menu
  • The Word Radio
  • hub heroes
  • The Brussels Bike Hundred
  • Search
The Word Magazine

Neighbourhood life, 
art and music
made in Belgium

menu
  • The Word Radio
  • hub heroes
  • The Brussels Bike Hundred
  • Search
The Word magazine

Follow us

The Export Edition

Order our latest issue, The Export Edition

Neighbourhood life

Belgium building

Discussing iconic Belgian architecture with urban planners, architects, writers and curators.

Do the right thing

Weekly listings of exhibitions, concerts, openings, parties and events to do over the weekend.

Area codes

Local heroes reveal their favourite neighbourhood hotspots and hangouts – from bars and bookshops to restaurants and galleries.

This is Belgium

The best Belgian-only art, food, photography, music, travel, architecture and neighbourhood tips from the magazine’s team of editors.

hub heroes

We team up with hub.brussels, Brussels’ Business Support Agency, and shine a light on 50 of the Region’s start-up success stories driving the capital city’s economic landscape forward. From the eco-conscious manufacturer to the technology-enabled post-production imprint, our 50-strong selection of portraits and interviews plays testament to the Region’s dense and dynamic culture of entrepreneurship.

The Brussels Bike Hundred

We’re teaming up with Bike for Brussels to put together a 100-strong selection of local heroes shaping the city each in their own way. From designers and DJs to performers and publishers, these are the creatives riding Brussels forward.

The Mechelen Hundred

Nestled between Brussels and Antwerp, Mechelen has often been overshadowed by its larger neighbours. Yet teaming up with the City of Mechelen, our line-up of 100 of the city’s most prominent people, places and projects proves the extent of its potential. From artists and creatives to critical thinkers and fighters, these are the powerhouses driving Mechelen forward one step at a time.

The House Hundred

We’re teaming up with Bulldog to select 100 essential people, places and projects in Belgian house music. From producers and DJs to record labels and festivals, these are the forces driving the homegrown house scene forward, one BPM at a time.

The Leuven Hundreds

We’ve joined forces with Leuven to highlight 100 local people, places and projects that contribute towards making the city what it is today. From artists and architects to producers and professors, these are the driving forces powering Leuven forward one ingenious initiative at a time.

The Antwerp Hundreds

We've teamed up with This is Antwerp to bring you The Antwerp Hundreds, a 100-strong selection of local movers and shakers setting the tone for the neighbourhood of tomorrow.

Art

On-design

An in-depth look at the work of Belgian design studios, published monthly.

Favourite Belgian movies

Selections of essential Belgian movies handpicked by artistic directors, curators and all-round cinema connoisseurs.

Curator talks

Intimate conversations with curators dissecting the ambitions, intentions and narratives of their recently opened exhibitions.

Exhibition reviews

Visual documentaries of recently opened contemporary art exhibitions in Belgium.

Portfolio reports

Reviewing the practice of Belgium-based artists through in-depth looks at their recent works.

Studio visits

Exploring the environments and artistic spaces of some of the country’s foremost contemporary artists.

The art throwaway project

Insights into the lives of local contemporary art movers and shakers through our office Quicksnaps.

Music

Exclusive mixes

Hour-long mixes recorded by the crème de la crème of Belgian DJs and producers exclusively for us.

Favourite Belgian releases

Selections of essential Belgian tracks handpicked by local tastemakers, from DJs and producers to record label heads and record store clerks.

The music throwaway project

Backstage antics, tour tales and onstage adventures with some of the country’s most exciting musical talents captured with our office Quicksnaps.

  • Search
The Word magazine
  • Brussels
  • Belgium
  • Music
  • Photography
  • Antwerp
  • Arts
  • Ghent
  • We love
  • Exhibitions
  • Lifestyle
  • Weekend
  • Culture
  • Contemporary art
  • Talent
  • What to do
  • Concert
  • Interviews
  • On the radar
  • Behind the scenes
  • Fashion
  • Design
menu The Word Magazine

Neighbourhood life, 
art and music
made in Belgium

Follow us

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Bereklauw: A post-modern attempt at rebellion

Bereklauw: A post-modern attempt at rebellion

Bereklauw offers more than loud music and isolation to the observant eye: backstage, an attempt at subverting daily life is in the motions.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
HORST and ONKRUID co-founder Jochem Daelman’s commuting go-to spots

HORST and ONKRUID co-founder Jochem Daelman’s commuting go-to spots

We caught up with HORST and ONKRUID's Jochem Daelman to find out his favourite go-to-spots in his hometown of Leuven, to discoveries in his new Brussels home.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Crevette Records’ founder Pim Thomas on his perfect hideouts in Brussels

Crevette Records’ founder Pim Thomas on his perfect hideouts in Brussels

Brussels-based DJ and Record Store owner Pim Thomas shares his favourite spots.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
La Petite Production co-owner Laurent Dano on his essential Brussels addresses

