Experience in Brussels, Belgium by Roger

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

It feels like a small city and the people are quite relaxed when comparing to other big European capitals. However there is tourist traps here like any other place. It's very livable here, I would recommend it. The city is separated by many districts and it has more than one center whereas other cities might have bigger centre, Brussels has different ones (i. e. European parliament etc, French quarter, Dutch quarter, touristic center, etc).

What is the student lifestyle like in Brussels?

Not currently a student but the rent would be affordable and eating can be cheap enough if on a budget. Student housing is easy to find cheap places for short term or long term.

How much does it cost to live in Brussels?

Rent ranges depend on the district or the area of your choice. Studios go from 500 to 1000 € and one bedroom 650 to 1200 € etc. Eating can be cheap if buying from the markets and eating out is also affordable. Transport varies and you can pay 55 euro per month for a travel card. Travelling by car is faster, however gas isn't cheap.

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

If you can stay for a year or longer finding a place is relatively easy and can change seasonally due to expats coming/going or students finishing/starting school. You'll need two month damage deposit plus one month upfront. That could vary from landlords asking for the damage deposit in cash or instead keep it in an account setup just for that. They aren't required to clean anything but do need an inspection before and after usually done by a professional.

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

The food is not as try-hard as New York or Parisienne restaurants. You can find good steak and frites with béarnaise here. A standard favorite and try to find a place that makes the sauce and fries from scratch. They have good ramen, decent sushi and have some good Korean spots. Lots of Italian places ranging from high and Michelin to cheap 5 item simple places. You can find good chocolate shops just as easily as bad ones (usually in the centre). They have good access to good products, cheeses and charcuterie coming from France and Italy etc. Expect lots of crevette grises, mayonnaise and beer cooked for game matches. My favourite dish is a bowl of ramen, steak/frites/bearnaise or a properly cooked pizza.

What places would you recommend visiting in Brussels?

• Visit any of the two Moeder Lambics as they have an extensive beer list and they can also give you a good idea of the high quality of breweries here and the amount of them.
• Visit Yamato for good bowls of ramen.
• The Bois de la cambre is nice to walk through and get the sense of how green Brussels is.
• Pierre Marcolini's workshop is filled with good quality macaroon and assorted chocolates.
• Eno tek has a changing wine menu by the glass, good wine knowledge and great wines.
• Liban has cheap tasty Lebanese food but can be full at lunch time.
• Le Saint-Aulaye is a good quality pastry shop on Vanderkindere and Charli near St.Catherine and it has good bread.

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

Yes it's good as long as you avoid the tourist traps and keep your feet to the ground.

• For a more formal dining experience I would recommend Senzanome which has great Italian food.
• La Buvette has an affordable tasting menu and for a smaller but still interesting tasting menu across the street you can find Cafe des spores.
• For traditional Belgian and good French products, try À la folie.

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

Yes, it depends from what you are looking for, but the centre generally has beer bars and a younger crowd that stays open until 3 o'clock or so. Chatelain has a calmer crowd with lots of patios that open in summer and a good selection of bars. There are lots of nightclubs of Louise near Defaqcs and be aware that Brussels has a high percentage of gay population therefore more gay bars.

What advice would you give future students heading to Brussels?

Just keep an open mind and if you don't speak Dutch or French try a course, it helps you not only to have an easier time but keeps an open mind toward the things that surround you. Also, from my experience, the beer here is the worlds best. Don't forget that London, Amsterdam and Paris are very close by train.

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