Where to stay in Brussels: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexDespite being the capital of Belgium, Brussels is certainly a welcoming city, with a wonderful centre to visit entirely on foot and excellent public transport to move between one district and another, making it really easy to visit all the famous attractions. The choice of accommodation depends a lot on your needs: the centre is definitely the best solution to be close to the main attractions, but the area near Brussels-Midi station, south of the centre, is also an excellent area.
Are you thinking of taking a trip to this beautiful capital? Let's find out where to sleep in Brussels: tips and best neighbourhoods to stay.
In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation
If you're short on time, skip the boring research - we've already done the dirty work for you! Here are our top-rated picks for any budget, tried and tested.
| Category | Recommended Accommodation |
|---|---|
| 👑 5 star / luxury | Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's |
| 🛎️ B&b & mid-range | NH Brussels EU Berlaymont |
| 🎒 Hostel and low-cost | Craves |
| 🏡 Vacation rental / apartments | Aparthotel Adagio |
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Brussels
| Target | Area | Rates from |
|---|---|---|
| Stay on a budget | European quarter | €90,00 |
| Forest | €90,00 | |
| Families | Sablon | €120,00 |
| Forest | €90,00 | |
| Young | Saint-Catherine | €150,00 |
| Ixelles | €110,00 |
Not recommended areas: We do not recommend the districts of Schaarbeek, Molenbeek, Anderlecht, or the suburbs. This is because there are no particular attractions and not many accommodation facilities. In the centre you can easily find affordable accommodation.
Brussels, despite being a capital and a fairly large city, is people-friendly and all the main attractions are close to each other, within a few kilometres, except for the Atomium which is further away. For this reason, the best neighbourhood to stay in is the centre. This is the best option for everyone: you will find youth hostels and apartments or hotels with all the facilities you could need.
To choose which is the best area of the centre to stay, depends on the needs of the traveller: for young people we recommend Saint-Catherine, Ixelles and Saint Gilles, areas full of clubs and nightlife; for families we recommend the residential districts of Le Marolles and Sablon, quiet but still central; for those on a tight budget we recommend the European Quarter, but each area is full of hostels and simple accommodation.
To save even more on accommodation, head to the Brussels-Midi station area, where the Forest district is also located. The latter residential area is also suitable for families, even if it is further away from the centre.
Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Brussels. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
Sablon, the elegant and historic neighborhood
- Pros: Elegant atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, high-end shopping and dining
- Cons: Higher accommodation costs, limited nightlife
- Main Attractions: Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon, Grand Sablon Square, Petit Sablon Garden
- Average Prices: From €120,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodation
Sablon is one of Brussels' most elegant and historic neighborhoods, renowned for its sophisticated charm and cultural richness. Nestled between the Grand Sablon and Petit Sablon squares, the area boasts a plethora of antique shops, art galleries, and some of the finest chocolatiers in the city, including Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, and Godiva.
The neighborhood's centerpiece, the Church of Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon, adds to its historical allure. Sablon is ideal for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a refined atmosphere. Its weekend antique market attracts collectors and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into Brussels' rich past. The area's upscale restaurants and cafes provide perfect spots for leisurely dining and people-watching. With its blend of history, art, and gastronomy, Sablon offers a quintessential Brussels experience.
- What to do: Antique hunting at the weekend market, chocolate tasting at Pierre Marcolini, visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts nearby.
- Where to eat: Au Vieux Saint Martin, Skievelat.
- Where to drink: Pigeon Bar, Le Perroquet.
Why I love it: Sitting in Wittamer with a pastry while watching the world go by is pure luxury!
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €120,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Sainte-Catherine, the cultural and vibrant neighborhood
- Pros: Diverse culinary scene, lively atmosphere, rich cultural offerings
- Cons: Can be crowded during peak times, limited green spaces
- Main Attractions: Place Sainte-Catherine, Marché aux Poissons, Sainte-Catherine Church
- Average Prices: From €150,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
Sainte-Catherine is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood that seamlessly blends historical charm with modern flair. Once the site of the city's old port, the area has transformed into a lively district known for its seafood restaurants, trendy bars, and artistic venues. The central square, Place Sainte-Catherine, is surrounded by a mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, housing numerous cafes and eateries that come alive, especially during the festive season. The neighborhood is also home to the Marché aux Poissons and hosts various cultural events throughout the year. Sainte-Catherine is perfect for food lovers, art enthusiasts, and those seeking a dynamic yet authentic Brussels experience.
