Jubel Park By Marc Ryckaert -Wikimedia

5 Best Areas to Stay in Brussels


 

Brussels has a lot to offer to anyone that visits this great Belgian city. If you are looking for diverse culture, waffles, beer, history and medieval architecture, you will find them all here.

This city is easily accessible from other European cities and is loved by many because of its warmth and diversity.

The neighbourhoods in this city each has a unique charm that tells of the Belgian culture and it is the European Union capital. Brussels may not be a big city but is loved by travellers and ex-pats that make this their temporary home.

You, therefore, have a variety of areas to choose when it comes to staying either temporarily or long term. I have a list of 5 Best areas to stay in Brussels that I believe will cater to your needs.

1. Sablon

Notre-Dame du Sablon By Rolf Kranz – Wikimedia

While in Brussels and are looking for a cultural area with medieval architecture and cobbled streets, then Sablon is the place for you.

This area offers gothic architecture, beautiful antiques and shops selling the best Belgian chocolate. You cannot miss the chocolate while in Sablon.

There is a weekly flea market held at the Place du Grand Sablon plaza in the weekends. Check out for chocolate stalls, visit this market to browse the antique stalls, get a book from the booksellers, souvenirs and so much more.

You will find stylish bars, chic cafes and trendy bars and popular antique markets here.

Top attractions in this area include the Eglise Notre Dame du Sablon, it is a Gothic church that has the most fascinating architecture. The central station is nearly so you can connect to other areas of the city with ease.

Top attractions include Jewish Museum on the Rue des Minimes that exhibits the lives, history and culture of Belgian Jews, Magritte Museum for the art of the renowned Belgian surrealist painter,

You will find the accommodation here to be reasonably priced, there are luxury hotels and budget hotels too.

2. Saint Gilles- Cultural Neighbourhood

By Jean-Pol- Wikimedia

This is a residential neighbourhood characterized by Art Nouveau architecture and plenty of Indie art galleries.

One museum that cannot be missed is the Horta Museum, named in honour of Victor Horta. Inside the museum, you will find his beautiful ceramics and stained glass.

Another museum, especially for beer lovers, is the Gueuze Museum at the Cantillon brewery, here you will learn the history of the city’s famous drink. You will also get to sample them.

There is a midi market open on Sundays along the Brussels South Railway. An array of items on sale range from clothes, books, souvenirs, spices, chocolates.

Along the streets in this neighbourhood are cute boutiques, hipster cafés, restaurants and bars. To get to Saint Gilles, use via Gare du Midi train station from the city centre. The area around the train station is not the safest at night, I therefore recommend hanging out in groups at night.

This area is best if you are a foodie, love hipster cafes, enjoy multicultural delicacies like Turkish bread, Moroccan food and other cuisines.

You can also visit Place van Meenen on Monday afternoons to enjoy wine and oysters from Normandy as locals do.

Saint Gilles is made up of young and young at heart, bohemian, trendy, multicultural, artists, poets, painters and everyone that loves art.

This area is best for families because its busy during the day and quiet at night. Accommodation is reasonably priced.

3. Saint Gery

The Halles Saint-Géry -Wikimedia

Previously an island on River Senne, Saint Gery is now fully connected to Brussels and has transformed to be the life of the city. This area is known as the party headquarters in Brussels, it is where to go for a vibrant nightlife.

There are cafes and bars with sitting areas on the pavement and they get filled up in the summer. They play live music on warmer weathers. They offer a range of food, dessert, and cocktails.

Other than the trendy eateries, you will also find stores and boutiques to shop from. Saint Gery is a few minutes away from the main square and you can walk to and from the Central train station.

The major attractions in this area are a walking distance away therefore very convenient and save on time.  Accommodation options are varied and there are options for all types of travellers.

4. The Marolles- Best area when on a budget

Palace of Justice By Martin Mycielski-Wikimedia

Marolles is a residential neighbourhood with locals and is the area to stay if you want to experience life in Brussels like one. It is where to find affordable accommodation and delicious food.

This neighbourhood is multicultural with a mix of French, Flemish, Spanish and African, Syrian and Turkish cultures. This means that life here is diverse similarly, the food scene is something to check out.

There is a daily flea market at Jeu de Balle where you will find clothes, delicatessens, antiques and souvenirs. Les Marolles has changed a lot and has now been gentrified to be a chic neighbourhood with trendy cafés, flea market, bars and restaurants.

It is, therefore, the best area to stay in Brussels if you are on a budget, or would like to get more from your trip by spending less on accommodation.

When you want to explore the city, you can easily get there by using the south railway. This area is best for backpackers, solo travellers. Majority of the locals here speak French and Flemish.

5. Ixelles

Ixelles is an arty and trendy neighbourhood full of creatives and young people. There is a good selection of shops, restaurants, bars, and other attractions.

You can spend quality time cruising on the lakes, stroll and picnic at the parks, and walk through forests; all these are easily reachable.

Ixelles is well connected by public transport and is the best neighbourhood for families in Brussels.

Its interesting and diverse character attracts all sort of travellers coming to Brussels. There is a little bit of everything for everyone that chooses to stay here. Accommodation options vary from luxurious hotels, budget hotels to hostels.

Other than the green spaces and beautiful avenues in this area, you will also find great restaurants, night clubs, bars and trendy cafés. It has the ultimate entertainment joints.

The availability of two universities in this neighbourhood makes it a lively place especially in the evening and on weekends.

If you would love to learn more about history, visit the Museum of Ixelles to see the belle epoque posters. You will find several artists, writers, and other creatives living here as well as visiting.

This neighbourhood tells of the history of Brussels through the renaissance architecture, modern architecture and its current gentrification. Enjoy your time shopping, exploring and dancing with the locals.