Where to stay in Brussels: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

Heading to Belgium and looking for where to stay in Brussels? In this ultimate guide you’ll find the best hotels and neighborhoods in the city, as well as some brief and useful tips on what to do and see in each area.

We spent 10 days in Brussels, and we stayed in some places mentioned below; the others we picked after completing extensive research for you.

Note: Links in this article are affiliates, which means by booking a hotel in Brussels through this website we’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If you are interested to know where to stay in Brussels, we recommend some of the best hotels for different budgets.

When we travel, we book our hotels through TripAdvisor, one of the best websites to compare prices.

We also use a lot AirBnB to book local apartments. If you have never used AirBnB before, you can have a $40 discount for your first booking through this link.

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Check out some of the most reliable insurance companies out there: True Traveller if you’re European and World Nomads if you’re from elsewhere.

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Where to stay in Brussels

Where to stay in Marolles or Marollen

An older neighborhood in Brussels where you can still hear locals speaking Flemish. Currently an antique and vintage area of the city. Plenty of small boutiques, renovated b&bs, and popular for its daily flea market.

The area where historical monuments like The Palace of Justice stands just a few streets from a skate park. If you love the work of Peter Brugel, you must check out Marolles. This is the place where the artist lived and got inspiration for his canvas.

Our top pick > La Maison Haute

where to stay in brussels
Bright and modern room of La Maison Haute.

A very cozy bed & breakfast owned by Sebastian, a young Frenchmen full of energy who runs also a small shop that sells hand made soaps and cosmetics on the ground floor and manages four rooms upstairs.

The place is built in the traditional Belgian style from the 19th century with ancient wooden stairways and artwork. It features spacious rooms and private bathrooms with classy cosmetic products.

We stayed here for a couple of nights and loved it, especially the white wooden floors, black & white modern wall design and rustic white furniture with a small corner with cushions. Needless to say, the aroma from the soap shop creates a very balmy and comfortable feeling here.

There is a small relaxing lounge with sofas where you can chill out and sip some tea or a coffee. Even if our room faced the street, it was very quiet during the night since the neighborhood is safe and calm. There is a grocery shop nearby, as well as many cafes, restaurants, and vintage shops near the hotel.

The Grand Place (Grote Markt) is about 15 minutes walking distance from the hotel. Free Wi-Fi and fresh patisserie for breakfast with orange juice or coffee included. Check here for the latest prices.

Luxury > Bed and Breakfast Sablon-Aire Suite
Very elegant rooms and suites, all featuring a seating area and a kitchen with basic facilities. Click here for the latest prices.

Mid-range > The Rooms Brussels
Boutique style rooms with a nice homey touch. Generous & delicious breakfast included. Click here for the latest prices

Budget > Hostel Galia
Fantastic budget option for staying in the center of Brussels. Clean rooms (double twin room and dormitories available) with a private bathroom. Breakfast included. Click here for the latest prices

Things to do and see in Marolles

• Stroll among the stalls of the flea market at the Place du Jeu de Balle
• Have a coffee or a pint at a local cafe La Clef D’Or
• Check the Église Notre-Dame de la Chapelle – the oldest church in Brussels

Where to stay in Ixelles

Ixelles is a very distinct area with a long history. Currently it’s one of the wealthiest areas in the capital, and consequently is also called the “second center” of Brussels because of its surplus of high-end stores, cinemas, theaters, bars, as well as ethnic and local restaurants.

The boom of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco happened right here back at the beginning of the 20th century. It’s also a popular expat area with a rich café scene.

Our top pick > Made in Louise

where to stay in brussels
Comfortable bed at the Made in Louise hotel.

An incredibly charming family-run boutique hotel with tastefully designed rooms. There are 48 rooms; each of them are very personalized thanks to the professional design skills of one of the owners. We stayed at the hotel only for a night, and felt very comfortable in a room that faced the hotel’s courtyard with big chess game.

The interior of the rooms is soothing, and makes you want to stay in the room for the whole day. Speaking of comfort, the bed linen is made of 100% cotton, so we slept like babies! Made in Louise makes sure to re-paint the rooms once per year, and you’ll feel the fresh feeling in rooms immediately.

The breakfast is just too good! Plenty of healthy choices, scrumptious fresh local produce, and you’ll eat in a beautiful hall facing the courtyard. There is a great choice of local beers to choose from in a front lounge with a fireplace near the reception, ideal for the late afternoon or evening. Check here for the latest prices.

The hotel also produces their own electricity, thumbs up!

Luxury > Thon Hotel Bristol Stephanie
Luxurious and chic rooms with an on-site bar, gym and sauna. We stayed here for three nights, and felt very close to everything: a tram stop to the station, grocery shops, local food, and main city attractions, too.

The room faced the street, but we didn’t feel disturbed by the traffic at all, even during the day. The bedroom and bathroom were immaculate, as well the whole property of the hotel.

What we loved the most was the spacious and bright room with a writing desk that allowed us to work a bit, and there was a big sofa to rest. Stayed here during three raining days, so it felt balmy to spend time in comfortable space.

