Where to Stay in Brussels (For First-Time Visitors 2023)

The city of Brussels is a great base to explore Belgium due to its central location. It’s a city with gorgeous architecture, a diverse culinary scene and historic places.

Choosing where to stay in Brussels can be a daunting task, especially if this is your first time to the city. For your ease, I prepared this guide with the best locations to stay for tourists, shopping and nightlife. You’ll also find recommended hotels and apartments, divided into several categories.

Keep in mind, that streets are named both in French and Dutch (the metro stations as well). This could be quite confusing, so check carefully the address. Yet, English is widely spoken, so don’t worry.

Where should I stay in Brussels? I went through several districts to find an answer to this question.

I wanted an area within walking distance to all main attractions and restaurants. In addition, the location had to be close to the Central Railway station. The reason for that was that I planned to explore not only Brussels but Bruges and Ghent as well.

So, I choose the area between Grand Place and the Central Railway station. It suited my needs just perfectly.

In a hurry? Looking for a great hotel with a perfect location? Then check out Hotel Warwick Brussels – it’s the most popular hotel. This is the most convenient place to stay in Brussels for one or two nights.

Warwick Grand Place is centrally located in the Historic City Centre. Rooms are equipped with huge comfy beds and tea making facilities. In addition, the hotel features a wellness centre, a rooftop bar and private parking on site.
Why book – great location for sightseeing and transport links

Where to stay in Brussels (for first-time visitors)

• Central Railway Station – for sightseeing and transport links
• Grand Place – the best area to stay in Brussels for tourists
• Saint-Géry – for nightlife
• Avenue Louise – for shopping

If you’re arriving from the airport, the airport train stops at the Central train station (as well as Nord and Midi stations). Also, this location is great for easy connections with the rest of Belgium.

Avoid the area around Gare du Midi, even if it seems a very convenient place when arriving on an international train. The neighbourhood is very unpleasant and shabby. I don’t recommend it especially if you travel alone.

Why stay near the Central Railway Station

• the best area to stay if you have only one night or want to use Brussels as a base to explore Belgium
• top attractions to see – Royal Palace, St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
• the historic centre is about 500m away
• it’s a convenient location to stay for the airport train or connections to the rest of Belgium

Pillows City Hotel is in a quiet area, at walking distance both from the Central station and the historic centre. Modern rooms with comfy beds and good bathroom amenities. The perfect place to stay in Brussels for one night for couples.
Why book – 150m from the train station, private parking on-site, comfy beds

Hilton Grand Place has a perfect location. Located right between Grand Place and the Central Railway station, the hotel is a great base for a city trip. Easy walking access to main tourist sites, as well for day trips and airport connections. Recently renovated spacious rooms.
Why book – 50m from the train station, public parking on site, babysitting

Which is the best area to stay in Brussels?

The best neighbourhood to stay in Brussels is the Historic City Centre, near the Grand Place. Here, you’ll find all the must-see attractions, including Manneken Pis and Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert. Historic City Centre is the best area to stay in Brussels for tourists, too.

There are 19 neighbourhoods in the capital of Belgium. However, most of the popular landmarks are clustered in the historic centre, near the Grand Place. The only exceptions are Atomium and Mini-Europe, located in Laeken district. Yet, you can easily reach them using the subway.

The historic centre is dominated by the absolutely gorgeous architecture at Grand Place. This square is the medieval heart of Brussels. Other iconic sites as Manneken Pis and Galeries Saint Hubert are just a short walk from here.

The historic centre is pretty walkable, too. Booking a hotel here allows you to be within reach to the major attractions, museums and restaurants. In most cases, this is the perfect area to stay in Brussels for first-time tourists.

