Often overlooked, Brussels, Belgium is a traveler’s paradise. From its vibrant food culture to its diversity as the crossroads of Europe, Brussels has plenty to offer travelers and ex-pats alike, and its various neighborhoods showcase its diversity and prominence as the capital of the European Union. Though not a large city, like Paris or London, the many neighborhoods of Brussels, Belgium are communities within their own that bring something different to the city. Whether you’re thinking about visiting Brussels as a tourist or a potential ex-pat to the city, you’ll have a variety of diverse neighborhoods to choose from. From the elite Brussels neighborhoods that are home to politicians and European businessmen to the trendy, urban, and gentrifying parts of the city - there’s a neighborhood in Brussels for everyone. You’ll also find a number of hostels and aparthotels in these areas. If you don’t know where to stay in Brussels, read on to learn about the best places near public transportation, shops, parks, and restaurants.
1. Les Marolles (from USD 322)
If you’re a typical tourist visiting Brussels, you will not want to stay in Les Marolles. If you’re a traveler who is less interested in seeing how the European elite live and more interested in exploring the city like a local, you should consider Les Marolles. This residential neighborhood is one of the best neighborhoods to live in Brussels. It has a lot to offer travelers looking to live like locals. This diverse neighborhood is a mix of French and Flemish, but has welcomed many waves of immigrants, including those from Spain, North Africa, Turkey and Syria. In addition to its diversity, the neighborhood is famous for its daily Vieux Marché, or flea market, at the place Jeu de Balle, where clothes, antiques and more are sold.
A neighborhood rapidly undergoing gentrification, this once working-class neighborhood is now sprawling with cafés, markets, bars and restaurants for travelers to explore.
For more options, check out this list of the best hotels in Les Marolles:
Novotel Brussels Centre Midi
Address: Avenue Fonsny 5-7
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace
Hotel Park Inn by Radisson Brussels Midi
Address: Place Marcel Broodthaers 3
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden
Hotel The Augustin
Address: Avenue Stalingrad 25/31
Accommodates: 4
Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle
2. Sablon (from USD 71)
In a rapidly modernizing city, Sablon is a neighborhood that still holds onto traditional medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Visitors come to Sablon for its quaint antiques, stunning gothic buildings and delicious Belgian chocolate shops. Every weekend, the plaza of Grand Sablon transforms into a market that features a display of antique vendors and booksellers who are willing to take you up on a bargain. For those looking to view Gothic churches, the Eglise Notre-Dame du Sablon has free entry, and is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the country.
No trip to Brussels, or Sablon is complete without experiencing a taste of Belgian chocolate, from popular and delicious brands like Marcolini, Leonidas, Neuhaus and of course, Godiva.
For more options, check out this list of the best hotels in Sablon:
NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon
Address: Rue Bodenbroek 2-4
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre
9Hotel Sablon
Address: Rue De La Paille 2-8
Accommodates: 4
Pets allowed Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Non-smoking rooms Business centre Laundry
NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon
Address: Rue Bodenbroek 2-4
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre
Les Chambres de Martin (from USD 334)
Les Chambres de Martin features private rooms equipped with a desk and flat-screen television. Free WiFi is also available here, allowing you to stream movies and shows on your devices. Since this hotel is centrally located, you can enjoy stunning city views when you look out the window.
You can find many iconic sights nearby as well. Some top attractions you want to take advantage of include Place Royale, Mont des Arts, and the Belgian Brewers Museum. Additionally, Sablon is known for its chic bars and fashionable restaurants, so be sure to indulge in the local nightlife and food scene.
Les Chambres de Martin
Address: Grote Zavel 38
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Business centre Family rooms
3. Saint Gilles (from USD 191)
Saint Gilles may not be so well known to tourists, but it is definitely a Belgian favorite amongst the city’s population of young people. This trendy, multicultural, bohemian neighborhood of Brussels boasts an eclectic vibe and a laid-back relaxed atmosphere. Recently, Saint-Gilles has emerged as a cultural hotspot, attracting artists, writers, musicians and anyone with an interest in art and culture. The area frequently hosts festivals and events for creatives in the area to showcase their talent. At night, this neighborhood is more quiet than those found in Saint Gery or downtown, which also means it’s cheaper, has less crowds and generally a more laid-back atmosphere.
For more options, check out this list of the best hotels in Saint Gilles:
Louise sur Cour
Address: Rue Bosquet 6
Accommodates: 3
Non-smoking rooms Internet services Lift Express check-in/check-out Safety deposit box WiFi Available Free WiFi Non-smoking throughout
Hilton Garden Inn Brussels City Centre (from USD 243)
Affordable rates for spacious and comfortable rooms.
Convenient location near metro and train station. Spacious rooms with great views. Well-equipped kitchen in premium rooms.
Easy to find and within walking distance of major transportation hubs. Close to attractions like Palace of Justice.
Very good breakfast and friendly staff. Restaurant may have limited hours, but plenty of dining options nearby.
