Get the best of Brussels: 12 New Year’s Resolution Ideas for 2023!

Are you living, working or spending a lot of time in Brussels? Don’t settle for monotony. We are here to help you get the most of the city life. This is the time of New Year’s resolutions and our team came up with 12 ideas which can help you to enjoy Brussels in new and different ways throughout 2023! Simply try some of these actions and you might get a whole new perspective of the city.

12 Brussels’ Resolutions for 2023

Explore a new commune 

Brussels has 19 communes. Have you visited all of them? If your answer is no, then do challenge yourself and explore. Each Brussels’ commune is unique with an interesting mix of architecture, streets, shops, inhabitants… You may even have a feeling that you are visiting a new city.

Shop at a new outdoor market 

Brussels has countless outdoor markets and you probably have your favourite stall at your local market where you buy fresh produce. We challenge you to explore other outdoor markets near & far. Buy fresh flowers for your home – food for your soul or anything else that makes you happy.

Take a new street on your way to work 

Giving in to a routine is easy, but get out of your comfort zone and take a new route on your way to work. You will be surprised by many things you will discover – who knows, you may even make this route your preferred one in the future.

Visit a gallery

Our city has many exceptional art galleries and this list is always growing. In 2023, visit a gallery that you have never visited before.

Give a try to a new mode of transportation 

Mix and match your transportation modes. You don’t like the available options? Talk to your commune representatives or one of the neighbourhood associations and try to improve public transport connections or to add more bicycle spots and charging spots for electric vehicles.

Plant some flowers on your street & Meet your neighbours

Some streets have enviable social life, where neighbours talk to each other and the neighbourhood buzzes with friendly connections. If you still don’t know your neighbours, try to meet some of them and organise a neighbourhood initiative – here’s an idea: plant some flowers on your street or organise a potluck.

Get out of your bubble 

In Brussels, there are numerous social bubbles – be it “expats”, Belgians or various language communities. Sometimes it is easier to stay in a comfortable network but our recommendation is to go out and make new friends – your horizons will enlarge. Even a simple chat can get you a new perspective and perhaps a new friendship.

Bring a bit of style to your dress code. Everyone loves a well-dressed city 

If you have ever walked in Milan, Paris or Antwerp, you had to notice the unmissable style of its inhabitants. It is not a secret that you will feel better if you dress well. We are not talking about specific brands & chic labels – why not simply add some colours or stylish details on a gloomy winter day. Finally, isn’t it nice to walk and see stylish passers-by who tend to spread good vibes? 🙂

Go for a morning coffee to your favourite caffe 

Chances are that you wake up and you brew your morning coffee at home. But have you tried having a morning coffee in your neighbourhood coffee parlour? Here is our instagram guide with favourite coffee bars in Brussels.

Take a walk around the Green Belt of Brussels or visit a new park 

Green Belt of Brussels – the Promenade Verte – is the ‘third ring’ of Brussels that offers an easily accessible and well-marked 60km walk around the city. Get inspired by reading our article about the Promenade Verte. If you don’t want to venture that far, you can still visit variety of green spaces across the city – after all, Brussels is one of the greenest capitals of Europe! Use this opportunity for improving your well-being. See the list of our favourite parks in our Insta guide. 

Support local makers and artists 

Art makes the city better. Support local artists and makers whenever you can. 

Try a new restaurant or a bar 

Brussels is well-known for its restaurants and bars; make it a habit to go out to a new place at least once a month.

Bonus idea: Join the 20 km of Brussels race

Every year, the 20 km of Brussels is the biggest sports event in our city with an amazing racetrack. Hundreds of teams run for charity so why not include this in your things to try this year? Date: 28 May 2023. More info here.

Have other ideas? Get in touch via instagram and send us your suggestions! 🙂

Head photo: Aris Setya
Photos in the article: @europolitans