Experience in Brussels, Belgium by Sarah

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

I've been living in Brussels for the past three years and I love this city. It's lively, there are beautiful buildings that are in plain sight or hiding in a small street and you meet new people every day from different countries!
There are also many different neighborhoods to visit, for example, Matongé (with mostly the African Community) or Laeken where the Belgian Royalty lives, with beautiful gardens that are open for the public once a year for a few days (usually in May).

You can easily go from one place to another using the metro, buses or trams, or taxis but they're more expensive.

Like in any big city you can eat whatever your heart desire, I do recommend when staying in Belgium to eat real Belgian Fries, according to many, the best fries in Brussels are the one's from Maison Antoine, Place Jourdan.
This is near the Europian Parliament which is a must-see, with the famous Manneke Pis.

There is always something to do; a party, a student-party, museums, etc.

What is the student lifestyle like in Brussels?

In Brussels, there are quite a few schools/universities so there are many students living in Brussels.
If you want to party I recommend the ones which are organized by the Students and their Circle. You pay a small fee to get in, and the drinks are cheap but not of the best quality, so beware of headaches.
There are also different clubs to go to, but the prices are a bit higher. In Brussels, there's a club which is located in an ancient church, if you want to try something different, or there is a bar in the center with the theme "cemetery" the tables are coffins, the glasses are skull-like...

I also recommend going out on Thursday evenings at La Place du Luxembourg because it's the evening where you can meet students and parliament workers who are getting off of work.

How much does it cost to live in Brussels?

The prices are quite average. For living arrangements, it depends on the location of the room and the landlord, so you can find really expensive rooms in Ixelles but also really cheap ones.

All the groceries stores have almost the same prices. For a loaf of bread, you pay approximately 2€ depending on the weight.

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

I wouldn't say it's difficult, just that if you want a cheap but well-located accommodation don't wait until the last minute. But you'll always find a place to stay.

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

In the centre, you'll find all types of restaurants; sushi, hamburgers, Italian...

And you need to taste Belgian beers, who are in my opinion the best beers, be it blond, browns, trapists, fruity

What places would you recommend visiting in Brussels?

Manneke Pis; la Grand Place; musée Tintin; fondation Jacques Brel; Europian Parliament; parc du cinquentenaire; la cathédrale Sainte Gudule

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

For hamburgers, you can go to The Huggy's Bar, Manhattan's Burger, Ellis Gourmet Burger, Les Super Filles du Tram...
For sushi, go to Makisu, Ninja House, Kabuki, Rolling Sushi...
For Fries, Maison Antoine, Frit Flagey...
For a bubble-waffle go to Cup 28.
There are many restaurants in the streets honestly just check it out while wandering around.
To have a drink, Delirium Cafe, El Cafe, Ginette Bar,...

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

Always check online if it's open before you go.
Bloody Louise is a good place

What advice would you give future students heading to Brussels?

Have fun, go out, there's a lot to do in Brussels, just enjoy what the city has to offer