La Petite Production co-owner Laurent Dano on his essential Brussels addresses

Co-founder of La Petite Production, a new brunch-only diner in the Flagey neighbourhood, Laurent Dano spills the beans on his favourite spots, drinking dens and getaways in Brussels.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
A foodie tour of Antwerp by Buchbar’s Kim Hertogs

A foodie tour of Antwerp by Buchbar’s Kim Hertogs

A self-admitted foodie, we got together with Kim for a chat on all things culinary in her hometown of Antwerp.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
The initiatives shaping the Charleroi of tomorrow

The initiatives shaping the Charleroi of tomorrow

From creative space to live music venue, we drop in on four venues that are strenghtening the city’s cultural landscape and shaping its future.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Foreign affairs minister Didier Reynders on Brussels

Foreign affairs minister Didier Reynders on Brussels

The Liège-born politician talks restaurants, books and art in his newfound hometown of Brussels.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
The people and places of rapper Baloji’s Ghent

The people and places of rapper Baloji’s Ghent

Up close and personal in Ghent with the iconic rapper extraordinaire.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Camille Loiseau on Brussels’ underground music scene

Camille Loiseau on Brussels’ underground music scene

From electronic to garage and French DIY pop, the head of communications at Le Vecteur reveals some of Brussels' best kept secrets.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Rapper and beatmaker JeanJass on Charleroi

Rapper and beatmaker JeanJass on Charleroi

"It was only after I left Charleroi for Brussels that I felt more Carolo than ever."

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Designer Inge Rylant’s Antwerp

Designer Inge Rylant’s Antwerp

The illustrator and freelance designer takes us on a personal tour of Antwerp.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Gallerist Harlan Levey on Brussels

Gallerist Harlan Levey on Brussels

"In the art world people compare it to Berlin, but its much more like NYC a couple of decades ago."

Neighbourhood life Area codes
In and around Leuven with Tangram Records

In and around Leuven with Tangram Records

Leuven-based label Tangram records talk favourite places for coffee, music, beer and boiled eggs.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Rodolphe Janssen’s favourite addresses in Brussels

Rodolphe Janssen’s favourite addresses in Brussels

Gallery owner Rodolphe Janssens shuffles out a list of his top Brussels addresses for food, shops, art, and promenades.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Independent director Liv Vaisberg on Antwerp

Independent director Liv Vaisberg on Antwerp

The Antwerp-based curator and director of Independent reveals her favourite spots for food, travel and fun.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Publisher Marc Verhagen on his Antwerp

Publisher Marc Verhagen on his Antwerp

Marc Verhagen, founder of Luster publishing house, gives us his personal favourite addresses in and around Antwerp.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Ibasho’s Martijn and Annemarie on their top Antwerp addresses

Ibasho’s Martijn and Annemarie on their top Antwerp addresses

Gallery Ibasho founders talk to us about the snazzy Antwerp addresses topping their list for shops, eateries and day trips.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Walhalla Record’s Lieven De Ridder on Antwerp and surroundings

Walhalla Record’s Lieven De Ridder on Antwerp and surroundings

The founder of legendary minimal synth record label Walhalla Records opens up about his Antwerp hangouts, from pita joints to ice cream parlours.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Thomas Caron’s Ghent

Thomas Caron’s Ghent

26 local addresses and neighbourhood institutions from the former S.M.A.K. curator.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Yvan Mayeur’s favourite Brussels addresses

Yvan Mayeur’s favourite Brussels addresses

Yvan Mayeur, mayor of the city of Brussels, reveals his neighbourhood institutions.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Gallerist Roger Szmulewicz on Antwerp

Gallerist Roger Szmulewicz on Antwerp

Gallery Fifty One's owner Roger Szmulewicz shares his favourite Antwerp addresses.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Diane Hennebert on Brussels

Diane Hennebert on Brussels

Diane Hennebert, founder of the creative alternative school Out of the Box, shares a few of her favourite Brussels addresses.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Rudi Vervoort on Brussels

Rudi Vervoort on Brussels

Seasoned politician and head of the Brussels Region, Rudi Vervoort reveals his favourite restaurants, record shops and public parks.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Alexis Ryngaert’s Brussels

Alexis Ryngaert’s Brussels

Design gallery Victor Hunt founder Alexis Ryngaert opens up about his adopted hometown, Brussels.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Musique Chienne’s Brussels

Musique Chienne’s Brussels

Sarah, aka Musique Chienne, presents her favourite Brussels addresses, from tasty eateries to best for bargain hunts.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Area codes: Grand Maison’s Céline Fouarge on Liège

Area codes: Grand Maison’s Céline Fouarge on Liège

As one of the owners of the recently opened Grand Maison coffee shop, Celine shares her top address in and around Liège.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Non Peut-Être

