About Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union, has a peculiar mix of power and playfulness. Between grand Art Nouveau facades and fragrant waffle stalls, this city folds centuries of history into its cobblestoned heart. You’ll hear a swirl of French, Dutch, and English on any given street and somehow, it all makes sense. Whether visiting for EU meetings or weekend indulgence, the city rewards unhurried exploration. The architecture isn’t shy, and neither is the food, especially when paired with local beer that could rival wine in complexity.

Hotels in Brussels range from buttoned-up business suites near Schuman to romantic boutique lodgings near Grand Place. The trick lies in choosing right not just for comfort, but for the rhythm of your trip. Brussels hotels can surprise with quirks: a lift that fits only two, a breakfast that stretches until noon, or a receptionist who doubles as your barista. It’s the kind of city where details matter more than luxury labels.

Explore Brussels tour packages from Akbar Travels with curated itineraries covering food, art, and architecture highlights.

Brussels Airport Address

Brussels Airport (BRU)
Address: Leopoldlaan, 1930 Zaventem, Belgium.

Roughly 12 km northeast of the city centre is about a 20-minute ride by taxi (around €45 during normal hours). Trains to Brussels Central take 17 minutes and cost roughly €10.

The Best Time to Visit Brussels

Late April through June and mid-September to October offer the city at its best. Spring brings tulip beds and outdoor markets; autumn gives crisp air and fewer crowds. July and August are fine, but local offices slow down even though EU corridors quieten. Hotel rates spike 25–30% during the Flower Carpet Festival in August. Winter, meanwhile, has its charms: Christmas markets, mulled wine stalls, and cheaper Brussels hotels by about 40% if booked midweek.

How to Reach Brussels

By Air: 

Brussels Airport serves most major carriers. Low-cost flights also land at Charleroi Airport (Brussels South), about 60 km away, a shuttle to Brussels Midi costs roughly €18.

By Rail:

Brussels is one of Europe’s best-connected rail hubs. Eurostar and Thalys run direct to Paris, Amsterdam, and London. For hotels in Brussels near railway station areas, check the cluster around Brussels Midi, you’ll find solid 3-star and 4-star options within a 5-minute walk.

By Road:

Belgium’s highways are smooth and signposted in two languages, though parking inside Brussels can test your patience. Overnight hotel parking averages €25. Most hotels in Brussels near the city centre offer paid garages, but street parking after 7 p.m. is usually free in quieter quarters like Saint-Gilles.

Things to Do in Brussels

• Grand Place: A baroque square that glows golden by night — truly postcard material.
• Atomium: A futuristic steel atom built for the 1958 Expo; quirky and photogenic.
• Manneken Pis: The tiny, cheeky bronze boy, smaller than expected but beloved.
• Royal Palace of Brussels: The King’s administrative residence; open in summer.
• Magritte Museum: Surrealism meets meticulous curation, home to 200 Magritte works.
• Mini-Europe: Miniature landmarks from all over the continent; fun yet oddly educational.
• Sablon District: Antique stores, chocolate boutiques, and weekend art markets.
• Parc du Cinquantenaire: Expansive gardens framed by triumphal arches and museums.
• Comic Strip Center: A playful homage to Belgium’s comic heritage, Tintin fans rejoice.
• Delirium Café: Record-breaking beer list; expect around 2,000 types on tap or bottle.

Shopping in Brussels

1. Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert – Elegant glass-roofed arcade with luxury brands and chocolatiers.
2. Avenue Louise – High-end shopping street lined with designer boutiques.
3. Rue Antoine Dansaert – Trendy local designers and Belgian fashion labels.
4. City 2 Shopping Mall – Large mall with international stores and eateries.
5. Rue Neuve – Brussels’ busiest shopping street with affordable fashion brands.
6. Marolles Flea Market (Place du Jeu de Balle) – Daily vintage and antique market.
7. Sablon District – Antique shops and artisanal chocolatiers.
8. Docks Bruxsel – Modern shopping and leisure complex with cinemas and dining.
9. Woluwe Shopping Center – Family-friendly mall with a wide range of stores.
10. The Brussels Corner – Souvenir and gift shop near Grand Place.
11. Les Enfants d’Edouard – Upscale vintage boutique with curated finds.
12. Maison Dandoy Boutique – Perfect spot to buy authentic Belgian biscuits and gifts.

