The 10 Best Hostels in Brussels: 2026 Edition

Right then, let’s get into it. Brussels has some fantastic hostels, and these are the ones I’d shortlist first.

1. Meininger Brussels City Center – Best Overall Hostel

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• Price: $
• Best for: First-time visitors, solo travellers, and design lovers.
• Highlights: Converted brewery, canal-side location, lively social spaces.
• Dorms from: $44
• Private rooms from: $110
• Location: Molenbeek, around a 15-minute walk to Grand-Place

The first thing I noticed about MEININGER Brussels City Center was how cool the building is. It’s set inside an old brewery, and the whole place has loads of character with funky murals and an industrial feel.

It feels more like a stylish hotel than a typical hostel, but it still has a really relaxed backpacker vibe. I loved that all the dorms have en-suite bathrooms, and there are plenty of great spaces to hang out and meet other travellers.

If you’re backpacking through Belgium or travelling around Europe by train, this is exactly the kind of hostel you’ll be glad you booked. If you ask me, it’s easily one of the coolest hostels in Brussels.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• The Building: Set inside a beautifully converted brewery, this place has loads of character and easily stands out from the usual cookie-cutter hostels.
• The Social Spaces: Between the bar, games room, guest kitchen, and outdoor terrace, there are plenty of spots to relax and meet other travellers.
• The Location: You’re right by the canal and only a short walk from the Grand Place, with easy metro links to the rest of the city.

There’s a lot going on here beyond just the rooms. You can cook your own meals in the shared kitchen, grab a drink at the bar, or unwind with a game of pool. The location is excellent too, right along the Brussels Canal and just a short walk from Porte de Flandre metro station. From here, it’s easy to reach the airport and all of Brussels’ main sights, while still staying somewhere that feels a little more local and much better value than some of the hotels in the centre.

2. Sleep Well Youth Hostel – Best Hostel in Brussels for Solo Travellers

• Price: $
• Best for: Solo travellers and backpackers
• Highlights: Free breakfast, private garden, eco-friendly hostel.
• Dorms from: $47
• Private rooms from: $92
• Location: Brussels city centre, a 10-minute walk to Grand-Place

Sleep Well is the kind of hostel that makes Brussels feel a lot more affordable. I’m always happy when breakfast is included, and in a city where costs can add up quickly, that free buffet is a real win.

The atmosphere is friendly and social, but it’s not a full-on party hostel. The dorms are clean and comfortable, all with en-suite bathrooms, and the garden is a great spot to hang out in the evening. If you’re travelling solo and want somewhere affordable in a really convenient location, this is one of the best hostels in Brussels.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• The Freebies: Breakfast, Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and even walking tours help keep your Brussels budget in check.
• The Social Vibe: Between the bar, garden, ping pong, and board games, it’s really easy to meet other travellers.
• The Green Credentials: This eco-friendly hostel has earned awards for its commitment to sustainability.

I really like the location of Sleep Well. Rogier metro station is right around the corner, and I could easily walk to the Grand Place and most of Brussels’ top sights from here in 10 to 15 minutes.

There’s also a guest kitchen, bike rental, and private rooms if you fancy a bit more comfort. For solo travellers especially, I think this place is a bit of a no-brainer. It’s affordable, well run, and has everything you need for a really easy stay in Brussels.

3. Generation Europe Youth Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Brussels

• Price: $
• Best for: Backpackers and budget travellers.
• Highlights: Organic breakfast included, huge garden, eco-friendly hostel.
• Dorms from: $38
• Private rooms from: $95
• Location: Near the Brussels Canal, around a 15-minute walk to Grand-Place.

Generation Europe is one of those hostels that feels like a bit of a bargain. You get a lot for your money here, and the included organic, locally sourced breakfast is a really nice touch. In a city that isn’t exactly cheap, little extras like that make a big difference.

The big outdoor garden is a real standout and something you don’t often find in a city-centre hostel. The atmosphere is social but laid-back, with a bar, pool table, and plenty of space to hang out and meet other travellers. If you’re looking for a cheap hostel in Brussels that still has a bit of personality, this is a brilliant choice.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• The Garden: Having a big outdoor space in the middle of Brussels is a real luxury and a great place to meet fellow travellers.
• The Free Breakfast: The organic buffet breakfast is included, which is a brilliant way to save money each morning.
• The Social Vibe: Belgian craft beer, a pool table, and a friendly atmosphere make it easy to settle in.

I really like that you’re close to the canal but still within walking distance of some of the best things to do in Brussels, like exploring Grand-Place, enjoying the bars around Saint-Géry, and wandering through Sainte-Catherine.

There’s a guest kitchen if you want to cook, a bar serving local craft beer, and even free parking if you’re road-tripping through Belgium. For budget travellers, this one is a fantastic all-rounder.

