Brussels, a cosmopolitan capital and home to many international institutions, is a city where social and professional life is largely built through networking. Whether you want to broaden your circle of friends, find professional partners, or simply meet inspiring people, the Belgian capital offers countless opportunities every week.
How to make friends in Brussels
Meetups
Brussels is full of fascinating and friendly people. You just need to know where to find them to meet them. Every day of the week, there are a plethora of small groups that gather in the city, sometimes for a general conversation, other times to focus on a specific theme or interest.
There are also many virtual online groups that a quick search can easily locate. This will undoubtedly help you discover the different events organized in Brussels. Moreover, they are often free and accessible to everyone.
Meetup.com is one of the most popular sites to search. You can find groups for almost anything imaginable, with specific themes and interests. You can also create your own event if you haven't found what you're looking for.
Couchsurfing also offers events that take place every week in the city.
Language groups, language courses, and sports clubs
Learning or practicing a language is an excellent way to meet people in Brussels. Huis van het Nederlands offers, for instance, affordable Dutch courses, sometimes subsidized by the municipality or employer, while the Alliance Française is a popular option for improving your French. In addition, many language exchange groups meet informally in the city's cafes and bars, creating friendly opportunities to practice while expanding your social circle.
Sports is another excellent way to meet people. Brussels is full of accessible clubs, whether it's football, badminton, climbing, martial arts, or hiking. These activities are particularly useful for meeting both expats and Belgians in a relaxed and authentic setting.
Building your professional network in Brussels
Embassies and national Groups
Many embassies organize cultural events (exhibitions, concerts, film screenings) that bring together the diaspora of each country. It's a great way to meet compatriots, but also to form professional connections with people who share the same language and culture as you.
In parallel, chambers of commerce play a key role in networking. They organize meetings and conferences focused on business, which not only help expand your professional network but also uncover concrete collaboration opportunities.
These events, whether cultural or economic, are privileged entry points to build a solid network in Brussels. In return, your contacts can direct you to opportunities you might benefit from or connect you with influential people in your field.
Discussions, conferences, and Place du Luxembourg
Brussels is a conference city: politics, environment, technology, arts, sciences…
No matter your interests, you will find an event that suits you. These forums are the ideal opportunity to expand your professional and personal network.
On Thursday evenings, Place du Luxembourg in front of the European Parliament becomes a must-visit spot: interns, lobbyists, MEPs, and expats gather there in a friendly atmosphere. It's one of the hot spots for informal networking in Brussels.
Besides having fun, many people try to make useful contacts they can rely on at some point in the future. In summer, the square is closed to public transport, so people end up spilling onto the roads in the evening, a bit like a small festival where people enjoy themselves.
Networking etiquette in Brussels
In Brussels, knowing how to behave during a first contact is essential. The handshake remains the norm when meeting someone for the first time. Among friends, a single kiss on the cheek, usually on the left side, is customary, although in international circles this can quickly vary: two or even three kisses are not uncommon, and Italians often start with the right cheek. With such cultural diversity, it can sometimes be difficult to know which approach to take, but simplicity and politeness always suffice.
The issue of language is equally important. It is better to favor French or English depending on the context and the language of the event. Brussels residents are happy to exchange their business cards, and it is always appreciated to have your contact details in English and French, or even in Dutch depending on your field of activity.
Professional meetings also follow specific codes: punctuality is paramount and a slight delay is often perceived as a lack of respect. A neat appearance and good preparation are essential, as trust must be established before getting down to business.
Finally, planning is crucial. Brussels offers a multitude of events every week, but trying to attend everything quickly leads to exhaustion. It's better to carefully select the most relevant meetings for your field to invest your time and energy effectively.
Networking is thus an integral part of life in Brussels. With the constant influx of new expats, it has become second nature for many residents. Whether to expand your social circle or to progress professionally, it is a necessary step to fully enjoy your new life in Brussels.
Best practices
Networking in Brussels should never be seen as a one-way exchange. The capital attracts thousands of professionals from around the world, and one of the most appreciated implicit rules is reciprocity. If you receive information, a contact, or an opportunity, it is expected that you share what you know or help someone else to the extent of your means.
Being seen as a useful, generous, and competent person enhances your credibility and naturally expands your circle of influence. Conversely, if you only collect without giving back, you risk being quickly marginalized.
Cooperation and the exchange of best practices are therefore essential: recommending an event, introducing a colleague, sharing a relevant article, or simply sharing your own experiences can make all the difference. In Brussels, this collaborative attitude is not only appreciated: it is often crucial for advancing your career and building strong and lasting relationships.
Whether in a lively bar, at an international conference, in a sports club, or through a language group, Brussels offers fertile ground for making friends and building a professional network. With a bit of curiosity and an open attitude, it is easy to find your place in this multicultural city where networking is an integral part of daily life.
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