Thread: Brussels!

Hello!

Next wednesday I'll be moving to Brussels.
I've been to Brussels before, but only as a tourist. Therefore I don't really know what are the "safe" parts of town and what are the "un-safe" parts of town.
There seems to be a common understanding that Schaerbeek and the areas around the Gare du Nord are not to b advised. Any thoughts?

By the way... you don't happen to have a one bedroom flat that I can rent, right?
Thank you!

Originally Posted by fpessanha

I've been to Brussels before, but only as a tourist. Therefore I don't really know what are the "safe" parts of town and what are the "un-safe" parts of town.
There seems to be a common understanding that Schaerbeek and the areas around the Gare du Nord are not to b advised. Any thoughts?

Yes.

Don't go there unless you are accompanied by a local. I visited schaebeek exactly 1 time, when a friend of ours wanted to take us out to a place where they made good couscous. Her boyfriend was a moroccan who knew the place.

I would never have parked my car where we did without expecting it to be on blocks with the wheels missing as soon as we were out of sight. The streets looked as if there has been a riot. The streets we walked through were crowded by people fencing stuff for incredibly low prices while their friends were standing on street corners, ready to blow a loud whistle as soon as a police car turned up. the restaurant owner pretty much ignored me because I was a white male (presumably) and our moroccan friend had a rapid fire discussion in arabic with the owner before I got served. The food and the drink were great though.

All in all, those areas are pretty much no go unless you are accompanied by a local. It's not a good place for being a lone, lost tourist.

As for Gare Du Nord... if you arrive by train, exit the station and stay on the big road towards the center, you should be fine IIRC. But don't go wandering about if you are alone.

That said, Brussels itself is a very nice place with lots of interesting things to see, eat, drink or do. I used to go there with a group of friends regularly when I was in college, to buy books at waterstones and then see the city.

Thank you, Bruno! Thank you very much!
I've been told that that area is a bad one but your graphic description was quite enough for me to understand how bad the area might be... And you know what? The flats I find for rent on the internet are expensive! You find nice stuff... but expensive, considering that that area is so infamous.
Thank you!

Thank you Bruno for looking after one of our own, you sir are a true gentleman.

Thanks Bruno... I thought I would make it an even 1000. He was 6'4 and full a muscles...

Hey! Guess what? I found a flat! And it is not in Schaerbeek!
I found a nice little fully renovated and furnished (with exquisite taste!) appartment in Ixelles, a stone's throw away from the Place Flagey. The rent is not too expensive and the overall deal seems a pretty sweet one. The landlord is a joy to talk to and is immensly nice. I've found myself a little gem here...
Now, something is missing: my cat! I miss my cat a lot...
And my girlfriend as well. The good thing, though, is that in a month's time she'll be moving in with me.
I'm happy and glad all turned out ok.

Now... if anybody needs a place to crash for a few days, please, feel free to PM me and I'm sure we can manage something. Thank you all for your input and kind words.

Congrats on finding a nice place..! Hope you are settling in well and getting ready for SWMBO's arrival..!

When I'm next in Brussels I'll let you know, and we should meet up for a beer or something!

Take care!

Originally Posted by Stubear

Congrats on finding a nice place..! Hope you are settling in well and getting ready for SWMBO's arrival..!

When I'm next in Brussels I'll let you know, and we should meet up for a beer or something!

Take care!

Okay! Good plan! And that goes to the rest of you!