“What I love about Brussels is how easy it is to get around. Sure, traffic is still a problem but not compared to major European cities. Public transport is great and there are more and more biking lanes, which make it easy for people to commute to work within the city but also from outside the city. The diversity of places to live from the central trendy areas to the more family friendly residential neighbourhoods and especially the affordability of housing (compared to most European cities) makes it a great place to live. Finally, one of my family’s favourite places to go in the warmer months are the vast array of provincial domains to be found surrounding Brussels, with lots of activities for children and possibilities to swim in lakes.”

“Brussels is a very green city and in order to enjoy it to the full, once or twice a year with family and friends we hop on our bikes and cycle the promenade verte. This 60km bike itinerary loops around the city and takes you through many of its communes on paths that pass, for the most part, through its green spaces. It’s always a fun and relaxing experience to cycle through the great trees of the Sonian forest, the landscaped 19th century park of Woluwe and the green fields and ponds of Anderlecht. At around five hours long, cycling at a leisurely pace there’s always time to stop for an ice-cream or a beer on the way.”

“Having two dogs, I appreciate that Brussels is a dog-friendly city with many areas where dogs can run freely. A plus is all the green spaces around the city like Bois de La Cambre or Fôret des Soignes where you can find hiking and mountain bike paths. Also, the train network is quite good which allows us to discover Belgium cities and villages in day trips. Last but not least, the intense cultural live! There’s always something interesting happening in the city.”

“Brussels is a surprising city where everybody can find something that makes them feel closer to home and travel the world at the same time. I am a passionate gourmet and enjoy discovering new places and cuisines to stimulate my taste buds, be it Portuguese bacalhau, Vietnamese bo bun, Senegalese mafé, or the traditional Belgian carbonnade. As an Italian, I’m never too far away from a delicious gelato or fire-cooked pizza. It’s very difficult being homesick in Brussels when it comes to eating!”

“Among many other interesting things I love of Brussels, from a cultural to an environmental point of view, as well from a social and professional angle, what I appreciate most is the fact of having the chance (in some areas of the city, not far from down town) to live like in a village (Watermael Boitsfort) where it’s easy to meet sheep, wolves or dears, to go through a peaceful little park to reach some of the Commission’s buildings, and to have plenty of sport facilities (and opportunities) everywhere. Moreover, the offer of (sport, cultural, musical, etc) stages during school holidays is impressive.”

“I never cease to be amazed by the many green spaces available to us in Brussels. My family always enjoys spending time at the Rouge Cloître, a park that brings together young and old, and where you can go for a walk in the forest, stroll along the lakes, or sip a fragrant cup of hot chocolate in wintertime. Another of my family’s favourite spots is the Châtelain Market, where you find all kinds of fresh produce and get the feeling of being in a small village market.”

“I love cycling and Brussels provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy it, particularly in summer. From June to end of September, the best way to start my weekend is the Brussels Roller Bike Parade (Bruxelles Roller Parade) that allows you to ride around the city along with hundreds of other cyclists in a secure way, accompanied by lively music that makes it feel like a big mobile outdoor party. The Beau Vélo de RAVeL provides an additional opportunity for enjoying cycling followed by a concert during summer weekends in Brussels and Wallonia.”

“Culture has always been part of my life and in particular the theatre. I’m not even an amateur actor but I have discovered in Brussels a variety of theatres catering to all tastes. Theatre in Brussels is highly divers and multicultural and where you can see plays in French, Greek, Dutch, English, German, etc. Brussels offers also a very attractive live music scene whether it be in small intimate venues or in large, sophisticated concert halls.”