
Cimetière d'Ixelles Brussels
A historic Brussels cemetery transformed into a vibrant hub with cafes, restaurants, and notable tombs, including Victor Horta's.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful exploration

Cimetière d'Ixelles Brussels
Best Time
Peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Brussels cemetery transformed into a vibrant hub with cafes, restaurants, and notable tombs, including Victor Horta's.
"A peaceful and beautiful place, where history meets modern life with delightful eateries."

☕ Cafe & Restaurant Hub
Discover eateries like Lloyd Coffee, ONO Brunch, and Italian spots within or near the cemetery!
🚶♀️ Peaceful Strolls
Enjoy a calm and comforting experience walking among the graves of notable figures.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Art Nouveau Masterpiece Tomb
Victor Horta's Grave
An intricate wrought-iron trellis with living roses, a signature motif of the Art Nouveau master.

Lloyd Coffee Eatery
Inside the Cemetery
A calm spot to eat and relax, perfect for families with a play area for children.

ONO Brunch and Coffee
Ixelles Cemetery Area
A popular brunch spot offering sweet and savory options in a lively neighborhood setting.

Italian Restaurant Gem
Ixelles Cemetery Area
Discover a new Italian restaurant with an incredible decor and delicious food.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Unexpected
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Cafe & Restaurant Hub
Discover eateries like Lloyd Coffee, ONO Brunch, and Italian spots within or near the cemetery!
🚶♀️ Peaceful Strolls
Enjoy a calm and comforting experience walking among the graves of notable figures.
🎨 Art Nouveau Details
Seek out Victor Horta's tomb for its intricate ironwork and living floral decorations.
🐱 Cemetery Cats
Keep an eye out for the resident cats often seen sunbathing on the marble tombs.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Cafe & Restaurant Hub
Discover eateries like Lloyd Coffee, ONO Brunch, and Italian spots within or near the cemetery!
🚶♀️ Peaceful Strolls
Enjoy a calm and comforting experience walking among the graves of notable figures.
🎨 Art Nouveau Details
Seek out Victor Horta's tomb for its intricate ironwork and living floral decorations.
🐱 Cemetery Cats
Keep an eye out for the resident cats often seen sunbathing on the marble tombs.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the unique atmosphere and architectural details of the cemetery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Cimetière d'Ixelles to be a uniquely peaceful and beautiful place, offering a blend of historical reflection and modern cafe culture. While many appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the artistic tombs, some note that service at the on-site restaurants could be more efficient.
"Today, November 2nd – All Souls’ Day.
I came to Brussels last year as part of my project work, far away from my dear ones. While attending yesterday’s Holy Mass, I felt like visiting a nearby cemetery, and I found the address of the Ixelles Cemetery online. I went there without any particular expectation.
It was a peaceful and beautiful place, where I walked among many graves of people I had never known. Later, when I looked them up, I found that some were architects, artists, soldiers, public servants, and ordinary citizens — all resting together on the same ground. As I passed each grave, I thought about their lives and offered a silent prayer for them.
It was a calm and comforting experience — perhaps unusual to say about a graveyard, but truly heartfelt. My sincere thanks to the authorities for maintaining this place with such care and dignity.
Also sharing a few pictures I took there — small memories from a quiet and meaningful visit."
Neethu’s Diary
"The Art Nouveau master's final work is his own grave - an intricate wrought-iron trellis where real roses grow through the metal curls like living decoration. Cemetery cats (including a three-legged ginger tom) often sunbathe on the warm Carrara marble. If you rub the bronze door handle, you'll notice it's shaped like a budding vine - his signature motif. The tomb faces northeast so morning light filters perfectly through the ironwork, casting lace-like shadows that change with the seasons. Local florists still leave cuttings of Horta's favorite white roses every 15th of January, his death anniversary. Look for the tiny architect's compass carved discreetly in the base - his students added it secretly during construction."
Arman Khachatryan
"Very peaceful place and well taken careful. People inside are quiet and nobody will bother you."
Shaky K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cemetery is accessible by public transport. Several bus lines stop nearby, and it's a short walk from tram stops. If driving, be aware that parking might be limited in the surrounding streets.
Yes, it's located close to the ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) campus, making it a convenient spot for students.
It's a bit of a walk from the absolute city center, but easily reachable by a short bus or tram ride. Consider it a pleasant journey through the Ixelles neighborhood.
