Activities and places to visit as an expat in Brussels

In Brussels, there are more than 200,000 expats, coming from all around the globe. The city is one of the most multicultural cities in the world with approximatively 180 nationalities in the same area. It is estimated that at least 100 different languages are spoken in Brussels. More than 40,000 expats are currently working in one of the many international institutions that have their seat in the capital city of Belgium.

Attractive for many reasons, Brussels welcomes many foreigners: expats, but also tourists and business people. This explains the growing demand for various services specifically designed for them. Being a multicultural city is an opportunity for Belgians, since new jobs were created to make them discover the main tourist sites of the city, for example. Expats are also more keen on meeting people that experience the same situation as them, what they can do in places such as fitness clubs with other English-speaking members, but also parks and playgrounds for their children near some international institutions or international schools.

Have you just settled in the capital of Belgium? Great! You still have a lot to discover! This is very exciting: the city may be small, but there are many places to visit and a lot of activities to try. Among them, you will find museums, cinemas and theatres, green spaces to wander and relax, and so on. Find some recommendations on this website and discover places where to go out with your family, your friends and your colleagues, where to shop or even nice restaurants where to taste the local gastronomy.

A new country doesn't mean you have to give up your habits. So if you want to stay fit, we have a list of swimming pools and fitness clubs in your area. This is also a good way to meet new people. If you'd rather run, you'll find a series of nice parks in your neighbourhood. If your hobby is gardening, you may need good addresses where to find your tools, seeds and plants. As every  city, Brussels is bright and full of lights. If you want more privacy in your brand new apartment, or just a darker bedroom, look for the perfect curtains on Rideaux-et-Stores.

Make yourself at home! Literally. If you are not planning to stay an expat, but want to settle for good here in Brussels, you will need to find a house or an apartment that suits your requirements. If you don’t have the time or if you don’t know the Belgian market yet, the assistance of a professional estate agent will be of use. This expert finds a home which meets your budget and your needs. He will help you until the sale. When you have finally found it, you can benefit from the help of a housekeeper. Whether you want to follow the last trends or find the perfect suit or outfit for office days, have a look to the selection of clothes boutiques in your neighbourhood.

Information about Brussels

If you are new in Belgium, here are a few things that may be interesting. First, the Constitution counts three official languages : French and Dutch mainly, but also German. Nevertheless, English is very common among the citizens, notably because there are many expats working in the city. These are not the only languages you can hear by taking the public transports or while walking: Brussels is one of the most mutcultural city in the world.

In the Summer, you may participate to several dance and music festivals without even leaving the centre. All along the year, there are also event of all kinds: book fairs, comic-cons, concert venues and several movies festivals with an international reputation (with a focus on some genres such as fantastic, animation, and so on)... There are also a huge number of museums of all kinds (science, history or most atypical ones like chocolate or the Manneken-Pis museum that shows not less than 140 costumes for the little statue). Most of the libraries in the city are free to visit, but there is a membership fee to rent books. Even though Dutch and French are the official languages, there is always a selection of works in other languages, among which English. For those who prefer social activities, there are escape rooms, many restaurants and cafés... As you can see, Brussels is a vibrant city with a lot of activities to do, everything in a small area.