The capital city of Flanders, Belgium, and Europe (the EU), Belgium is a sought-after travel destination for its rich history, world famous beer, and stunning architecture.

But with high demand can come high cost – and traveling to Belgium is not cheap.

Which is the exact reason I put together this insider guide to the best hostels in Brussels.

If you want to travel to Belgium on a budget, you HAVE to cut down the cost of lodging. One of the best ways to do this is by staying at some of the top hostels in Brussels.

While still pricey, the best hostels in Brussels offer incredible quality and great value for what you are paying. Expect well designed, modern hostels, that cater to social travellers (and even a few awesome freebies thrown in there). These are without a doubt, some of the coolest hostels in Europe.

I’ve organised this guide of the best hostels in Brussels by YOUR needs. All so you can easily pick a hostel that fits your travel style, and travel Brussels and Belgium like a boss.

Read on to find out how I picked the hostels for this list, and to see which made my list of the best hostels in Belgium.

Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Brussels

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The 5 Best Hostels in Brussels

Organizing my list of the best hostels in Belgium this way made sure of one thing… You can find an awesome hostel that fits your Brussels itinerary as quickly and easily as possible.

So let’s dive right in.

1. Meininger Brussels City Centre – Best Overall Hostel in Brussels

Meininger Brussels City Centre best hostels in Brussels common area with foosball table and pool table and couches
Easily one of the coolest hostels in Brussels, Meininger Brussels City Centre is my pick for the best hostel in Brussels
  • Dorm (mixed): From $141
  • Private Room: From $48
  • Address: Quai du Hainaut 33, Sint-Jans-Molenbeek / Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, 1080 Brussels, Belgium

Not only is Meininger Brussels City Centre in Brussels an award-winning place to stay, but it’s also the coolest hostel in Brussels too! The comic book theme is a real talking point and the funky decor breathes life and character into the place. The central location means that many of Brussels’ attractions are within walking distance.

Try your hand at some Belgian cooking in the fully-equipped kitchen or take the lazy road and grab snacks to go with your drinks in the bar. Unwind with a game of pool or a Wii sesh, catch up with laundry, and stay connected with the free Wi-Fi and computer terminals. Every dorm room and private rooms have an en-suite.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Super cool design
  • Epic location
  • Cheap breakfast

Built in an old brewery, MEININGER Brussels City Center has a warehouse vibe with a twist. Look closer and you’ll see graffiti everywhere, from tiny figures sketched on tables and floors to large comic-inspired murals on the walls. The fun-loving design, along with awesome social spaces, might explain why they’re simply the best!

There’s an on-site bar that serves tasty drinks, a chill outdoor terrace and even a little games room. If you’re not feeling like exploring the city, simply stay at the hostel – you’re still guaranteed to have an epic time.

The location is pretty good as well. You’ll find yourself on the Canal de Charleroi, 300 metres from Porte de Flandre station and a 40-minute journey by train to Brussels Airport. The Grand Place, Brussels’ central square, is just a 15-minute walk away too – the perfect to explore the city’s best hotspots.

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

Sleep Well Youth Hostel best hostels in Brussels common area with modern decor with grey and yellow beanbags to hang out on
A sociable bar + plenty of activities make Sleep Well Youth Hostel my pick for one of the best hostels in Brussels for solo travellers
  • Dorm (mixed): From $50
  • Private Room: From $112
  • Address: Rue du Damier 23, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Sleep Well Youth Hostel is the best hostel for solo travellers in Brussels. In a central location, it’s just a short walk from the Grand Place, Central Station, and other Brussels highlights. Fill up at the free breakfast buffet and join a free walking tour or rent a bike to explore. While Brussels can be expensive, freebies like this can make the city backpacker-friendly after all.

When you come back, get sociable in the bar and enjoy hours of fun with the ping pong table, foosball, and board games. There’s a book exchange and free Wi-Fi if you’re feeling more like chilling. Dorms at this top hostel in Brussels are single-gender and en-suite.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Eco-friendly
  • Vending machine with snacks
  • Private Garden

Let’s talk a bit more about the room options at this hostel. The fresh and clean dorms all have a bathroom, private toilet and free linen, and you can keep your stuff secure in the free storage lockers. Each bed comes with a reading light and a power socket so you can keep your electronics charged. If you feel like a bit more privacy, you could also opt for a private room. These come with a flat-screen TV, a fridge for stashing snacks, and an en-suite bathroom.