- What to do: Shop for Belgian designers on Rue Dansaert, eat oysters in the square, watch a show at the KVS Theater.
- Where to eat: Noordzee, Gaston, Strofilia
- Where to drink: Life Is Beautiful, Barbeton.
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €150,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Forest, the peaceful area
- Pros: Abundant green spaces, cultural institutions, peaceful environment
- Cons: Farther from city center, limited nightlife
- Main Attractions: Duden Park, Forest National, Wiels Art Center
- Average Prices: From €90,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
Forest is a tranquil and green neighborhood located in the southern part of Brussels. Known for its expansive parks like Duden Park and Forest Park, the area offers residents and visitors a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle. Forest is also home to cultural venues such as the Forest National concert hall and the Wiels contemporary art center, housed in a former brewery. The neighborhood's blend of nature, culture, and residential charm makes it ideal for families, artists, and those seeking a quieter Brussels experience.
- What to do: Catch a concert at Forest National, enjoy a panoramic view from the altitude 100, explore the industrial-chic art at WIELS.
- Where to eat: Perruche - Bistrot du coin, Le Schievelavabo
- Where to drink: Brasserie de l'Union, Bar du Matin
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €90,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
European Quarter, the cosmopolitan neighborhoods
- Pros: Proximity to EU institutions, rich cultural sites, well-connected transport
- Cons: Can be quiet during weekends, limited nightlife
- Main Attractions: European Parliament, Parc du Cinquantenaire, House of European History
- Average Prices: From €90,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
The European Quarter is the political heart of Brussels, housing major institutions like the European Parliament and the European Commission. Beyond its administrative significance, the area boasts architectural landmarks, museums, and green spaces such as Parc Leopold and Parc du Cinquantenaire. The neighborhood is cosmopolitan, with a mix of diplomats, professionals, and tourists. While primarily an office district, recent developments have introduced more residential options, cafes, and cultural venues, making it increasingly appealing for visitors interested in politics, history, and international affairs.
visit.brussels
- What to do: Visit the House of European History, take photos under the Cinquantenaire Arch, enjoy the "Afterwork" drinks at Place Luxembourg.
- Where to eat: Maison Antoine (best fries!), Meet Meat.
- Where to drink: Kosmos Place, Beers Bank
Why I love it: the museums. The Museum of Natural Sciences is a hidden gem with its massive dinosaur gallery!
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €90,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Ixelles, the multicultural neighborhood
- Pros: Multicultural atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, diverse dining options
- Cons: Can be busy and noisy in certain areas, higher cost of living
- Main Attractions: Place Flagey, Matongé district, Ixelles Ponds
- Average Prices: From €110,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
Ixelles is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood that encapsulates the multicultural essence of Brussels. From the trendy boutiques and cafes around Place Flagey to the lively African quarter of Matongé, Ixelles offers a rich tapestry of cultures, cuisines, and experiences. The area is also known for its Art Nouveau architecture, serene ponds, and green spaces like Tenbosch Park. Home to several universities, Ixelles has a youthful energy, making it popular among students, artists, and young professionals. Its eclectic mix of cultures and styles makes Ixelles a microcosm of Brussels' broader diversity.
- What to do: Walk around the Ixelles Ponds, explore the African vibes of Matonge, visit the Sunday market at Flagey.
- Where to eat: Barracuda, Le Chou de Bruxelles
- Where to drink: L'Amère à Boire, The Black Sheep
Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €110,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Places to stay near Brussels
Brussels is in such a strategic location that it is not worth staying elsewhere. It is a perfect starting point both for visiting the Flanders region (to the north, towards Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp) and Wallonia (to the south, towards Mons, Liège and Rochefort). Furthermore, being the capital, it will also be easier to find connections or agencies for day trips to places of interest in Belgium, such as the aforementioned places.
