Making friends in Belgium can be challenging, as Belgians often have a reputation for being reserved. As a Belgian, I know we wish it were different, but old habits can be hard to break. After frequently seeing questions like 'How to make friends in Belgium/Brussels/Flanders?' on platforms like Reddit, I decided to create this guide. So, if you’re up for cracking the - sometimes stubborn - Belgian shell, I hope this guide can help you take your first step. Enjoy!
1. Find hobby clubs to meet like-minded people
If you are new to a city or want to broaden your social circle, you don't want to meet just anyone. You want to find like-minded people. The best way to do that is to start with a common interest, your hobbies. Join a sports club, attend a pottery workshop, or connect with any organization that aligns with your interests. There is no better way to meet new people than to enjoy your time while doing so.
2. Explore nightlife in the big cities
The nightlife scene isn’t for everyone. However, it’s a great way to meet new people, as most attendees are open to casual conversations. To make longer lasting connections, you'll need to take it further by finding a common interest or meeting up again for another party. Although people in the nightlife scene can be approachable, it might take a few tries to find genuine connections with those interested in building friendships.
3. Join groups via Meetup events
If partying isn’t your thing and you haven’t found the right hobby club, then Meetup.com might solve your problems. Meetup users organise group events around certain topics. One popular example is language learning. You can easily join the event, meet new people and have some fun along the way. One downside is that the groups might be rather large, and anyone can join as long as there is capacity, so prepare to deal with people you might find less interesting as well!
4. Meet people your way with the Jointly app
If you’re looking for a more personalized way to meet people, the Jointly app is designed for you. You decide the what, where and when of the activity. Others can then apply and it's up to you to decide how many people and who can join your activity. The Jointly app is ideal for those who find it diffucult to meet new people, for those who prefer a casual, smaller setting for their activities, or for those who want to try something new. I'm of course biased, but I'd definitely recommend to try it out!
5. Using dating apps
While dating apps are usually associated with finding a romantic partner or a casual date, they can also be great tools for making friends if you set clear expectations. Not every date leads to romance, but that doesn’t mean those people can’t become great friends. You might enjoy doing things together without being a match for a relationship. With their established user base, dating apps offer a large pool of potential connections, setting you up perfectly to make new friends.
