A very safe and laid-back city to live and work in, Brussels has many different sides for expats and tourists to enjoy. Brussels is a vibrant place that is very welcoming to foreigners, and it is made up of nineteen different neighborhoods, each of which is fascinating to explore.
Whether you want to relax in nature, gaze in wonder at magnificent historical sights, or enjoy some fine dining, this guide to Brussels' neighborhoods will let you know the lowdown on each of them.
Vibe and culture in Brussels
One of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, Brussels is very international, making it an exciting melting pot of different peoples, cultures, and languages. Residents enjoy a very high standard of living, and you can have a fantastic job and career here without compromising your work-life balance.
There is a very laid-back and inclusive feel to Belgium's capital, and each of its nineteen neighborhoods has its unique characteristics and feel to them. Brussels always has a lot going on, and the cultural scene is vibrant and varied. This is primarily thanks to the European Union being based here and the different nationalities living and working for the institutions.
Anyone can feel at home in the city. While walking around its streets, you'll see anything from Congolese communities and pockets of Brazilians to Middle Eastern markets and classic Belgian bars and restaurants.
Safety in Brussels
Regarding safety, Belgium and Brussels are very safe places to live and travel. As such, you will almost certainly feel relaxed and safe walking practically anywhere in the city, although there are some areas to avoid at night. Serious crimes are thankfully sporadic, so it is only low-level crimes such as pickpocketing and muggings that you need to watch out for, and even these are relatively uncommon. Areas to pay close attention to your belongings are around the three main train stations of Gare du Nord, Gare Centrale, and Gare du Sud, where pickpocketers operate. At night, areas to avoid or at least be extra careful in are around Anneessens, Brussels North, the Marollen, and Molenbeek.
Statistics from Statistics Brussels show that from 2010 to 2017, crime rates generally dropped in the city, and Brussels became safer. While it may have a very secure feel, home break-ins in Brussels have increased in recent years, and it is a good idea not to leave anything valuable in your car when you park it.
The crime reduction is partly down to a more substantial police presence on the streets of Brussels following the terror attacks on 22 March 2016 at Zaventem Airport and Maelbeek Metro Station. Since then, the terror threat has been downgraded, although you will still see armed soldiers patrolling the streets.
Parking in Brussels
Parking in Brussels can be a nightmare, and the capital is one of the worst cities in Europe when it comes to traffic jams, as tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of people enter the capital every day to work. As there is almost no free parking in the streets of central Brussels, be prepared to pay €0.50 for the first half-hour, €0.50 for the next half-hour, €2 for the second hour, and €1.50 for each hour thereafter. You'll need to enter the time you arrive at the meter, how long you plan to stay, and your license plate number, and then place the ticket where it's most visible. You can also make contactless payments using specific applications on the BiPass platform. Parking is free between 6 pm and 8 am, but here again, spaces are hard to find.
In a blue zone (which will be marked), you'll need to display your blue parking disc. This allows you to park for a maximum of two hours.
Brussels' neighborhoods
Brussels has nineteen different neighborhoods or communes that are known for you to explore, and they are all worth checking out for various reasons. Let's take a quick look at each of them.
1000 Bruxelles-ville
The city's historic heart is where most of the capital's main tourist attractions are to be found, and in the Grand Place, Brussels has one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. There is lots of lovely architecture on display along its boulevards. Alongside such beautiful sights as the Royal Palace and the quirky Manneken-Pis statue, there are many fascinating museums to be found. It is the liveliest part of the city, and there are loads of fantastic bars and restaurants for you to enjoy. In recent years, it has undergone extensive renovations, and these works are still ongoing as Brussels modernizes and pedestrianizes the center.
It's the liveliest part of town and has many bars and restaurants. Over the past few years, Brussels City has undergone major renovations, which are still ongoing, while at the same time, the whole of Brussels is modernizing and striving to make the heart of the city pedestrian-friendly.
1030 Schaerbeek
Located in the city's north, Schaerbeek is a multicultural neighborhood; over 100 nationalities call it home. While one side of it is a tranquil and relaxed place to live, the area around Gare du Nord is a bit grimier and is where the tiny Brussels red light district can be found. Due to its mix of nationalities, you can find anything from Turkish restaurants and Morrocan bakeries to Bulgarian night shops and Italian pizzerias in its streets.
1040 Etterbeek
As parts of Etterbeek are just a stone's throw away from the European Quarter, it is a trendy neighborhood to live in amongst expats. Also located within Etterbeek is the large Parc du Cinquantenaire, home to a magnificent triumphal arch and a couple of fascinating museums. Place Jourdan is also a great place to head to if you want to try some of the best fries in Brussels at Chez Antoine.
