Where To Stay In Brussels: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Choosing where to stay in Brussels is trickier than it looks. The city is a weird, wonderful mix of EU suits, quirky art freaks, and top-tier beer snobs. One neighborhood feels like a glossy historic fairy tale, while the next door district is packed with giant, story-high Tintin comic murals painted on the sides of brick apartment blocks.

It helps to know what you’re actually looking for. Want to roll out of bed right next to late-night waffle stands and surrealist art galleries? Or maybe you want a quiet, leafy spot lined with Art Nouveau townhouses and indie coffee shops?

Brussels is surprisingly compact, but picking the wrong base can entirely change your trip. Here is a breakdown of the best neighborhoods in the city to help you land in the exact right spot.

 

In this travel guide:

 

City Centre

Best area for: history, central stay, nightlife

Brussels’ City Centre is where we usually start. It is busy, touristy and sometimes a little chaotic, but that is part of the fun. Most of the historic sights are packed into a surprisingly small area, so we can get around easily on foot.

The obvious highlight is the Grand Place. The ornate guild houses and Gothic town hall are seriously impressive, especially when the square is lit up at night. The square has been the heart of Brussels for centuries. It started out as a market and was once a much more practical, commercial place than the postcard-perfect setting we see today.

From here, it is only a few minutes to Manneken Pis, although the statue is much smaller than most first-time visitors expect. We also make time for the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. This elegant covered arcade opened in 1847 and was designed with shops, cafés, cultural spaces and apartments. It still feels remarkably grand today.

The City Centre is mainly geared towards visitors, particularly around the Grand Place and Rue des Bouchers. There are plenty of restaurants, chocolate shops and souvenir stores, while residential streets become more noticeable as we move away from the busiest squares.

For a coffee or an easy breakfast, we would stop at Lloyd Coffee Eatery Grand-Place on Rue du Marché aux Herbes. It is right in the middle of everything, which makes it a handy first stop before heading out to explore.

Best place to stay in City Centre

Hotel Welcome. Address: Brandhoutkaai 23, 1000 Brussel, Belgium.

 

Avenue Louise

Best area for: luxury, shopping, food

King Leopold II built this iconic thoroughfare back in the 1860s to link downtown Brussels directly to the lush Bois de la Cambre park. Named after his daughter Princess Louise, it was designed from the start as a sweeping, grand boulevard for the city’s elite.

It is primarily a high-end commercial district mixed with quiet, wealthy residential pockets. High-fashion flagships like Chanel and Gucci line the wide sidewalks alongside stunning Art Nouveau townhouses.

It feels sleek, sophisticated, and polished, attracting fancy shoppers and diplomats. You will not find budget backpacker hostels here, but the residential side streets hide leafy courtyards, luxury flats, and diplomatic embassies.

We always love dropping into L’Atelier en Ville, a fantastic spot hidden just off the main avenue near Place Stéphanie. It serves wonderful fresh coffees, delicious light lunches, and pastries inside a raw, industrial-chic space that doubles as an artisan concept store. You can sip a flat white inside their quiet open-air patio, surrounded by lush plants and exposed brickwork. It gives you an instant breather from the high-street shopping crowds outside.

Best place to stay in Avenue Louise

Hotel Made In Louise. Address: Veydstraat 40, 1050 Brussel, Belgium.

 

Ixelles

Best area for: diversity, trendy, students

Ixelles is a fantastic area to stay in if you want to be close to the main action but do not want to stay in the City Centre. You will be really close to all of the main stops, but this neighborhood is slightly quieter and tranquil.

Here, people actually live. Students, families, expats and long-time Brussels residents all share the streets. That gives the area a more local feel, even though there is plenty for visitors to see.

We usually start around Place Flagey. The big Flagey building is hard to miss. It was built in the 1930s as a national radio and broadcasting centre and has a distinctive ocean-liner-inspired design. Today, it is one of Brussels’ best-known cultural venues.

From Flagey, we head towards the Ixelles Ponds. The two long ponds are surrounded by elegant townhouses, Art Nouveau buildings and leafy streets. It is one of our favourite parts of the neighborhood for a slower walk. The nearby La Cambre Abbey is even older. Parts of the former Cistercian monastery date back to the 13th and 14th centuries.

Ixelles also has a strong student and international side. Around Matongé, African shops, restaurants and cafés add another layer to the neighborhood. Meanwhile, areas such as Châtelain feel more polished, with boutiques, restaurants and busy terraces.

Ixelles is a good choice if you want Brussels to feel like a city where people live, rather than just somewhere people come to sightsee.

Best place to stay in Ixelles

Zoom Hotel. Address: Eendrachtstraat 59-61, 1000 Brussel, Belgium.

 

European Quarter

Best area for: business, history

The European Quarter is a fascinating, fast-paced bubble inside Brussels.

Originally an upscale residential neighborhood in the 19th century, it completely changed when the European Union set up shop. Shiny glass skyscrapers and massive government complexes replaced rows of traditional townhouses.

This area now operates primarily as a business and administrative hub rather than a traditional neighborhood. During weekdays, bureaucrats and diplomats flood the streets in suits. On weekends, the whole area goes remarkably quiet.

The grand Berlaymont building houses the European Commission and serves as the visual centerpiece of the district. We love taking a breather at Leopold Park right behind the European Parliament. It is a lush, hidden green space with a big pond that feels worlds away from the policy debates nearby.

Place du Luxembourg, also known as the Plux, this is an awesome train station that doubles as a public meeting area.

There are a couple of focal points littered throughout the European Quarter that are worth visiting. This list includes Place Jean Rey, Le Grand Central, Residence Palace, and Place Jourdan.

