Best areas to stay in Brussels – Top districts and hotels
What you need to know about the best areas to stay in Brussels
Brussels, the “capital of Europe” is a charming place that offers travelers excellent food, fascinating art collections and thriving alternative neighborhoods where emerging designers and bohemian artists exhibit their creations.
This Belgian city has a wide range of things to do. It is not a big city, so finding the best area to stay in Brussels is easier than in other capitals such as Madrid or Berlin.
The top area to stay in Brussels is, without a doubt, around Grand Place square, in the old district of the city. However, hotels here are usually quite expensive. A night in a three star hotel in this area can set you back €90 or more.
Being a world-class political and business capital, the cost of accommodation in Brussels can be very high, although you can find interesting offers in peripheral neighborhoods.
Fortunately, there are many charming neighborhoods that are central and still cheap, for example Molenbeek.
This is a small guide with the best areas to stay in Brussels, so your stay in the Belgian capital can be perfect.
1. Best Area: Brussels Centrum
The Historic District of Brussels comprises the central area of the city and is, as expected, the most interesting area to stay in the city.
Packed with people and things to do day and night;, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, it is in this area where most of the attractions the capital has to offer are located.
Brussel’s icons such as the Grand Place, the Stock Exchange Palace, the Manneken Pis and the beautiful Galeries St. Hubert are all located in Brussels Centrum.
In this neighborhood you can walk almost everywhere; museums, attractions and landmarks are within reach.
Hand-picked hotels in this area
- Be in Brussels (from €99/n)
- Theater Hotel (from €49/n)
- Agora Grand Place (from €84/n)
- 2GO4 Quality Hostel (from €20/n)
Best area to stay in Brussels: Centrum
Central Brussels – Click to see all hotels on a map
Why stay here:
- Grand Place
- Impressive museums
- Manneken Pis
- Close to all attractions
- Connected by metro
2. Ixelles
This is the birthplace of famous artists such as the Argentine writer Julio Cortázar or the famous international actress Audrey Hepburn.
Boulevard de Louise and Waterloo are full of shops and restaurants. The area near the Porte de Namour station is home to a large African community.
Ixelles is a very central district connected by metro.
The area near the Louise station is the closest to the centre and you can walk to the Grande Place in 15 minutes.
Its cobbled small streets and garden squares are full of charm and history.
Hand-picked hotels in this area
- The Hotel Brussels (from €99/n)
- Résidence 18 (from €59/n)
- Les Chambres de Franz (from €90/n)
- Sun Hotel (from €49/n)
Where to stay in Brussels – Ixelles
Ixelles – Click to see all hotels on a map
Why stay here:
- Excellent shopping area
- Connected by metro
- Charming little streets
- Shops and galleries
- Restaurants and nightlife
3. Saint-Gilles
It has an artistic flair to it. St Gilles is very popular among the student population of Brussels and mixes an eclectic cultural background.
This neighborhood has some of the best cheap bars and restaurants in the city.
Saint Gilles has two different faces. The area around Brussels-Midi/Zuid train station is more working-class and multicultural, while the southern area, bordering Ixelles, is full of regal properties and Art Nouveau mansions, some designed by Horta and his disciples.
Hand-picked hotels in this area
- Jam Hostel/Hotel (from €25/n)
- B&B L’Art de la Fugue (from €65/n)
- The Pantone Hotel (from €75/n)
- ibis Brussels Centre Gare du Midi (from €89/n)
Best areas to stay in Brussels – Saint Gilles
Saint Gilles – Click to see all hotels on a map
Why stay here:
- CCentral and well connected
- Young atmosphere
- Great nightlife
- Cheap accommodation
- Connected by metro and train
4. European Quarter
It is the business area par excellence of the city and it hosts a large number of EU institutions, as well as the headquarters of major international companies such as Google. Among its attractions are the Cinquantenaire Park, the Brussels Park and the Royal Palace.
The European Quarter is one of the most elegant and coveted areas to stay in Brussels, so hotels in the area tend to be on the pscale side. However, there are more budget B&B and small hotel options as well.
The area is connected by the metro system.
Hand-picked hotels in this area
- B&B Place Jourdan (from €99/n)
- Maison de la Lune (from €55/n)
- Tracotel Inn (from €90/n)
- Stanhope Hotel (from €149/n)
Best area to stay in Brussels – European Quarter
European Quarter – Click to see all hotels on a map
Why stay here:
- Beautiful parks
- EU institutions
- Royal Palace
- Luxury hotels
- Connected by metro
5. Molenbeek – Saint Jean
It is a traditionally Muslim and working-class district that in recent years has gone through an important process of urban renewal and gentrification to become one of the most alternative and vibrant neighborhoods in the Belgian capital.
Molenbeek is not far from the centre and is connected by trams. Although it is not the most attractive or elegant district of Brussels, the prices of accommodation in this area are the lowest in the city.
Molenbeek is also full of backpackers hostels.
Hand-picked hotels in this area
- MEININGER Hotel Brussels City Center (from €25/n)
- Hôtel Belvue (from €69/n)
- J and R Brussels City Apartment (from €59/n)
- B&B Leopold II (from €99/n)
Best districts to stay in Brussels – Molenbeek
Molenbeek – St Jean – Click to see all hotels on a map
Why stay here:
- Very central
- Connected by trams
- Ethnic food
- Cheap hotels
- Alternative atmosphere
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