In case you’re not massively into cooking and you’re coming home late, grab yourself a snack from the vending machine before you head to bed. You can find some tasty options there. And if you’re not tired yet, grab yourself a bean bag head to the private garden and socialize with the other travellers.

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

Generation Europe Youth Hostel Brussels Belgium
  • Dorm (mixed): From $38
  • Private Room: From $130
  • Address: Rue de l’Eléphant, 4, Sint-Jans-Molenbeek / Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, 1080 Brussels, Belgium

Generation Europe Youth Hostel has one of the best locations of any youth hostel in Brussels. Situated right in the city centre and within walking distance of many major attractions, it’s my pick for the best cheap hostel in Brussels. It’s also a fun hostel where you can meet others easily, at the on-site bar or around the pool table.

This affordable Brussels hostel features a beautiful big outdoor space which is a rare commodity in inner city hostels! As it’s an international hostel popular with backpackers, it shouldn’t be hard to find a travel buddy, especially with fresh Belgian Craft Beer flowing in-house. Staff also provide free city maps to make exploring on your own easy.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Convenient location
  • Free wifi
  • Near Brussels Central Station

The hostel features an epic comic mural to welcome you to your stay in the European comic capital. There are private rooms to share between a pair or up to six, perfect if you’re doing a tour with the crew. The dorm rooms are kept to single-digit numbers so you’ll probably have a better sleep here than at most hostels.

Generation Europe Youth Hostel is an eco-friendly youth hostel with heaps of top facilities and amenities for a fun, relaxing, and sociable stay. Sink a few Belgian beers in the bar and enjoy an included organic breakfast each morning. Surf the free Wi-Fi, chillax in the garden, and do some DIY cooking in the kitchen.

You’ll be 10 minutes from the Rue Antoine Dansaert and Sainte-Catherine district for shopping lovers. And about the same distance from the Saint-Géry district if you fancy a boogie and seeing what the nightlife has to offer. There’s 24/7 reception so whenever you arrive at Generation Europe Youth Hostel, you’ll be welcomed.

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4. Latroupe Grand Place – Best Party Hostel in Brussels

Latroupe Grand Place – Best Party Hostel in Brussels dining room common area with mdern decor and disco lights
  • Dorm (mixed): From $66
  • Private Room: From $118
  • Address: 159 Boulevard Anspach, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Not your typical party hostel, but perfect for mixing and mingling and meeting people to go out on the lash with. Latroupe Grand Place is within walking distance of Brussels’ top attractions, all while maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness and comfort. Perfect for prepping for a big night out in the heart of the city and nursing a sore head the day after!

The modern hostel has a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of chill common areas that are ideal for meeting other travellers, including a real bar! There are daily happy hours and fun events to get you in the mood, whether you’re here for the weekend or any other day.

What’s more, you’re walking distance from just about every hot spot you can think of, negging the need to sort out transport. Get those legs warmed up for the dance floor and stay fit!

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Perfect location
  • Artsy design
  • Social atmosphere

Dorm rooms come in either 4 or 6-bed varieties, with the option to select female-only or mixed-gender beds. There are private rooms too and each bed is large and comfortable, and features a privacy curtain, USB charger, and reading light! You’ll also get a clean towel and a locker upon check-in and they provide a delicious and varied breakfast, though it’s not free.

Latroupe also features a key-card entry system, great for peace of mind, and there’s 24/7 reception if you’re one of those who lose things easily.

Moreover, the staff are fantastic and while not exactly a party hostel, Latroupe definitely has a welcoming social atmosphere ideal for any Euro trip. This beautifully designed hostel in Central Brussels is the best place to book if you’re travelling as a couple!

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

MEININGER Bruxelles Gare du Midi – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Brussels bunk beds in a dorm room with a double bed set up and TV
  • Dorm (mixed): From $42
  • Private Room: From $114
  • Address: 101 Barastraat, Anderlecht, 1070 Brussels, Belgium

We know what you’re thinking, another MEININGER hostel? Yup, but this time it’s in a different location and way better equipped for all those travellers that need to get some work done on their laptops. MEININGER Bruxelles Gare du Midi, unlike the first hostel we’ve listed, is located in the charming neighbourhood of Anderlecht, in the southern part of Brussels.

