What is the best area to stay in Brussels?
By Mitr Friend. Jan 23, 2023
If you’re a fan of parks, galleries and beautiful architecture, then Brussels may be the city for you. World class museums and a thriving cafe culture make it a popular destination, in addition to the pretty nearby towns of Ghent and Bruges. While you’re there, stroll through the stunning Grand Place, one of Europe’s most attractive squares, and marvel at the majestic Palace Royale, home of the Belgian king. Whether you’re sipping famous beers, gazing at gothic buildings or sampling delicious Belgian chocolate, you’re sure to find something that delights you in this small but bustling city.
Without a doubt, the best area to stay in Brussels is around the historic city centre, within walking distance of Grand Place and main attractions like St Michel and St Gudula Cathedral. This means you’ll be within easy reach of all the great bars, cafes and restaurants that Brussels has to offer, without having to take a taxi. In this area, there are also some excellent transport links, including the central train station, Gare de Bruxelles-Central (or Brussel Centraal, as it’s known in Flemish). From here you can easily get a train to, or from, Brussels airport. If you’re feeling adventurous you could also hop on one of Brussel’s many trams which serve the city centre.If you are interested in where to stay in Brussels, you may also be interested in where to stay in Bruges, where to stay in Amsterdam, where to stay in Paris and where to stay in Zurich.
Historic city centre, the best area to stay in Brussels
First Time / Sightseeing / With Family
Historic City Center is a haven for tourists of all nationalities. Start off your trip with a heavy Belgian meal at the Belga Queen. This is a restaurant that insists on leaving you with an ancestral Belgian flavour. Its main entrée is the Belgian dietary staple of Mussels. Other Belgian treats that are all the rage here are rabbit soaked in cherry beer and other famous seafood varieties that are 100% Belgium.
After your fill of fish start head to the Royal Quarter. About a ten minute walk from the Belga Queen, you will find the Cathedrale des Sts Michel et Gudule”. This historic building centuries ago dominated a medieval skyline. Now drowned out by modern buildings this is a step back in time when church power was made known by these gigantic architectural wonders.
This majestic Cathedral was dedicated to the patron saints of Brussels. Both St Michel and Gudele are well known in the lore of Brussels but Saint Gudele is the more popular and prominent in the minds of residents.
This female saint is represented by the symbol of a lamp that is said to be blown out by an interfering devil only to be relit when the devoted patron saint prays. Local residents are always watching to see when the lamp will be relit again by the prayers of this legendary folk icon.
West of this site can be found another scene of good conquering evil, this time by the prominent display of a statue of St. Michael slaying the dragon placed at the pinnacle of the historic, “Hotel de Ville”. The hotel that was initially built in 1406 has evolved through the years with several historic renovations. The structures that are part of this hotel fill the eyes with wonder. With visages of gothic towers, flamboyant terraces and historic courtyards, the building echoes with past and present history. This famed hotel also serves as the current seat of the Mayor of Brussels.
Hotels in Brussels Historical Centre
Other neighbourhoods to stay in Brussels
EU Quarter
Business / Cheap / With a Car
Brussels being the capital of the European Union, the quarter that houses all of the functionaries of this political entity is a very important site to behold. All EU institutions are linked by convenient walk paths and cycle trails making for a very spectacular sightseeing excursion.
But since walking is not for everyone a convenient metro station is available, begin your metro trip at Schuman, with this as the starting point, the first site that you will see will be the infamous star-shaped, “Berlaymont” building. This fated symbol of the European Union was the original headquarters of the European Commision until it was found to have an astronomical amount of Asbestos, it has since been remodelled and put back in use but even if it were empty the unusually shaped building draws a visitor’s attention rather quickly.
South of this staple of the European Union is the EU’s parliament building, this is the place where politicians and dignitaries truly get to business into the inner workings of the European Union. Interestingly enough, to the locals, this place is known by the name of, “Caprice des Dieux” which is translated as, “Folly of the Gods”. That’s a great way to sum up local feeling towards their appointed representatives in the European Union!
Officials may be busy in parliament but don’t be surprised if you catch one or two of them after hours trying to unwind at the sports bar, “Fat Boys” just around the corner! This is a favourite haunt for high rollers, tourists and locals alike. It is also a mainstay of American’s who love catching a game or two and munching on ribs and burgers.
