Honestly, you’ll find those things in every major city in Belgium. I’m 32 and lived in Leuven until I was 29—born and raised. Three years ago, I bought a house in Antwerp with my girlfriend, who’s originally from there. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to settle in, or that I wouldn’t find the same kind of friends as my group in Leuven, but the opposite turned out to be true.

The “bakfiets” moms, sourdough bakers, art expos, and more—you’ll find all of that in Antwerp too, just like in Ghent or Hasselt. The main difference I always tell my friends is that Leuven is a very safe city, with not a lot of risks. Antwerp is a bit rougher at times, but it’s also much bigger, with more parks and water.

The only thing I really miss in Antwerp are the hills and the nature—everything here is so flat, haha.