There are plenty of green spaces around the hostel where you can enjoy nice picnics or just chill in the afternoon sun. However, you don’t need to leave the hostel to have a good time. Thanks to the epic common areas and the games room, you can entertain yourself all day long with a couple of like-minded digital nomads.

There are many workspaces where you get to sit down and get working behind the screen. Thanks to the high-speed Wifi, you’ll be done in no time! When you’re done, Brussels Central Station is just 3 minutes on the train from Gare Du Midi.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

  • Peaceful but a great location
  • Bike rental
  • Underground parking

Like all MEININGER hotels, this one offers superb public transport connections all over Brussels. Gare Du Midi train station is just 5 minutes from the hostel. From here you can get trains to not only great destinations in the city, but to all over Belgium and to other countries (the Eurostar stops here).

MEININGER Bruxelles Gare du Midi also offers plenty of great freebies. Free linen and towels (in private rooms), free Wifi, free maps, unlimited kitchen access, city centre maps and much more are waiting for you. If you feel like exploring the city, head to the 24/7 reception and ask the staff for the tour desk.

You’ll feel safe and be properly looked after at this hostel, from the dreamy dorm rooms to the modern facilities. They’ll be happy to help you sort public transport tickets, recommend tours around Brussels, and make sure you get your hands on a bicycle. And if you don’t believe me, read through the reviews from previous guests yourself!

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More Epic Brussels Hostels

And, that’s not all folks! Here are ten more of the best hostels in Brussels to suit all kinds of travellers.

6. Urban City Centre Hostel

Urban City Centre Hostel best hostels in Brussels
Basic but effective, Urban City Centre Hostel is the best cheap hostel in Brussels, Belgium
  • Dorm (mixed): From $30
  • Private Room: From $163
  • Address: Rue de Woeringen 1, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Urban City Centre Hostel is the best cheap hostel in Brussels. All dorms and private rooms are en-suite—no stumbling along corridors in the middle of the night! The bathrooms are modern and have a hairdryer. Your dorm room will be spacious and secure, accessible with a code. There are indoor and outdoor common areas and you can leave your luggage here if you go off on other Belgian adventures.

7. Jacques Brel Youth Hostel

Jacques Brel Youth Hostel best hostels in Brussels
  • Dorm (mixed): From $32
  • Private Room: From $98
  • Address: Rue de la Sablonnière, 30, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Jacques Brel Youth Hostel is a homey Brussels base, ideal for exploring the city and meeting new people. There’s a range of things to do, activities and concerts, available at cheap prices, for you to make the most of your stay in Brussels, or if you prefer to take it easy and hang out at the hostel you can mingle and chill in the sunshine in the huge courtyard or in the bar.

Break the ice over a glass of Belgian beer or with a game of foosball or ping pong. Other perks at this Brussels backpackers hostel include free breakfast and Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and laundry facilities.

8. HI Hostel Bruegel Brussels

HI Hostel Bruegel Brussels best hostels in Brussels
  • Dorm (mixed): From $35
  • Private Room: From $96
  • Address: Heilige Geeststraat 2, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

The family-friendly HI Hostel Bruegel Brussels has a single-gender dorm room for four and twin rooms with shared bathrooms.

Located close to the Grand Place and Central Station, it’s a top hostel in Brussels for getting out and exploring. Start each day with a free breakfast and unwind in the bar after days out and about. It’s safe and secure, thanks to key card access and round-the-clock security.

9. Safestay Brussels Grand Place

Safestay Brussels Grand Place Belgium
  • Dorm (mixed): From $36
  • Private Room: From $105
  • Address: Rue Grétry 53, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

First and foremost, location, location, location. This hostel is the one if you want to walk the streets of the city centre and peruse all Brussels has to offer.

With hot showers, key-card access and room options including private single, double or triple rooms with en suite bathrooms, feel like you’re in your apartment. There are dorm rooms too with big cushy bunk beds and modern facilities like a vending machine. Chat to the 24-hour reception about anything you need and enjoy luggage storage if you go out and about after check out.

