Which area is in Brussels?

Where to find accommodation in Brussels during your stay? District by neighborhood, here are the best places to sleep in the Belgian capital!

Finding accommodation in Brussels, the “capital of the European Union, beer and fries”, is not really what is more difficult. What is likely to be arduous is to make a choice among the diversity of housing that the Brussels Capital region can offer to its visitors. Located in the centre of Europe, the capital of Belgium is one of the travellers’ paradises that come to it for its festive atmosphere, its multiple riches – history, culture, gastronomy, etc. – and also why not, discover the charms of Belgian beer.

The name Brussels is used to designate both the Brussels-Capital region, the city of Brussels and the European Union community institutions that sit there. The city of Brussels as such is 177,863 inhabitants, however, the agglomeration of Brussels-Capital – the economic lung of Belgium – brings together nineteen communes for a total population of 1,197,732 inhabitants (2017) out of 161 km2. To stay in Brussels, a variety of choices are available: guesthouse and youth hostel, cheap hotels, more refined hotels, private accommodation for rent (on site) Airbnb Wimdu... Here is a presentation of the neighborhoods where to sleep in Brussels.

The center, says "Pentagon" and "Small Belt"

Located from Place Rogier to the Stock Exchange and Place Anneessens, you will not be able to miss the famous facades of the Grand Place, the central square of Brussels which is also known from all over the world for the quality of its ornaments. Qualified as one of the most beautiful places in the world, it has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998.

The advantage of staying in the historic heart is that everything will be on foot:

• Centre
• Freedoms
• Royal
• Senne
• The docks, etc.

No need for public transport, Brussels city centre is affordable by walking. Here you will find all the shops to satisfy your consumption desires as well as all the necessary survival to perfect your escapade: bars, restaurants, and specialized shops. If it is the stroll that guides you, wander through the wind of the Grand Place at the Parc de Bruxelles, see the Royal Palace and the MannekenPis and her little sister not far, JeanneKen Pis. Finally, your cultural visits will no longer know what work is going on between the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, the Palais d’Egmont, the Porte de Hal, the Magritte Museum, the Museum of Musical Instruments or – among other things – the Belgian Museum of the Band-desinée.

Saint-Géry

Located also in the centre, the small district of Saint-Géry will seduce young people and noctambula. We drink beer – brown, blonde, amber, all colors and drums – taking advantage of small multi-style concerts, it is the heart of modern cultural life Brussels. If in the past, the neighbourhood was rather deserted, the landscape has turned well here: it is one of the most popular places in the city of today, especially in the summer when Belgians and visitors come to water on the terraces in a really friendly and relaxed atmosphere. A very nice place to stay in Brussels!

The Marolles, the popular district

A little distance from the swelling of the hyper-centre of a European megalopolis to discover the Brussels life in a pure state. If you are an amateur/shower all inclusive to visit Brussels, by parading in the streets by convertible bus (for example), this is not really your neighborhood. On the other hand, this residential area consists of French, Flemish, and has also hosted the Spanish, Maghrebines, Turks and Syrian communities. It is therefore a cosmopolitan area where it will make a good stroll for a few days. On the Place du Jeu de Balle, don’t miss the Old Market, where daily clothes, antiques or anything that can still make happy.

As in all the peripheral neighborhoods in the city centers of the capitals, a phenomenon of gentrification is observed, where a middle class “bobobo” is installed by replacing old popular habitats with trendy bars, restaurants, art galleries or art deco shops. A relaxed atmosphere, but which however can increase the prices of your accommodation.

Sablon, ancient city and antique district

Many travellers go to this area because it still features a traditional medieval architecture and Gothic-style constructions. But there is not only this: the neighborhood is also known to house many chocolate shops . In addition, if you love churches, you will not be disappointed: the Church of Notre-Dame du Sablon is one of the largest in the country. Moreover, you will see the Petit Sablon and its square, the Place du Grand Sablon, to appreciate the calm of a small neighbourhood life where it makes good lodging.

The European Quarter

High political place and seat of European institutions, it was not always so in the neighbourhood. The district forms a triangle between the park of Brussels, the Parc du Fiftynaire and the Parc Léopold: it is, in Brussels, the street of the Law. It is an opportunity for the Europhiles to photograph the imposing European Parliament, along the edge of the Leopold Park. This area is historically residential, so it is a quiet residential area. Run if, Europhobe, you feel like "in the mouth of the wolf." If you don't, pass it, but don't sneeze yourself.