Experience in Brussels, Belgium by Catherine

What is it like to live in Brussels? What is the city like?

Brussels has become a cosmopolitan city. However, you can still find the charm and authenticity of a Brussells' district. The city centre is quite vibrant in the evening, especially next to Halles St Gery.

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Brussels?

There are typical student areas, such as next to the ULB (the Université Libre de Bruxelles) and the Ixelles cemetery. There are lots of bars where you can try some beer, try our Brussel's waffles and lots of other things, like the stoemp sausage (sausage and mash), prawn croquettes...

How much does it cost to live in Brussels?

It all depends on your budget. There is a way to pay a lot, or pay cheaper prices. For example, a metro ticket costs 2.40 euros. A card for 10 trips, 15 euros. Spaghetti costs more or less 10 euros.

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

No, there are youth hostels, student residences, live in intergenerational housing, Airbnb...

How is the food? What are your favourite dishes?

• Americain (raw grounded beef), chips and salad
• Mussels and chips
• Chicons au gratin

(endives wrapped in ham covered in cheese and baked.

• Carbonade flamande

(beef and beer stew)

• Roast chicken, mashed potato and apple sauce.
• White/black pudding, mashed potato, red cabbage.
• Brussel sprouts, bacon, potatoes.

What places would you recommend visiting in Brussels?

• The Grand Place and its surroundings.



Source

• The galleries and light tubes.
• The parks.
• The districts with the Modern Art and Art Deco architecture.
• The Royal Palace, the Leopold Quarter, Matonge.



Source

What's it like to eat out in Brussels? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

• In Jette: Les Petits Os, Le Central.
• Saint Gilles: la porteuse d'eau, and the Place Bethléem.
• Sablon: l'Entrée des artistes.
• Centre: the Cercle des Voyageurs.
• Chez Vincent (close to the Prince's Gallery).
• Le Belga Queen.

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

• L'Archiduc.
• La Mort Subite.
• Luxembourg district on Thursdays.

What advice would you give to students heading to Brussels in the future?

The native Belgians are very welcoming, they love partying.

Belgium isn't very big. Go to visit the Belgian Coast (North Sea), Bruges (little Venice), Anvers (diamond town), Liege, Namur, Tournai, Charleroi.

In Brussels, they speak French and Dutch. The street names are translated into Dutch (Flemish) and also Brusseloise, which is typical of Brussels.