However, if you prefer to visit the city in one day and then move elsewhere, or perhaps visit the nearby countries of the Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg, the following places may be strategic (and cheap):
- Ghent (57 km / 1 hour): beautiful and romantic city in the heart of Flanders. Halfway between Brussels and Bruges, the perfect base for discovering Flanders. Direct train Ghent-Brussels (40 min, from €11,10) - Hotels and B&Bs from €50,00 per room
- Antwerp (46 km / 50 min): world capital of diamonds, a city of sophisticated art and a medieval village, as well as the homeland of the famous painter Rubens. Perfect base for discovering Flanders. Direct train Antwerp-Brussels (56 min, from €9,50) - Hotels and B&Bs from €70,00 per room
- Bruges (94 km / 80 min): one of the most evocative European towns, medieval and romantic, the most fascinating side of Flanders. Direct train Bruges-Brussels (60 min, from €14,30) - Hotels and B&Bs from €75,00 per room
- Namur (63 km / 50 min): A romantic and fascinating city that develops around the Meuse river. It is said that French fries were born in Namur. Perfect base for visiting Wallonia. Direct train Namur-Brussels (60 min, from €9,10) - Hotels and B&Bs from €60,00 per room
- Dinant (100 km, 70 min): on the banks of the Moselle River, the city is surrounded by rocky hills. It is known for being the home of Sax and Leffe beer.It is in the heart of Wallonia, near the French border. Direct train Dinant-Brussels-Schuman, in the European quarter (90 min, from €13,00) - Hotels and B&Bs from €60,00 per room
- Liège (103 km, 65 min): French-speaking city along the Meuse River, in the north-eastern part of Wallonia. Very close to the Dutch border (30 km from Maastricht). Direct train Liège-Brussels-Midi (60 min, from €15,00) - Hotels and B&Bs from €65,00 per room
Cool things to do in Brussels
- Marvel at the Grand Place: It’s honestly one of the most beautiful squares in the world. I spent an hour just staring at the gold leaf on the Guildhouses as the sun set—absolutely breathtaking.
- The Comic Strip Walk: I loved hunting for the mural paintings of Tintin and Lucky Luke hidden on the sides of buildings. It makes the whole city feel like a giant open-air gallery.
- Beer Tasting at Delirium Café: You can't visit Brussels without trying the beer. With over 2,000 varieties, it’s a bit overwhelming, but the vibe in that cellar is unmatched.
- The Atomium View: I took the elevator to the top sphere. The view of the city is great, but the retro-futuristic escalators inside the tubes are the real highlight for cool photos.
- Fry Shack Crawl: Forget fancy restaurants for a second. Grab a "cornet" of fries with Andalouse sauce from a street shack (Fritkot). Eating them standing up in the cold is the most authentic Brussels experience I've had.
Travel Tips for Brussels
- Visit during spring or early autumn to enjoy mild weather and fewer tourists compared to the busy summer months.
- Wear layers and bring an umbrella, as Brussels weather can be unpredictable with frequent showers year-round.
- Use public transport smartly; trams, buses, and metro are efficient and well-connected across the city.
- Stay alert for pickpockets in crowded areas like the Grand Place, on trams, and near Brussels-Midi station.
- Try local specialties like waffles, moules-frites, Belgian chocolate, and of course, a wide variety of local beers.
- Book train tickets early if you're planning day trips to places like Bruges or Ghent, especially on weekends.
- Don’t assume everyone speaks French or Dutch; English is widely spoken, but a few polite phrases in either language go a long way.
- Take advantage of free museums on the first Sunday of the month and enjoy parks like Parc de Bruxelles or Bois de la Cambre.
Brussels accommodation price map
Guide to the areas of Brussels
Brussels is one of the 19 municipalities that make up the Brussels-Capital Region. The area is in turn divided into four areas:
- Centre, known as the Pentagon, which includes neighbourhoods such as Sablon and Saint-Catherine;
- Southern district, around Brussels-Midi station;
- Eastern district, European quarter and Ixelles;
- Northern district, the least suitable for staying.
According to your needs, one neighbourhood will be more suitable than another, but the best solution is to stay in the centre, due to its proximity to attractions and the possibility of moving mainly on foot. The only exception is the Atomium, the monument in Heysel park, in the northern part of the city, 6 km from the centre, reachable by buses 1 and 6 or by tram 3.
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