Avenue Louise

The basics

Avenue Louise was constructed in 1947 under orders from King Leopold II, who wanted to create a direct path to the Bois de la Cambre. Today it's home to all sorts of luxury shops, office buildings, public squares, and around a dozen embassies. There are also many hotels along and near the avenue, and while many places to stay here are of the swanky high-end variety, there are a few more modest places to lay your head.

Things to know before you go

• Avenue Louise is best experienced on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do some walking.

• If you’re coming to see Victor Horta’s Hotel Solvay, you must buy tickets in advance.

• While the avenue is known for its high-end shops, there are deals in the surrounding neighborhoods.

How to get there

The best way to get to Avenue Louise is by taking line 2 or line 6 of the metro to the Louise stop and then walk the length of the street. If you don’t want to walk, you can hop on either line 8 or 93 of the tram, both running the length of the avenue.

When to get there

Avenue Louise is best visited during the warm, dry summer months when the weather is ideal for walking. You'll get the fullest experience if you come during the day when the shops are open, and the people-watching is at its finest. While this part of town is considered safe, some parts of the stretch can feel a bit seedy after dark.

The Hotel Solvay

One of the star attractions on Avenue Louise is Hotel Solvay, one of a collection of four UNESCO World Heritage townhomes designed by Art Deco pioneer Victor Horta. This 19th-century home features gorgeous interiors replete with wrought iron, beautifully preserved mosaic work, and lots of stained glass and is open for tours by reservation.