Famous Restaurants in Brussels

Dining here is indulgent yet informal, you’ll eat well even in tiny brasseries. Try:

• Chez Léon: Mussels and fries, no pretense.
• Comme Chez Soi: A Michelin-starred affair with impeccable service.
• La Roue d’Or: Old-world decor near Grand Place.
• Fin de Siècle: Local’s choice for hearty Belgian classics.
• Noordzee Mer du Nord: Fresh seafood served at a standing counter.
• Le Chou de Bruxelles: Quaint garden dining in Ixelles.
• Les Brigittines: Art Nouveau setting, traditional Belgian menu.
• Café Belga: Buzzing terrace, especially lively on summer evenings.
• La Villa in the Sky: Panoramic views and tasting menus.
• Maison Antoine: Famous fries kiosk near Place Jourdan, locals queue for good reason.

Popular Hotels in Brussels

Hotels in Brussels come in every flavour from stoic business suites to cosy heritage corners. Among the best hotels in Brussels, you’ll find:

• Hotel Amigo (Rocco Forte): Five-star charm steps from Grand Place.
• Stanhope Hotel Brussels by Thon Hotels: Old-English decor, walkable to the Royal Palace.
• The Dominican: Monastic architecture meets chic interiors.
• Warwick Brussels: Ideal for business travellers, with plush rooms and marble baths.
• Hotel Metropole: Classic grandeur, slightly faded but iconic.
• NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon: Overlooks the antique market; great weekend vibes.
• Pullman Brussels Centre Midi: Modern, efficient, perfect if catching early trains.
• Motel One Brussels: Affordable and stylish; breakfast waffles are a hit.
• Made in Louise: Family-run boutique hotel with homey touches.
• Radisson Collection Hotel: Sleek, central, reliable; consistent Brussels 5 star hotel comfort.

Popular Resorts in Brussels

1. Thermae Boetfort Spa & Hotel – A 400-year-old castle turned spa retreat near the airport.

2. Tangla Hotel Brussels – Asian-inspired luxury with tranquil ambience.

3. Martin’s Château du Lac – Elegant lakeside resort in Genval, about 30 minutes from Brussels.

4. Hotel Manos Premier – Boutique resort-style property with a hidden garden spa.

5. Aspria Brussels Royal La Rasante – Exclusive wellness club and hotel in Woluwe.

6. Dolce La Hulpe Brussels – Forest resort offering nature walks and spa treatments.

7. Van der Valk Hotel Brussels Airport – Business-friendly stay with resort-like amenities.

8. Warwick Brussels – Classic city resort feel near Grand Place.

9. Sofitel Brussels Europe – Urban resort with fine dining and rooftop views.

10. Steigenberger Wiltcher’s – A luxury resort-style hotel on Avenue Louise with full spa facilities.

Where to Stay in Brussels

For a quick city break, staying near Grand Place keeps you close to major sights. Business travellers prefer European Quarter hotels in Brussels, close to Schuman and the Parliament. Ixelles and Saint-Gilles attract creative types; slightly bohemian, filled with boutique hotel apartments in Brussels.

If you’re catching flights, consider hotels in Brussels near airport, usually 15–20% cheaper than downtown. For rail travellers, hotels in Brussels near railway station like Midi or Central are ideal for late arrivals. Looking for weekend nightlife? The Dansart area offers the best places to stay in Brussels if you enjoy trendy cafes and bars within a 3-minute stroll.

Places to Stay in Brussels Near Popular Attractions

• Grand Place: Stay at Hotel Amigo or The Dominican.
• EU Quarter: Sofitel Brussels Europe and NH Brussels EU Berlaymont.
• Sablon: NH Collection Grand Sablon for antiques and chocolate shops nearby.
• Midi Station: Pullman Brussels Centre Midi for early train access.
• Ixelles: Made in Louise for boutique comfort.
• Avenue Louise: Steigenberger Wiltcher’s, one of Brussels famous hotels.
• Airport Zone: Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport, quiet and efficient.