When lunch hits, skip the corporate cafeterias and head straight to Maison Antoine on Place Jourdan. They serve some of the absolute best double-fried Belgian fries in the city. Grab a paper cone topped with Andalouse sauce, sit at a nearby cafe terrace, and enjoy the ultimate local lunch break.

Best place to stay in European Quarter

Aloft Brussels Schuman. Address: Place Jean Rey, 1040 Brussels, Belgium.

 

Sablon

Best area for: culture, luxury, families

Finally, there is Sablon, another fairly posh part of Brussels. It sits between the Royal Quarter and the Marolles, with the impressive Notre-Dame du Sablon church right in the middle. We always find this part of the city easy to like. It feels elegant, but not overly formal.

The area has been around for centuries. The church dates back to the 15th century and is one of Brussels’ finest Gothic buildings. Inside, the stained-glass windows are worth a look. Just across the road, the small Petit Sablon garden is a peaceful spot for a break. Look closely at the statues around it. There are 48 bronze figures representing old Brussels guilds.

Grand Sablon is the livelier side. The square is lined with antique shops, galleries, restaurants and some of Belgium’s best-known chocolatiers. On Fridays and Saturdays, antique dealers set up their stalls here. Even if antiques aren’t your thing, it is fun to browse. The square was once known as the Horse Market, which gives you an idea of how different the neighborhood used to be.

Sablon is definitely tourist-friendly, but it isn’t just a tourist zone. People live here too, and the streets behind the squares are surprisingly quiet. For coffee, we would stop at Terres de Café Sablon on Grand Sablon. It is a good place to sit down before heading off for another round of chocolate tasting.

Best place to stay in Sablon

9Hotel Sablon. Address: Rue De La Paille 2-8, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.

 

Where travel critics stay in Brussels

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Brussels? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Brussels.

 

Budget

Train Hostel Schaerbeek.

“This unique 200-bed hostel is next to Train World, and guests can sleep in comfy four-bed dorms, authentic couchettes in actual train compartments, or splash out for the retro luxury suite in a carriage balanced on the roof.” — The Guardian.

Address: Georges Rodenbachlaan 6, 1030 Schaarbeek, Belgium.

 

Mid-range

Hotel The Augustin.

“The 47 rooms of this grand 1900s mansion have just been fashionably renovated, finally offering a smart address in this fast-changing neighborhood, perfectly situated between the multicultural Midi Station and tourist sights around the Grand Place.” — The Guardian.

Address: Stalingradlaan 25-31, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.

 

Luxury

Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo.

“If you have the money to stay here, then the Amigo is definitely the number-one place to stay in Brussels. It’s got it all: the best location in the heart of Brussels, beautifully decorated rooms that look out onto the rooftops of the Hotel de Ville, great service from a well-trained and charming staff, and great Italian food at the Ristorante Bocconi.” — Frommer’s.

Address: Vruntstraat 1-3, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.

 

FAQ: Brussels hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Brussels? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Brussels hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Brussels.

 

 

Best time to visit Brussels

The best time to visit Brussels is during the spring and fall seasons. From March to May and September to November, the weather is mild, the crowds are fewer, and the prices are reasonable.

During the spring season, Brussels is in full bloom with colorful tulips and daffodils. The temperatures are comfortable, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor attractions such as the famous Atomium and picturesque parks.

In contrast, the fall season showcases the city’s stunning foliage, creating a scenic backdrop for tourists. The mild weather allows for leisurely strolls in the city and indulging in local cuisine.

The summer months of June to August can be hot and humid, making it uncomfortable for exploring the city on foot. The crowds are also at their peak during this time, making it harder to navigate through the popular tourist spots.

On the other hand, the winter months from December to February can be chilly and rainy, making it less ideal for outdoor activities.

 

Best things to do in Brussels

There are numerous things to do in Brussels and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in Brussels:

 

Brussels Atomium Admission Ticket

Visit this icon of Brussels and Belgium and a creation that’s unique in the history of architecture. The emblematic vestige of the World’s Fair in Brussels in 1958, the Atomium is the most popular attraction in Europe’s capital city. Price: $19. More info.

 

Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop

Walk past the Royal Palace and art nouveau architecture of Brussels and stop in exclusive chocolate boutiques for tastings as you go. Price: $86. More info.

 

Belgian Beer Tasting in Brussels

Accompanied by your guide, educate your taste buds to recognize fine Belgian beer and gain insight into what distinguishes the amber liquid from other beers around the world. Price: $17. More info.

 

More things to do in Brussels

 

Deciding where to stay in Brussels

As a closing note, let’s summarize this travel guide. We covered the best areas of Brussels so you can decide which part of town you want to stay in.

 

Top 5 areas to stay in Brussels

• Avenue Louise
• City Center
• Sablon
• European Quarter
• Ixelles

 

As you have seen in this article, there are a lot of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Brussels is important. Whether you stay in Avenue Louise, City Center, Sablon, European Quarter or Ixelles, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Brussels.

 

Brussels overview

🏨 Hotel prices:	Medium
🛏 Budget hotel:	$115
💑 Boutique hotel:	$155
⭐ 5-star hotel:	$195
🌎 Best area for first visit:	Centre
👪 Best area for families:	Sablon
💎 Best luxury hotel:	Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo
👫 Best boutique hotel:	Made in Louise
💰 Best cheap hotel:	Jardin Secret
🎒 Best hostel:	Meininger Bruxelles City Center

 

More Brussels tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in Brussels:

Hotels in Brussels

Hostels in Brussels

Boutique hotels in Brussels

Luxury hotels in Brussels

Cheap hotels in Brussels

Sustainable hotels in Brussels