» Forests and Parcs

Brussels is the greenest city in Europe.  A park is never far away.  The enormous Forêt de Soignes, which is connected to the Bois de la Cambre, is a mere five-minute tram ride away from the centre of the city, and within easy walking distance (about 20 minutes from the Palace of Justice down Avenue Louise) from most neighbourhoods.  It is one of the largest city parks in Europe.  Hikers and cyclists consider it a paradise, stretching as it does all the way into the Walloon countryside, with 84km of footpaths and 30km of bike lanes.  There is also ample space for those of the equine persuasion, with 50km of bridle paths through superb scenery.

Even the centre is dotted with parks.  In fact, it is one of the only world capitals in which one can enjoy lunch in a calm, pleasant, green spot.  The oldest, the Parc de Bruxelles, is a popular meeting point for Bruxellois and expats alike, situated between the Parliament and the Royal Palace. 

The Parc du Cinquantennaire is in the heart of the European district, a collection of pristine lawns, towering oaks and museums surrounding a giant stone arch.  There are many others: the Parc d’Egmont, near the Avenue de la Toison d’Or; the Parc des Sablons, in the heart of the exclusive Sablon district; the Parc du Laeken to the north, where one can find the Atomium, one of the great landmarks of the city built for the 1956 World’s Fair – the list is endless.

» Sports

Brussels is a sport-oriented city.  The Belgians are passionate about their leisure time and what they do with it: they take exercise very seriously, and as a result facilities are available for practically every discipline of physical activity imaginable.  There are even clubs and associations that are designed specifically for ex-pats : Irish, British, American, Nordic, German, Iberian… every group has at least some representation in one sport or another.

There are more than sixty golf courses in the country, for both the rank amateur and the committed professional alike.  Tennis, in particular, is extremely popular in Brussels (is it any wonder that two of the sport’s present greats, Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters, are Belgian?).  More than 900 clubs cater to enthusiasts of the sport, ranging from clay to covered courts.  There are several field hockey teams that play at a world-class level, most notably the Royal Léopold Club and Rasante.  Rugby is also very big in the city, with 50 teams disposing of excellent facilities.  Almost every commune (or borough) has its own swimming pool, open to all members of the public (and not only residents).

All told, there are more than 100 sporting federations in Belgium, more than enough to keep you fit and in shape.  If, however, you are more of an armchair sportsperson then you will not feel left out.  Anderlecht is one of the top soccer teams in Europe, and has good competition in its rivals Club Brugge and Racing Liège.

» Restaurants 

Brussels is a gourmand’s dream.  It can legitimately be said to rival Paris, Milan and Barcelona in culinary terms.  Belgian food is superb, ranging from sublime mussels and frites to rich, succulent carbonnades.  Not to worry, though.  Looks can be deceiving, and the food is actually rather healthy.  If you baulk at the thought of hearty northern European cuisine, however, there is no need to worry.  The best in world dining is all around you, with restaurants representing the four corners of the globe scattered liberally across the city. 

A walk through the capital at dinner time will yield results in no time at all, and wherever you go you will find something to suit your palate. And, no doubt, you will find something to wash it down with – the wine bars and pubs cater for all tastes.



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