City Guide to Brussels | beautiful hotels to discover the Belgian capital

A stone’s throw from the Grand Place and Manneken-Pis are the Royal Galleries St-Hubert, inaugurated in 1847. Under its glass roof, spend an afternoon walking, hand in hand, in (or past) luxury storefronts. Once you’re full of Belgian chocolates, it’s time for a little break back at your hotel, on the corner of the Galerie du Roi, at the Hôtel des Galeries—the perfect place to end a day full of adventure in the historic city centre.

The hotel has a warm and soft atmosphere, filled with furniture made-to-measure or from the Antiques District. For those on a special getaway, opt for one of the hotel’s three duplex suites. Positioned under the frames of the Galleries, the first suite offers a breathtaking view of the top of the town hall, the second offers privacy since it is only accessible via a private gateway and finally, the last suite has its own patio.

The Vintage Hotel is located a few meters from the Avenue Louise and its luxury shops—so you’ll be close enough to drop by and leave the day’s purchases in your room. On arrival, it’ll be hard to resist heading straight to the hotel’s bar for a tasty Belgian beer.

With its tastefully decorated rooms with a retro twist, The Vintage Hotel also offers a spot of the glamping. No need to share an inflatable mattress in a cold tent as you can spend your nights feeling cozy in a 1958 Airstream caravan that has been completely renovated to accommodate you with the comforts of a hotel room.

Well rested, you are ready to start exploring the Antiques District. Maybe even pick yourself up a vintage lamp, a collectible comic book or a Levis jacket at a low price? The Marolles district, its antique shops and second-hand shops, as well as the famous flea market in the Place du Jeu de Balle will make your day complete and are only a few minutes’ walk from your hotel.

Victor Hugo once said, “Brussels has two unique wonders in the world: the Grand Place and the panorama of the Botanical Garden.” The Botanical Garden might have changed since the 19th century, but it still remains a key location in Brussels—now housing the Cultural Centre of the French Community and offers regular concerts and exhibitions. Close to the action, NH Brussels Bloom Hotel mixes modernity, art and design by offering unique rooms decorated by young European artists.

After a restful night, you can enjoy the quiet morning to finish the last chapter of your book relaxing in the lounge chair of your hotel room before heading to a delicious (and gargantuan!) breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant. No need to rent a car for your city break in Brussels as you can discover the city by public transport. The hotel is perfectly located and it is easy to access all tourist attractions by tram.

If, for you, a city break is synonymous with culture than Brussels is the city for you. Did you know that Brussels has no fewer than 80 museums, most of which are concentrated in the Mont des Arts and Parc du Cinquantenaire districts? Designed by Castel Veciana, a Spanish architectural studio, Hotel Sablon stands out for its delicate and modern design, giving you the impression of being in a collector’s apartment.

As soon as you arrive in the hotel lobby, enjoy a moment of calm in this pleasant space decorated with mismatched and colourful furniture—either hand-made or made-to-measure— and jewel cases of evocative pieces of art. After wandering all day in the Magritte Museum, there is nothing better than a relaxing moment in the spa area of ​​the hotel or sipping a glass of wine or a local beer at the hotel bar.

“Brussels, my dear”—this is how the people of Brussels call their city. But who are these people from Brussels? In the European district, we escape the crowd of tourists to find a multicultural neighbourhood, typically Belgian. Located close to the European Parliament and the Parc du Cinquantenaire, the Aloft Brussels Schuman will delight you with its relaxed and eclectic atmosphere.

The rooms, tastefully decorated and functional, offer a king-size bed or two single beds with en-suite bathroom. Guests can also make use of the free mineral water, coffee maker or tea service. For breakfast, the on-site Re:Fuel restaurant offers various prepared takeaway dishes or salads, but also a breakfast buffet with sweet and savoury options.

If the streets of Brussels aren’t exotic enough for you, then The Brussels Welcome Hotel offers a variety of themed rooms. Cuba, Bali, Egypt, India, Zanzibar, Kenya, Japan—choose your destination and go on an adventure! Personally decorated by guests with objects brought back from their travels, these rooms will take you out of everyday life. Want to be romantic? Book the Superior Deluxe Room or one of the two suites to enjoy a balcony and/or private Jacuzzi. For breakfast, guests can enjoy a varied buffet made with Fair Trade products and some Belgian specialties.

Your taste buds will continue to be thrilled as you venture outside your room. The hotel is located in the Sainte Catherine district, which is known for its gastronomic flare. Featuring The Guinguette in Town, the Fish Market, A Casa Mia, Henri and Fin de Siecle, the restaurants in this neighbourhood are among the best in the city.

Take advantage of your city break to Brussels and bring your friends along—or make new ones—and discover the Saint Géry district that mixes design, culture and nightlife. Located above Belmonte’s jazz bar, this 19th-century mansion now hides the Hôtel Saint-Géry Boutique—a superb and carefully-appointed boutique hotel.

The hotel’s 24 rooms boast open bathrooms with bathtubs. Perfect for sharing a moment of pampering after a night out enjoying a Flemish carbonade at the local bistro restaurant or sampling one of the many local beers at Moeder Lambic Fontainas, a real institution.

The next morning, enjoy a super full breakfast, sweet or salty, in the de Belmonte bar adjacent to the hotel. In the evening, you can enjoy a different menu with burgers, salads and croques, as well as a wide range of wines, gins and tonics.