The old centre of Brussels, the Pentagon inside the ring of boulevards, is small enough to cross on foot in half an hour. That is why the question is rarely “which hotel” and more often “which part of town”.
Our top pick: Brussels: Guided Walking Tour
The central neighbourhoods
- Grand-Place and the Îlot Sacré: the busiest part, steps from the Grand-Place and the Manneken Pis. Good for a short stay, but it can be noisy and prices are usually higher.
- Sablon and Mont des Arts: calmer and elegant, near museums, antique shops and the Royal Palace area.
- Dansaert and Sainte-Catherine: a design-minded area of shops and restaurants, a few minutes’ walk from the Grand-Place.
- European quarter: business hotels east of the centre, handy for the EU institutions and the Parlamentarium.
City centre or near Brussels-North?
The main difference is time. In the centre you walk to most sights. Near Brussels-North you are beside a major rail hub, about 2 km from the Grand-Place, with the metro, trams and trains to the airport and to Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. That is the setting of our guide to the Progress Hotel area, a practical choice if you arrive and leave by train.
Arriving by train? Brussels-Central is the station nearest the Grand-Place. North and South are one or two stops away, so any of the three works as a base.
Brussels: Guided Walking Tour
A good first morning whichever area you pick. 4.6/5 from over 4,300 reviews.
Bruges and Ghent Guided Day Trip
Easy from the centre or from Brussels-North. 4.6/5 from over 10,000 reviews.
Why book online
- Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
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- Reviews from verified travelers
Planning excursions? See day trips from Brussels.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best area to stay in Brussels for a first visit?
Around the Grand-Place and the Sablon you can walk to the main sights. If you prefer lower prices and fast trains, an area by Brussels-North or Brussels-Central works well too.
Is it better to stay near Brussels-North or in the centre?
The centre saves walking time for sights. Near Brussels-North, such as around the Progress Hotel in Saint-Josse, you are by a major station with trains to the airport, Bruges and Ghent, about 2 km from the Grand-Place.
Is Brussels city centre a good base for day trips?
Yes. Brussels-Central is a few minutes by train from Brussels-North and Brussels-South, and trains for Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp stop at all three.
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