Madrid. You’d think we’d have more covered markets but no – in Belgium it’s outside rain or shine.

I The market on the Place du Chatelain is on Wednesdays from 1-7pm. The market on the Parvis de Saint Gilles is daily as of 7.30 am until about lunch time with the exception of Mondays (closed) and Thursday when it is open from 12-10pm. Not only do they feature farm to table ingredients but food stands as well.

We have selected our favorite stands – food, but not only – from the Châtelain and Parvis de Saint-Gilles markets. Because it’s nice to look your chef in the eye, exchange a few words and say thank you before enjoying your meal either on the spot or take away to enjoy at home Let’s go.

Favorite market stalls at the Marché de Chatelain

Market Vendor and flowers

Neighborhood Gem: florist Ben van Hoo

Ben Van Hoo

Our first stop is for flowers. If you like pretty things, and as a resident of MP this is very likely, you will surely appreciate beautiful and affordable flowers. Ben’s stand is a golden nugget, no more and no less. Every week, the stand can be found on Wednesdays at the Châtelain market (but also on Saturdays and Sundays at the Flagey market). Ben selects the prettiest seasonal, organic and local flowers. It gives bouquets a rustic air, light as a breeze, colored as a summer’s day, or enchanting as a winter’s snow fall. Our most recent bouquet included Pampas grass, red holly berry flowers, and huge gladioli. A wonder.

The bonus? The bouquets, pre-made and soberly wrapped in craft paper cost only € 15.

Another bonus: you can also compose your bouquet yourself.

Thai food at stall

Neighborhood Gem: Thai food stall

Thai Food (the apple green tent can’t be missed)

While this Thai street food stand doesn’t really have a name it can be recognized from afar thanks to its apple green tent. Impossible to go wrong with tent or to choose a wrong dish as the food is good. Olivier tells us that with his wife Jeab, they’ve been working market stalls for 11 years. After living 6 years together on Koh Samet, a small island below Bangkok, where they ran a guesthouse, they came to settle in Belgium and made it their mission to introduce authentic Thai cuisineto Brussels. They can be found every Wednesday at Le Châtelain, and the rest of the week at the Boitsfort, Saint Job and Vieux Tilleul markets.

Their specialty, ideal for this season: Thai chicken noodle soup. A cousin to the classic Vietnamese Pho, the base is close but its broth differs with wonderful flavors very specific to Thailand. A treat for the modest sum of € 7.

Bonus: Olivier and Jeab have adapted the recipe to make it ideal for take-out. The noodles are pre-cooked and packaged separately from the broth, to prevent overcooking. Once back home, just heat them up for a minute in the broth, and it’s ready!

Borek

Neighborhood Gem: Aslan Borek

 

Aslan Borek

This is our latest crush no more and no less. Before being convinced by the taste, we had already fallen in love with the gestures. A ball of dough that is bounced between the fingers, then twirls in the flour, before being flattened, garnished, ending up cooking to a nice crisp on the plancha. We had our eyes on this stand for a while before having the patience to wait in the long lines for their Borek. The first good news, for us, is that there are no more lines. The second is, it’s not only mesmerizing to watch, but their food is also delicious.

Damla, whose maiden name is Aslan, works as a team with her husband Arnaud. It’s been two years since they gave up everything – they were respectively a sports coach and a sales engineer – to pursue their dream to work  “les marchés”. First in Lille, then in Knokke, and finally in Brussels, where they have been for just over a year. They can also be found on the Flagey market every Sunday.

Tip: Try the spicy beef borek, or the mushroom one, or both. These are our two favorites, but they are all amazing.

 

Favorite food stalls at the Marché du Parvis

El Taco Mobil

It is thanks to El Taco Mobil that we discovered the Parvis market. When their stand disappeared from the Flagey market, we went looking for them – that’s how good their food is. If there’s one thing that doesn’t take to the streets in Brussels, it’s a good Mexican taqueria. Not a frozen wheat tortilla Tex-Mex chain, no, a real Mexican, where the corn tortillas are made by hand. El Taco Mobil is exactly that, but mobile version. In addition to the authentic tortillas, Selene makes her homemade salsa verde, and garnishes her tacos with pulled pork, grilled beef and organic and seasonal vegetables. The dream. Our only regret: only being able to taste their incredible cuisine on Thursdays.