4. Latroupe Grand Place – Best Social Hostel in Brussels

• Price: $$
• Best for: Social travellers, couples, and anyone wanting to be in the heart of the action
• Highlights: Stylish design, lively bar, unbeatable location.
• Dorms from: $53
• Private rooms from: $144
• Location: Brussels city centre, just a short walk from Grand-Place.

Latroupe Grand Place strikes a really nice balance. It’s social enough that I think you’d have no trouble meeting people for a few beers and a night out, but it doesn’t feel like one of those hostels where you’re guaranteed to be kept awake until 4 am.

I really like the look of the place too. It feels modern and stylish, and the beds have privacy curtains, USB ports, and reading lights, which always make dorm life much more comfortable. If you want somewhere lively and right in the heart of Brussels, this is high on the list.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• The Social Vibe: Happy hours, regular events, and a proper bar make it really easy to meet other travellers.
• The Design: The artsy interiors give the whole place a boutique feel rather than a standard hostel setup.
• The Location: You can walk to the Grand Place and just about every major sight in Brussels.

I really like that you can step straight out into the heart of the city and be surrounded by bars, restaurants, and nightlife. If you’re planning a weekend in Brussels, this is exactly the kind of location that lets you make the most of your time without wasting it on transport.

There’s also a terrace, co-working space, and a mix of dorms, private rooms, and family rooms. If you want a hostel that feels lively but not chaotic, Latroupe is a brilliant shout.

5. MEININGER Bruxelles Gare du Midi – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Brussels

• Price: $
• Best for: Digital nomads and remote workers.
• Highlights: Dedicated workspaces, excellent transport links, games room.
• Dorms from: $35
• Private rooms from: $105
• Location: Anderlecht, a 5-minute walk from Brussels-South Railway Station.

MEININGER Bruxelles Gare du Midi strikes me as a really solid pick if you need to get some work done while you travel. The Wi-Fi is fast, there are plenty of comfortable spots to open your laptop, and the overall vibe feels a bit calmer than some of the more social hostels in Brussels.

That said, it doesn’t feel boring at all. There’s a guest kitchen, games room, and loads of communal space when you need a break from the screen. For digital nomads, I reckon this is one of the most practical and comfortable hostels in Brussels.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• The Work Setup: Fast Wi-Fi and lots of laptop-friendly spaces make it easy to stay productive.
• The Transport Links: Gare du Midi is just a short walk away, with trains across Belgium and Eurostar connections to London and Paris.
• The Facilities: A guest kitchen, games room, bike rental, and underground parking cover all the bases.

I really like how convenient this place is. You’re just a few minutes from Brussels’ main transport hub, so getting into the city centre or heading off to your next destination is incredibly easy. For digital nomads and longer-term travellers, it’s a practical and comfortable base that makes life on the road feel a lot simpler.

6. Urban City Centre Hostel

• Price: $
• Best for: Backpackers looking for a simple, no-frills stay.
• Highlights: En-suite rooms, excellent location, secure access.
• Dorms from: $28
• Private rooms from: $95
• Location: Brussels city centre, around a 5-minute walk to Grand-Place.

Urban City Centre Hostel is one of those straightforward budget hostels that does exactly what it says on the tin. The rooms are modern, all the dorms have en-suite bathrooms, so you won’t be trekking down the corridor in the middle of the night.

I really like how central it is, especially if you’re a bit of a planner like me and have a Brussels sightseeing itinerary in mind. You can walk to the Grand Place in just a few minutes, and all the shops, bars, and major sights are right on your doorstep.

If you just want a clean, affordable place to sleep in the heart of Brussels, this is another very solid option.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• The Price: One of the best-value hostels in Brussels for travellers on a tight budget.
• The En-Suite Rooms: Every dorm and private room has its own bathroom, which makes things much more comfortable.
• The Location: You’re only a short stroll from the Grand Place and the city’s main nightlife spots.

I like that everything here feels simple and practical. There are indoor and outdoor common areas, free luggage storage, and secure room access using door codes. It may not be the most social hostel in Brussels, but for a cheap and convenient base, it does the job really well.

7. Jacques Brel Youth Hostel

• Price: Budget
• Best for: Social travellers and backpackers
• Highlights: Free breakfast, huge courtyard, regular events and concerts
• Dorms from: $35+ per night
• Private rooms from: $90+ per night
• Location: Upper Town, around a 10-minute walk to Grand-Place

Jacques Brel Youth Hostel feels like one of those places where it’d be really easy to settle in. Grab a Belgian beer, challenge someone to ping pong, and before you know it, you’ve got a few new travel mates.

I’m a big fan of the huge courtyard at this place. On a sunny day, it looks like the perfect spot to hang out, and the free breakfast is always a welcome bonus. If you’re after a friendly hostel with a laid-back social vibe, this is a cracking choice.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• The Courtyard: The large outdoor space is a real bonus and a brilliant place to meet people.
• The Free Breakfast: A generous buffet is included each morning, helping you save a few euros.
• The Activities: Concerts and events give the hostel a fun, community feel.

