The drink after the office remains the safe bet, but it always gathers the same people and leaves out those who do not drink or head home early. A good afterwork offers something to do together, in an hour and a half to two hours, a few minutes from the office.
Here are ten afterwork ideas in Brussels that work for a group of 6 to 30 colleagues, each with the format, the indicative budget per person and what to check before booking.
1. An express creative workshop after the office
An hour and a half to two hours to make your own candle, charm bracelet or clay object, host included, and everyone leaves with their creation. The format is inclusive, with no competition and no compulsory alcohol, and it gets colleagues talking who never otherwise meet. Break-it runs these workshops at its studio on Rue de Flandre or directly in your offices, from €35 per person.
2. A mixology session in a cocktail bar
Several bars in the centre and in Ixelles offer private one-hour sessions: three cocktails to make yourself, with the basics of measuring and shaking. An alcohol-free version is almost always possible. Expect €35 to €55 per person and book one to two weeks ahead for a Thursday.
3. A rooftop in summer
From May to September, the rooftops of the centre and the European quarter open in the late afternoon. It is the simplest afterwork to organise: a reserved area, a view, a few sharing boards. Budget €15 to €30 per person and plan a fallback in case of rain.
4. A board-game bar
Hundreds of games, a host who explains the rules in five minutes and tables you can reserve for a group. Short cooperative games naturally break down hierarchy. It is also the cheapest option on this list: the price of a drink, sometimes a flat €5 per person.
5. A quiz night
Many bars run a weekly quiz; some will privatise it for a company. Form mixed teams across departments, that is the key. Budget: one or two drinks per person, sometimes a €10 to €15 fee for a private quiz.
6. A Belgian beer tasting
An hour to an hour and a half with a guide, five or six beers explained, styles from gueuze to tripel. Informative, convivial and very popular with international colleagues. Expect €25 to €40 per person and an alcohol-free alternative for those who want it.
7. A mini padel or bowling tournament
For teams that like to move: two reserved padel courts or three bowling lanes are enough for 12 to 18 people. A ninety-minute tournament format gives the evening a thread. Expect €15 to €25 per person, rackets or shoes included.
8. An escape room
An hour of puzzles in groups of 4 to 6, then a drink to debrief. Brussels has dozens of rooms; for a group of more than 12, book several rooms in the same slot. Budget: €25 to €35 per person.
9. A neighbourhood food tour
Two hours on foot through the Marolles, Sainte-Catherine or Saint-Gilles, with four or five tasting stops. You walk, you taste, you talk: the ideal format for welcoming new colleagues. Budget €40 to €60 per person, tastings included.
10. A private karaoke box
A private room for 8 to 15 people, an unlimited playlist and drinks served on the spot. Nobody sings in front of strangers, and the mood rises fast. Expect €10 to €20 per person per hour, more on a Friday.
Afterwork or team building: what is the difference?
An afterwork is short, informal, often optional and frequently paid for individually. A team building is working time organised by the company, with a goal (cohesion, onboarding, celebration) and a dedicated budget. The two complement each other: a regular afterwork maintains the bond, a team building once or twice a year strengthens it.
If you are unsure, start with an afterwork built around “doing” rather than “drinking”: it is the best test of what the team enjoys before investing in a full day. We detail the concrete effects on a team in our article on the benefits of team building.
Planning tips
- Timing: start between 5:30 and 6 pm, to finish around 8 pm. Any later and parents and commuters drop off.
- Proximity: less than 15 minutes from the office on foot or by public transport, otherwise attendance falls.
- Budget: €15 to €40 per person covers most ideas on this list; say clearly who is paying.
- Inclusive: plan an activity that does not rely on alcohol, and alcohol-free options everywhere.
- Booking: in Brussels, Thursdays fill up fast; book at least a week ahead, two for a group of more than 15.
Fancy a turnkey creative afterwork? Break-it comes to your offices or welcomes you at Rue de Flandre 73, Brussels, for a candle, jewellery, clay or mosaic workshop, from €35 per person. Discover our team building packages or request a quote: reply within 24 hours.