Our tip: Enjoy your tacos with a horchata, a traditional Mexican drink made from rice milk and cinnamon, homemade by Selene.

 

Ty Penty

Ty Penty is one of the great classics of Brussels food trucks, turning out the unmistakable sweet and savory Breton galettes. The line, usually endless, has been synonymous with their success for many years now. People come for their buckwheat pancakes of impeccable quality and for the kindness and smile of the owners. Our favorite, the ham, cheese and egg “complete” has never disappointed. They can also be found in Flagey on Saturdays and Sundays, on Mondays at Place Van Meenen and on Tuesdays at Square Meeus.

 

The must: accompany your pancake with a traditional bowl of cider – or a bottle – Breton of course.

The must of the must: finish off  with a traditional sweet pancake (this time with wheat flour). The pear and chocolate one is to die for.

 

Marché du Chatelain: Place du Chatelain 1050 Ixelles

Wednesday 12:00- 19:00

Marché du Parvis de St Gilles: Parvis de St Gilles 1060 Saint Gilles

Monday closed

Tuesday 07:45–14:45

Wednesday 07:30–13:00

Thursday 12:00–22:00

Friday  07:30–13:00

Saturday  07:30–14:00

Sunday 07:30–14:00

 

Coffee shop with plantsbrusselskitchen

Our top 5 neighborhood cafés in Saint Gilles

5 Cafés to (really) get some work done

It’s back to school. And even if summer isn’t quite over, or never quite started, there’s something pretty uplifting in the air. With many of us working from home, we often need a change of scenery so here’s a look at cafés where we are able to get some real #wfh done and all within close distance to Morton Place.

When you’ve had enough of working from home

We self-employed are often hopping from client to client or in my case from House to House and I have some favorite spots in the Morton Place neighborhoods where I know I can concentrate and get things done. Surprisingly, I find it easier to stay focused when working in a café. But the key is knowing how to choose the right place and avoid the cafés with bad Wi-Fi connection, loud music or the incessant noise from the various machines.

 

Although my list evolves, in conjunction with Chloé from Brussels Kitchen we have selected for you the cafés which, in our opinion, combine all the elements necessary for a good productive working day, from the quality of their coffee, sturdiness of their tables – to their playlists and all within an easy stroll from Morton Place!

Cafés near Morton Place Chatelain

Matcha Coffee

Belga & Co Bailli

Belga & Co is our go-to when we want a café where we are guaranteed to get through the To Do list. The concentration that reigns there is exemplary; customers even go out to the garden to make a phone call, just to be sure not to disturb the others. The three adjoining rooms, the dark walls, the sober and warm decor make it feel a bit like home. But with better coffee.

 

Our Tips: the sunny garden for a break (or phone call!)

Our favorite drink: coconut milk cappuccino

The best time to go: around noon, to be sure to get a table easily and after the morning rush

 

Belga & Co – 7 rue du Bailli, 1050 Ixelles

 

Coffee and cookie Kami

Kami is the new kid on the block, having opened after the others in the neighborhood, yet they have found their place and we love it. If you are lucky enough to nab a spot in the small conservatory, you can be even more secluded with a nice view of the garden and it’s song birds. Inside is comfy as well, with benches that allow several people to sit around a table, ideal for mini improvised meetings around a coffee.

 

Our Tips: the excellent home-made pastries, especially the “financiers” which are to die for, and the grilled cheese sandwich on soft sandwich bread.

