The Best Hostels in Brussels

Meininger Brussels City Centre Hostel is one of the coolest hostels in Europe. Walls plastered with street art accentuate the industrial vibe inside the hostel, where you’ll find mixed and female-only dorms alongside a fully equipped kitchen. Overlooking the canal, it’s just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, keeping you close to the main attractions of Brussels. In the evening, meet new friends in the bar before challenging them to a game of pool or Nintendo Wii, available in the spacious common areas.

Location is everything for the 2GO4 Grand Place Hostel, which sits on the Grand Place, Brussels’s central square. The common areas in this hostel, which are filled with antique wooden furnishings, old lamps and Chesterfield sofas, tend to be quieter, but those looking to feel the city’s bustle can easily do so. Staying in the historic Medieval part of the capital means that you’re only a few steps away from the best restaurants, pubs and clubs. Get acquainted with the city and meet fellow travellers by signing up for the free walking tour.

Sleep Well Youth Hostel is ideal for solo travellers. It’s within walking distance of all the cultural attractions on offer in the city, and if you’re in need of travel companions then look no further than the bustling common areas and on-site bar, decked out with sleek black feature walls and industrial-style lighting. On top of that, the hostel also offers bike hire, a free walking tour and a complimentary breakfast buffet.

The 2GO4 Hostel in the heart of downtown Brussels is a bit older than its sister hostel near the Grand Place, but no less great a stay. Comfortable mixed and single-sex dorms sleep up to six people in each room, and the entire place is decorated with antique furniture and quirky bric-a-brac. Partygoers will love the general buzz, and the hostel is only a short walk from the best bars, pubs and clubs in the city.

If you’re looking to stay somewhere a bit more low-key, you can’t go wrong with the Jacques Brel Youth Hostel. The biggest dorm has only six beds, and there’s a bar, a terrace for lazy afternoons and a great kitchen for self caterers, as well as foosball and a pool table. The neighbourhood, Saint-Josse, is home to the botanical gardens and leafy squares, perfect for those looking to explore a more quiet side of Brussels. The overnight rate also includes a sustainably sourced breakfast buffet.

Make your visit to Brussels extra special by staying at the Train Hostel. Just north of the city centre, in the multicultural and residential Schaerbeek neighbourhood, here you can book a bed in a train’s sleeper compartment. The sleeping area is decked out with unique pieces of furniture that the owners have picked up at flea markets across the city, giving each room its own unique flair. The hostel also offers regular dorms, family rooms and private rooms. A bar serves up delicious local craft beers, and the common room is furnished with comfortable Chesterfield sofas, adding to the retro feel.

Génération Europe Youth Hostel suits everyone, from families to solo travellers and party fiends. The hostel offers dorms as well as private and family rooms, and there’s even parking space for camper vans. For those looking to socialise, there’s a bar, games room, great common areas and an outdoor terrace. Found in the slowly gentrifying Molenbeek-Saint-Jean neighbourhood, the area is an exciting one to explore, with loads of new places to eat and drink. If you’re looking to party, head 10 minutes down the road to Saint-Géry, a neighbourhood full of bars and nightclubs.

In the city centre’s charming Medieval Sablon neighbourhood, the HI Hostel Bruegel has a great reputation for its international vibe, acting as a place to network, meet new friends and generally have a great time with fellow travellers. There aren’t any kitchen facilities available, but there is a good continental breakfast included in your booking, and the on-site bar is one of the livelier spots in the capital. A gorgeous terrace soaks up the sun, and the hostel is just 10 minutes from Brussels’s main attractions.