Before you book your hostel for Brussels (and certainly before you arrive in town!), it's best to understand how the city is organized and how the hostels are situated. Here's a quick look...

City Layout

Surrounding Brussels' glorious Grand Palace, and between the Bourse (Stock Market) to the west and Parc de Bruxelles to the east, you'll find most of the city's major attractions. Here you'll also find the bustling, restaurant-lined rue des Bouchers and petite rue des Bouchers and the hopping area known as the Ilôt Sacré (Sacred Islet). Head north for some opera-the Monnaie Opera House on place de la Monnaie-and then some shopping on rue Nueve, a pedestrian-only street with the city's biggest stores. Head south of the Grand Palace, however, to Upper Town and you'll find the second central square, place du Grand-Sablon and the Royal Palace. Head east from the Royal Palace, across the boulevard de Waterloo, for upscale shopping at place Louise and avenue Louise, but head more east to the Ixelles district, near the Free University, if you're seeking inexpensive and relaxed restaurants, bars and cafés. 


Hostel Overview 

Hostels in Brussels are tip-top and most are no more than a ten-minute walk from the main downtown square. This is ideal, as the public transportation system is somewhat complicated and it is easy to get lost. On that note, don't let Brussels' excellent beer be the cause of a 'missing' hostel. Stay close to home if you're planning a wild night. Beds are in abundance and cost between 10-20 Euros.