From the owner: Le Biplan est une double salle (théâtre et concert) associative lilloise gérée bénévolement depuis…read more1998 par l'association "Vol de Nuit". Une soixantaine de bénévoles se relaient chaque jour pour en assurer le fonctionnement, la programmation, l'accueil du public et des artistes.

Nice hidden gem, with an easy going vibe. The woman running our lodging recommended it, so we…read morestopped in the afternoon, sitting on the courtyard and enjoying the beer. We came back after dinner for the free jazz, which started at 9 that night. We got there around 8:30 so that we could get a seat inside. The tables are very close together, as they must like to pack them in for the performances. They have more chairs stacked in the corner, though there was no more space to put people in those chairs. You have to go to the bar for service when there is a performance, which becomes problematic as it gets more crowded. There is a sign that requests silence during performances, though there were several who were chatting quietly throughout. There's a nice little courtyard for the smokers, which is covered in the evenings. They have a few snacks, but it's all about the beer and drinks.

A random surprise lines down a line way... When we visited during the day it seemed to attract a…read moreyounger student type of crowd however let that not distract, it's a really cool bar with a easy going vibe to it and the blend of music was understated though added some good vibes to this place. Enjoyed this little secret bar and wish I'd had the chance to pop back when they had live music playing which they appear to promote pretty well. They could do with advertising more or having a better presence on the Main Street to attract those travelling through

What an epic experience to see Fleet Foxes here! This is a…read morehistoric location and venue! This place is known for its exceptional acoustics. The Kings of Leon recorded a live EP here. There are 3 levels and if you arrive early you can get seats in the rear, otherwise you are standing the entire show. Go here to see a live show!

Only a very lucky human being gets to see one of her favorite electronic groups while traveling…read moreoverseas. Just think of all the factors that must fall into place - the band's tour dates, availability of tickets, and proximity to the venue. It's pretty much the ultimate trifecta of coincidence. As it turns out, I am that lucky person - someone who was gifted a Hot Chip ticket to a sold-out Saturday night show in Brussels! Because I wanted to live like a local, I took the metro instead of a cab. And then walked. And walked some more. Gosh, Belgian maps are difficult to read. Of course, I found it. Ancienne Belgique is this beautiful, contemporary music venue that feels spacious with its soaring ceilings but in actuality, the capacity makes it quite intimate. In fact, I didn't think I'd have a shot at running into some new friends who were also going to the show but alas, I found them by the first bar I set my thirsty sights on. Luck strikes yet again! The sound quality is superb. If you prefer to drink while watching your favorite band take the stage (yes!), then angle for a space on the floor near one of the doors. That's how the savvy Belgian boys do it anyway, and I was right there to capitalize. If you'd rather take a seat, there's 'romantic' seating in the back and then there's also two levels of terrace. The bars work on a token system so make sure to head there first. And if you have a coat or anything else you'd prefer to dump during the show, head downstairs and grab a locker for €1. So convenient! Hopefully sooner than later, I'll be back.

Awesome cult- & jazzbar in original 20s-30s atmosphere, nearby the historical center of Ghent. I…read moreheard in the early days it used to be a club with exclusive memberships, only accessible for artists, architects, writers, etc., philosophing, smoking and drinking until morning hours around the pooltable. Started by Johan and Guido Claus, brothers of famous Hugo. You like Edith or miss Fitzgerald? Or rather a burlesque show with live music and swinging people, within a decor of a temporary art exhibition and dark pictures of Al Capone and Mata Hari? Check the event schedule on facebook, join barladies Marie and Lara at the authentic long copper bar, and ask for a 'real' scoth or one of the dozens of fine Belgian beers! And call me if you drop by, i'll probably join (for the 1000th time) ;)

Atmosphere is the key to this place. Bartender plays jazz records. Decent but limited selection of…read moreBelgian beers. I had a Duvel Tripel Hop. Great for having a conversation. Sit and talk with a friend, admire the photos and the artwork. They even have a pool table. Well worth seeking out for a drink or two. Enjoy!

The ONLY place to catch live blues music in Ghent! It is a bit like a dive bar, but the place is…read morepacked whenever there is live music. Of our 3 evenings in the city, we spent 2 of them here! The open mike night is incredible, with a rock solid opening band that then backs up solo musicians. We could easily have stayed until closing, but after a few Belgian beers and jet lag, we reluctantly bid our farewell. The drinks are great here too, plus there is food to be had.

So many good beers on tap. All of them are Belgian. Highly recommend the sweet cherry beer (#8 at…read morethe bar). Bar tender is really nice too

From the owner: Ambiance Rock toutes générations! Envie d'une musique Rock,…read moredemandez, et vous l'avez!!

People living in Antwerp are pretty spoiled when it comes to concert halls. From the top 10…read morebest-selling concert hall worldwide to the smaller venues, in Antwerp there's plenty of room for a wide variety of music. The concert venue Music centre TRIX is located just outside the heart of the city and is only a 15 minutes tram ride away from Antwerpen - Centraal railway station (tram 10 Wijnegem and get off at "Borgerhout Hof ter Lo"). U won't find any top-billed artists on the stage. The TRIX is known for its alternative music profile and with a standing capacity of 1100, it brings u face-to-face with the entertaining live shows starring Amanda Palmer or Emilie Autumn's fantasy rock. The American pop rock band OneRepublic, the rap metal band Limp Bizkit and the Belgium singer Stromae all performed sold out shows at TRIX!

One of the problems with checking out the really cool bars is that you can land up at one and end…read moreup not leaving until it is too late to go and check out any of the others (even when the people you meet tell you that there is a much better bar just up the road). Okay, it was a bit of a hike from our hotel, but it was certainly worth it, even if it was just for the atmosphere. Mind you, when I first saw it after stepping out of the alley (and being warmly greeted by some guys standing there), I could see that this was definitely a pretty popular bar, and when we ended up chatting with one of the patrons for most of the night it certainly left an impression on me that is going to stay for quite a while. As I said to one of them, why go to a foreign country when you are not going to mix with the locals - that is one of the best ways to actually experience other places (though of course there are those who simply treat them like museum pieces and spectacles).

We stopped in last week over the holidays while walking around Ghent. Old school punk rock playing,…read morethat moved into some upbeat jazz & blues, etc. Crowd was cool, diverse & chill. Bartenders were great & very helpful with different beer styles. When I see the High Priest of Bop on the menu, I'm in the right place. Bumper-pool was a surprise. Little dried sausages to snack on. This place reminds me of what the LES used to be in NY in the 90s. If I lived in Ghent, I would be there enough to pay the light bill.