My love affair with Belgium and thus my ambition to work at the heart of the EU began when I went on Queen’s University Belfast’s Brussels Study Tour in my second year of uni in June 2014. I remember applying for the tour with almost zero knowledge of the EU, much like most people in the UK in general, nor much of Belgium, a small and seemingly inconspicuous country with not-so-good weather, just like Northern Ireland, wedged between bigger European countries. And yet, since I had no idea what I might want to do after graduation, I thought there’d be no harm checking out what the EU institutions do, putting something interesting on my CV that also led to a Degree Plus accreditation, and getting to see a new place at the same time.
Indeed, it was on this trip that I became really passionate about the idea of working for the European Commission, either as a policy maker or conference interpreter. Brussels is such an interesting, multilingual and multicultural city with more than a few like-minded people, and I instantly knew I wanted to work here one day.
However, this blog post isn’t just about the Belgian capital and heart of Europe. Belgium, despite its size, has such a rich history, cultural and linguistic diversity, and quite a few gorgeous fairytale cities and seaside towns which contrast massively with the modern financial and political hub of Brussels. Therefore, whilst the capital will be mentioned first here, it would be a downright shame to ignore the other places I’ve had the luck of visiting.
Brussel/Bruxelles (Brussels)
The Belgian- and de facto European- capital seems to house two quite different worlds: the more modern, and frankly not so beautiful, European quarter which houses some of the EU’s most important institutions, and the more classically beautiful side with the Cinquantenaire park and the stunning Grand Place, which is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hub for social life in the city with numerous bars nearby. The main square is even more beautiful at night when it really comes to life and is lit up in different colours on different days.
Indeed, no trip to the European capital can be complete without seeing the famous, although really quite small, Manneken Pis statue, which has somehow become a symbol for the city- while you’re at it, why not check out the lesser known, more recent female version, Jeanneke Pis?
Finally, for the beer lovers out there- and even those who aren’t such big fans like myself- be sure to check out one of the many bars serving literally hundreds of beer varieties, it’s seriously impressive (and that’s coming from an Irish girl). I recommend checking out Delirium and, if you prefer beer which doesn’t really taste like beer but still want that full Belgian experience, try the Kriek (cherry-flavoured beer) or one of the other hundreds of flavours available!
Side note: Funny how my first visit to Brussels convinced me that I should one day work here, but a later visit to the POLITICO EU Studies Fair was what put the idea of applying to the University of Luxembourg into my head!
Gent/Gand (Ghent)
A visit to Belgium’s 4th largest city is like being transported into a fairytale. More student atmosphere and slightly less touristic than Bruges. Around 40 minutes from Brussels Central Station. Unfortunately, I spent only one rainy evening in Ghent during a short stay in Brussels, but it was enough to see how beautiful and lively the city is. I would recommend wandering around the city- it’s extremely difficult to get lost even for me, and I have no sense of direction- and soaking in the beautiful cathedrals, castles and little gingerbread-style houses along the canals.
Brugge/Bruges
I first heard of this cute Belgian city from the Colin Farrell movie In Bruges and had wanted to visit ever since, despite the characters’ claims that it was beautiful but boring. I have to admit, Bruges is a small city and there didn’t seem to be a lot to do beyond sightseeing, but its charm and beautiful architecture alone make for an unmissable day trip. Indeed, the capital of West Flanders is so easy to get around, is only an hour by train from Brussels Central Station, and every corner is beautiful, so my advice is to just wander around and get lost- you’ll end up in a cute alleyway or a windmill on a hill! There were everywhere cute canals and cathedrals and even windmills, one of which we climbed for a better view and which we named “le moulin bruges”…
De Panne/La Panne
For a nice relaxing weekend, especially in summer, it’s worth heading over to De Panne which is a seaside town just a short distance from Bruges. We were lucky enough to have a friend host us there in his grandparent’s holiday home, and so got a less touristic, more local taste of Belgium!
Other Belgian cities on my bucket list: Antwerp and Leuven (two student cities), Ypres (for its historical value, i.e. WWI), and Liège. If anyone else has recommendations to add, let me know!
And remember, wherever you go in Belgium, be sure to drink beer and eat waffles and mussels with fries. If you get the chance, I’d also recommend the vol au vent puff-pastry dish which is a Belgian speciality served in almost every restaurant.
Fun Facts
- Belgium is divided linguistically between the Flemish-speaking Flanders and the French-speaking Wallonia, as well as a significant German-speaking population to the east
- Even though Brussels is situated in Flanders, the capital is officially bilingual (French and Flemish), with a lot of people using the three working languages of the EU on a daily basis: French, English and German
- Not that many would, but DO NOT make the mistake of calling Belgians French, even the French-speaking ones. It’s as annoying, if not more, than when I sometimes get called ‘English’ (not even British, just ENGLISH) abroad
- Tip: Don’t try to practise your French in Flanders (outside of Brussels). It’s better to stick to English if you don’t fancy speaking Flemish!
- The region we now call Belgium was once a part of the Habsburg Empire- I found this so cool, especially since I’m obsessed with the Spanish show ‘Carlos Rey Emperador’ which deals with this period!
- Belgium became an independent state in 1831
- Despite the name, “French” Fries are originally from Belgium, and this is made clear on any visit to a Belgian city with the array of friteries
Side note: I’m aware that some people may think that now isn’t the best time to visit Belgium in light of recent terrorist attacks and I certainly saw a changed atmosphere with a larger police/military presence the last time I visited Brussels compared to the first. However, my advice is not to let terrorism stop you from travelling and living your life to the full, because that’s exactly what terrorism aims to do: spread fear. Also, as a word of reassurance, there is, of course, much more security now in the airports and train stations than ever before, so in theory, it should be safer. Finally, on a somewhat lighter note, if you’re from Northern Ireland like myself and use terrorism as an excuse not to go somewhere, I think you need to have a closer look at our own wee country! 😉
