Can someone tell me what is like to live in Brussels?

Question

I will be working in Brussels as an architect from November 2006 to May 2007. I would like to know more about living in Brussels (where should I rent a flat, cost of living, where to eat, shop etc)!!

Answer 1

Hello, I live in Antwerp (Belgium) and my boyfriend lives in Brussels. The cost of living is the highest in Brussels, I mean for renting an appartment. Prices depends on the area you want to live in. Brussels is separated in different communes. There are cheap areas (but these are also the areas where the poorer people live, where a lot of different cultures live togheter, ...) and the more expensive areas. It also depends if you want to live in the center or not. If you have to depend on public transport or you can use a car.
Shopping is great in de 'Rue Neuve - Nieuwstraat' , in the center and near the 'Naamse Poort - Porte de Namur'. In Brussels all streets are in two languages because people speak dutch and french. But if you are walking around, you will hear all sorts of languages.
Do take warm clothes becaus you are coming in the winter-period!

Answer 2

Brussels may be the capital of Belgium and could be the primary seat of the Belgian Royal Family and, also the capital of the European Union and if you want to know after that it this is the place hotelbye . Brussels is an incredibly small, easy-going, and human-sized town for many their importance. Unlike anthers town with their millions of tourists, Brussels is Belgium's main financial and academic centre, which provides the town a far more workaday sense than other towns. Here, in Brussels, if you would choose to go to, you will receive a appropriate feel for Belgian living, especially their amazing cafe and café culture. Even though Brussels may possibly not have the celebrity attractions of different Belgian neighborhoods, the capital has ample to help keep readers entertained for a day or two with a clutch of world-class museums and artwork galleries, along with quirkier sights including the Atomium, and some great remnants of old architecture in the old community quarter.

Answer 3

I agree with the sentiment that Brussels is a very expensive city, but during my few months living there I found it very charming. The food and beer are quite good. And the Chocolate is to die for. Where you live might depend on where you are working, but I lived in an area of town called Auderghem in 2003 and it was reasonable. The best part was that it seemed like most of the apartments were furnished, which is what you are probably looking for. Etterbeek, which is an area near the EU institutions also has a lot of short term furnished rentals, but is a lot more expensive if memory serves. Definitely avoid living in downtown, its too expensive and all you'll find are one room apartments for 3-4 times a two bedroom in Auderghem.

Answer 4

Well I don't live in Brussels, but I live in Liege. I really liked Brussels the times I have visited. You can contact the US embassy or go on line and they may have some information for you. One thing I will tell you to be prepared for is the cultural difference. I am guessing you are American? I have found the culture VERY different and at times hard to get used to. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Befriend rain. And clouds. Now.

Its very expensive, most places in the city are really quite horrible and delipitated. Good architechts are definetely needed!

To be honest, Brussels is a real shithole, but some of the surrounding areas are quite nice. Belgium in general is a very strange country, but does have charm and a number of very good points.

Answer 6

The people are kind of rude and speak bad english (if your lucky to find someone who speaks it) but I didnt really get to see much of the city. It seems okay but I wouldnt want to live there.

Answer 7

try to get a copy of the bulletin magazine, they also put out a magazine called newcomers . . you can also log on to Xpats.com . . good luck!!

Answer 8

FRENCH FRIES!!!!!!!!!!!! Invented there and heavenly