Our favorite drink: Ethiopian filter coffee in batch brew

Best time to go: 9 a.m., as of opening

 

Kami – 355 chaussée de Waterloo, 1060 Saint-Gilles

 

 

 

 

Coffee shop with plants The Wild Lab

It’s our favorite address to start the day off right. They serve one of the best breakfasts in the capital. Too bad we can’t also start the week there: they only open as of Wednesday. But when Wednesday arrives, we tuck our computer in our bags and we rush there as soon as it opens for an indulgent breakfast: pancakes, banana toast and peanut butter, acai bowl or poached eggs and toast, they have it all. Everything to put us in a good mood and get us over the mid-week slump.

 

Our Tips: the fab menu from breakfast to brunch and snacks, which means that you can easily stay there all day

Our favorite drink: golden latte with coconut milk

Best time to go: Wednesday morning!

 

The Wild Lab – 44a rue Antoine Bréart, 1060 Saint Gilles

 

 

 

Cafés near Morton Place Louise & Parvis

 

Eggs and toast Café Flora

With its enormous sunny yellow terrace, this place is hard to miss. At first glance, you might think it’s more of a bar – and we have enjoyed more than one drink there however, it is also a very good base camp to get some work done. In the morning, the atmosphere is still calm and we enjoy a buttery croissant while soaking in the first rays of sunshine. If outside is too distracting, inside we like to settle into the thick velvet benches, with a coffee at hand to catch up on our to-do list. And when it comes to happy hour – what better place to invite your friends to join you to finish up your day!

 

Our tips: best eggs and soldiers on the Parvis

Our favorite drink: homemade lemonade with yuzu

The best time to go: as of early morning, when it’s calm, until “apéritif” time to end the day in style.

 

Café Flora – 16A Parvis de Saint-Gilles, 1060 Saint-Gilles

 

 

Shopping café Petit Mercado

 

This one is our latest gem – we have a huge crush on this place. Despite its popular weekend brunch and after work drinks, the Petit Mercado is a peaceful place at any other time of the day. We love the company of owners Mano and Pia, always there to make suggestions from the delicious croissants sourced from La Boule, the coffee from Velvet served in pretty Moroccan glasses, to the daily lunch and delicious cookies for an afternoon pick me up.

 

Our Tips: Le Petit Mercado is also a grocery store. Take this opportunity to leave with a few goodies. Our musts: the bouquets of dried flowers and the collection of canned goods straight from Portugal.

Our favorite drink: oat milk cappuccino

The best time to go: when it opens, around 10 a.m., or in the afternoon, around 3 p.m.

 

Petit Mercado – 82 rue de l’Hotel des Monnaies, 1060 Saint-Gilles

 

  • written in collaboration with Chloé of Brussels Kitchen @brusselskitchen 

 

Panorama view of Brussels.Morton Place

Where to go out near Morton Place Parvis

Moving to another country for business is a daunting process for anyone, and it is essential that you make the most of this. Working abroad is a wonderful way of expanding your business experience, as well as sampling another culture at the same time. The Parvis Saint Gilles neighborhood of Brussels is a great place to live during this time as it’s in the heart of the city, with a strong neighborhood identity.

With its numerous cafés, markets and restaurants it offers a lot of opportunities to socialize yet are still only a few stops on the metro to the business district and the European Quarter. It’s one of the most culturally diverse and interesting parts of Brussels, and there is so much you can experience when you move here.

The heart of the neighborhood is the Parvis, or church square which is a large pedestrianized square in front of the Saint Gilles church. There is a plethora of bars and cafés which cater to the urban population which typifies the neighborhood. There is also a weekly market on the square attracting people from all over Brussels for it’s organic produce.

Cultural opportunities

Saint Gilles is a bohemian artist’s enclave with a lot of studios tucked away in buildings which used to house the light manufacturing workshops of the past. Cultural highlights include

Galleries:

Galerie d’ivonne

Brussels Artwork

Cultural centersBrussels cultural centre

 

Food and drink

You should also be looking at where you can go to sample some of the best food and drink in Belgium, and there are plenty of options here. Sampling some of the best restaurants and eateries in the square is a major part of experiencing this wonderful place, and, your housemates are sure to help you establish a list of places to try.

If you want to combine great drinks, and a great experience for either lunch or dinner, then you should definitely check out Le Dillens.

