Brussels is a very cosmopolitan city. It’s the headquarters for several European institutions and is considered as the informal capital for the European Union. This global culture appeals to many groups of travelers, including school and university groups, as well as cultural and sports clubs. The city is also the site for many activities and events that appeal to groups of friends and families.
By Lizzy
Top 3 Hostels in Brussels:
The top 3 for Brussels
#1: Sleep Well Youth Hostel
Sleep Well Youth Hostel
Price: $30.74 to $34.66
Sleep Well Youth Hostel is located in central Brussels, near both the North and Central Stations. It’s also very near to a lot of the city’s most famous attractions, including the Grand Place, Markt, Manneken Pis, and the famous Botanic Gardens. Also, It’s located only 100 meters away from the Rogier Metro Station, and it is surrounded by shops, entertainment options, and restaurants. The Grand Place is also just a ten-minute walk away.
The rooms are beautiful and have been fully refurbished. You can also choose between dorm rooms that can accommodate up to six people as well as private twin and triple rooms that have televisions and refrigerators. The dorm rooms have a curfew that runs between 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. However, private rooms have no curfew.
The hostel also has many amenities available like complimentary breakfast, a bar, free Wi-Fi, ping-pong table, board games, foosball table, and a book exchange.
Also, the hostel can accommodate groups of different sizes. A lot of events and activities are also organized for your group, and the staff can also help with coordinating bus transfers. Read more..
- Convenient location, great amenities, lots of activities
HI Hostel Bruegel Brussels
Price: $29.57 to $35.70
HI Hostel Bruegel Brussels is located conveniently within walking distance to both the Grand Place and Central Station. It’s also near a lot of the city’s most famous monuments and attractions. Also, the hostel attracts a diverse variety of travelers from around the globe.
It also has an on-site bar where you can chill and socializ
e with each other. Also, the hostel’s staff is amiable and welcoming, and they are very familiar with the city. They can also help you organize an itinerary that meets your group’s goals and preferences.
The hostel has 135 beds that are divided between 48 rooms. Forty of the rooms have attached bathrooms, and the remaining bedrooms have bathrooms that are shared by all guests. The hostel’s room sizes range from single, double, triple, and quad rooms. The hostel is also ready to accommodate huge groups. Read more..
- Social atmosphere, friendly staff, has a lot of room options
Brussels Hello Hostel
Price: $23.90 to $29.80
Brussels Hello Hostel is a charming hostel with a global atmosphere. The hostel is located away from the heart of Brussels, but it is only a five-minute subway ride from the center of Brussels. The hostel offers a breakfast buffet that is included in the price of the booking. Breakfast is served between the hours of 6:30 and 10:00. There is also free internet and Wi-Fi available throughout the hostel. Guests are welcome to use the fully equipped kitchen, and there are storage lockers and luggage storage available as well.
The hostel is prepared to handle small groups, but reservations should be made directly through the hostel for groups larger than seven people. Read more..
- Quiet area but still conveniently located, great amenities, friendly staff
How is The Nightlife in Brussels?
Brussels has completely transformed itself in recent years to deal with the rush of travelers looking to experience its vibrant nightlife. Also, the city has two paces: an early evening surge of diners and drinkers, and when they’re heading home, a cavalry charge of partygoers suddenly sweep in.
The European quarter does not have a lot of bars, although they are usually to be a bit dull and packed with EU staff talking about work after a long day at the office. Most visitors would be better off by staying near the Grand Place, which is filled with little ‘estaminets’ (old café-bars with great ambiance).
For a bit wilder initiation to Brussels nightlife, you should go to the Rue du Marche au Charbon. The center of the gay scene in Brussels – though perhaps a tad exhibitionist for others – it’s also the home of some of the best bars and clubs in the entire city.
Ultra-hip, this area is rather pricey, but it’s worth putting some extra money aside. A couple of its clubs are famous not only in Belgium but also in France and Germany as well.
On the weekend, the city pulls in partygoers from across Europe as they meet to enjoy the best international DJs. On the more affordable end of the spectrum, near the Grand Place, the Rue de Chartreux and the Place St Géry constitute the true center of Belgium’s party scene. There are a lot of bars open later compared to other areas, and most of them attract an energetic mix of tourists and local students.
If you want live music, Brussels is famous for its great jazz clubs (which build leads up to the city’s Jazz festival in May). In the Ixelles district (and neighboring Matongé), meanwhile, there are music venues with a more scruffy, alternative feel.
If a night out in Brussels starts gradually with dinner, before taking a few beers in one of its chill bars, it almost automatically goes all the way to ten with a powerful, sweaty climax in the city’s best clubs. There’s something about Brussels’ nightlife that’s immensely pleasing.
The Bars and Clubs in Brussels
1. Fuse
Opened in 1994, after refurbishing an old movie theatre, this is one of the most famous nightclubs in Brussels, known for peppy techno music, good food, and an impressive crowd. With a lively bar and dance floor, Fuse is a favorite Brussels nightlife spot for both tourists and natives.
2. Bazaar
Offering an experience like none other, Bazaar is an underground bar and the ultimate place to witness the vibes of Brussels nightlife. With international DJs playing Deep House music, the party scene at Bazaar is soothing, chilled out, and enticing. The bazaar is right in the middle of the happening Brussels nightlife area, making it even liveries.
