Brussels is a bilingual city-region at the centre of Belgium, made up of the City of Brussels and surrounding municipalities, with French and Dutch as its official languages and English widely spoken. It is a major hub for international politics and business, home to EU institutions and NATO, and its historic core holds the Grand-Place/Grote Markt, Manneken Pis and a strong tradition of cuisine, beer and comic-strip culture.
For a visitor, the city is easiest to read as a historic centre ringed by the Small Ring boulevards — the course of the old city walls — with the upper town rising to the south and east of the centre, and the EU quarter and other districts lying beyond. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how the choice changes with your budget and the purpose of your trip.
Best areas to stay in Brussels
1. The city centre (Grand-Place/Grote Markt and the Pentagon)
The historic core, within the Small Ring, is where the Grand-Place/Grote Markt, Manneken Pis and the main historic landmarks sit. Staying here puts the principal sights within walking distance and keeps you close to the metro and the central stations.
It suits first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of things. Expect a wide range of accommodation types, from budget to upper-end, and note that this is the busiest and most tourist-oriented part of the city.
2. The upper town (Sablon/Zavel and Coudenberg/Koudenberg)
The town historically grew towards the upper town, including the Sablon/Zavel and Coudenberg/Koudenberg areas, which sit above the lower centre and are associated with the Coudenberg Palace and cultural institutions such as La Monnaie/De Munt and the Museums of Art and History.
This area suits visitors who prefer a quieter base within reach of the centre and the main museums, and who do not mind some uphill walking between the lower and upper parts of the city.
3. The EU quarter
The area around the EU institutions is a major centre for international politics, diplomats and civil servants, and the headquarters of NATO is also located in Brussels. It suits travellers visiting for business, EU-related work or institutional visits.
Because hotel rates in Brussels can vary widely, especially at the upper end, depending on how many EU figures are in town, this is the area where demand and prices are most affected by the institutional calendar. Good deals are often available on weekends and during the summer, when the bureaucrats leave on vacation.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Look for simpler rooms and smaller establishments, and consider the city centre and the areas around the main rail and metro connections, where you can trade space for a central location.
- Mid-range: The centre and the upper town offer the widest choice of comfortable, standard accommodation within walking distance of the main sights.
- Splurge: The upper end of the market is concentrated in the centre and the EU quarter, where rates can vary widely depending on how many EU figures are in town; weekends and summer often bring better deals.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the city centre around the Grand-Place/Grote Markt and the Pentagon. It puts the main historic landmarks, the Grand-Place/Grote Markt and Manneken Pis, within walking distance, and keeps you inside the Small Ring, close to the metro and the central stations. From there you can easily reach the upper town, the museums and the EU quarter on day trips across the city.
Frequently asked questions
When are hotel rates in Brussels lowest?
Rates can vary widely, especially at the upper end, depending on how many EU figures are in town. Good deals are often available on weekends and during the summer, when the bureaucrats leave on vacation.
Which area is best if I am visiting for EU business?
The EU quarter, where the EU institutions and the NATO headquarters are located, keeps you close to the institutions and the diplomats and civil servants who work there.
Do I need to speak French or Dutch to get around?
Brussels is officially bilingual in French and Dutch, with French as the majority language and lingua franca, but English is spoken widely, and many migrants and expatriates speak other languages as well.
How do I get around the city from my base?
The Brussels Metro is the only rapid transit system in Belgium, and the city is a national and international hub for rail, road and air traffic, so the centre, the upper town and the EU quarter are all well connected.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.