Not just waffles and EU drama

Paris dazzles, London hustles, and Madrid shines with its sun-soaked plazas.

And then there’s Brussels. Often overlooked, sometimes underestimated, but quietly – almost mischievously – offering something that many other capitals struggle to balance: a dynamic career scene and a truly livable city.

I’ve just returned from Geneva myself, after attending the WTO Public Forum and experiencing sun-kissed promenades, postcard mountains, and clean pavements without a rogue garbage bag in sight.

Brussels? Let’s say it isn’t quite as polished. But after years of calling this city home – past the pink-glasses stage, past the honeymoon glow – I’m still convinced that it’s the perfect launchpad for ambitious young professionals who don’t want to sacrifice quality of life.

And the reasons unfold as you live it.

Photo Credit: Martina Cilia

1. Connections with a twist

Forget stiff conference halls. In Brussels, networking comes with a side of rosé. The rentrée events in September feel like the city’s “back-to-school” parties. The summer BBQs in June are basically LinkedIn in sandals. And then there are the cocktails and galas sprinkled across the year – it’s practically impossible to separate work from social life (and in this case, that’s not a bad thing).

2. A city for bad planners

If you’re the kind of person who can’t commit to plans two weeks ahead (or even two days ahead), Brussels has your back. Sure, meeting friends can sometimes feel like a logistical puzzle (hello Doodle!), but the city itself is bursting with free concerts, impromptu parties, and cultural events. If you hate overplanning, Brussels will keep you entertained on a whim.

3. Integration, not just arrival

Plenty of cities make newcomers feel welcome. But Brussels makes them feel at home. It’s a city where your six-month internship friends quickly become your family, and where expats don’t just float around the edges, they’re part of the fabric. Whether you’re staying short-term or settling in, Brussels integrates you like nowhere else.

4. A green escape inside the city

Need a breather between meetings? No need to flee to the countryside. Brussels is dotted with parks, forests, and leafy corners perfect for lunch on the grass or a post-work jog. It’s urban life softened by greenery, which makes the city feel less like a grind and more like a livable ecosystem.

5. A quick flight from home

Of course, even in the greenest park or the liveliest bar, homesickness can sneak in. The good news? Brussels has not one, but two airports. One is generally appreciated, the other… let’s just say it’s less glamorous. But together, they make it incredibly easy (and often affordable) for expats to hop on a plane and recharge with family, friends, or just the comfort of “home.”

6. Small enough to manage, big enough to matter

Unlike sprawling capitals, Brussels doesn’t demand a car (or your sanity). The city is compact enough to bike across, walk through, or conquer with public transport. That means less time commuting, more time living. And yet, it’s big enough to feel global. Its cultural diversity shows up on every corner: Lebanese restaurants, Japanese ramen shops, Congolese grills, Belgian classics… You can eat your way around the world without leaving your neighborhood.

7. Affordable(ish) urban living

Compared with other European capitals, Brussels rents, groceries, and dining out are relatively reasonable, especially for young professionals starting out. You can enjoy city life without breaking the bank: the cost-of-living balance makes it easier to focus on experiences rather than just scraping by.

8. Festivals and seasonal cheer

Speaking about experiences… Brussels knows how to celebrate, no matter the season. In summer, the city and its surroundings come alive with some of Europe’s most famous festivals. As the year cools, the streets sparkle with Winter Wonders: ice skating rinks, vin chaud, twinkling lights, and Christmas markets that turn the city into a cozy, festive playground.

9. A city of hidden gems

Brussels is full of surprises for those willing to look. Beyond the Grand Place, you’ll find stunning Art Nouveau buildings tucked into quiet streets, secret courtyards, and historic embassies and schools that are (from time to time) open to the public.

10. Work? It fits around life, not the other way around

Let’s not forget: Brussels isn’t just lifestyle fluff. The career opportunities are serious – between EU institutions, NGOs, think tanks, international companies, and a rich private sector, you’re spoiled for choice. But here’s the beauty: the career side almost feels like a bonus. You can explore industries, pivot, and experiment without the fear of missing out on life while you do it.

Brussels won’t seduce you with glamour and won’t WOW you at first glance. Its charm is quieter, allowing you to build your path without sacrificing the joy of the journey.

But honestly, isn’t that the real success story?

[This article was originally published on LinkedIn].