The first things to do when moving to Brussels

Updated October 11, 2023 by pierre

The 5 things to do when moving to Brussels

If you're moving to Brussels for work, family, or just for fun, there are plenty of things you can do to make your transition as smooth as possible. A few weeks before your move, you should start planning the logistics and how long it will take. This will help you reduce stress when moving day finally arrives. Here are 5 things we highly recommend you do when you arrive in Brussels.

0. Discover Brussels

Getting to know the city first is the best thing to do. To know where to live, where to go out etc… Here are the best ways to discover Brussels

Make a Brussels Free-Tour
- Did you know that starting from the Grand-Place there were free tours of Brussels.
- It's nice, easy and free to book here
Follow our Brussels walking tour itinerary
take a ride hop&off from Brussels by bus

1. Rent an apartment in Ixelles or Saint-Gilles

Brussels House (c) Unsplash Ivan Borinschi

If you are moving to Brussels, it is a good option to rent an apartment. These neighborhoods are popular for the many expats who live there. Ixelles is popular with students and young people due to its proximity to the university. It is also close to the European district, major shopping centers and restaurants. The area has many apartments available on Relax in all price ranges.

St Giles is located in the center of Brussels, near Avenue Louise and Parc Royal, where you will find many shops, bars and restaurants, which is very convenient if you don't have a car but still want to have access to everything! The area is also popular with expats and students, making it a great option for those who want to live in the center of Brussels but don't want to spend too much on rent. The neighborhood is safe and has many amenities.

2. Rent a bike

Best bike shops in Brussels (c) unsplash Eduard Delputte

Rental bikes are a great way to get around. If you're new to the city, you might want to hire one at first to familiarize yourself with the locations and the best routes. Bike shops in Brussels offer different types of bikes (hybrid, mountain or road) which can be rented at varying prices depending on the length of your rental and whether or not you want additional accessories like rain gear or baskets to carry groceries home after the market.

If you prefer, it is possible to rent bikes through an app called Gobee Bike which allows users around the world to share their own personal vehicles as well as access those belonging to others nearby via GPS positioning technology.

3. Explore the parks

City of parks, the abundance of greenery in Brussels is an undeniable advantage. Parks are a great way to spend time outdoors with friends and family. They can be used as a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, or as a place to relax and enjoy nature.

There are many parks in Brussels, including the Laeken park (also known as the Royal Greenhouses of Brussels). The most interesting is probably the XNUMXth anniversary park. It is located near the EU headquarters and offers walking paths through its many green spaces. Brussels also has many parks and forests not to be missed: Brussels Park / Royal Botanical Garden of Belgium; the wood of the Cambre ; Leopold Parks; Soignes forest; the Meir Royal Park/Leopold III Park.

Discover our article on the superb Parc du Cinquantenaire. A Must see!

4. Explore the markets

Markets are a great way to meet locals and interact with them. And, unlike most tourist attractions in Brussels, the markets are actually affordable and accessible to everyone.

It is also a fantastic place for food lovers who want to buy fresh produce and local specialties. If you want to make friends, markets are a great place to look!

Brussels food markets are a great starting point. The famous Place du Grand Sablon hosts a market every Saturday from April to December, and you can find fresh produce, flowers, clothes and other items there. There is also a Sunday market in Place Jourdan (March October), which mainly sells flowers but also has a few food stalls. If you are looking for a market with even more food and drink, then the Ball Game Square is the place to go. It hosts an open-air market every Wednesday from December to March, selling everything from produce to clothes and trinkets. This market is located very close to the Royal Palace of Brussels (Koninklijk Paleis), so if you want to combine your shopping with sightseeing – or vice versa – then this is a great option.

5. Get a museum pass

Musical Instrument Museum with its Rooftop Brunch (c) Photo Pierre Halleux

The Museum Pass is valid for six months in all museums in Brussels and includes more than sixty places such as the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Museum of Musical Instruments, the Miniaturenpark Reyers and the Horta houses. The pass can be purchased at the tourist office or online at their website (in English).

If you are a real art lover and want to spend as much time as possible in museums, then consider getting the Museum Pass Plus. This pass gives you unlimited access to all the museums mentioned above plus a few others such as the Royal Museums of Art and History, the Magritte Museum, the Comic Strip Center, etc.

We hope you enjoyed reading our recommendations for your first weeks in Brussels. If you're moving here, we know it can be a bit overwhelming at first! Good luck with your new life in Belgium!