Brussels’ hotels are cheaper on the weekends since most of the clients are politicians and businessmen who visit it during the week for work reasons.
Etterbeek
Families / Museums / Parks
Located 10 minutes from the city center by metro, and just 3 minutes away from European Quarters by metro, Etterbeek is ideal for families with children for its museums, playgrounds, and park.
The Cinquantenaire Park is the green lungs of Brussels and is located just beside the European Quarters in Etterbeek. It is where the majestic Arcade of Cinquantenaire is present, which is the Belgium’s own Arc du Triumph! While you’re here, also don’t forget to visit the 3 museums in the park - Autoworld, Royal Military Museum, and Art & History Museum. It would easily take an entire day to see the 3 museums. Especially, the Aviation section of the Royal Military Museum is totally worth a visit. Also, while you’re at this museum, you can also gain access to climb atop the Arcade du Cinquantenaire and see a panoramic view of the city.
Laeken
Atomium / Families / Parks
A trip to Brussels cannot be complete without visiting Atomium. This iconic building has been a symbol of Brussels, ever since it was built. What many don’t realize is that Atomium is located at almost the tip of Brussels. Beyond Atomium, Brussels ends and Flanders begins!
About 30 minutes away from the center of Brussels by public transport, Atomium is a top tourist attraction in Brussels. Did you know you can also climb the Atomium? Very close to Atomium is Mini-Europe, a very interesting tourist attraction with hundreds of miniature models of various European monuments. Laeken is also one of the greenest areas in Brussels with its Parc de Laeken. Buy some wafflers or fries or ice-cream, stroll around, and relax in the vast greenery.
Staying in this area is a perfect choice if you want to be totally away from the buzz of the city, but steps away from Atomium, and still easily connected by public transport.
Sint-Gilles (Midi District)
Train Connection / Central / Cheap
Midi District is the best area to stay if you depend on the trains to visit Brussels from anywhere in Europe as well as London. All the international trains, and high-speed trains, either start from or halt at Brussels Midi (Zuid) including Thalys, ICE, Eurostar, Air & Rail, etc. Not only trains, this is also the stop of Brussels Charleroi Airport shuttle as well as Flixbus. Around the railway station are very many hotels & hostels to suit all budgets including Novotel, Ibis, Radisson Park Inn, Mercure, etc. Whether you’re on business or leisure, solo or with family, when connectivity is important, this is the best location.
While you’re in this area, don’t miss Porte de Hal, a part of what’s remaining of the historic city walls of Brussels! From atop Porte de Hal, on a clear day, you can spot Atomium. On the other hand, Sint-Gilles is also where many of the charming & picturesque Art Nouveau buildings of Brussels are present. An Art Nouveau walking tour is a must.
Elsene/Ixelles
Quiet / Upscale Hotels
Located just beside Sint-Gilles area, Elsene/Ixelles is the home to many Art Deco buildings. If you’re an architecture enthusiast, an Art Deco walking tour in Elsene is a must. Wrap up the walking tour at Villa Empain, one of the most stylish Art Deco buildings which hosts several exhibitions today. If you’re up for it, you could catch a concert at Flagey.
This is also one of the upscale areas in Brussels where the embassies of many countries are located. Pack a lunch at Manhattan Burger and have a picnic at the gardens of Abbaye de la Cambre and then head to Bois de la Cambre for a stroll in the wooded areas. If it is summer, there would be lawn chairs in front of all the kiosks and cafes making is a perfect way to end the day after roaming around Brussels with a map of its Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings!
Quartier Nord
Central / Afordable
Next to Brussels Midi, the next important railway station in Brussels is Brussels Nord. This is just 5 minutes by train from Brussels Central.
Not only trains, Brussels Nord is also a stop to most buses including Flixbus, Flibco, etc. Being an important transit station, there are quite a few hotels here including The President, Best Western, Double Tree by Hilton. It is a typical transit area with many offices around. There are no residences, or much sight-seeing to do in and around Quartier Nord. A perfect location for single people on business.
A 10-min walk from Brussels Nord would take you to the Brussels Canal where you could go on a relaxing walk along the water. In summer, there’s also a waterbus that operates on the canal. You can also unwind at Jardin Botanique, a surprising garden with sculptures in the middle of the city. If you’re lucky you might even catch a concert here!