Non Peut-Être

Young, dynamic and hungry for new addresses, Non Peut Être shares with us a list of their favourite places in Brussels.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Kris Martin

Kris Martin

Kris Martin, Belgian based, internationally known, artist lays out his favorite homegrown addresses.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Recto Verso’s Marie Hocepied

Recto Verso’s Marie Hocepied

Marie Hocepied, founder of Recto Verso, reveals her picks for unwinding and spending quality time with family and friends.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
DJ Azer’s Ghent

DJ Azer’s Ghent

If Azer has been around, his beloved Ghent was always in his heart. Let's find out about his best kept secret.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Flagey’s Gilles Ledure

Flagey’s Gilles Ledure

Flagey's Gilles Ledure sets up his classic picks of Brussels addresses.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Area codes: Frederik Vercruysse’s Antwerp

Area codes: Frederik Vercruysse’s Antwerp

Antwerp's nooks and crannies have found a way to fairly new resident Frederik Vercruysse's heart.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Stephanie Specht’s Antwerp

Stephanie Specht’s Antwerp

In this week's Area code, we takes a stroll through graphic designer Stephanie Specht's Antwerp.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Jon and Maša’s Antwerp

Jon and Maša’s Antwerp

The couple behind Antwerp-based creative agency Klein take us on a tour of their favourite local hangouts.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
WIELS senior curator Zoë Gray

WIELS senior curator Zoë Gray

We ask recently appointed Wiels's senior curator Zoë Gray about her favourite places in Brussels.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Area codes: Ingrid Deuss’ Antwerp

Area codes: Ingrid Deuss’ Antwerp

We take a stroll through gallery owner Ingrid Deuss' Antwerp.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Area codes: DIFT founders Yves and Bert’s Ghent

Area codes: DIFT founders Yves and Bert’s Ghent

DIFT founders reveal Ghent's best coffee bars, tattoo parlours, restaurants and bars.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Area codes: Dj Kwak’s Brussels

Area codes: Dj Kwak’s Brussels

Tireless music promoter DJ Kwak delivers his first class Brussels addresses.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Area codes: Thierry and Sarah’s Antwerp

Area codes: Thierry and Sarah’s Antwerp

Thierry Vandenbussche and photographer Sarah Van Marcke take us on a neighbourly walk around their Borgerhout.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Area codes: Damien and Bénédicte’s Brussels

Area codes: Damien and Bénédicte’s Brussels

Award-winning restaurant Bouchéry's owners Damien and Bénédicte reveal their Brussels.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Area codes: Jurgen Maelfeyt’s Ghent

Area codes: Jurgen Maelfeyt’s Ghent

Set to open his own bookshop-come-gallery this Thursday, we ask APE's Jurgen Maeyfelt about his favourite Ghent hotspots.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Area codes: Virginie Devillez’ Brussels

Area codes: Virginie Devillez’ Brussels

Curator and Middlemarch co-founder Virginie Devillez reveals her favourite neighbourhood spots.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Area codes: Claire Silva Moreira’s Brussels

Area codes: Claire Silva Moreira’s Brussels

Part two of our neighbourhood watch series with Brussels-based online vintage design retailer Claire Silva Moreira.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Area codes: Marina Bautier’s Brussels

Area codes: Marina Bautier’s Brussels

We kick off the new season with a tour of some of Brussels-based designer Marina Bautier's favourite local digs.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Area codes: Dieter Van Den Storm’s Brussels North district

Area codes: Dieter Van Den Storm’s Brussels North district

Change to this gritty cityscape is a long time coming...Brussels' north inner city gets a once-over.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Area codes: Coffeeklatch’s Magali and Bart on Antwerp North

Area codes: Coffeeklatch’s Magali and Bart on Antwerp North

The prolific profilers talk gentrification and architectural gems in this crash course on their north city 'hood.

Neighbourhood life Area codes
A walk through Ostend with DJ Nosedrip

A walk through Ostend with DJ Nosedrip

What’s so great about Ostend? DJ Nosedrip reveals what he loves best about his native turf

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Love London

Love London

Journalist Nabeelah Shabbir walks us through some of her favourite shabby to chic corners of her native London town

Neighbourhood life Area codes
Area codes: there’s a renaissance happening in Amsterdam

Area codes: there’s a renaissance happening in Amsterdam

We're taken on a tour of Amsterdamian Rhiannon Pickle's absolute-must city-side addresses...

The Word Magazine is Belgium’s leading English-speaking free media platform, documenting and championing the best in neighbourhood living, music and art. Published every two months, the magazine is distributed in over 500 distribution points across the country.

Design & development by Variable

Like us
Follow us
Follow us again



Listen to us

About us

Contact us

Over 100 residents, all Belgian or based in Belgium.

Listen to The Word Radio live, 24/7