Many people stare at me when I tell them that I like Brussels. For them it is a grey, bland, cloud-covered Euro-cratic city. For me, it’s where I spent a lovely 6 years of my life.

Now that I’ve left I find that sometimes I do wonder what I would have been doing if I were back there. I don’t travel back often but when I do, I find myself pleasantly surprised by a few things.

Check out my list of reasons why Brussels is improving (or not)

I was back for a business trip a few weeks’ ago and had the luxury of a weekend there too. I didn’t need the trip to convince me that it’s great but I still ended up roaming around with a smile on my face.

Which doesn’t mean it’s perfect – so take a look at my reasons to love (or hate) Brussels and see what you agree with:

Reasons to like Brussels

• There is a sense that the city needs to change for the better. And by better, I mean more beautiful. Brussels is many things but no one would call it pretty. Still, with the advent of the new shopping centre being built on the Toison d’Or, it looks like modern architecture that is visually striking as well as being functional has arrived in Brussels. Well done!
• There is continuous change. In July 2013, I noted a lot of development; now, however, things are changing again and I like that this is a city that knows it needs to keep moving forward. Look at all the improvements in the airport and the city centre for an example of this.

• Speaking of moving forward, there is a host of new coffee shops in town. I don’t mean the “let’s sit outside in uncomfortable chairs for a quick coffee” kind of place which Brussels already had enough of. I mean the kind of places where you can sit, relax, read the paper or just get some work done.
  Wi fi.
  Comfy chairs.
  Good coffee.
  
• Also, burger joints. Manhattn Burgers on Avenue Louise is one but this is a trend that started just before I left with gourmet burger place Cool Bun leading the trend. (hat tip to CheeseWeb for introducing me to that place!)
• Even more so, cocktail bars. The Martini Bar had me salivating at the mere mention of it but a burly bouncer rather snootily pointed out that I needed a reservation. The Crystal Lounge is still good fun though as is L’Archiduc. It looks like a love of cocktails is coming to the place. The prices are a little high and a greater choice will help with this.

Reasons to hate Brussels

1. I noted the development point above. But seriously guys, you must finish what you’ve started.
   Schumann is still under construction.
   So is Arts-Loi.
   Unless you’re putting in a new brick every week, I expect these places to be done by now.
2. The place is still dirty.
   Honestly, I know you like your dogs but if you want to walk around a city without stepping in dog excrement, Brussels is not for you. What is it about these owners who don’t clean up after their pets?
3. Transport is still slow. Waiting 10 min for a tram or a metro is not normal in any standard city. Prague has a much more organised transport system and you can see how easily being able to navigate a city can help business and the communities.
4. The shops still close at 6. How are people supposed to get any shopping done if the shops are closed when they’re free? Not only would business benefit but so would the overall work-life balance of customers and staff alike.

So, what do you love or hate about Brussels?