Brussels, Belgium 🇧🇪
#986
50.843635, 4.367353
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 1.2 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Euro (EUR), exchange rate is approximately 1 EUR ≈ 1.05 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is drinkable and safe. |
| 🔌 Power | Electrical system is 230V, 50Hz, using Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Mobile providers include Proximus, Orange, and BASE. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks like KBC and BNP Paribas Fortis are widely recommended; online banking options such as Revolut are also available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodation options include Airbnb, Booking.com, and local rental agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in shops, restaurants, and cafes. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Short-term rentals can be found on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable lodging options include Meininger Hotel Brussels City Center and HI Hostel Brussels. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Seedspace Brussels offers a vibrant work environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de la Presse is a popular spot for remote workers. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup events are hosted regularly at The Shadow Club. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Brussels Expat Meetup Group organizes various social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt are commonly used in Brussels. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Villo! bike-sharing system and Lime scooters are available. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ostend Beach is approximately 1 hour away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Brussels Airlines is the main regional carrier. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major international carriers include KLM and Lufthansa. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Brussels is connected by major highways including the E40 and E19. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Brussels Central Station is the primary transportation hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | STIB-MIVB offers various passes like the monthly pass at €49. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains (SNCB) and buses (TEC) provide access to nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Erasme Hospital is a prominent healthcare facility in Brussels. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centre de Yoga Bruxelles offers multiple classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and JIMS are popular gym chains. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like Wash & Fold are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and UberEats operate widely in Brussels. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Moules-frites (mussels and fries) is a local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Eat This! is a great vegan-friendly restaurant. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pierre Marcolini offers exquisite chocolates and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Brussels Food Market hosts local produce and affordable options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Bol.com and Amazon are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery services like Carrefour offer grocery delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Place Saint-Géry is known for its nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cantillon Brewery offers tours and tastings of traditional lambic beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Cave de Vins offers a variety of wines for tasting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks at the Brussels Food Truck Festival offer a variety of street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Mamma Roma serves excellent Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Grand Place and Atomium are iconic attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Royal Museums of Fine Arts feature impressive collections. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Manneken Pis is a famous historical statue in Brussels. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is a notable church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Brussels Flower Carpet takes place every two years. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Marolles district is well-known for its artistic vibe. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | La Monnaie is the national opera house providing various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Marolles Flea Market offers vintage finds and antiques. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Ancienne Belgique is renowned for live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Rue des Capucins is famed for its vibrant street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking with Jozef offers classes on traditional Belgian dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie Juno showcases contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Town Hall is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Brussels is known for its rich Art Nouveau architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sonian Forest is a beautiful nature reserve just outside the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Brussels does not have a national park, but the nearby Zoniënwoud offers extensive walking paths. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Parc du Cinquantenaire has scenic paths ideal for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Parc de Laeken offers stunning viewpoints of the Royal Castle. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Brabant wetlands near Brussels have excellent birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Stuyvenberg Park has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Bpost and DHL provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Techno Clinic offers quality electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Brussels Table Tennis Club is a popular spot. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like École de Langues offer French lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Royal Library of Belgium is an excellent place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Centre Communautaire Espace 10 hosts various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Over is a popular gaming lounge for video games. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Brussels offers a variety of gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividends is 30%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Belgium operates on a worldwide income basis. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 50%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 21%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Belgium has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on cadastral income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Tax applied during property purchases is 10% standard rate, reduced to 6% for primary residence. |