Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and boasts street art, stunning architecture, and delicious Belgian beer. You’ll also find culture in the museums and galleries, as well as a wealth of restaurants to choose from.
The downside? Brussels can be pretty pricey. So, it’s probably better to set your sights on a hostel rather than a fancy hotel. That doesn’t mean you’ll have to stay somewhere cold or dirty though – hostels aren’t like that anymore. Especially in Brussels!
To help you out, we’ve had a look at the best and most relevant hostels that Brussels has to offer, taking into account your budget, itinerary, and tastes.
Thankfully, there’s plenty to choose from, including the European hostel chain MEININGER, some quality Belgian chains, and also some independent accommodations full of character and charm. So, let’s find the best hostel for you in Brussels!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Brussels
#1 Best overall hostel in Brussels: Sleep Well Youth Hostel
#2 Best hostel for solo travellers in Brussels: Generation Europe Youth Hostel
#3 Best hostel near Grand Place: Brussels 2GO4 Quality Hostel Grand Place
#4 Best hostel near the Atomium: Train Hostel
#5 Best hostel near Mannekin Pis: Brxxl 5 City Centre Hostel
#6 Best hostel near Brussels Airport: Auberge des 3 Fontaines
#7 Best hostel near Brussels Central Station: HI Hostel Bruegel Brussels
#8 Best hostel near Brussels Station Noord Bus Station: Brussels 2GO4 Quality Hostel City Centre
#9 Best high-end hostel in Brussels: Jacques Brel Youth Hostel
#10 Best budget hostel in Brussels: Brussels Hello Hostel
#11 Best hostel with private rooms in Brussels: MEININGER Brussels City Centre
#1 – Sleep Well Youth Hostel
Best overall hostel in Brussels
Sleep Well Youth Hostel is the best overall hostel in Brussels
Sleep Well Youth Hostel is the best overall hostel in Brussels
Sleep Well Youth Hostel is the best overall hostel in Brussels- Cost – $$
- Location – 23 rue Damier, 1000 Brussels
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Sleep Well Youth Hostel…
This eco-friendly hostel is a great place to stay to get yourself acquainted with Brussels. Located in the city centre, there are free walking tours, foosball, and ping-pong tables – all great ways to bond with your fellow travellers. We really loved having a glass of Belgian beer at the on-site bar!
Sleep Well Youth Hostel is perfect for…
Sociable and solo travellers will love Sleep Well Youth Hostel, as it’s easy to make friends here. Although it couldn’t be called a party hostel, there are plenty of opportunities to socialise! If you do want to head out and see what nightlife is like in Brussels, then the helpful staff at the 24-hour reception will be able to give you some recommendations!
Looking for a deal? Our recommended budget hostels in Brussels won’t break the bank!
#2 – Generation Europe Youth Hostel
Best hostel for solo travellers in Brussels
Generation Europe Youth Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Brussels
Generation Europe Youth Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Brussels
Generation Europe Youth Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Brussels- Cost – $$$
- Location – Rue de l’Eléphant 4
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Generation Europe Youth Hostel…
This hostel, designed with comic-book inspired murals, is in a perfect location – with the Brussels Canal, Grand Place, and lots of museums and art galleries within a 15-minute walk. The free organic buffet breakfast is a real bonus, but what we really love is the big outdoor common area – certainly not common in Brussels!
Generation Europe Youth Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to be right in the heart of all the action, you’ll love Generation Europe Youth Hostel. With easy access to art galleries, museums, and the best bars and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to base yourself. The common areas mean it’s the perfect place to make new friends – great if you’re travelling solo!
#3 – Brussels 2GO4 Quality Hostel Grand Place
Best hostel near Grand Place
Brussels 2GO4 Quality Hostel Grand Place is the best hostel near Grand Place
Brussels 2GO4 Quality Hostel Grand Place is the best hostel near Grand Place
Brussels 2GO4 Quality Hostel Grand Place is the best hostel near Grand Place- Cost – $$$
- Location – Boulevard Emile Jacqmain 99
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like 2GO4 Quality Hostel Grand Place…
This 18th-century mansion is the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to Brussels’ Grand Place, but you probably already guessed that from the name! The hostel’s design has a quirky touch, as it’s filled with local memorabilia like oil paintings, statues, and model aeroplanes. The common room here isn’t your average shared hostel space – it’s in the style of a cigar lounge!