Why stay near the Grand Place

• you will be in the medieval heart of the city, right next to the main attractions and restaurants
• top attractions to see – Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral
• the best shops to buy chocolate – Elisabeth, Neuhaus and Pierre Marcolini
• for some craft beer go to Delirium Monasterium. You can also join a beer tasting experience to sample the most famous beers.
• the Central Railway station is close – less than 500m away

Hotel Le Dixseptième is one of the closest hotels to the Grand Place. Rooms are comfy and spacious, great for relaxing after a long day out. Close to many restaurants and shops, as well as major attractions.
Why book – 200m from Grand Place, wellness facilities, boutique rooms

The Dominican has a very central location and everything is close by. Modern rooms with extra touches like bathrobes, slippers and tea making facilities. Lovely cocktail lounge with a chill atmosphere.
Why book – 350m from Grand Place, wellness facilities, Nespresso coffee machine in the room

Warwick Grand Place is the most popular hotel near Grand Place. Centrally located in the historic areas of Brussels, the hotel is a great base for a city trip. Good-sized boutique rooms with huge comfy beds and tea making facilities. The marble bathrooms are equipped with high-quality toiletries.
Why book – 200m from Grand Place, wellness facilities, rooftop bar

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel is conveniently located close to both Grand Place and the Rue Neuve shopping area. Spacious, comfortable and well-lit rooms. And the best part is that there are 3 on-site restaurants to choose from.
Why book – 500m from Grand Place, babysitting, coffee and tea facilities in the room

If you look for a truly unique place to stay in Brussels, then Hotel Amigo is the best choice. The location is more than perfect – just around the corner from the Grand Place. Charming public areas with a lovely ambience. Designer rooms with wide comfortable beds and smooth bed linen.
Why book – unbeatable location, 50m from Grand Place, public parking on-site

If you look for a good apartment just a few steps from Grand Place, don’t look any further. Modern and clean apartments, fully supplied with everything you need. Many eating options and bars in the surrounding area.
Why book – 50m from Grand Place, soundproof windows, Nespresso coffee machine

If you’re looking where to stay in Brussels for nightlife, Saint-Géry is the best choice. The area is packed with a great range of places to eat, drink and party. The district becomes very lively at summer when sidewalks cafés open for the season.

Don’t miss to visit Les Halles Saint-Géry, an ancient indoor market transformed into a bar at night.

Why stay in Saint-Géry

• the perfect area to get the best of nightlife and sightseeing
• the area is conveniently located between the Grand Place and the Christmas Market at Place Sainte-Catherine
• most of the touristic sites are within walking distance
• a lot of great places to eat – Noordzee Mer du Nord, Fin de Siecle, Boulangerie Charli
• the best place to taste some craft beer – Moeder Lambic Fontainas

The hotel is located in the heart of Saint-Géry, close to restaurants, bars and clubs. In addition, it’s only 300m away from Grand Place. Modern trendy rooms with huge comfortable beds. The perfect place to stay both for nightlife and sightseeing.
Why book – 10m from Les Halles Saint-Géry, air conditioning, excellent breakfast

For every shopping enthusiast, there is one place to be – Avenue Louise. The avenue runs from Place Louise to Bois de la Cambre. It’s the longest luxury shopping boulevard in the city (almost 3km). The boulevard features luxury boutiques, high-end designers and fine-dining restaurants.

If shopping is your passion, there is no other place to stay in Brussels, but here. Yet, I’ll recommend choosing the area around Place Louise. In this way, you’ll be closer to the historic centre and the subway.

Why stay near Avenue Louise

• the best area to stay if shopping is your primary reason for visiting
• the area is well-connected by public transport to the rest of the city. Yet, if you prefer to walk, the historic centre is about 1.5km away.
• a wide range of shopping options and high-end boutiques
• plenty of restaurants to choose from, including fine-dining

If you look for a convenient hotel for shopping and sightseeing, this is the ideal choice. Location is awesome, close to Avenue Louise and the subway. If you prefer to walk, the historic centre is about 1km away. The spacious boutique rooms feature spectacular city views.
Why book – 200m from Avenue Louise, wellness facilities, awesome city views

A very charming and cosy hotel within reach to shops and high-end boutiques. The nearby metro station Louise makes it easy to get to the historic centre. Comfy designer rooms with Scandinavian touches.
Why book – 200m from Avenue Louise, private parking on-site, designer interior