Brussels is one of the most international cities in Europe. Alongside French- and Dutch-speaking Belgians, it is home to large communities working for the European institutions, NATO, embassies, NGOs and multinational companies, plus long-established Moroccan, Turkish and Congolese communities. That mix makes dating here unusually multilingual and multicultural, but it also brings a transient side: people move in and out on contracts and internships, so it helps to be open early about whether you are looking for something longer term.
Ixelles, with the ponds near Flagey and the Châtelain area, is popular with young professionals and has plenty of places to eat and drink. Saint-Gilles is artistic, diverse and full of Art Nouveau houses; Sainte-Catherine and Dansaert are trendy; and the Marolles hosts a flea market on the Place du Jeu de Balle every morning. The LGBTQ+ scene is centered around the streets near the Grand-Place. Brussels also has a surprising amount of green space, including the vast Sonian Forest on its southern edge.
The expats tribe is a good way to meet others building a life here, and the geeks tribe fits a city that treats comic strips as a serious art form. On Souldaters you can choose dating, friends or both; it is completely free, and messages open only after you have both liked each other. That makes it easy to connect across languages without being overwhelmed.
Tribes to join in Brussels
Tribes work everywhere. Join a few and filter Discover to people nearby who share them.
First date ideas in Brussels
- Walk the arches and gardens of the Parc du Cinquantenaire, built for Belgium's fiftieth anniversary.
- Watch the sunset over the city from the terraced gardens of the Mont des Arts.
- Follow part of the Comic Strip Route, a trail of large murals of famous Belgian comic characters painted on building walls.
- Hike or cycle through the Sonian Forest, a huge beech forest on the southern edge of the city.
- Stroll around the Ixelles ponds and the nearby Abbey of La Cambre gardens.
- Hunt for treasures at the daily flea market on the Place du Jeu de Balle in the Marolles.
How to make friends in Brussels
- Join a language exchange; with so many languages spoken, Brussels has lots of them.
- Sign up for a sports club or running group that meets in the Bois de la Cambre or Sonian Forest.
- Volunteer with a local association or community kitchen in your commune.
- Take part in neighborhood events and summer festivals organized by the city's communes.
More ideas: how to make friends in a new city.
The vegan & plant-based scene in Brussels
Brussels has a growing vegan scene, with dedicated plant-based cafes and restaurants mainly in Ixelles, Saint-Gilles and the center, though traditional Belgian cuisine is still meat- and dairy-heavy.
Meet plant-based people in Brussels through the Vegan and Vegetarian tribes, and switch on the free "Only show vegans" filter.
Dating in Brussels: FAQ
Is there a free dating site in Brussels?
Yes. Souldaters is free for everyone in Brussels, with no premium plan or paid boosts. You like profiles privately, and chat opens only after a mutual like, so there are no unsolicited messages. You can list the languages you speak on your profile, which is handy in such a multilingual city.
Where can I meet vegan singles in Brussels?
Ixelles and Saint-Gilles have the most plant-based cafes and events in Brussels. On Souldaters, join the vegan tribe and use the free dealbreaker filter to see only vegans, or vegans and vegetarians. That way you connect with people who share your values, whether they are locals or newcomers.
How do I make friends in Brussels as an expat?
Brussels is used to newcomers, so there are many ways in: language exchanges, sports clubs, volunteering and commune events. Try to mix beyond the EU bubble by learning some French or Dutch. Souldaters Friends mode and the expats tribe help you find people nearby, and you chat once you have both waved.