Brussels - Post Report Question and Answers

What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?

Expats everywhere, join a club, there are expat groups on facebook, missions have community events. It's easy to meet people here. Next level socializing: if you can do it, learn French or Dutch so you (and/or your kids) can join dance, music, sports, workout groups through your local commune, which are super cheap and will get you into the local scene (beyond your own nationality's circle and/or English-speaking expat groups). - Feb 2023


Like in many places, schools tend to be the places where people first connect. - Jan 2022


The Community Liaison Office (CLO) was good about getting people together through events and clubs, but it seems a lot has gone by the wayside with recent changes and the pandemic. There are also local groups if you can find them. Brussels Ladies Meetup is a Facebook group of all English speaking women in Brussels (not related to US or diplomatic missions). Other people joined local running groups, knitting groups, etc. - Oct 2021


The Embassy offers social opportunities through CLO, like in most posts. The international schools have their own social opportunities as well. Local groups exist, but you have to seek them out. - Sep 2020


Anything you can think of, from dinners or play dates at friends' homes, to meeting up in local parks, to going out to bars, clubs, and restaurants, to sporting clubs and other activities. - Mar 2020


We have an active social life, between our neighbors and the school, and the occasional embassy friend. There are as many social opportunities as your imagination permits. - Feb 2019


Weekend trips to other places including in France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Belgians go outside in nice weather to the parks, "the forest," etc. - May 2018


Meetup groups, volunteering, groups based on hobbies, etc. - Jan 2018


Expatclub.org is an EXCELLENT way to get plugged in right away. They offer bus trips to many places within a day's drive. There's also the American Club of Brussels. - Dec 2016


Sightseeing, movies, theaters, cultural events, restaurant hopping, involvement in the local schools etc. - Aug 2014


Same as anywhere! - Apr 2014


We work long hours at NATO so most people are ready to go home at the end of the day. Many delegations host events (e.g. national days) during business hours in the NATO cafeteria. - Jan 2014


Travel. - Jan 2014


Lots...usual big city things. - Oct 2012


Lots of great restaurants and cozy little bars and cafés. No closing time, but the selection of nightclubs aren't great. - May 2012


All good. However, the fact that the town (and country) literally shuts down on Saturday night and doesn't open until Monday morning took some getting used to. - Jan 2012


Given the size how dispersed the US Government community is here, there isn't the cohesion you find in smaller places. Everybody pretty much does there own thing. There are lots of international organization to join and it's very easy to meet other expats. - Aug 2011


See above. Lots to see and do. Make your own community. From all over the expat world. - Jul 2011


Cinema: most are in english with french subtitles, except children's films, which are generally dubbed. Also: theatre, opera, etc. Lots of dinners at folks' homes. - Jun 2011


It really depends - you can go out and party every night if you want to, but it gets old after awhile because you end up going the same places again and again. - Jun 2011


All the socializing you want to do, though you'll get to know the venues pretty fast. - Jun 2010


Singles live downtown and generally hang out together. Families live in the 'burbs' and have to hang out together because they are so far out of town! - Jun 2010


Lots of things to do here - anything you can imagine and more. - Mar 2010


A very large number of very expensive restuarants. Many clubs and pubs of every flavor. Lots of activities for all ages. - Jul 2009


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