Best neighborhoods in Brussels

1. 1

   Vibrant Student Atmosphere

   essential

   Home to ULB and VUB, Ixelles buzzes with student life, making it perfect for those seeking a lively, youthful environment. Numerous bars and cafes line the streets.

2. 2

   Average Rent & Room Availability

   essential

   Expect rents from €500-€750. Rooms are highly sought after, especially near campuses. Start your search early to secure a good spot.

3. 3

   Excellent Public Transport

   essential

   Well-served by STIB/MIVB trams (e.g., 8, 81, 93) and buses, connecting you swiftly to the city center and other communes. Metro access is available at Porte de Namur/Naamsepoort.

4. 4

   Diverse International Vibe

   recommended

   Beyond students, Ixelles attracts young professionals and expats, creating a cosmopolitan blend. You'll find a wide array of international eateries and shops.

5. 5

   Lively Squares and Parks

   nice-to-have

   Enjoy the vibrant Place Flagey or relax in Bois de la Cambre. These green spaces and public squares are perfect for socializing and leisure.

6. 6

   Cultural Hotspots

   nice-to-have

   Explore art galleries, independent cinemas, and live music venues. Ixelles offers a rich cultural scene to dive into after your studies or work.

7. 7

   Shopping and Amenities

   essential

   From high-end boutiques on Avenue Louise to local markets, all daily necessities and more are easily accessible. Supermarkets are abundant.

8. 8

   Shared Housing Contract Types

   essential

   Often find 'Contrat de colocation' or 'Bail étudiant'. Understand the specifics of each before signing, especially regarding joint responsibility.

9. 9

   Proximity to European Institutions

   recommended

   While not directly adjacent, Ixelles offers relatively easy access to the European Quarter via public transport, making it viable for EU trainees.

10. 10

    Weekend Activities

    nice-to-have

    Discover numerous weekend markets, brunch spots, and evening entertainment options. There's always something happening in Ixelles.

1. 1

   Close to European Quarter

   essential

   Etterbeek is ideal for professionals and expats working at EU institutions. Many offices are just a short walk or tram ride away.

2. 2

   Balanced Residential Vibe

   recommended

   Offers a calmer, more residential feel than Ixelles, yet still boasts a good selection of shops, restaurants, and amenities. It's family-friendly too.

3. 3

   Rent for Professionals

   essential

   Rents typically range from €500-€700. Shared flats are common, often slightly larger than those found in more student-centric areas.

4. 4

   Excellent Transport Links

   essential

   Served by multiple metro lines (e.g., Schuman, Mérode) and numerous tram and bus routes (STIB/MIVB). Easily connect to the city center and wider Brussels.

5. 5

   Parc du Cinquantenaire Access

   nice-to-have

   Enjoy direct access to the beautiful Parc du Cinquantenaire, perfect for jogging, picnics, and cultural visits to its museums. A major green lung.

6. 6

   International Community

   essential

   High concentration of expats means an international atmosphere and many English-speaking services and social groups. Easy to integrate.

7. 7

   Local Markets and Shops

   recommended

   Discover charming local markets and a good mix of supermarkets and specialty stores, ensuring all your daily needs are met conveniently.

8. 8

   Administrative Ease

   essential

   The Etterbeek commune office is well-versed in handling international registrations (Déclaration d'arrivée), simplifying administrative processes for newcomers.

9. 9

   Shared Contract Types

   essential

   Expect 'Contrat de colocation' or 'Colocatiecontract'. Landlords are generally experienced with international tenants and their specific needs.

10. 10

    Diverse Dining Options

    nice-to-have

    From cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, Etterbeek offers a wide range of culinary experiences, catering to various tastes and budgets.

1. 1

   Artistic and Bohemian Vibe

   essential

   Saint-Gilles boasts a vibrant, artistic, and multicultural atmosphere. It's popular with creative individuals, young professionals, and students seeking character.

2. 2

   Affordable Rent Range

   essential

   Generally offers more affordable shared housing options, with rents often from €450-€650. Good value for money in a dynamic area.

3. 3

   Excellent Public Transport Network

   essential

   Superb connectivity via metro (Parvis de Saint-Gilles, Horta), trams (3, 4, 51, 81), and buses (STIB/MIVB). Easy access to the city center and Midi Station.