The cemetery has multiple entrances. The main ones are usually well-marked, but exploring different access points can lead to unique discoveries.
While it's a large place, a good pair of walking shoes is recommended. Maps might be available at the entrance, or you can use your phone's GPS.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, entry to the cemetery is free, allowing for peaceful exploration. However, specific cafes or restaurants within the grounds will have their own pricing.
The cemetery typically opens in the morning and closes around dusk. It's advisable to check the exact hours online or upon arrival, especially for the eateries.
Yes, several popular spots like Lloyd Coffee Eatery and various Italian restaurants are located within or adjacent to the cemetery grounds.
For popular brunch spots like ONO Brunch, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends. For other eateries, it might be first-come, first-served.
While the cemetery itself has general opening hours, individual businesses within the grounds will have their own operating times.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, and many visitors capture the unique atmosphere and beautiful tombs. Be respectful of ongoing ceremonies or private moments.
The Art Nouveau tombs, especially Victor Horta's, are highly photogenic. The tree-lined avenues and intricate sculptures also offer great photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries and public spaces for privacy and safety reasons. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
While not strictly enforced, it's always good practice to be discreet and avoid disturbing other visitors or those paying respects.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the details of the tombs, while late afternoon light can create a more dramatic atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Surprisingly, there are several dining options! You can find cafes like Lloyd Coffee Eatery, brunch spots like ONO Brunch, and Italian restaurants.
Yes, Lloyd Coffee Eatery is noted as being very kid-friendly, with a play area for children, making it a great spot for families.
The Italian restaurant is praised for its incredible decor and delicious food, with one reviewer calling it a 'sans faute' (flawless) experience.
Lloyd Coffee Eatery offers veggie options, including buns. It's always a good idea to check the menu of any restaurant for specific dietary offerings.
Some visitors have reported long wait times, especially for delivery orders, suggesting the management could improve time management for food preparation.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
It's a unique blend of peaceful resting place and lively social hub. You can find quiet contemplation alongside vibrant cafes and restaurants.
While official guided tours might not be widely advertised, exploring on your own allows for personal discovery. Local guides or historical societies might offer specialized tours.
The cemetery is the final resting place for many notable artists, writers, scientists, and public servants, including the Art Nouveau architect Victor Horta.
Absolutely. It's described as a very peaceful and well-maintained place, perfect for a quiet and meaningful stroll.
While primarily a cemetery, the surrounding area and some of the establishments within have hosted events, including parties and club nights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🍽️ Foodies & Cafe Hoppers
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Unique Blend: History Meets Modern Life
What sets this cemetery apart is its integration with contemporary life. Several popular eateries and cafes have set up shop within or adjacent to its grounds. Lloyd Coffee Eatery is a family-friendly spot with a play area, while ONO Brunch offers a vibrant weekend brunch experience. There's even a highly-rated Italian restaurant known for its stunning decor. This juxtaposition of solemn history and lively modern amenities creates a truly unique visitor experience.
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as both peaceful and surprisingly vibrant. It's a place where one can reflect on the past while enjoying a coffee or a meal. The presence of cemetery cats adds a charming, whimsical touch to the otherwise serene environment.
Navigating the Ixelles Cemetery Experience
For those interested in the culinary scene, ONO Brunch and Coffee is a popular choice, and booking ahead is often recommended, especially for weekend visits. If you're dining with children, Lloyd Coffee Eatery is highlighted as a particularly good option due to its dedicated play area. Be aware that some visitors have noted potential wait times at certain establishments, so factor that into your plans.
When exploring the cemetery grounds, comfortable walking shoes are a must, as it's a large area. While photography is generally welcomed, always maintain a respectful demeanor, especially around gravesites. The unique blend of history, art, and modern amenities makes Cimetière d'Ixelles a memorable destination in Brussels.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit