Hotels in Brussels

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Brussels is a city of stunning architectural grandeur, renowned for its status as the 'Capital of Europe' and for its deep devotion to art, gastronomy, and comic strip culture. The absolute heart of the city is the Grand Place (Grote Markt), a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by opulent Baroque guildhalls and the magnificent Town Hall. This is arguably one of the most beautiful squares in the world.

Beyond the Grand Place, you can explore the Royal Quarter with the Royal Palace and the surrounding museums, including the famous Magritte Museum. The city is also a delight for those who appreciate design, with the iconic Atomium and the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, particularly the historic Old England Building. With waffles, chocolate, and the cheeky Manneken Pis statue, Brussels offers a sophisticated, vibrant, and fun European break.

To experience the best of Brussels, your hotel should be centrally located to ensure easy walking access to the historical, cultural, and gastronomic highlights. The city centre is divided into the lower, historical town and the upper, institutional town.

The best and most popular area is the immediate vicinity of the Grand Place and the Ilot Sacré district. Staying here immerses you in the historic core, putting you close to the famous chocolate shops, the Manneken Pis, and the myriad of restaurants and bars. It is the most lively and charming part of the city.

For a quieter stay with a focus on culture, consider the area around Mont des Arts and the Royal Quarter. This upper town district is home to the major art museums, the Royal Palace, and offers magnificent views down towards the lower city. It is often more sedate and boasts a refined atmosphere.

Brussels is excellently served by Brussels Airport (BRU), with a fast, direct train link to the central stations. The city centre has several major metro and train hubs, including Brussels-Central station, which is ideally located for accessing the Grand Place area. The Metro system is efficient, making it simple to travel to destinations further afield, such as the Atomium or the headquarters of the European Union, which are further away from the historical core.

Hotel prices in Brussels are heavily influenced by its role as a major centre for European and international politics and business. Rates are typically at their highest during the mid-week, from Monday to Thursday, when the city is full of corporate and institutional visitors.

The absolute best value is consistently found over the weekend, particularly booking a stay that includes a Friday or Saturday night, as the corporate traveller leaves and prices drop significantly. The peak tourist season is the summer, June to August, but mid-week rates can still be relatively lower than during a major EU summit. A unique tip for Brussels is to look for hotels in the Saint-Catherine area, which is still central and lively with excellent restaurants, but often offers slightly better value than the immediate Grand Place vicinity.