3. Café Roskam
Experience retro music, classic décor, great food and beverages, and opulent Jazz sessions at Café Roskam- an old styled café cum bar, nestled in Flandre neighborhood. Warm, decent, and exciting, this bar is a fit for every type of nightcrawler and one of the best places to experience Brussels nightlife.
4. You Night Club
Opened till early morning, You Night Club is the ultimate place to experience the real picture of Brussels nightlife. A favorite of young folks, particularly students, it is one of the most pocket-friendly options to chill, unwind and party hard. If you’re looking for a dance club in Brussels, YNC won’t disappoint you at all.
5. The Flat
The Flat bar in Brussels is one of its kind and probably the best place to experience the most exceptional Brussels nightlife. It is a residential apartment themed bar, endowed with living room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen space. Here people can relax in couches, chill out and unwind with soothing music and fantastic food and drinks, which are sold at market prices. The prices fluctuate as per the demand of the alcohol, at that given point of time. With this homely setting, probably, this is among the few bars in Brussels which offers an intimate party scene.
6. O’Reilly’s Irish Pub
Best collection of Belgium bar, Irish delicacies, cordial staff, and prime location-O’Reilly’s Irish Pub has everything to make your evenings happening and memorable. It is one of the best hangout places in Brussels to hang out with your friends and folks. Set in a posh locality of Place de la Bourse, overlooking Belgium Stock Exchange, O’Reilly’s Irish Pub offers the best of Brussels nightlife. The pub opens as early as 11 in the morning and serves delicious Irish breakfast and brunch options, as well.
7. Bonnefooi
Bonnefooi- locally translating into ‘by chance,’ is a paradise for music lovers. Buzzing with retro, jazz, hard rocks, deep house, etc.; this bar fascinates every visitor with a plethora of music varieties. DJ plays every evening here, and free concerts are frequently hosted. With a vast collection of Belgian beer, private party place, dance floors, and designated smoking rooms, Bonnefooi is the perfect place to enjoy Brussels nightlife.
8. Agora Roundabout
If your heart is craving for antique jewelry, trendy accessories, souvenirs and knick-knacks at rates which is light on a pocket; the night market at Agora Roundabout is the place you should visit. The site is famous for locally made stuff, which is ideal as souvenirs, you would like to carry back. Though items here are reasonably priced, do not forget to bargain.
9. Place du Grand Sablon – Gourmet Market
Not only party animals and music lovers, but Brussels also has something for food lovers as well. This Gourmet market at Place du Grand Sablon is a delight for all food-loving souls. You can pick and taste the best of International cuisines and exotic beverages here, on every Thursday. Food stalls, snacks kiosks, beer tasting sessions, and live music keep this night market in Brussels happening and lively.
10. Brussels Vintage Market
If you are a shopaholic, know that exploring Brussels Vintage Market is a must. Every first Sunday of the month, the market has got a massive collection of 2nd hand yet best quality designer apparel and accessories. This night market in Brussels has some fantastic cafes and bistros as well, and one can chill-out and unwind after intense retail therapy. Bargain to your heart’s content and pick the best deal.
About Brussels
Brussels is the capital city of Belgium. It is situated in the valley near the Senne River, a small tributary of the more massive Schelde River. Greater Brussels is the country’s most significant urban area. It is made up of 19 communes, which is similar to municipalities (each commune has a considerable degree of autonomy). The largest of all communes, Brussels—contains the historical center of the city and the well-known European Quarter. It is the area where the institutions belonging to the European Union (EU) are situated.
Greater Brussels was officially named as the Brussels-Capital Region back in 1989, during the time of Belgium’s federalization. This area is also composed of the more vast regions of Wallonia and Flanders.
As the seat of the EU, Brussels is more commonly known as the “capital of Europe,” and its importance as a center of international governance and business makes Brussels a global city—a status it shares with New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo Bay Area.
Lizzy
Traveler & Blogger
Hi, I’m Lizzy! In the past 10 years I’ve travelled 60 countries and I’m still counting. While I was backpacking I could not find a website that provides valuable information about hostels. After months of thinking, doubting and brainstorming, hostelstobook.com was born.
I hope to make your trip easier, so you’d only stay in the best hostels around the globe. Do you have any questions? Don’t hesitate to send me a message.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can choose to travel more around Europe, going north, south, to eastern Europe. If you go north, we recommend going to Amsterdam and Copenhagen. If going south, visit Paris and Barcelona. Or if you’re heading east, we recommend the best of all: Budapest!
Brussels is known for its gastronomy and cuisine, aside from its architectural and historical landmarks; some of them are even recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The city’s main attractions include the historic Grand Place, Atomium, Manneken Pis, and cultural institutions such as the Museums of Art and History and La Monnaie.
Brussels is the biggest city in Belgium, and it’s home to the EU parliament. It’s also a major business hub of Europe — which means it’s expensive since the city appeals to a lot of wealthy business people.
Even if you are visiting for just one or two days, you will be able to use some tips. But if you have the time, I recommend spending at least 3 or 4 days in Belgium. My suggested three days Belgium itinerary includes the capital city Brussels and the most beautiful towns of Flanders – Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges.
The central red-light district in Brussels is north of the Gare du Nord. In Rue d’Aerschot, Rue de Brabant, and the surrounding side-streets, there are sex shops and many windows where prostitutes sit.
Belgium is generally a safe place to travel. But it has its share of crime like any other destination. However, petty crimes such as muggings, bag snatching, and pickpocketing are common in tourist areas, so it’s essential to use common sense when you’re out and about.