Treat yourself to a luxurious vacation in Brussels by booking a room at Hilton Garden Inn Brussels City Centre. The modern rooms and suites here have air conditioning to keep you cool and comfortable, a mini-bar for refreshments, and a flat-screen television for entertainment. Free WiFi is also available here if you want to stream movies and shows on your devices.
As a guest, you’ll receive a complimentary breakfast every morning. You’re also free to access other on-site amenities, such as a fitness center and a garden with a terrace. Private parking is available at the hotel if you’re driving to Brussels.
Hilton Garden Inn Brussels City Centre
Address: Berckmansstraat 128
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden
The Scott Hotel Brussels (from USD 145)
Stylish and unique, The Scott Hotel Brussels promises an unforgettable stay to its guest. This 3-star boutique hotel comes with modern rooms that are sound-proofed and furnished with state-of-the-art technology and designer furniture. There are also rooms with a private terrace where you can hang out after a long day, enjoying the view outside.
You get to start every morning with a complimentary continental or buffet breakfast. Then, you’re free to explore Saint Gilles and other sections of Brussels. Some attractions worth checking out include the Horta Museum, the Magritte Museum, Parc Pierre Paulus, and Mont des Arts.
The Scott Hotel Brussels
Address: 1 Place Loix
Accommodates: 4
Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Non-smoking rooms Dry cleaning Family rooms Internet services Lift
4. Avenue Louise (from USD 353)
For those looking for a more upscale experience from Brussels, Avenue Louise is sure to delight with some of the ritziest fine dining and shopping options in Europe. This neighborhood offers visitors a modern, luxurious view of Brussels. The avenue is a runway of prestigious, high-end international brands like Versace and Chanel, as well as awe-inspiring Art Nouveau buildings that are home to respected diplomats and wealthy businesses. Here, travelers can sightsee, window shop and enjoy luxury at the capital of the European Union.
For more options, check out this list of the best hotels in Avenue Louise:
Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's
Address: Avenue Louise 71
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna
Hooome
Address: 153 Chaussée de Vleurgat
Accommodates: 2
Parking Non-smoking rooms Internet services Soundproof rooms Heating Luggage storage WiFi Available Free WiFi
Hotel Barsey by Warwick
Address: Avenue Louise 381-383
Accommodates: 3
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre
5. Saint Gery (from USD 115)
A lively neighborhood bursting with bars, restaurants, boutiques and music, this is the perfect neighborhood for the traveler looking to be in the heart of modern Belgian culture. The neighborhood has transformed from a ghost town a few hundred years ago, into Brussels’ most notable dining and drinking districts. On summer nights, Belgians and visitors alike gather on the sidewalk terraces and enjoy live music, food and balmy weather.
For more options, check out this list of the best hotels in Saint Gery:
Boutique Hotel Saint-Géry
Address: Place Saint Gery 29-32
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Bar Terrace Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Breakfast in the room Internet services
Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place
Address: Rue August Orts 3-7
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre
Smartflats - Pacific Hotel Brussels
Address: Rue Antoine Dansaert, 57
Accommodates: 2
Non-smoking rooms Internet services Lift Heating WiFi Available Free WiFi Non-smoking throughout WiFi available in all areas
6. Saint Josse-ten-Noode (from USD 98)
As the capital of the European Union, Brussels is undoubtedly one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Europe, and nowhere else is this as prominent as in Saint Josse-ten-Noode. This diverse Brussels neighborhood is a haven for ex-pats with its blend of different cultures along with its variety of parks and restaurants.
Located only a 10 to 15-minute walk outside of downtown Brussels, the location of the neighborhood could not be more perfect for travelers looking to get a feel for how the real people of Brussels, the Bruxellois, live. This area is well underway in revitalizing and attracting even more visitors-turned-residents to the city.
Saint Josse-ten-Noode has the highest population density in the city of Brussels, as well as the lowest average age, and it’s likely due to its lower-than-average rental prices and inexpensive stores and restaurants compared to the rest of Brussels. For those looking for an atypical neighborhood in the heart of Brussels, Saint Josse-ten-Noode is worth checking out.
For more options, check out this list of the best hotels in Saint Josse-ten-Noode:
nhow Brussels Bloom
Address: Rue Royale 250
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre
B&B Welcome To My Place
Address: Place Quetelet 1
Accommodates: 2
Non-smoking rooms Internet services Lift Safety deposit box Heating WiFi Available Free WiFi Non-smoking throughout
Hotel Indigo Brussels - City, an IHG Hotel (from USD 249)
Add a splash of vibrancy and color to your Brussels vacation and stay at Hotel Indigo Brussels. This 4-star hotel features 284 guest rooms decorated in three themes (floral, herbal, and tropical). Inside these units, you can find an air conditioning unit, a mini-fridge, and a Nespresso coffee machine. Free WiFi is also available, so you can stream movies on your phone or laptop.