2GO4 Quality Hostel Grand Place is perfect for…
As it’s just a 10-minute leisurely stroll from Grand Place, this hostel is perfect if you want to be close to Brussels’ most famous market square. It’s not a bad option if you’re on a budget either, as the helpful and friendly staff will supply you with a map with their top recommendations for cheap eats, coffee, and most importantly, beer!
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#4 – Train Hostel
Best hostel near the Atomium
- Cost – $$$
- Location – Avenue Georges Rodenbach 6
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Train Hostel…
Located just across the park from the Atomium, Train Hostel is the perfect place to stay if you want to visit this unusual monument. The stroll will also see you pass the 18th-century Château de Laeken. It’s close to Train World too! We like the unusual train cabin-style rooms – and the huge book exchange!
Train Hostel is perfect for…
If you want to be close to the Atomium, one of the city’s biggest parks, and the famous train museum, then this is the place for you! Schaerbeek station is right on your doorstep, so if you need to catch an early connection, or have a late night arrival from elsewhere in Belgium, this is a convenient location!
#5 – Brxxl 5 City Centre Hostel
Best hostel near Mannekin Pis
- Cost – $$
- Location – Rue de Woeringe 5
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Brxxl 5 City Centre Hostel…
We’re not sure why, but one of Brussels most famous monuments is a statue of a boy having a wee! So, to be close to this quirky tourist attraction, there’s no better place to stay than the Brxxl 5 City Centre Hostel! We love how helpful the staff are – they’re only too happy to assist with tours and day trips.
Brxxl 5 City Centre Hostel is perfect for…
Not only close to Mannekin Pis, but this hostel is also within walking distance of many city centre attractions. If you want to spend your days sightseeing on foot, this is a great option to save a wad of cash on public transport and also enjoy some of Brussels’ architecture and museums!
#6 – Auberge des 3 Fontaines
Best hostel near Brussels Airport
- Cost – $$
- Location – Chaussée de Wavre 2057
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Auberge des 3 Fontaines…
This green and eco-friendly hostel is only a 15-minute drive from the airport, meaning it’s the best place to stay if you want to be close by. Although out of the city centre, it’s only 10 minutes by subway, and on the doorstep of the Soignes forest. The tennis court is a great way to get a bit of sport in on your city break!
Auberge des 3 Fontaines is perfect for…
If you have an early flight, Auberge des 3 Fontaines is a great option as it’s such a quick journey to the airport! It’s also good if you want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, or want to experience the nature close to the Belgian capital – lakes and a forest are right on your doorstep here!
Editor’s note – Looking for party hostels? You HAVE to check out our article about the best party hostels in brussels!
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#7 – HI Hostel Bruegel Brussels
Best hostel near Brussels Central Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – Heilige Geeststraat 2
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like HI Hostel Bruegel Brussels…
This lively and fun hostel is the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to Brussels Central Station. For those who like a cocktail or two, head down to the onsite bar and enjoy what’s on offer. There’s even a free breakfast so that you can fuel up before a day of sightseeing in the city!
HI Hostel Bruegel Brussels is perfect for…
If Brussels isn’t your only stop in Belgium, it’s a great idea to be close to the Central Station, and this hostel’s proximity to it means it’s perfect! The courtyard garden and on-site bar mean it’s a great place to socialise and meet other travellers, whether you’re in a group or travelling solo.
#8 – Brussels 2GO4 Quality Hostel City Centre
Best hostel near Brussels Station Noord Bus Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – Emile Jacqmainlaan 99
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Brussels 2GO4 Quality Hostel City Centre…
This hostel has the best of both worlds – it’s in the city centre but close to the Noord Bus Station too – so if you’re travelling on a budget to the Netherlands, France, or other parts of Belgium, this is the place for you! Like its sister hostel close to Grand Place, this 2GO4 hostel has a quirky common room, full of trinkets and ornaments!
Brussels 2GO4 Quality Hostel City Centre is perfect for…
If you want to be close to the city’s bus station, then this fun hostel is perfect for you. It’s great if you want to be close to the city centre too – many attractions are in walking distance, and don’t worry about finding them as the friendly and knowledgeable staff can provide you with a free map, along with some of their recommendations!