Excellent buffet breakfast with lots of healthy options. Click here for the latest prices

where to stay in brussels
The lounge at the Thon Hotel Bristol Stephanie.


Mid-range > 
Hooome
Super clean rooms with hardwood flooring, great location. Click here for the latest prices

Budget > Hotel Résidence 18
A family-run pension with clean single or double bedrooms and a common living room. Click here for the latest prices

Things to do and see in Ixelles

• Have a stroll through the beautiful Tenbosch Park
• Satisfy your artistic soul at the Museum of Ixelles
• Check out the Flagey building: a former radio broadcasting studio complex.
• Visit Sunday local market
• Visit the Abbey of La Cambre – a former Cistercian abbey with a lovely garden

Where to stay in Molenbeek

In case you want to avoid center of Brussels but be close enough to go sightseeing, Molenbeek might be a good option. It’s a multicultural area with a working class and immigrants living away from the, and a residential and more modern area in the higher part.

Recently the industrial territory along the canal has been transformed into cultural venues. You won’t find any luxurious hotels here, but there are plenty of mid-range and budget options.

Our top pick > Generation Europe Youth Hostel

where to stay in brussels
Common area in Generation Europe Youth Hostel

We don’t stay in hostels too often, but when we do, we try to pick one with a mindful environmental approach like Generation Europe in Brussels. It’s part of the Youth Hostels organization that is a chain of hostels in Belgium, Netherlands and France.

The hostel is located in a quiet residential area, a few minutes from a bus stop and metro (city center is only two stops away!). There are a few big convenience stores where we bought fresh fruits, veggies and other food to cook some meals in the kitchen of the hostel. If you don’t feel cooking, they do prepare dinners in a canteen downstairs.

We stayed at the Generation Europe for three nights in a simple, yet super clean double room with a private bathroom. It had twin beds, a table with two chairs, and lockers. There are both dormitories and private rooms, all modern, with lockers, and what we appreciated a lot – with lots of plugs to charge our electronics. Basic breakfast included.

There is a common area at the reception where you can grab a Belgian beer or have a coffee. Check here for the latest prices.

Mid-range > Hotel Belvue

Clean and spacious rooms with a lot of daylight. Trendy and minimalistic furniture, the hotel uses ecological technologies and engages local communities. Click here for the latest prices.

Budget > J and R Brussels City Apartment
Simple and modern apartment with an equipped kitchen for a very reasonable price. Click here for the latest prices.

Things to do and see in Molenbeek

• Check out the dance, music, film, and theatre events at the La Rafininerie, a former sugar refinery
• Visit Brussels’ hidden gem, La Fonderie – Museum of Industry and Labour
• Have a look at the impressive Tour & Taxis building

Where to stay in Saint Gilles

Artsy, multicultural, and the area with the highest density of Art Nouveau spots. Similarly to the Ixelles, it’s filled with cafes, pubs, and murals of the street artist Bonom, vintage boutiques, cobbled alleys, and a food market with a few hidden green places. The area is so unique that is called sometimes “a village in the city.”

Our top pick > Jam Hotel

where to stay in BrusselsVery cool hotel with urban designed rooms. The hotel features a game room, and you’ll also get free access to the nearby gym. Click here for the latest prices.

Luxury > Louise sur Cour
Stylish luxury with comfortable beds, very attentive owner, and delicious breakfast. Suites come with kitchenware. Click here for the latest prices.

Mid-range > B&B L’Art de la Fugue
Décor themed rooms with a seating area, communal kitchen and a lounge with a fireplace. Click here for the latest prices.

Budget > Hotel Midi-Zuid
Close to the Brussels-South railway station, simply furnished rooms with private bathrooms. Click here for the latest prices.

Things to do and see in Saint Gilles

• Learn about the Art Nouveau at the Horta Museum
• Go for an event at the Pianofabriek Citylab
• Go for a guided tour to learn about the Reunion and slavery at the Musée de Villèle

Heading to Europe? Read more related articles:

Where to stay in Berlin

Things to do in Athens, Greece: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems 

Train Travel in Europe with Interrail

Where to stay in Uccle

This is one of the most upscale municipalities in Brussels. It’s a residential area full of serene green places that make it a good area to stay if you want a more tranquil environment on your trip to Brussels. Fewer tourists and more off the beaten path pubs and historical monuments to visit. Plenty of family-run b&bs.

Our top pick > Thon Residence Florence

where to stay in BrusselsClean, simple, fully equipped apartment, equipped kitchen and a common seating area. Click here for the latest prices.

Luxury > La Maison Chantecler
Simply gorgeous place to stay in Brussels. Renovated rooms in a classic 19th century building with lots of daylight, furnished with classy furniture and soothing colors. Click here for the latest prices.

Mid-range > Hooome
Comfort and convenience with great price! Rated the best in Brussels. Location is situated close to bars and restaurants. Click here for the latest prices.

Budget > Hotel Aviation
Few minutes walk from the train station. A 24-hrs reception and free Wi-Fi is available. Rooms are furnished with necessities, a wardrobe and an en-suite bathroom is provided. Click here for the latest prices.