4. 4

   Diverse Cultural Mix

   recommended

   Known for its rich cultural diversity, offering a wide array of international cuisine, independent shops, and vibrant street life.

5. 5

   Architectural Beauty

   nice-to-have

   Admire stunning Art Nouveau architecture, especially around Parvis de Saint-Gilles. Many shared houses retain historical charm.

6. 6

   Lively Squares and Markets

   recommended

   The Parvis de Saint-Gilles is a bustling hub with cafes and a popular market. Great for people-watching and local produce.

7. 7

   Good for Nightlife

   nice-to-have

   Explore numerous unique bars and small music venues, offering a more alternative nightlife scene compared to other communes.

8. 8

   Proximity to Midi Station

   essential

   Conveniently close to Brussels-Midi station, ideal for those who travel frequently by train, both domestically and internationally.

9. 9

   Shared Housing Contracts

   essential

   Typically 'Contrat de colocation' or 'Colocatiecontract'. Be thorough in understanding clauses, especially regarding communal areas and responsibilities.

10. 10

    Community-Oriented

    nice-to-have

    Saint-Gilles fosters a strong sense of community, with local initiatives and events making it easy to connect with neighbors.

1. 1

   Good Value for Money

   essential

   Schaerbeek often offers more spacious shared housing options at the lower end of the €450-€600 range, ideal for budget-conscious tenants.

2. 2

   Diverse and Multicultural

   recommended

   A truly multicultural commune with a vibrant mix of communities. This diversity is reflected in its shops, restaurants, and cultural offerings.

3. 3

   Extensive Transport Links

   essential

   Excellent connectivity with trams (e.g., 92, 25), buses (STIB/MIVB), and train stations (Schaerbeek, Meiser). Metro access is via closer communes like Saint-Josse.

4. 4

   Green Spaces and Parks

   nice-to-have

   Home to several beautiful parks like Parc Josaphat, offering ample green space for relaxation, sports, and outdoor activities.

5. 5

   Historical Architecture

   nice-to-have

   Features a wealth of Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings. Many shared houses are in charming, well-maintained historic properties.

6. 6

   Local Shops and Services

   essential

   A self-sufficient commune with numerous local shops, markets, and services. You'll find everything you need within easy reach.

7. 7

   Ideal for Students & Young Professionals

   essential

   Its affordability and good transport make it attractive for students and young professionals who prioritize budget without sacrificing accessibility.

8. 8

   Community Feel

   recommended

   Schaerbeek has a strong neighborhood feel, with local events and initiatives fostering a sense of belonging for residents.

9. 9

   Contract Types for Shared Housing

   essential

   Look for 'Contrat de colocation' or 'Colocatiecontract'. Always review lease agreements carefully for any specific Schaerbeek commune clauses.

10. 10

    Up-and-Coming Areas

    nice-to-have

    Certain parts of Schaerbeek are undergoing revitalization, offering potential for new cultural spaces and trendy spots to emerge.

• Always insist on a written 'Contrat de colocation' and get an 'état des lieux' (inventory) upon moving in. This protects you from disputes.
• Register your 'Déclaration d'arrivée' at your local commune within eight days of moving. It's mandatory for all residents in Belgium.
• Join Facebook groups like 'BXL A LOUER' or 'Appartements à louer Bruxelles' for direct listings, often bypassing agency fees.
• Be prepared to pay a security deposit of 2-3 months' rent, usually blocked in a separate bank account. This is standard practice.
• Consider learning basic French or Dutch phrases. While English is common, local language skills greatly assist with viewings and administrative tasks.

Brussels presents a unique shared housing landscape shaped by its role as a European capital, attracting a highly transient, international population alongside its local residents. The bilingual nature of the city (French and Dutch) influences administrative processes and contract types, making specific local knowledge crucial. Understanding the commune-specific vibes and transport networks is key to navigating its diverse rental market.

• Cost of living
• Moving checklist
• First month guide
• Student discounts
• Public transport
• Pet-Friendly living
• Expat community
• Grocery shopping
• Neighbourhoods

• Rental contracts
• Tenant rights
• Deposit protection
• Registration guide
• Flatshare etiquette
• Banking for expats
• Healthcare guide