1050 Ixelles
Another popular neighborhood to live in, Ixelles, is lively and the most diverse district in Brussels. It has many different sides: the upmarket area around Avenue Louise, the African Quarter of Matonge, and the student area around the university. A lot is happening here regarding culture and cuisine, and many people enjoy grabbing a drink at the bars around Flagey. It also neighbors the European Quarter, which helps explain why so many expats live here.
1060 Saint-Gilles
A very trendy neighborhood, Saint-Gilles, is becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason, too, as it is full of magnificent architecture, lots of great restaurants, and has a very laid-back vibe. The Parvis de Saint-Gilles is packed with bars for locals and visitors alike, and the chic Châtelain district has many trendy little boutiques and quirky cafes.
1070 Anderlecht
Lying to the west of the center, Anderlecht is home to Belgium's most famous football team, and while not as many expats live here, it still has a lot to offer. In addition to its lovely green spaces and large shopping malls, it is a very calm and quiet place to live ' apart from on match days.
1080 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean
Cut off from the center of Brussels by the canal that runs between the two, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean is a densely populated area home to a sizeable Arabic-speaking population. Although rent prices are relatively low, its proximity to Bruxellesville means it is slowly being gentrified. There are some fantastic markets to be found in the neighborhood, as well as some interesting historical sights.
1081 Koekelberg
Despite its location on the city's outskirts, Koekelberg's excellent transport links will take you to the center of Brussels in no time. It has a wide range of housing options available and isn't the wrong place to live if you want to get to know the authentic side of Brussels. It is most widely known for its gigantic basilica, which is remarkably one of the largest Roman Catholic churches.
1082 Berchem-Sainte-Agathe
With many parks and green spaces for residents to enjoy, it is no surprise to learn that Berchem-Sainte-Agathe is often described as a village. Indeed, the neighborhood is very peaceful, so it is ideal for people looking for a relaxing place to live, not too far from the center.
1083 Ganshoren
Right next to Berchem-Sainte-Agathe and Koekelberg in the northwest of Brussels is Ganshoren. While it is home to only a tiny expat population, it is pleasant, and many farms can still be found in the neighborhood. This is a throwback to when Ganshoren was once a farming district.
1090 Jette
Once a village on the outskirts of Brussels, Jette is now a part of the city. It offers an outstanding balance of city life and the countryside as residents can benefit from many parks and nature spots. As well as families, lots of students live here as part of the VUB university based in the neighborhood.
1140 Evere
Home to semi-industrial areas, green spaces, residential areas, and even the headquarters of NATO, Evere is a mixed bag in terms of what it offers. Although there isn't much going on here, you can find some affordable housing, and it still isn't all that far from the city center.
1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
Popular amongst families, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre is a very green neighborhood that is multicultural and welcoming. Primarily residential, there are many impressive homes and embassies to be found here, and its proximity to the center of Brussels makes it an attractive place to live. It also has lots of excellent sports facilities on offer.
1160 Auderghem
Lying to the southeast of the capital, much of Auderghem is taken up by the beautiful Sonian Forest, which is lovely to go hiking or cycling in. It offers a satisfying balance between nature and city life, and many housing options can be found here.
1170 Watermael-Boitsfort
As almost half of Watermael-Boitsfort is covered by the Sonian Forest, it has a very rural feel, and you can find lots of large houses here, hidden away amongst trees and fields. Consequently, it is popular with expats who want a significant place for a much lower price than nearer to Brussels. The International School of Brussels is located here. As a result, Watermael Boitsfort is a popular choice for expatriates looking for a large home at a much lower price.
1180 Uccle
This residential neighborhood is a charming place to live, and lots of middle-class families move here for its green spaces and beautiful townhouses. The wild and wonderful Bois de la Cambre Park is in the neighborhood, and many lively markets are available here. As it borders Saint-Gilles and Ixelles, you're never too far away from some of the most vibrant parts of Brussels.
1190 Forest
Forest is another of Brussels' leafy neighborhoods, and in summer, its parks are packed with people taking in the sun. The area is home to many elegant Art Deco buildings, and there are some excellent deals on housing to be found here as it is a bit out of the center. One of its main draws is Forest National - an entertainment venue where many big international acts perform or put on a show.
1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
A very peaceful and quiet commune, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert is again a trendy place to live amongst expats. This is because there are many beautiful houses to be found here and several lovely parks and sports facilities. It also boasts excellent transport links to the rest of Brussels.
1210 Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
The smallest neighborhood in Brussels, Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode is very densely populated and is relatively compact. Despite its proximity to the center, it has an upbeat feel to it and is one of the more affordable areas of Brussels to live in. A prominent Turkish population lives here, so there are many fantastic restaurants for you to pick from. The beautiful botanical gardens of Botanique are also set in the commune, and the cultural center in the park has lots of significant events throughout the year.
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