Lifestyle in Brussels

A wonderfully cosmopolitan and culturally fascinating city, the lifestyle in Brussels is vibrant and exciting. As the headquarters of organisations such as NATO and the EU, the city gives a sense of being at the centre of an integral cog in the wheel of European society.

While Brussels is best known for its cultural and architectural attractions, expats will also be able to enjoy world-class sports facilities as well as natural beauty. There's also an abundance of options when it comes to restaurants, entertainment venues and shopping in Brussels. 

Shopping in Brussels

For designer clothing and boutiques, expats can peruse the aisles in the Boulevard de Waterloo and Avenue Louise where famous luxury brand names adorn the shop windows.

The Rue Neuve is one of the longest streets in Brussels. It's famous for being a pedestrian-only shopping heaven. Chain stores also abound, while independent stores can be found between the Grand Place and the Rue Lemonnier.

Most shops in Brussels open from 9am and close at 6pm, providing plenty of hours for consumers to shop.

Nightlife in Brussels

Brussels nightlife may not rival that of its European neighbours, but it still provides a wonderful selection of pubs, overflowing with Belgium’s best beers as well as trendy clubs, pubs and live music venues.

Most residents prefer to go down to their local pub for a few pints of their favourite brew before heading out for dinner and a night out on the town. Happy hour is a jovial affair, especially at the Place de Brouckère, where there are many after-work drinking holes.

For those in search of pulsating basslines at high volumes, bars and clubs light up the strip on Rue du Marché au Charbon. The young, wealthy and trendy, on the other hand, prefer to be seen at clubs and bars of Upper Town in the city centre. 

Outdoor activities and sports in Brussels

Expats are often surprised to find out about the abundance of green space in Brussels, which boasts parks, woodlands and sports facilities. There are several parks in the city centre, including the Botanical Garden and Leopold Park.

The Sonian Forest is the most impressive of these outdoor attractions. Known as la Forêt de Soignes in French and Zoniënwoud in Dutch, the forest can be found at the southeastern edge of the city and extends over three Belgian regions. The Sonian is famous for being one of the most beautiful beech forests in Europe and is home to wild boar, bats and deer.

For expats who prefer their outdoor adventures a bit tamer, the south of the city has a multitude of green spaces that are popular with joggers, cyclists and picnickers.

Active expats will also have access to countless health clubs, gyms and sports clubs in the city. The most prominent sports venue in Brussels is undoubtedly the King Baudouin Stadium which hosts matches for national football and rugby teams.