Brussels needs no introduction as one of Europe’s most prominent cities. It is the capital of Belgium, as well as the Flemish capital, and also the home of the European Union’s parliament.
But where to stay in Brussels? In this comprehensive guide, I’ll tell you about the best areas in the city and recommend some excellent hotel options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Whether you want to be close to the main attractions, nightlife, some awesome restaurants, or looking for a little bit of luxury, read on and discover the best places to stay in Brussels.
*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*
Table of Contents
Overview of Where to Stay in Brussels
Brussels is something of a sprawling city covering 32 square kilometers (12.5 square miles), but it has excellent transport links making it a piece of cake to get around. There is a subway system with four lines connecting much of the city, and buses, trams, and taxis are plentiful.
There are 19 municipalities in the Brussels-Capital region, but if you’re not sure about the best area to stay in Brussels, then worry not, as I’ve got you covered! From the vibrant city center to hip Ixelles, upmarket Sablon, or laid-back Saint Giles, there is something for everyone.
Below you’ll learn about seven of the best locations to stay in Brussels, each offering something unique, from top tourist attractions, museums, and galleries to lively markets, city parks, and stunning architecture.
| Area | Recommended Hotel |
|---|---|
| City Center (first-timers, sightseeing, central location, shopping, nightlife) | Hotel Hubert Grand Place |
| Sablon and Marolles ( museums, atmosphere, luxury stays) | NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon |
| Ixelles (central location, architecture, nightlife) | Hygge Hotel |
| European Quarter (history lovers, architecture) | NH Brussels EU Berlaymont |
| Saint Giles (budget-friendly, food and drink, atmosphere) | Hotel Made In Louise |
| Gare du Midi (transport links, central location) | Mercure Hotel Brussels Centre Midi |
| Saint-Josse-ten-Noode (culture, architecture) | nhow Brussels Bloom |
Best Areas to Stay in Brussels
1. Brussels City Center
The city center is definitely the best area to stay in Brussels if it’s your first time here and you want to really get a feel for this charming European capital.
The center is easy to navigate on foot, and one of the best ways to start is to take a walking tour to acquaint yourself with Brussels (this 2.5-hour tour includes tasting some local treats too).
You’ll be perfectly situated to enjoy some of Brussels’ most incredible sights, like the enormous Grand Place city square, which is surrounded by gorgeous 14th and 15th-century buildings.
Look out for the impressive, gothic town hall and the equally stunning Maison du Renard Palace that looms over the square.
Be sure to pop into one of the cafes or patisseries to sample some of Belgium’s famous chocolate (trust me, it’s good), or a Belgian waffle (Maison Dandoy is one of the best places to try waffles, and they have locations across the city center).
One of the city’s most iconic symbols is the Manneken Pis, a bronze statue of a small boy urinating into the fountain. During festivals, the boy is dressed in different costumes, and it’s a must-see for first-time visitors.
If you want to know where to stay in Brussels for some of the best restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can find anything from street snacks to Michelin-starred meals, then you can’t go wrong with the city center.
Belgium is also famous for its excellent beers, so be sure to stop for a pint to quench your thirst while checking out the sights.
Pros and cons of staying in Brussels City Center
PROS
- The most central district in Brussels
- Lots of excellent attractions nearby
- Some of the best shopping, nightlife, and dining options
CONS
- Pricier than less central neighborhoods
- Can be busy/noisy, especially at weekends
Best places to stay in Brussels City Center
- Luxury: Radisson Collection Grand Place Brussels
- Mid-Rage: Hotel Hubert Grand Place
- Budget: Boutique Hotel Saint-Géry
2. Sablon & Marolles
Sablon is an upmarket area just south of the city center and home of the gothic-baroque Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon church. If you’re looking for a central location amongst the charming cobbled streets in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods, then this is definitely the best place to stay in Brussels.
The area is home to many of the city’s most prestigious chocolatiers, so if you’re a bit of a chocoholic like me, then you’ll want to stay somewhere where the wafts of rich chocolate permeate the air.
Pop into the Belgian Chocolate Makers or Pierre Marcolini for the ultimate in indulgence, or better yet, take a Belgian chocolate-making class (with tasting of course – go on, you know you want to!).