I really like that you can walk to the Grand Place in about 10 minutes, but still come back to a slightly quieter part of the city. There’s a bar pouring Belgian craft beer, a small guest kitchen, and plenty of games if you fancy hanging out at the hostel.

If you ask me, this is the kind of place that makes it really easy to meet people without feeling like a full-on party hostel. A brilliant choice if you want a sociable stay with a more laid-back feel.

8. HI Hostel Bruegel Brussels

Price: $
Best for: Families and travellers wanting a central, secure base.
Highlights: Free breakfast, excellent location, family-friendly atmosphere.
Dorms from: $40
Private rooms from: $115
Location: Brussels city centre, a short walk from Grand-Place and Brussels Central Station

HI Hostel Bruegel Brussels is a really practical choice if you’re travelling with kids. The location is excellent, the atmosphere feels friendly and low-key, and the included breakfast makes mornings run just that little bit smoother.

I like that it keeps things simple. There’s a lively bar downstairs, but overall the hostel feels safe, well-run, and geared towards travellers who want a comfortable base rather than a party scene. For families exploring Brussels, this is a great budget-friendly option.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• The Family-Friendly Setup: Smaller dorms and twin rooms make it a good fit for parents travelling with children.
• The Free Breakfast: Always a welcome bonus, especially when you’re travelling as a family.
• The Location: You can walk to the Grand Place, Central Station, and many of Brussels’ top sights.

I really like how easy this place makes sightseeing. You’re right in the centre of Brussels, close to museums, restaurants, and public transport, but the hostel itself feels secure and straightforward. If you want a no-fuss, family-friendly base in a brilliant location, this is a solid choice.

9. Safestay Brussels Grand Place

Price: $
Best for: First-time visitors and travellers who want the best possible location.
Highlights: Steps from Grand Place, modern rooms, 24-hour reception.
Dorms from: $32
Private rooms from: $95
Location: Brussels city centre, just steps from Grand-Place.

The location is the first thing that grabbed me here. You’re literally a couple of minutes from the Grand Place, which means you can walk to just about everything Brussels is famous for.

The hostel itself is modern and comfortable, with both dorms and private rooms if you want a bit more space. If being right in the heart of the action is your top priority, I think this is a brilliant choice.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• The Location: You really couldn’t ask for a better base for exploring Brussels on foot.
• The Comfort: Hot showers, comfy beds, and modern en-suite private rooms make it feel more like a hotel.
• The Convenience: 24-hour reception, secure key-card access, and luggage storage make travelling that bit easier.

One of the best things about staying here is how easy everything feels. Public transport, shops, bars, and restaurants are all within a short walk, and the 24-hour reception means there’s always someone around if you need help.

And, true to this hostel’s name, Brussels is generally a safe city to visit as long as you take the usual common-sense precautions. If you’re anything like me and like to base yourself right in the middle of things, Safestay is a fantastic shout. It’s simple, comfortable, and makes exploring Brussels incredibly easy.

10. Hostel Bruegel

Price: $
Best for: History lovers and culture-focused travellers.
Highlights: Free breakfast, lively bar, excellent central location.
Dorms from: $30
Private rooms from: $85
Location: Brussels city centre, a short walk from Grand-Place and Brussels Central Station.

If you’re a bit of a history nerd like me, Hostel Bruegel is a great fit. You’re within easy walking distance of the Grand Place, the Royal Museums, and plenty of Brussels’ most interesting cultural sights.

The hostel itself keeps things nice and simple, but has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The atmosphere feels friendly and international, and the included breakfast is always a welcome bonus. If you want an affordable base in the heart of the city, this is a really solid choice.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• The Location: You can walk to Brussels Central Station, the Grand Place, and many of the city’s top museums.
• The Free Breakfast: A generous breakfast is included each morning, which is great for keeping costs down.
• The International Vibe: The lively bar makes it easy to meet travellers from all over the world.

I really like how straightforward this place is. There’s a bar downstairs, secure key-card access, and a central location that makes sightseeing incredibly easy. If you’re planning to spend your days exploring Brussels’ history and culture, this hostel makes a brilliant base.

Before you head to Brussels, make sure you’ve got travel insurance sorted. You hopefully won’t need it, but it’s always worth having.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There you have it! Organised by your needs, the best hostels in Brussels. With the help of this list, I know you’ll be able to easily find an awesome hostel and get to what matters…drinking Belgian beer and eating Belgian chocolate!

Which hostel are you going to book? Brussels’s best hostel for solo travellers? Or how about the best hostel for Digital Nomads?

If you still can’t decide, I get it – there are so many to choose from!

So just go with my pick for the best hostel in Brussels – Meininger Brussels City Center. The amazing reviews, awesome decor, and great location and price make this award-winning hostel a no-brainer.

Hopefully, by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your Brussels adventure.