9 ways to become a Brussels expert

Where is Mont des Arts’? What's with all the murals? Who is Jeanneke Pis? What's the difference between the metro and pre-metro, or Ixelles and Elsene? Does it really rain every day? 

Brussels is not a straightforward city. Thankfully, tons of tools and services exist to help expats on their journey of discovery. Here are the top nine ways you can become a Brussels expert. 

1. Get a Brussels map made by locals
USE-IT Brussels, a non-commercial locally run info desk, is more like a bar than a tourist kiosk. Go to their hub in Brussels to have a coffee, meet other travellers and chat with locals on city advice. But even better, you’ll get free city maps and budget guides of Brussels and other Belgian cities. Their motto is, “We promise that it is made by locals and that nobody paid to be on the map!” Download the guide here.

2. Read the Brussels Newcomers Survival Guide
Written by Europe Brussels Liaison Office, this free guide provides basic knowledge that helps you to get a better feel for Brussels and its oddities. It provides explanations of Brussels’ typical sayings and traditions, to help you avoid confusion and despair, chat easily with the neighbours and effortlessly impress visitors.

You can pick it up at the Europe.Brussels Liaison Office (one per person) or download the PDF version.

3. Follow a Discover Brussels lunchtime session
Held at the European School of Administration, these sessions are extensive and high-quality introductions to Brussels as your new home and place of work. With lessons given by Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and l’Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) professors, the sessions provide you with all you need to help you understand this complex city and to find your way around more easily. The only setback: it's only for European institution staff members.

4. Buy one of The Bulletin's Expat Guides:
If you like the information and advice you’re already getting on The Bulletin every day, then nab one of our guides geared towards filling expats with Belgian wisdom. Check out the Bulletin’s online shop where you can order or download guides like ‘Newcomer’,  ‘Business Guide’ and ‘The Best of Belgium’.

5. Take a Brussels masterclass
Do you work in one of the European institutions or an international organisation, have you been living in Brussels for a while and do you want to learn about Brussels from a different perspective? Then Brussels for Europe’s masterclass is definitely something for you. It comprises a series of high-quality lectures, excursions, discussion panels and cultural visits. This three-month class is held on Wednesday evenings in French or English. Application priority is given to those working in EU institutions or international staff.  

6. Take a Hidden Secrets of Brussels walking tour
Organised by Derek Blyth (the expert on all things Brussels), these walks are given in English and aim to show a side of the city that most people do not know about. Choose one of Derek’s many walks and learn about the city’s secrets. The walks cost a suggested €10 per person, but payment is optional. Students, interns and under-18s are free.

7. Tour Brussels with an official greeter
No one knows the in and outs of Brussels better than a local. With this in mind, the association Tourisme autrement has set up a Brussels Greeters network. The network is part of a participative tourism movement that began in New York in 1992. The idea is to pair up newcomers with volunteering local ambassadors – or Greeters – who give a tour of Brussels through their own eyes. Sign up here. 

8. Take a Brussels Bike Tour
Like learning about the city on two wheels? Then check out the bike tours of Brussels and beyond proposed by the non-profit organisation Pro-Velo. It also offers a series of organised bike tours, though most of these are in French. 

9. Download Brussels expert apps
Looking for a more 2.0 way to build your expertise on the city? Then try downloading a mobile application on Brussels. VisitBrussels has a good selection of free apps, like Brussels Walking Tours, Spotted by Locals, Visit Brussels, and our personal favourite, Best Pomme Frite shops (FritKot) in Brussels.