#9 – Jacques Brel Youth Hostel
Best high-end hostel in Brussels
- Cost – $$$
- Location – Rue de la Sablonnière 30
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Jacques Brel Youth Hostel…
This friendly, international hostel is a great option if you don’t mind spending a little more cash to stay somewhere with a bit of style! There is a wide choice of comfortable and spacious private rooms, and the huge courtyard is a great place to enjoy a drink with your new travelling friends!
Jacques Brel Youth Hostel is perfect for…
Flashpackers will love Jacques Brel Youth Hostel thanks to its nicely designed interior, and the opportunity to socialise with other travellers over a craft beer, or perhaps something more active like air hockey, foosball, or table tennis! For long-term travellers also, this place will feel like a home away from home.
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#10 – Brussels Hello Hostel
Best budget hostel in Brussels
- Cost – $$
- Location – Rue de l’Armistice 1
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Brussels Hello Hostel…
Brussels Hello Hostel is one of the cheapest dorms in the city, but its private rooms cost noticeably less than its competitors – making it a great place to stay if you’re travelling Brussels on a Budget! The weekly jam sessions in the on-site bar are great fun, but the best bit is what’s next door – a chocolate factory!
Brussels Hello Hostel is perfect for..
If you want to save your cash in Brussels, then Hello Hostel is a great option. Not only are the dorms and private rooms reasonably priced, but you can help yourself to free coffee, breakfast, and bed linen! Chocolate lovers will love that there’s a factory next door too!
#11 – MEININGER Brussels City Centre
Best hostel with private rooms in Brussels
- Cost – $$
- Location – Quai du Hainut / Henegouwenkaai 33, 1080 Brussels
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like MEININGER Brussels City Centre…
This cool warehouse hostel is the best place to stay if you want some privacy on your Brussels trip. There is a selection of private rooms, from twins, triples, 4 beds, even as many as 6 if you’re travelling in a big group! Private doesn’t mean you can’t be social though, as there’s an on-site bar, a roof terrace, and a games room complete with pool table!
MEININGER Brussels City Centre is perfect for…
Couples or groups of friends travelling together will love MEININGER, thanks to its excellent and wide choice of private rooms! Anyone who already knows their name from their other hostels in Europe will know that MEININGER hostels are always fun, clean, and well-run, so you can’t really go wrong!
FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Brussels?
Dorm rooms are typically around $25 per night, sometimes cheaper for a budget hostel, or more expensive for better facilities. For a private room, you can expect to pay at least $60 and often closer to $80 for a night.
What are Hostels in Brussels Like?
There's a great variety from more historic-themed places to quirky modern spots. Most hostels are centrally located and many have a unique boutique style to make your stay a bit more interesting! You can expect modern amenities and comfy rooms.
How Safe are Hostels in Brussels?
In general Brussels and staying in hostels in the city is very safe. Of course, you should always be careful, particularly in touristy areas, but you can expect good security and safe neighborhoods for hostels in Brussels.
How to Find Hostels in Brussels?
Start your search by checking out HostelWorld where you can compare prices, location, and see reviews from past travelers. If you're traveling around Europe, other travelers may also have some suggestions for where to stay.
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Best overall hostel in Brussels
Sleep Well Youth Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel for solo travellers in Brussels
Generation Europe Youth Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near Grand Place
2GO4 Quality Hostel Grand Place
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near the Atomium
Train Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near Mannekin Pis
Brxxl 5 City Centre Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near Brussels Airport
Auberge des 3 Fontaines
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near Brussels Central Station
HI Hostel Bruegel Brussels
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel near Brussels Station Noord Bus
Station Brussels 2GO4 Quality Hostel City Centre
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Check Best Price |
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Best high-end hostel in Brussels
Jacques Brel Youth Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best budget hostel in Brussels
Brussels Hello Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best hostel with private rooms in Brussels
MEININGER Brussels City Centre
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Check Best Price |
Conclusion
So, there we go. We’ve had a deep dive into the best hostels that Brussels has to offer, and we just know there’s something on our list that will suit your budget, taste, and travel style.
After all, we wouldn’t want you worrying about money when visiting one of the most charming European capital cities!
Hostels are a great way to travel, especially in a city like Brussels which can be frightfully expensive without proper planning. Hopefully, with the money you’ve managed to save, you’ll be able to explore the rest of Belgium with the cash you’ve managed to save.
Don’t forget our number 1 choice in Brussels – Sleep Well Youth Hostel. We hope wherever you decide to stay from our list, you have an incredible break in the Belgian capital!
***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)