Things to do and see in Uccle

• Visit the old mills of Uccle called Nekkersgatmolen & Crockaertmolen
• Have a pint at the Au Vieux Spijtigen Duivel – one of the oldest pubs in Brussels
• Relax or throw a picnic at the Parc du Wolvendael

Where to stay in Schaerbeek

You might want to stay in the Schaerbeek neighborhood if you love Art Deco and Art Noveau. In the past, they grew sour cherries here that were used for the famous cherry beer Kriek. Look for a donkey symbol in Schaerbeek, which is the mascot of the neighbourhood.

Our top pick > Housingbrussels

where to stay in BrusselsClean and modern rooms. It features fully equipped kitchen, rates include free laundry and ironing services. Breakfast included. Check here for the latest prices.

Luxury > B&B La Maison d’Edgar
Equipped with antique furniture, all suites feature a private bathroom with a bathtub. Great breakfast served. Click here for the latest prices.

Mid-range > B&B Josaphat Park
Clean and quirky rooms with great breakfast. Located in a quiet area in front of Josaphat Park. Click here for the latest prices.

Budget > Train Hostel
Love traveling by train and hostels? Well, you can have both in one! Lovely, clean, and unique rooms in a train cabin or a double room in the hostel building. Click here for the latest prices.

Things to do and see in Schaerbeek

• Visit the Schaerbeek Museum of Belgian Beer
• Go for an art performance, a concert, or grab a coffee at the Les Halles place
• Check out the impressive Train World museum

Where to stay in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode

The smallest, yet most densely populated area of Brussels. Saint-Josse-ten-Noode is full of contrasts. Get ready for glass skyscraper offices, classy hotels, and a serene botanical garden, and a lively Turkish community that is present in the area.

Our top pick > Hotel BLOOM

where to stay in Brussels

Bright, colorful, uniquely decorated, and with lots of space in the rooms. The place features a gym, and is close to the maestro station Botanique. Click here for the latest prices.

Luxury > Hotel Crowne Plaza Brussels – Le Palace
The upscale, eco-friendly hotel decorated in Art Nouveau style, with an on-site restaurant and a gym. Click here for the latest prices.

Mid-range > B&B Welcome To My Place
Clean and comfortable bed & breakfast situated in a quiet area, within walking distance from the main Brussels attractions. Click here for the latest prices.

Budget > Hotel Prestige
Basic rooms with necessary facilities and breakfast included. Click here for the latest prices.

Things to do and see in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode

• Have a stroll in the botanical gardens
• Check the events there, as Le Botanique is one of the top music halls in Belgium
• Go mural “hunting” and look for some cool jazz themed art in the area

Where to stay in Forest

As you can guess from the name, the neighborhood is green, full of parks with a hint of its medieval past. Despite the fact that part of the Forest is industrial, the area is peaceful. The Forest is multicultural with artistic places close to the Midi Station.

Our top pick > Pont De Luttre

where to stay in Brussels

Lovely rooms with hardwood floors, clean and homey rooms. Breakfast available. The place has a family room. Click here for the latest prices.

Luxury
There aren’t luxurious hotels and apartments in the Forest. However, you can still choose from a list of nice mid-range options. Click here for the latest prices

Mid-range > Hotel De Fierlant
Simply decorated rooms, located closely to public transport. Breakfast included. Click here for the latest prices.

Budget > B&B Brigitte et Alain
A family-run B&B in a quiet area. Clean basic rooms with a nice garden. Click here for the latest prices.

Things to do and see in Forest

• Walk in the Sonian Forest, Park Duden, or Forest park
• Visit WIELS – the contemporary art center built in a former brewery
• Go for a concert at the Forest National

Where to stay in the European Quarter

It might sound like the area is nothing but pure concrete and glass, which is partially true, but you’ll also find a lot of theaters, museums, and parks.

Our top pick > B&B Ambiorix Birch House

Where to stay in Brussels Incredibly homey place with different kinds of rooms, cozy, and clean. Good Wi-Fi and breakfast included. Click here for the latest prices. 

Luxury > Smartflats Berlaymont
Minimalistic luxury, perfect location, features an equipped kitchen. Click here for the latest prices

Mid-range > Stanhope Hotel
A boutique hotel with spotless and comfortable rooms. A 24-hour gym and sauna available. Click here for the latest prices

Budget > EU B&B
Simply designed rooms in a great location. Friendly owner. Click here for the latest prices

Things to do and see in the European Quarter

• Have a look inside the European Parliament
• Have a break in the Parc Leopold
• Learn something new at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences
• Book a ticket for a show at the Théâtre Varia & grab a coffee and some snacks at their café

Other safe & pleasant neighborhoods in Brussels: Saint-Gery / Sainte-Catherine, Woluwe-Saint Pierre, Tervuren.

We hope this ultimate list of the best hotels and neighborhoods has helped you to decide where to stay in Brussels. If you have any other questions about where to stay in Brussels, or maybe you want to share your experience from the Belgian capital, please, leave us a comment below. We’d be happy to hear from you!

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