10. Brxxl 5 City Centre Hostel

Brxxl 5 City Centre Hostel Brussels Belgium
  • Dorm (mixed): From $35
  • Private Room: From $102
  • Address: Rue de Woeringe 5, Brussels,Belgium

This Hostel in the heart of Brussels, the seat of the EU, is in an epic location and has all the modern facilities. With dorm rooms as well as private rooms, you’ll find the perfect place to rest your head. You might need it after strolling the streets and tasting all that Brussels has to offer in terms of food and disco treats!

The staff are super friendly and would love to help you plan your perfect day trip so make sure to ask for hot local knowledge.

11. Hostel Bruegel

Hostel Bruegel Brussels Belgium
  • Dorm (mixed): From $35
  • Private Room: From $96
  • Address: Heilige Geeststraat 2, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Where my history geeks at?? Hotel Derby is for you! Located just next to the Museum of Local Instruments, Brussels has an epic assortment of quirky museums so you’ll be in heaven.

With friendly staff, free luggage storage and small dorm rooms, Hostel Bruegel has everything you need and nothing you don’t.

12. Hostel Van Gogh

Hostel Van Gogh Brussels Belgium
  • Dorm (mixed): From $14
  • Private Room: From $92
  • Address: 17 Rue Traversière, Sint-Joost-ten-Node, 1210 Brussels, Belgium

Hostel Van Gough has private rooms, some of which even have a terrace! You can enjoy loading up at the free brekkie bar before you hit the streets of Brussels for the day. If you’re a fan of art, check out the Belgian Comics Strip Center, within walking distance.

Just a 20 minute walk to the Grand Place, you’ll find lots of epic restaurants and bars along your way. Try Le Cercueil (The Coffin) for a macabre watering hole experience that will surely make you grateful for your living, breathing pals.

13. Auberge des 3 Fontaines

Auberge des 3 Fontaines Brussels Belgium
  • Dorm (mixed): From $42
  • Private Room: From $58
  • Address: Chaussée de Wavre 2057, Oudergem / Auderghem, 1160 Brussels, Belgium

Enjoy the wide open spaces and fresh country air at Auberge des 3 Fountaines, on the border of Flanders and Brussels. Set at the edge of the Sonian Forest, feel like you’re miles away from the city with the extensive grounds including a tennis court. Access to the heart of Brussels is easy with a bus stop right outside and a Metro stop a 10-minute walk down the street.

14. Hotel City Center

Hotel City Center Brussels Belgium
  • Private Room: From $88
  • Address: 7 Rue Du Progres, Brussels, Belgium

With 24-hour reception, turn up when it suits you at Hotel City Center. This hotel has Free breakfast included in some rooms and is in an epic central location (as the name suggests). You’ll be a mere 10-minute walk away from the Grand Place and the Metro line is just outside, making seeing Brussels Easy.

15. Hotel the Moon

Hotel The Moon Brussels Belgium
  • Private Room: From $91
  • Address: Rue de la Montagne, 4 BIS, Brussels, Belgium

Hotel the Moon, isn’t too out of this world (unless you count the zebra bedspread!) and is the perfect joint to book a bed. IF, what you want is just a place to sleep and no frills – except for the c.1990’s TV the rooms are still rocking. With an epic staircase, you’ll want to be fit and sporting a backpack if you plan on staying here awhile… Take it easy on those beers if you plan on coming home late and hitting the stairs.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Brussels

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.

FAQ about Hostels in Brussels

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Brussels.

What to Pack for your Brussels Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!

How much does a hostel cost in Brussels?

A dorm bed can cost anything between $27-$21. A private room will set you back a bit more, costing between $59-$64.

What are the best hostels in Brussels for couples?

Latroupe Grand Place is my pick for couples in Brussels. It’s comfy and is within walking distance of Brussels’ top attractions.

What is the best hostel in Brussels near the airport?

While there aren’t any hostels in Brussels that are particularly close to the airport, some offer airport shuttles or will help you arrange transport. Check the Meininger Brussels City Centre, a 40-minute journey by train to Brussels Airport.

Final Thoughts on Brussels’s Hostels

There you have it! Organized 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 Centre. The amazing reviews, awesome decor, and great location and price make this award-winning hostel a no-brainer.

By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Brussels has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!

Brussels nighlfe
Brussels has some amazing nightlife options!
Looking for more info on travelling to Brussels and Belgium?

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the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali
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