Other nearby attractions include the Parc d’Egmont with its historic buildings and statues and a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, or the equally charming Place du Petit Sablon gardens.
Sablon sits adjacent to the hip Marolles suburb (also known locally as Marollen) to the west, and this is home to boutique shops, trendy bars, and some of the best techno clubs in Europe.
There are some fantastic restaurants here, including Au Stekerlapatte, Le Petite Lion pub, and the amusingly named Judgy Vegan. You’ll certainly not go hungry (or thirsty) if you choose to stay in Sablon or Marolles, and personally, these are two of my favorite areas to stay.
Pros and cons of staying in Sablon & Marolles
PROS
- Central location with great public transport links
- Excellent restaurants nearby
- Quiet and upmarket area
CONS
- One of the most expensive neighborhoods in Brussels
Best places to stay in Sablon & Marolles
- Luxury: The Hotel Brussels
- Mid-Rage: NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon
- Budget: Hotel Chambord
3. Ixelles
Trendy Ixelles (Elsene in Flemish) is one of the best areas to stay in Brussels if you’re looking for a truly cosmopolitan and diverse area of the city that’s packed with fun things to see and do, top restaurants, and secluded city parks.
Ixelles covers quite a large area. It was once a separate municipality from Brussels but has long since been swallowed up by the ever-expanding city. It’s also not really considered a tourist area as such, so you’ll get to see an authentic side to the city with people going about their daily lives.
This quirky neighborhood is typified by 19th-century Art Nouveau architecture. Here you’ll find the UNESCO-listed townhouses of Belgian architect Victor Horta and the Musee Horta, a museum in his former home.
The leafy streets of Ixelles are packed with exclusive restaurants and boutique shops selling everything from haute couture to antiques, second-hand books, artisanal foods, and much more. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir or gift, head to Avenue Louise in the heart of Ixelles.
This suburb is also home to some beautiful parks, such as the forested Bois de la Cambre, which features beautifully decorated 19th-century buildings, a lake, an island, and plenty of space for walking and picnicking.
If you’re looking for evening entertainment, check out the Flagey Cultural Center, which hosts many events throughout the year, from classical and jazz concerts to contemporary films, plays, festivals, and more. The Art Deco Cafe Belga on the first floor is also well worth stopping by!
Pros and cons of staying in Ixelles
PROS
- Stunning Art Nouveau architecture
- Excellent dining and shopping options
CONS
- The suburb is spread out over a large area
Best places to stay in Ixelles
- Luxury: Le Louise Hotel Brussels – MGallery
- Mid-Rage: Hygge Hote
- Budget: Beverly Hills Hotel
4. European Quarter
When you see pictures of Brussels on the news with its shiny skyscrapers, large mansions, and green parks, this is the European Quarter and where many of the EU offices are located.
In years gone by, this area was considered a little plain and faceless, but city planners have set about adding a softer touch to this business district in the form of new shops, squares, and pedestrian areas.
The European Quarter is home to some of the top museums in Brussels, including the Museum of Natural Sciences (well worth a visit), the Royal Museums of Art and History, and the Military Museum.
One thing most don’t know is that it’s actually possible to sit in on certain parliamentary sessions at the EU, and if you have an interest in politics and European history, then be sure to check out the Parlamentarium, the House of European History and Experience Europe.
As you’d expect from a place that hosts world leaders and other dignitaries, there’s no shortage of fine dining establishments if you’re looking for somewhere special to dine (it’s not all Michelin stars, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options too).
If you want to escape the suits and bureaucracy for a moment, head to the beautiful Leopold Park, an oasis of tranquility hidden beneath the towering skyscrapers (look out for the 15th-century tower).
Pros and cons of staying in the European Quarter
PROS
- Modern, clean, and safe area
- Lots of excellent museums nearby
CONS
- Lacks the character of older Brussels suburbs
Best places to stay in the European Quarter
- Luxury: Sofitel Brussels Europe
- Mid-Rage: NH Brussels EU Berlaymont
- Budget: Aparthotel Adagio Access Bruxelles Europe Aparthotel
5. Saint Gilles
The residential suburb of Saint-Giles sits directly to the west of Ixelles and just to the south of the city center, so if you’re looking for where to stay in Brussels with a fantastic location close to many of the city’s top attractions, Saint-Giles is an excellent choice.