You could also head to Cipiace, a delightful bar, and restaurant if you are looking for a quiet early evening drink or a long, talkative lunch with your friends. This is one of the best Italian eateries on the square, and this small, intimate gem, is one of the best places to eat in the Saint-Gilles.

The market also has plenty of excellent food stalls and places you can take a break, have a bite, and watch the world go by. The ideal location for some delightful food and drink options right now.

Coffee and Exploring

When you move to somewhere as exciting as the Parvis de Saint Gilles, you need to do your best to explore as much as possible. There are some great opportunities for doing this, and we have compiled a helpful guide to help you with this moving forward.

A great place to kick off your exploration is Brasserie de l’Union, named after the Saint Gilles football team “l’Union Saint Gilloise” this is an old school café at deliberately democratic prices. A small wander over to the rue Jean Volders and the rue Vanderschrick  leads you to a gorgeous collection of Art Nouveau architecture with such gems as the restaurant La Porteuse d’Eau.

People watching

One of the best ways of acclimating to your new home is to indulge in a spot of people watching, and this is so important for your move to Parvis. Now, the best way of doing some successful people watching is making sure you hole up in a delightful cafe somewhere, ordering a delicious hot drink, and watching the world go by. There are a lot of great places to do this in and around the Parvis area, and one of the main ones is to check out Brasserie Verschueren, a bohemian haunt is one of the best cafes in the city.

There are another couple of great places that you need to look out for, Cafe Maison du Peuple is one of the best contemporary hotspots in the area, complete with free Wi-Fi, and a great selection of beers as well.

Making the most of your trip to Parvis is so important because this is such a vibrant and multi-cultural area, popular with artists, musicians, and locals. You have to make sure you are focused on making the most of your move here, and that means experiencing all the delights that Saint-Gilles has to offer.

There is so much to keep in mind when you want to achieve this, and this is why doing a bit of research before you go is one of the best ways of plotting your move abroad. There is so much to experience in Parvis and the surrounding area, and you have to be sure you’re making the most of it.

 

Choosing your colivingMorton Place
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The growing benefits of Coliving – Is it for you?

Coliving is becoming a more popular choice for adults looking for easy and sociable living arrangements. Nostalgic for their student days, but needing a more grown up approach, coliving offers the social advantages of communal living without some of its drawbacks. If you’re thinking about the best way to find somewhere to live that offers you all that you need from a private and a social point of view, coliving might be right for you.

What is Coliving?

Coliving is a growing housing trend focused on shared living. Depending on the residence, shared spaces can range from cinema rooms, gyms or offices or as intimate as shared bathrooms and dorm style bedrooms. The range is broad so it’s important to figure out which coliving version is best for you. But it’s not just a type of living arrangement; it’s also a lifestyle with residents choosing coliving for its social aspects. Most residents could just as easily afford independent accommodation, but they choose coliving for it’s social and service aspects. Coliving can offer you a range of benefits, from fun spaces for spending time with others to community events, to housekeeping and maintenance services.

New to town?

Most of the residents at Morton Place are new to Brussels; without friends or a social network, life can be quite lonely outside of work. Coliving means you come home to a friendly face in the common areas, most often someone who just a few months before was new to town, just like you.

Everything provided for

One of the benefits of Coliving is that everything is in place for you when you move in. Everything that you could need is there, including furniture, a fully stocked kitchen and the all important Wifi. There’s no need to furnish anything, although you can personalise your space. All of your amenities and utilities will be included too, so you don’t have to spend time sorting out your electricity provider or getting your WiFi hooked up. It’s all ready for you to move in when you’re ready so that you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Help with maintenance and cleaning

In coliving arrangements like those found in Morton Place houses, you don’t even need to worry about maintaining your living space. Regular cleaning services help to keep common areas clean, so the most important thing you have to take care of is your own room and en-suite shower. Even light maintenance is taken care of, because lots of things can be expected to happen, from bust light bulbs to small amounts of wear and tear. You get a beautifully designed living space, and it will stay looking smart for however long you decide you want to stay. Things will get fixed during the day while residents are at work. Houses have guest rooms so residents can benefit from having friends and family come and stay.