Budget Hotels in Brussels

Budget need not mean bare-bones. Sleep Well Youth Hostel offers private doubles and a hearty breakfast. MEININGER Hotel City Center sits along the canal with funky art. Urban Yard Hotel surprises with boutique design under €100. EasyHotel Brussels City Centre remains one of the cheapest hotels in Brussels, rooms are compact but spotless. 2 star hotel Brussels stays like Hotel Queen Mary still include continental breakfast, so don’t dismiss the small ones.

When scouting cheap hotels in Brussels, check rates mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday); business hotels slash prices by about 30% when office travellers are away.

Brussels Hotels by Star Rating

• 5 Star Hotels in Brussels: Hotel Amigo, Steigenberger Wiltcher’s, Radisson Collection, Tangla Brussels, Sofitel Brussels Europe.
• 4 Star: Stanhope Hotel, NH Collection Grand Sablon, Thon Hotel Bristol Stephanie.
• 3 Star: Made in Louise, Motel One, Urban Yard.
• 2 Star: Queen Anne, Hotel Opera; clean, central, and wallet-friendly.

Best Hotels in Brussels Based on Location

• Near Grand Place: Hotel Amigo (luxury) and EasyHotel (budget).
• Near Airport: Crowne Plaza Brussels Airport or Novotel Brussels Airport with reliable shuttles, breakfast from 5 a.m.
• Near Beach: Well, there isn’t one, but Thermae Boetfort Resort mimics that laid-back, spa-like calm for those craving downtime. So yes, “hotels in Brussels near beach” is more metaphor than map point.
• Near Railway Station: Pullman Brussels Centre Midi, unbeatable for connectivity.
• Near Shopping Streets: Steigenberger Wiltcher’s on Avenue Louise for designer indulgence.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Brussels

Families appreciate NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon for spacious rooms and weekend discounts. Radisson Collection offers adjoining suites, while Made in Louise wins hearts with board games and free hot chocolate. MEININGER Hotel works great for groups; bunk beds, laundromat, and communal kitchens. Parks nearby, like Parc Léopold, help balance sightseeing with playtime.

Brussels Hotels Tariff

Brussels hotel price comparison is a sport in itself. Expect broad swings depending on conferences or EU summits. Rough averages (for double occupancy):

• Luxury hotels in Brussels (5 star): €280–€450 per night.
• 4-star Brussels hotels: €150–€230.
• 3-star: €90–€140.
• Cheap hotels in Brussels / 2-star hotel Brussels: €65–€85.

Brussels Travel Tips

• Book Early: Brussels flight tickets can vary in price. To secure the best fares, it’s advisable to book cheap flights to Brussels well in advance.
• Carry Cash: Cards work widely, but small cafés may still prefer coins for €3 coffees.
• Trams Over Taxis: They’re clean, punctual, and far cheaper.
• Avoid Mondays for Museums: Many shut for maintenance.
• Sundays Are Slow: Shops close, so plan sightseeing or parks.
• Language Tip: “Bonjour” goes further than “Hello.” Locals appreciate effort.
• Weather Trick: Carry an umbrella, Brussels clouds roll in fast.
• EU Summit Weeks: Expect 40% spike in Brussels hotel price; book elsewhere.
• Chocolate Rule: Buy from actual chocolatiers, not airport kiosks.
• Airport Tip: Pre-book hotel shuttle; airport taxis queue can stretch 25 minutes.
• Street Safety: Brussels feels safe, but watch bags near Midi Station.
• Power Plugs: Type E outlets, bring adaptors.
• Breakfast Timing: Most hotels serve until 10 a.m., but boutique ones stretch to 11:30.
• Seasonal Advantage: Winter markets mean cheaper stays and fewer crowds.
• Local Etiquette: Don’t shout in restaurants; quiet tone equals respect.

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