Like neighboring Ixelles, the area is famed for its Art Nouveau buildings, independent galleries, and boutique shops, though the area is a little quieter, which is perfect if you’re looking for somewhere to unwind.
There’s plenty to see and do in Saint-Giles, and one of the area’s top attractions is the Porte de Hal, a 14th-century fortified city gate with stunning views of the city from the ancient battlements.
Marvel at the gorgeous, brightly-colored houses that line the wide streets of Saint-Giles, or sip coffee and indulge in a Belgian waffle from one of the many streetside cafes that can be found in the area.
Every Sunday, there is a huge market (one of the largest in Europe in fact) at the South Railway Station, selling everything from artisan foods to local beers, plants, handicrafts, and much more.
If you’re a beer-lover, you’ll not want to miss a visit to the Cantillon Brewery (Cantillon is one of the best Belgian beers there is), where you can learn about the history and take a brewery tour.
Pros and cons of staying in Saint Gilles
PROS
- Peaceful neighborhood but still central
- Easy to explore on foot
CONS
- Lacks the character of older Brussels suburbs
Best places to stay in Saint Gilles
- Luxury: Hotel Manos Premier
- Mid-Rage: Hotel Made In Louise
- Budget: Catalonia Brussels
6. Gare du Midi
If you’re looking for the best location to stay in Brussels with fantastic transport links, then the area around Gare du Midi (Brussels’ main railway station) is the place to be.
If you plan on doing a few day trips to nearby towns, then Gare du Midi is an excellent option. It’s just a 54-minute train journey from here to the gorgeous city of Bruges, which is well worth a day trip and one of my favorite places in Belgium.
Gare du Midi is also a major stop on the Eurostar, so if you plan on coming from or going to the UK, this is the perfect place to stay for easy access to your train.
The area is super central, and the neighborhoods of Saint-Giles, Ixelles, Sablon, and the city center are all within easy walking distance. The Porte de Hal museum is just across the way, and there are lots of great eateries nearby.
There are some great places to eat and drink around the station, and one of the hidden gems is the Antartique seafood restaurant. Choose your own seafood from the counter and then have it cooked to order.
Do be aware that as with most areas around large train stations across Europe (Rome Termini springs to mind), Gare du Midi can feel a little seedy after dark, and it pays to stick to well-lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings.
Pros and cons of staying in Gare du Midi
PROS
- Super central location
- Excellent transport links
CONS
- A little run down compared to other areas
- Not as safe as more residential neighborhoods
Best places to stay in Gare du Midi
- Luxury: Pullman Brussels Centre Midi
- Mid-Rage: Mercure Hotel Brussels Centre Midi
- Budget: ibis Hotel Brussels Centre Gare du Midi
7. Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
Saint-Josse-ten-Noode is the smallest municipality in Brussels and is located in the northeast of the city, not far from Marolles and about a 10 to 15-minute walk from the center.
It’s one of the city’s most diverse areas but doesn’t get the same love as the more popular neighborhoods of Sablon, Marolles, and Ixelles, though you should definitely pay it a visit for its pleasant streets and city parks.
If you’re a fan of the arts and music Saint-Joose is a real treat with its Théâtre Le Public for the performing arts and the groovy Jazz Station.
Other points of interest include the Jardin Botanique de Bruxelles, where you can escape for a little slice of tranquility in the beautiful gardens that date back to the 1800s.
You’ll also find some of the most authentic buildings in this part of the city compared to the shiny offices in the European district. It’s a great place to walk and soak in the historic surroundings.
If you’re feeling peckish, be sure to stop by the Frites Van across from the baroque L’église Saint-Josse church for some proper Belgian fries (and remember, mayonnaise is the preferred condiment here and not ketchup – trust me, it’s amazing).
Pros and cons of staying in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
PROS
- Rich culture
- Good transport links
CONS
- A little far from the center
- Underdeveloped
Best places to stay in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
- Luxury: DoubleTree By Hilton Brussels City
- Mid-Rage: nhow Brussels Bloom
- Budget: Hotel City Center
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