Belgium

Cost of living

What a month costs

Cheaper than Paris or Amsterdam, but high Belgian income tax and heating bills push the real cost up.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Brussels

1. Grand-PlaceA UNESCO-listed square ringed by gilded guild houses and the town hall.
2. Manneken PisThe tiny cheeky fountain statue that has become the city mascot.
3. AtomiumThe giant steel atom from Expo 58, with viewing spheres over the north of town.
4. Royal Palace of BrusselsThe king's official palace, open to visitors in summer.
5. Cathedral of St. Michael and St. GudulaA soaring Gothic cathedral with brilliant stained glass.
6. Mont des ArtsA terraced garden with a postcard view back over the lower town.
7. Parc du CinquantenaireA big park under a triumphal arch, home to several museums.
8. Magritte MuseumThe largest collection of the Belgian surrealist's work.
9. Musical Instruments MuseumA wonderful Art Nouveau building with a rooftop cafe and city views.
10. Galeries Royales Saint-HubertAn elegant 19th century glass-roofed shopping arcade.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. BrugesAn hour by train to fairytale canals, cobbled lanes and medieval belfries.
2. GhentA lively student city with a castle, waterside guild houses and a great food scene.
3. AntwerpFashion, diamonds and Rubens, plus a stunning cathedral and a grand old station.
4. Dinant and the Meuse valleyCliffside citadel and river cruises on the edge of the Ardennes.
5. WaterlooThe famous 1815 battlefield with its memorial mound just south of the city.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Cafe BelgaA buzzing Art Deco cafe on Place Flagey, packed day and night.
2. Maison DandoyHistoric biscuit house with a tea room serving classic Brussels waffles.
3. MOKWell-regarded local specialty coffee roaster with a bright city-centre bar.
4. OR Coffee BarA dependable spot for serious espresso from a respected Belgian roaster.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Comme Chez SoiA landmark of Belgian fine dining near the Place Rouppe.
2. Chez LeonThe old-school moules-frites institution on the restaurant street.
3. Aux Armes de BruxellesA grand classic brasserie for shrimp croquettes and Belgian staples.
4. Fin de SiecleA cash-only bistro loved for hearty stews and a lively crowd.
5. Belga QueenA dramatic brasserie inside a former bank hall.
6. Noordzee Mer du NordA standing seafood stall by Sainte-Catherine for fish soup and white wine.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Peck 47A popular all-day brunch spot near the Bourse.
2. Le Pain QuotidienThe communal-table bakery chain that was born in Brussels.
3. CharliA well-loved artisan bakery on Rue Sainte-Catherine for fresh pastries and bread.
4. Maison DandoyWaffles and coffee to start the day the local way.
5. Cafe BelgaA relaxed morning coffee and tartine on Place Flagey.