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

A complete guide to where to stay in Brussels, Belgium (+ the best hotels and areas for one night, tourists, nightlife and shopping).

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.

To see the best of the city, follow this one day in Brussels itinerary. It covers all the must-see sites including where to eat and how to get there.

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 I stayed

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

My favourite place to stay in Brussels is Pillows City Hotel. What I liked about this hotel is that the rooms are spacious and comfy. Plus, the location couldn’t be more perfect – just a 5min walk to Grand Place and the train station.

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.

Most popular hotel in Brussels

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 – Most popular hotel

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


Grand Place

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


Where to stay in Brussels for one night

Where to stay in Brussels for one night?

The best place to stay in Brussels for one night is the area between the Central Railway Station and the Grand Place. You’d be within a walking distance of the main tourist attractions and the historic city centre. Moreover, the area is perfect for transport links.

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.

Travelling from Brussels Airport?
Book a private transfer directly to your hotel for a worry-free arrival.

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 – Best for couples

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 – Best for family

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

Grand Place

Grand Place – Where to stay in Brussels as a tourist

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.

Don’t forget to buy tickets for Atomium in advance (long waiting lines in the high season).

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.

This is the area to stay if you’re visiting the city for the Christmas markets. If this is your case, find out what to see in Brussels at Christmas time.

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

Hotels near Grand Place (Best for couples)

Hotel Le Dixseptième – Closest to the Grand Place

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 – Central location

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


Hotels near Grand Place (Best for families)

Warwick Grand Place – Most popular

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 – Best location

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


Luxury hotels near Grand Place

Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo – Most popular

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

Apartments in the Historic City Centre

Apartments Chapeliers Grand-Place – Closest to Grand Place

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


Moeder Lambic Fontainas

Saint-Géry – best area to stay in Brussels for nightlife

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

Boutique Hotel Saint-Géry – Best place to stay for nightlife

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


Brussels

Avenue Louise – Where to stay in Brussels for shopping

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

The Hotel Brussels – Best for shopping and sightseeing

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


Hygge Hotel – Elegant and chic

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


Best places to stay in Brussels for first-time visitors

HotelRatingReviews
Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre8.9See 1,450+ reviews
Warwick Brussels – Grand Place8.4 See 5,760+ reviews
Hilton Grand Place8.5 See 1,250+ reviews
Hotel Le Dixseptième8.9 See 960+ reviews
The Dominican8.9 See 790+ reviews
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel Brussels8.3 See 2,910+ reviews

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About the author

AvatarMilena Yordanova
I’m a full-time travel blogger based in Sofia, Bulgaria. I love to travel and to discover new places, cultures and food. I’m an expert in travel planning and I am here to help you plan your dream vacation.

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