Schaarbeek/Schaerbeek
Art Deco and Art Nouveau architecture
Further to the north of Quartier Nord is Schaarbeek/Schaerbeek, the home to many charming cafes. Begin your day with a coffee and croissant in one of these cafes and head to Train World, a museum dedicated to locomotive from its historic times to the modern technology with real trains, their engines, and their spare parts as well as things that were used in the railway stations! An absolute must-visit museum in Brussels, especially if you’re on a trip with children.
After a sumptuous lunch at the museum restaurant, head to Josaphat Park for a nice stroll. With fountains, playgrounds and waterbodies with swans & ducks, and plenty of places to just lay down on the grass and rest, this is an ideal place to relax after a busy sightseeing day in Brussels.
Also, don’t miss the Schaarbeek Museum of Beer! It is a small museum but has a collection of more than 2000 beer bottles as well as brewing equipment on display.
Anderlecht
Eurostar / Central
Anderlecht is the southern area of Brussels, beyond Brussels Midi railway station and is where the large hypermarkets of Brussels are situated including Ikea, Cora, Media Markt, etc. This is also the automobile area of Brussels with quite a few showrooms as well as factories incl. Audi car factory, Toyota showroom, Volkswagen showroom etc. Anderlecht is also the home to Coca-Cola Corporate Office of Brussels.
Located just 5 minutes by train from Brussels Midi, Anderlecht is the next best choice after Midi District, if you’re transiting by train. Like Quartier Nord, Anderlecht too does not have much sight-seeing to do and is a perfect location for people on business / work.
While you’re in this area, don’t miss Cantillon Brewery, the only place in Brussels where still the original Lambic Gauze beer is brewed in the old style as it had been done since the 1900s!
Louise
Shopping / Luxury Hotels
Louise is the major shopping area of Brussels. This is the absolute area to stay in whether you like shopping (or even just window shopping)! If you’re on a budget, shop at Primark, Casa, C&A, H&M, Hema, etc. If you’re on a higher budget, check out Zara, Uniqlo, Massimo Dutti, Maison du Monde, Tommy Hilfiger, etc. If you’re on a luxury spree, you’ve got Balenciaga, Giorgio Armani, Tiffany & Co., Hermes, Gucci, Rolex, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, & more! All of these shops, in one area!
For lunch you’re spoilt for choices from a simple burger at Quick or an elaborate Indian meal at Saravana Bhavan or a Hawaiian bowl at Poke House or a Thai meal at Pittaya and many more! Maybe later catch a movie at UGC Toison d’Or Cinema. By evening head to Palais du Justice to watch the sunset of the cityscape. Make it more memorable with a ride on the Ferris Wheel here.
Saint Catherine
Christmas Markets
On a regular day, Place Saint Catherine is a chilled-out area. By evening, all the cafés around, set their outdoor seats, overlooking the church and the little waterbodies there. It is very close to the city centre, just 4 minutes by metro or 15 minutes by walk.
However, Place Saint Catherine completely transforms during Christmas. Begin the evening, watching the video mapping or laser show on the façade of the Saint Catherine Church. For families with kids, there’s always a charming Venetian carousel here. Then head to the Christmas Market. With the Church on one side and a Ferris wheel on the other and a huge bar at the center, there are several little kiosks selling various Christmas specialties from mulled wine to nougat to crepes to socks to candles and many more! If you’re visiting Brussels during Christmas, Saint Catherine is the best place to be.
Auderghem
Sonian Forest / Nature / Quiet
Auderghem is the best place to stay if you want some quiet, peace and be close to nature. The Sonian Forest which spreads over an area of 4000 hectares begins here in Auderghem. Though it is almost on the outskirts of the city and closer to nature, it is still just 15 minutes away by metro from central Brussels. Rouge Cloitre (Red Cloister) is in Auderghem, which was a historic abbey that is now an art & culture center. There’s also a little farm, 2 playgrounds, and many waterbodies frequented by many birds. There are various hiking paths that begin at Rouge Cloitre and go into the Sonian Forest. Auderghem is also at the edge of Brussels; beyond Rouge Cloitre begins Flanders and the Flemish part of Sonian Forest.
That said, closer to the metro stations, Auderghem has many supermarkets and restaurants for a comfortable stay.
Our recommended hotels in Brussels
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in BrusselsNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