Best neighborhoods

Morton Place homes are in the more desirable areas of Brussels. Residents staying at Morton Place Chatelain can enjoy the Wednesday night food trucks on the Place du Chatelain, summer evenings on the rooftop of the Jam Hotelor  brunch with our neighbours, Hinterland. At our Louise and Parvis houses, residents enjoy drinks on the terrace at Brasserie Verschueren, Italian food at CiPiaCeor brunch at Le Café Dillens, as well as late-night DJs at Café Maison du Peuple. The small, boutique restaurants and shops are the key to making neighborhoods feel like home, and we have chosen some of the best Brussels has to offer.

Outside sitting area of a café in the Parvis Saint Gilles Neighborhood in Brussels

Be part of a community

As well as providing spaces for socialising, Coliving can help you to become part of a community. Coliving spaces can provide events, social groups, activities and other ways to get involved with a community both within your building and out in the wider community too. Some coliving spaces have community programs on offer, while others can even provide benefits such as childcare. At Morton Place, we recognise that your home is also a refuge, not another office, so we don’t organise events in the house unless it’s a welcome drink. We let our residents organise their lives spontaneously and find the events they organise themselves are the most successful. With the growth of the coliving world, we expect it to increasingly cater to different demographics both in terms of family sizes and ages.

Coliving can be an excellent option for people looking for sociable living with lots of perks. If you want to be part of a community and live somewhere that’s full of life, coliving could work for you. Morton Place offers three beautiful houses in Brussels that provide a welcoming community and well-appointed spaces for both long and short-term rentals.

Residential View

The Beauty of Living In Brussels: A Resident’s View

Sure, hotels are great. But a resident’s perspective is the best place from which to view any city as its inhabitants do. It places you right where the action is, and affords you instant access to amenities and transport links.

If you’re lucky, you might even get a stunning view of the city.

Those who have had the good fortune to stay in a shared property in Brussels know that there’s no better way to engage with the sights, sounds, smells, taste and feel of Belgium’s capital.

For those considering moving to Brussels on a long-term or full-time basis or relocating to work, there’s a great deal to get excited about. Living as a Brussels resident puts a wealth of sights and activities on your doorstep. Let’s take a look at just some of the things that await you outside of your front door that make this a city unlike any other…

 

Dive into a cultural melting pot

Belgium has multiculturalism baked into its crust. No matter where you’re visiting from, you’re sure to find something or someone familiar even as you explore cultural influences from around the world. Take yourself down to the bustling Chatelain quarter; a lively hub to which many expats are drawn to get a snapshot of the multicultural feel.

Brussels has been a multicultural hub throughout its history. It is situated as a cultural and geographical meeting point between Latin and Germanic peoples including the Spanish, Polish, German, British, Italian, Austrian, Dutch, Turkish and, of course, French. Yet, despite its multicultural nature it has always maintained its own unique sense of identity.

Belgium’s cultural eclecticism can be seen everywhere from its politics to its architecture, its wealth of diverse spoken languages… and of course the food (more on that shortly).

Ever wanted to visit Paris but been put off by the hefty price tag? Take yourself down to the Brugmann Quarter, often referred to as “Little Paris”. Here you’ll find a slightly more idyllic echo of Paris that offers the sense of romance that many find lacking in the “real” French capital.

Get lost in a world of sensational architecture

Brussels’ famous Art Nouveau architecture makes it one of the most picturesque cities in Europe and a mecca for those who appreciate the design wonders of the man-made world. From the infamous Guild houses lining the magnificent UNESCO-listed Grand Place, to the more ostentatious Palais Royale and the Palace of Justice or the more idiosyncratic gems like the Maison Saint Cyr.

The Victor Horta Museum near Louise is an intact home designed by the architect himself, considered the master of early 20th century Belgian architecture. Lovers of fine architecture will find Brussels a treat for the eyes.

