Moving to Brussels doesn’t only mean relocation to one of the most beautiful cities in western Europe, but also one of the best gastro destinations in the world. Fries, beer, cheese, waffles, and chocolate, of course, are only a few of the various specialties to try here. Here is what you should taste in the capital of Belgium Kingdom, the European Union’s financial and political center, and the Chocolate Empire!
Moving to Brussels from the US – Essential Things to Know When Relocating to Belgium
Nestled between the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France, Belgium presents one of the most important political and business centers in Europe. Great strategic position, the fact you don’t need any special travel visa, and great infrastructure that puts you only 1.5 hours away from Paris are the main reasons why relocating to Belgium is a good idea. Here are also some basic facts to be aware of before moving overseas!
US Citizens Are Not Obligated to Acquire Visa for Stays Up to 90 Days!
Visiting Belgium before relocating to Brussels to live there is definitely a good idea. The best thing is you don’t need any visa for stays up to 90 days. This time will be just enough to find out how easy is it to move to Brussels, gather documents needed to travel abroad, find the right housing option, and set all other details. After this period, you can apply for the right type of visa intended for Green card holders and find an answer to the question of can I move to Brussels without a fuss?
Belgium Has 3 Official Languages!
Breaking the language barrier is definitely one of the greatest concerns of every expat. However, when it comes to Brussels and Belgium, you won’t have any problems since the official language of the European Union is English.
Nevertheless, there are three official languages in Belgium: Dutch, French, and German, because of its diverse population. Living here will definitely provide you with an opportunity to learn a language abroad, which is always very useful!
Belgian Food that Will Make Your Life Better When Moving Internationally
Guess what 90 visa-free days will be also enough for? Well, aside from getting to know rich history, Belgium is famous for its delicacies that are simply must-try. Here are the top-three specialties you should taste after relocating across the world!
Flemish Stew – the Favourite Dish of All Expats
If you should try one traditional dish in Belgium, it should be the Flemish stew. This slow-cooked beef with a pinch of mustard, onion, and some seasoning will become expats favorite dish here that perfectly matches with high-quality Belgian beer!
Chocolate Is Not Luxury in Belgium Because they Produce 600,000 tons of it Every Year
The 400 years old chocolate industry that produces the most quality chocolate on Earth, more than 2,000 chocolateries, and the world’s biggest chocolate factory are only a few reasons why this dessert is so popular here. And the main reason why you should try it – Belgian chocolate is still 100% made of cocoa butter which makes it a top-quality product.
When in Brussels Don’t Miss to Try Waffles
While we are on the topic of tasty meals – Brussels waffle is definitely another must-try dessert when in Belgium. And if you want to consume it like a real local, then avoid putting toppings, and add a little bit of butter or confectioner’s sugar.
To learn more about the ultimate food you should not miss when in Belgium, make sure to take a look at the video below and take a short gastro tour!
Top 5 Brussels Restaurants Expat Should Try According to Locals
Believe it or not, there are 29,500 restaurants in Belgium! Choosing the right restaurant can be a challenge – it’s true! This is why we decided to consult local people and learn what they would recommend! Here are the top-restaurant choices by locals you should try after moving abroad:
- Le Rabassier is the best choice if you want to try typical Belgian cuisine. Situated in close proximity to Museum Quarter, this restaurant represents the sophisticated heritage of traditional cuisine. Beluga caviar, Lobster crunch with Bearnaise sauce, and a series of desserts are some of the best courses to taste here. If you seek an elegant experience, then Le Rabassier is the place for you.
- Café Novo is the right option for all those who want to experience the atmosphere of a local restaurant. Situated only a short walk from the city center, this place probably offers the best flemish stew you’ve ever tried, so don’t miss it!
- Restobieres is another restaurant situated in the city center that offers a range of Flemish and Belgian foods. This place is specialized in traditional dishes, so don’t miss trying rabbit with prunes and some locally produced beer.
- Fin de Siècle is another restaurant locals would recommend if you want to try sausage with mash. This restaurant is situated in the very downtown, so after an exhausting tour, this place will be a perfect spot for a short break.
- Balls & Glory is a chain of restaurants that operates all across the country, so you can easily find it whenever you’re on a visit to Gent, Antwerpen, or Leuven. The special dish is meatballs served with crispy fries – a favorite dish of Belgians, and something worth trying!
After All, Is Brussels a Good Place to Live?
International moving is always providing a wide range of new stuff to explore, do and try, and you can expect the same when living in Brussels. According to the OECD findings, Belgium is among the top 10 countries in the world that provide the best living standards, and one of the best European countries to live in. For that reason, this is one of the best places to live abroad with family.
Is it Expensive to Live in Brussels? A Short Guide Through Costs of Living
The European Union’s capital is one of the most expensive European cities, but still around 39% cheaper than New York. The price of renting an apartment in the city center ranges between $1,010-$1,800, depending on the size. When it comes to the average net salary, you can expect to gain around $3,000 on a monthly basis. Keep in mind that getting a job in Europe as an American is not that difficult after all, especially because BE is so close to other countries where you can work.
