Experience in Brussels, Belgium by Catarina

What is it like to live in Brussels? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Brussels is not the most exciting city, but it has many things to offer if we learn how to explore it properly. Then, we can even enjoy it without having to spend too much money, despite it being a rather expensive place. The city is rather calm for a European capital, it is of course very international and multicultural, with people coming from every corner of Europe. I would recommend it to live in for a short period, as it may become slightly boring after a while.

What is the student lifestyle like in Brussels?

I have never experienced Brussels as a student, so I can not give my input on this.

How much does it cost to live in Brussels?

Accommodation is slightly cheaper when compared with other capitals such as Paris or London. Going out is not very cheap, and everyday-shopping prices are more or less according to the European average. Public transport is around 50 euros per month, but we can save on this by choosing to ride a bicycle, as many people do, since the city is well-equipped for this, despite the traffic.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Brussels? Is there any advice you can give?

The usual advice, to search well in advance. Personally I had a hard time trying to find accommodation, since there is a huge turnover of people arriving and leaving Brussels all the time, so there is a good supply but the demand is also very high. Another advice is to be careful with advertisements that seem "too good to be true" (i. e. cheap accommodation in the best areas of Brussels). The city hall offers some services to help newcomers, like the Europe-Brussels Liaison office.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The most famous typical 'dish' in Brussels is the Belgian frites (chips). Beer is also very famous. However I do not know much about Belgian food, partly because eating out in Brussels is rather expensive.

What places would you recommend visiting in Brussels?

There are many parcs in Brussels that are interesting to walk around in. Other than that, the traditional Grand Place and the wider town centre with the comic strip promenade, the European neighbourhood, the Atomium, the Flagey area, the architecture of Victor Horta (and other art nouveau buildings).

The city also has several museums to offer, such as the Comic Strip Museum, the MOOF, the Magritte Museum, the Museum of Musical Instruments, the chocolate museum, the royal museums of fine arts. The Royal Palace is open to the public in September (for free), something that is also interesting to visit if one has the chance.

Is it good to eat out in Brussels? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I usually do not go out to eat in Brussels.

Is the nightlife good in Brussels? Where is good to go?

The city centre has a decent array of bars and some clubs to go to. Options of public transport during the night are very limited, so the best option (and sometimes the only one) is to take a taxi. Outside the city centre there is not much offer, except for some occasional parties and events.

What advice would you give future students heading to Brussels?

Let the city guide you and discover it step by step. The first impressions of Brussels may be disappointing, but we can make the most of the city if we learn to explore the good things it has to offer.

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