About Brussels |
A lot of people would probably say that Brussels is the most beautiful city in the world. And that's fair to say considering it is! Or at least, one of them! With castles, palaces, cobblestone streets, and more, the Belgian capital looks straight out of a storybook! But that's not even the best part! You'll find that there's more to Brussels than its exquisite beauty. From the modern urban vibe to the excellent food, let's get to know Brussels a little bit better!
With so many palaces in the city, you'd think there'd be more people in Brussels, right? Well, at least compared to the likes of London and Paris, there aren't too many. As of this writing, the city has a population of 2.080 million people, considerably fewer than in other European capital cities. And it's even more puzzling since there are a ton of communities that make up Belgium. There's the Flemish, the French, and the German communities that make up a good chunk of the country's population. Though the main languages here are Flemish and French, with language schools in the city to teach you!
Many think that spending summer in Brussels is the best since the weather is hot and there are lots to do. But that's not always the case. Here in Brussels, there are those that people call “shoulder seasons.” Months when hotel rooms and luxury rentals are more affordable than during peak tourist seasons. Not to mention the weather patterns aren't as harsh either! From March to May and September to October, these are the best times to visit the Belgian capital. Not only because the temperature is just right and accommodations are more affordable, but there are also fewer tourists roaming about. Imagine how much you can do in just a day in Brussels!
Part of the beauty of Brussels is that no two places look exactly the same. The neighborhoods in Brussels are a lot more diverse than many realize. There are areas that are classic-looking, like Ixelles and Saint Gilles, which are two of the most tourist-friendly areas in the city. You've likely already seen them even before you get here. Meanwhile, Les Marrolles and Sablon are more residential, where luxury apartments, townhouses, and more offer places you can call home. If you truly want to experience the local lifestyle in Brussels, you'll want to settle down in these districts.
There are so many places to visit in Brussels, you won’t know where to start! But rest assured, you won’t be bored here either. Whether you’re on a romantic date or a family day with your loved ones, you’ll find something to do and places to visit in Brussels
There are the big favorites of course—the Royal Palace of Brussels, the Grand Palace, the Atomium, Parc du Cinquantenaire, and more. Not to mention the many museums in the city too. As well as the city’s beautiful parks! Each is grander, more stunning, and definitely as fascinating as the next. It's up to you to choose which ones to prioritize first. But rest assured, whichever you choose, there's no wrong way to go about it!
Would you believe that Brussels is a cheap city? Of course not because it isn't true! However, the Belgian capital is still considerably more affordable than other European capitals! Case in point—renting an apartment! The common range for a monthly fee for a luxury place in Brussels is from €600.00 to €2,000.00. Of course, its location will affect its prices too. A luxury apartment at Grand Place, for example, would cost much higher than anywhere else in the city. Nevertheless, in cities like Rome and Paris, it's often double or triple those amounts! You'll also be glad to know that dining out isn't as expensive in Brussels as it seems. You can already get a good meal from just €48.00 to €100.00 alone!
For the most part, Belgians are low-key people. They're not as passionate as Italians or Spaniards and a lot less snooty than the French. They're easy to get along with and are mostly welcoming of people from other countries. However, this doesn't mean that it's not impossible to offend them. Make one wrong move and you'll be feeling the wrath of the Belgians!
As already mentioned, Belgians are mostly low-key, which means you ought to speak subtly about delicate subjects. And while they do kiss each other as a form of greeting, they only reserve that for those they know well. Most of the time, a handshake will do!
Despite its overall fairytale look, Brussels is a contemporary city through and through! Some might even argue it's a lot more modern than other capital cities around the world. You can already see it from how efficient public transport is here. While it may be a novel thing to do, you don't need a horse-drawn carriage to travel around the city. The metro system, the buses, and the taxis are easy enough to ride. A few important tips include getting a travel pass and knowing the rush hours so you can avoid them. Moreover, you can even get the aid of various transportation apps for train and bus schedules or to help hail you a ride!
Even though the Belgian healthcare system is universal, it's important to note that it's divided within the different regions and communities that make up the country. This means that the type of coverage the Flemish community, for instance, gets can differ from the ones the French community has access to. Fortunately, Brussels is at the central point of the country, allowing for equal coverage to all residents here, regardless of community. But for tourists, however, you might need to get travel medical insurance or a private plan instead. Only then can you get treated in the finest institutions in the city.
As Belgium consists of different communities, it's safe to say that the cuisine here is unlike any other. Influenced by its many neighboring nations, many of the dishes in the country consist of tastes and flavors that are familiar in other places. Of course, the delectable sweets are always scene-stealers, from the famous Belgian chocolate to the popular waffles!
Though even if you're not a sweet tooth, there are loads of meaty and savory dishes to choose from as well. Fortunately, Brussels is packed with great places to eat, ranging from humble diners and chic bistros to even Michelin-starred restaurants. Fortunately, they're not all pricey too! No matter the price range, you can always expect high-quality cuisine in the Belgian capital!
Belgian public holidays are easy to distinguish between two categories. The first is religion-based, as the country is largely Catholic. From the bomber days of the Lenten season to the happier Christmas and Hannukah holidays, these are all observed and very much celebrated in high regard. Meanwhile, the second category pertains to historic events in the country's history. There's Independence Day, Armistice Day, the Celebration of The Golden Spurs, and more! They commemorate many of what the country has gone through in the last few centuries!
A visit to Brussels always makes for a great holiday! Seeing the amazing sights, tasting the delicious food, and getting to know the people are all part of the fun of traveling the world. And Brussels will surely be a memorable part of your many travels, at least here in the continent of Europe.
On the other hand, if you're moving to Brussels to start a new life here, you have to things a lot differently. There's more to do, more to bring, a lot of paperwork, and the like! You can find out most of what you need to know in our relocation guide! It's all laid out ehre for your convenience!
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