Auderghem (Oudergem) is one of the greenest and most peaceful places to live in Brussels. Located in the south-east of the Brussels-Capital Region, Auderghem offers an attractive combination of nature, residential neighbourhoods, convenient public transport, and easy access to the city centre.

What makes Auderghem particularly appealing is its proximity to the Sonian Forest (Forêt de Soignes). Residents can enjoy walking and cycling trails, parks, ponds, and quiet green spaces while still being connected to the centre of Brussels. The area is particularly popular with families, professionals, expats, and anyone looking for a quieter alternative to the busier central neighbourhoods.

Whether you're looking for a furnished apartment, a long-term rental, or a comfortable place to stay while working in Brussels, Auderghem is worth considering.

Why Live in Auderghem?

Auderghem offers a different experience from neighbourhoods such as Ixelles or Saint-Gilles. Instead of busy nightlife and dense city streets, the area is known for its green spaces, residential atmosphere, and access to nature.

• Direct access to the Sonian Forest
• Quiet and residential atmosphere
• Good metro, tram and bus connections
• Excellent choice for families and professionals
• Close to parks, walking routes and outdoor activities
• Easy access to central Brussels and the European Quarter

Auderghem is sometimes described as having a "village in the city" atmosphere: you can enjoy a quieter local environment while remaining within the Brussels metropolitan area.

Rental Market in Auderghem

The rental market in Auderghem includes a mixture of apartments, family homes, modern residences, and larger properties close to the green areas. The neighbourhood can be particularly attractive to renters who want more space and a calmer environment than they might find in the busiest parts of central Brussels.

Rental options vary considerably depending on the size, condition, location, and proximity to public transport or the Sonian Forest.

Apartments closer to Hermann-Debroux, Demey and the Chaussée de Wavre can be convenient for commuters, while properties closer to Rouge-Cloître and the forest offer a more peaceful environment.

Lifestyle & Atmosphere

Life in Auderghem is generally quieter and more relaxed than in Brussels' central neighbourhoods. The area combines residential streets with local shops, cafés, restaurants, sports facilities, parks, and cultural activities.

It's a particularly good choice if your ideal Brussels lifestyle involves starting the day with a walk in the forest, working from home during the day, and heading into the city when you want restaurants, nightlife or cultural events.

• Relaxed residential streets
• Local cafés and restaurants
• Excellent access to nature
• Family-friendly environment
• Outdoor activities throughout the year
• Easy access to central Brussels

Sonian Forest & Outdoor Life

One of the biggest advantages of living in Auderghem is having the Sonian Forest practically on your doorstep. Covering around 4,000 hectares across Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia, the forest is one of the most important green spaces around the capital. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

It's ideal for walking, running, cycling, photography, relaxing, or simply escaping the city for a few hours.

For people who enjoy an active lifestyle, this is one of the strongest reasons to consider renting in Auderghem.

Rouge-Cloître – One of Auderghem's Hidden Gems

Rouge-Cloître is one of the area's most distinctive attractions. Located at the edge of the Sonian Forest, the former priory combines historic buildings, ponds, gardens, nature and cultural activities.

The site includes an art centre, artists' studios, walking areas, a nature reserve, playgrounds and a health trail. It is also one of the gateways into the Sonian Forest. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

It's an excellent place for a weekend walk, a family outing, or a quiet afternoon away from the centre of Brussels.

Parks & Green Spaces

Auderghem has an unusually strong selection of green spaces for an urban neighbourhood.

• Rouge-Cloître – historic site, ponds, gardens and access to the Sonian Forest
• Parc du Bergoje – a wooded park with walking paths and a small stream
• Parc Seny – a peaceful green space ideal for a stroll
• Parc Ten Reuken – green areas and ponds close to the forest
• Jean Massart Botanical Garden – an impressive collection of native and exotic plants

The Jean Massart Botanical Garden is located close to Rouge-Cloître and contains around 2,000 plant species, making it an interesting destination for anyone interested in nature, biodiversity and botany. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Public Transport in Auderghem

Despite its green and residential character, Auderghem is well connected to the rest of Brussels.

Metro line 5 provides a particularly useful connection through the area, with stations including Hermann-Debroux and Demey. Tram and bus services provide additional connections around the commune and towards neighbouring areas.

Hermann-Debroux is also an important gateway to the Sonian Forest. The forest's Rouge-Cloître entrance can be reached from Hermann-Debroux by public transport and on foot. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

For drivers, Auderghem also has Park & Ride facilities around Hermann-Debroux and Delta, making the area convenient for combining car travel with public transport. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Cafés, Restaurants & Local Life

Auderghem isn't Brussels' biggest nightlife destination, but that's part of its appeal. The neighbourhood is better suited to relaxed evenings, local restaurants, cafés and spending time outdoors.

For a bigger selection of restaurants, bars and nightlife, central Brussels, Ixelles and Saint-Gilles are easily accessible by public transport.

This makes Auderghem particularly attractive for people who want peace and quiet at home without giving up access to Brussels' social life.

Who Should Live in Auderghem?

• Families looking for more space and green areas
• Young professionals who prefer a quieter neighbourhood
• Expats working in Brussels
• Remote workers and digital nomads who enjoy nature
• Runners, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts
• People looking for easy access to the Sonian Forest
• Anyone who prefers residential neighbourhoods over busy city-centre streets

Auderghem vs Central Brussels

If you're deciding where to live in Brussels, Auderghem offers a very different lifestyle from the city centre.

• Auderghem: green, peaceful, residential and close to nature
• Ixelles: lively, international, cafés, nightlife and culture
• Saint-Gilles: creative, energetic and popular with young professionals
• Brussels City Centre: historic, central, busy and highly walkable
• Etterbeek: residential and particularly convenient for the European Quarter

If you want to compare different parts of Brussels before choosing your next home, explore our other Brussels neighbourhood guides.

Explore Nearby Neighbourhoods

• Watermael-Boitsfort (Watermaal-Bosvoorde)
• Ixelles (Elsene)
• Etterbeek
• Uccle (Ukkel)
• Saint-Gilles (Sint-Gillis)
• Brussels City Centre

Related Brussels Guides

• How to Stay Cool During a Heatwave in Brussels
• Best Parks in Brussels for a Picnic (2026 Guide)
• Summer in Brussels: 25 Things to Do in 2026
• Digital Nomads in Brussels: Best Neighborhoods for Productivity & Fun
• How to Rent in Brussels as an Expat
• Cost of Renting in Brussels (2026 Guide)

Find a Rental in Auderghem

Looking for a furnished apartment or rental property in Auderghem? Explore available properties on EU-rentals and discover a quieter, greener side of Brussels.

Browse rentals in Brussels on EU-rentals

Why Choose Auderghem?

Auderghem is a great choice if you want the best of both worlds: nature and city life. You can walk through the Sonian Forest in the morning, work from home during the day, and reach central Brussels for dinner, shopping or nightlife in the evening.

With its green spaces, excellent access to the forest, convenient public transport and relaxed atmosphere, Auderghem is one of Brussels' most attractive neighbourhoods for people looking for a comfortable and well-connected place to live.