 

Explore a wealth of culinary delights

One cannot get the true measure of a city without sampling its tastes as well as its sights. As you might expect, no matter where your culinary tastes lie, there’s something for you in Brussels. The city is home to some 3,000 restaurants. Five of which have not just one but two Michelin stars.

For a truly authentic Belgian eating and dining experience check out Monk; a bustling bierkeller where people from around the world cram in together to enjoy world class beers and the establishments only dish, spaghetti. Or, for a more illustrious dining experience visit the stunning Comme Chez Soi on the Place Rouppe.

While much of the fare in Brussels has a decidedly French influence delighting in seafood and dairy, vegans can still have a great time in Brussels. Check out Humus and Hortense in the Flagey neighborhood, which has recently won the award for Best Vegan Restaurant in the World.

However, for perhaps the most intimate and unique dining experience in Brussels, be sure to visit the charming L’Epicerie- a one woman restaurant in the Chatelain  neighborhood that feels like a freshly prepared dinner at your best friend’s house (if only your best friend could cook that well).

Finally, no conversation about Belgian food is complete without chocolate. The really good stuff can be found at Mary, which celebrate its 100 years this year, or for more powerful contemporary flavors try Wittamer on the place du Grand Sablon.

Enjoy art… Everywhere!

Ever felt like there was a certain sense of snobbery that pervaded the art scenes in London, Paris, New York and the like? There’s nothing snobby about the art scene in Brussels. Great art is everywhere. It’s even on the walls or the city street! Check out the stunning comic strip murals on the walls of the Comic Book Museum on Rue des Sables. Keep your eyes peeled for the work of BONOM (Brussels’ provocative street artist sometimes referred to as the “Belgian Banksy”.

Needless to say, for those who favour a more traditional cultural experience there are plenty of stunning galleries to rival anything you’d see in Paris or Amsterdam. Check out Bozar for a neat microcosm of the Brussels art scene where you’ll see an eclectic mix of pieces all wrapped up in a stunning Victor Horta designed exterior.

Or if your tastes veer more towards the contemporary, be sure to visit MIMA; a gallery that redefines galleries and pays homage to all kinds of alternative and popular cultures from tattoos to comic books.

Shop like a local

While the area surrounding Grand Place has no shortage of fine shopping, locals know that the best spots lie a little off the beaten track. Get your high end fashion fix at Stephanie Quare in Louise where you’ll find notable brands from Mango to Jimmy Choo. Thrift shoppers, on the other hand, won’t want to miss the sprawling Jeu de Balle flea market in the Marolles where you can find all kinds of unique one of a kind items whether you’re looking for antique books, a new jacket or a chez lounge. Or perhaps you’d rather walk around the stalls that occupy the pretty cobbled streets of the Parvis de Saint-Gilles for the Saint Gillois market.

If it’s fresh produce you’re after you need look no further than the Market of Châtelain where you can find all sorts of fresh organic produce, or have your fill of local wines and cheeses at the Chasseurs Ardennais Market.

Take a sun drenched walk in the park

Every major conurbation has its share of beautiful parks. No matter how much one loves urban chic it’s nice to be able to get away from it all and relax in nature’s bounty. Brussels has no shortage of stunning green spaces in which one can escape the hustle and bustle. Weekends sees the traffic stopped and the roads given way to cyclists, runners and skateboarders over at the Bois de la Cambre, which also has several small restaurants for a break. For a lunch break in the city centre, try the Leopold Park near the Solvay Library- an oasis of natural calm in the heart of the city.

Those looking for ornate gardens should visit the Van Buuren Museum and Gardens while plant lovers will want to spend hours at the national botanical gardens Jardin Botanique Meise.

If you really want to get lost, find your way to the Foret de Soigne the old hunting grounds of Belgian royalty where you can walk for miles in the forest without seeing a single car.

Conclusion

This article represents the briefest snapshot of what residents of Brussels enjoy within easy reach of their homes on a daily basis. There’s so much more to be discovered, but part of the fun is finding your own hidden gems for yourself. One thing’s for sure, you’ll be glad you came to settle in Brussels.