This hotel has a fully equipped fitness center if you want to work out during your stay. When you’re hungry, grab a bite from the on-site restaurant Serra, which serves dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Hotel Indigo Brussels - City, an IHG Hotel
Address: Place Charles Rogier 20
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna
7. Schaerbeek (from USD 106)
Schaerbeek is a beautiful and bustling municipality right near the heart of Brussels. It is full of enchanting attractions and is well serviced by a robust tram system. Saint Mary’s Royal Church, completed in 1888, is a mesmerizing Roman Catholic church that is definitely worth a visit. Fans of historic architecture will see it everywhere, but Schaerbeek’s Autrique House, railway station, and the gorgeous Town Hall are prominent examples open to tourists.
While in the area, don’t forget to walk through Josaphat Park. Its vibrant greenery, shady trees, calm waterways, and alluring statues will transform any stroll into a serene adventure.
FunKey Hotel
Address: Rue Artan 116
Accommodates: 5
Parking Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Games room Internet services
8. Ixelles (from USD 106)
An artsy area that’s home to two universities, this young and trendy neighborhood is a favorite for tourists, backpackers, and Belgians alike. It is undoubtedly one of the most interesting, diverse, and best neighborhoods in Brussels. It attracts artists, writers, intellectuals as well as a vibrant café scene and nightlife. For those who want to see all aspects of Brussels, from its old European architecture to its modernization, globalization, and gentrification, Ixelles has a piece of it all.
Ixelles has plenty to attract any type of traveler. Nature-lovers rejoice at parks, like The Tenbosch Park, while shopping enthusiasts will love strolling through the stores of Chaussée d’Ixelles — not to mention the incredible food and beer scene the neighborhood has. A local favorite and a must-try in Ixelles, Place Fernand Cocq has not only delicious food but also great cocktails and a dance floor on the weekends.
For more options, check out this list of the best hotels in Ixelles:
Maison Flagey Brussels
Address: 39 Avenue du Général De Gaulle
Accommodates: 2
Parking Meeting/banquet facilities Golf course (within 3 km) Terrace Non-smoking rooms Airport shuttle Internet services Lift
B&B House Ninety
Address: 90 Chaussée de Vleurgat
Accommodates: 2
Parking Non-smoking rooms Internet services Heating Luggage storage WiFi Available Free WiFi Non-smoking throughout
Le Berger Hotel (from USD 237)
A 3-star hotel in Ixelles, Le Berger Hotel effortlessly combines modernity and a historic art deco style. In this hotel, you’ll be able to stay in a room with flat-screen cable television, a seating area, and a plush king-size bed. You’ll also have free Wi-Fi access to stream all the movies you want during your stay.
If the weather is too warm and you want to cool down, you can take a refreshing dip in the pool. Sightseeing is another activity you can do in your spare time. Some attractions that might pique your interest include the Peter Pan Statue, Egmont Palace, and the Place Royale.
Le Berger Hotel
Address: Rue du Berger 24
Accommodates: 3
Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Internet services Lift Express check-in/check-out
Moxy Brussels City Center (from USD 266)
Moxy Brussels City Center is a trendy 4-star hotel in the Ixelles section of Brussels that boasts contemporary rooms with air conditioning and flat-screen television. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary continental or buffet breakfast every morning. A fitness center is available if you want to exercise. At night, you can grab a drink at the bar and socialize.
For more fun, be sure to check out the local attractions nearby. A few places of interest worth checking include Coudenberg, the Magritte Museum, Square de Châtelaillon-Plage, Parc du Champ de Mars, and the Museum of Ixelles.
Moxy Brussels City Center
Address: Rue de Prince Albert 2
Accommodates: 4
Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace Non-smoking rooms
9. Koekelberg (from USD 92)
Koekelberg has the smallest population of the municipalities that make up Brussels, but it makes up for this with beauty and culture. The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, known alternatively as Koekelberg Basilica, is a colossal and breathtakingly beautiful Catholic church that draws visitors from around the world.
Aside from numerous museums and performing art schools, Belgian Chocolate Village Museum is another must-see attraction for chocolate aficionados. After you’ve indulged yourself in incredible Belgian chocolate or visited the numerous restaurants that dot the area, what better way to relax than by walking through stunning Elisabeth Park - a gorgeously green stretch lined with trees, which leads right to the majestic steps of Koekelberg Basilica.
Brussel House Basilic (from USD 281)
Make yourself at home when you book your stay at Brussel House Basilic. The apartments in this establishment all have a living room with a flat-screen television, a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, and a fully equipped kitchenette for your dining needs. You can also book a unit with a balcony or patio to enjoy the city views in your spare time. If you want to log in to your preferred streaming services, feel free to use the provided WiFi connection.
If you’re driving to Brussels, you can park your vehicle here at no additional charge. There’s also a bicycle rental service available here if you’re interested.
Brussel House Basilic
Address: Segherslaan 114 App 1
Accommodates: 4
Parking Terrace Non-smoking rooms Laundry Barber/beauty shop Family rooms Ironing service Free parking
Ready to take a trip down?
Inspired to plan a trip to Brussels yet? Whichever neighborhood you choose, be sure to visit all neighborhoods on this list, as there are so many great places to stay in Brussels, and each is unique enough to give a different experience at each street corner. Soon enough, you’ll be traveling through Brussels like a Bruxellois!