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Which are the best neighborhoods to stay in Brussels?
Discover the best neighborhoods to stay in Brussels: safe areas with an excellent quality of life for students and professionals.
Choosing the best neighborhoods to stay in Brussels isn’t easy. Belgium’s capital, and the political heart of Europe, blends the charm of cobblestone streets and historic squares with the vibrant energy of a modern, international city. It’s home to European officials, artists, students, and families from all over the world, all of whom find Brussels welcoming, diverse, and offering a quality of life that’s hard to match.
Let’s explore the best neighborhoods to stay in Brussels, whether you are looking for a quiet atmosphere, a lively city life, or a location close to work. We will highlight what makes each area unique, its advantages, typical costs, and the kind of lifestyle you can expect. Keep reading to find the perfect place for your new life in Belgium’s capital.
The 5 best neighborhoods to live in Brussels
Brussels blends European elegance with the charm and warmth of a small, welcoming city. Living here means enjoying a high quality of life, beautiful parks, rich culture, and a diverse international community. Next, we’ll explore the best neighborhoods in Brussels and what makes each one unique.
1. Ixelles (Elsene)
Ixelles is one of Brussels’ most popular and cosmopolitan neighborhoods. Its multicultural vibe, prime location near both the city center and the European district, and wide range of leisure options make it a top choice for expats and young professionals.
The area offers excellent tram, metro, and bus connections, along with safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists. You’ll find plenty of cafés, international restaurants, shops, and local markets. It also has good international schools and nearby hospitals. Green spaces like the Ixelles pond and the nearby Bois de la Cambre provide fresh air and spots to relax. The neighborhood has a vibrant, diverse atmosphere with a very active international community.
2. Woluwe-Saint-Lambert (Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe)
Woluwe-Saint-Lambert is one of the most appealing areas for those seeking peace and a high quality of life without being far from central Brussels. It’s a safe, residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets, spacious green areas, and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it highly popular among expats and professionals with children.
The area offers a high quality of life and a pleasant environment. The air is cleaner than in the city center, with less noise and pollution. It is designed for well-being, with wide sidewalks, pedestrian areas, and parks like Parc de Roodebeek and Parc Georges Henri, perfect for walking or enjoying outdoor exercise.
The neighborhood offers excellent schools, both Belgian and international, as well as easy access to top-notch healthcare. It also has all the essential services close by, including supermarkets, pharmacies, gyms, and local shops, making everyday life convenient and comfortable.
Infrastructure and transportation: It is well connected by subway and bus, making it easy to travel to the city center or other neighborhoods.
3. Etterbeek
Etterbeek is a neighborhood that perfectly balances peaceful living with the vibrant energy of the capital. Located close to the European Parliament and Parc du Cinquantenaire, it is a modern, clean, and safe area, home to EU officials, expats, and young families.
In addition to its international atmosphere, it offers everything you need to make your daily life easier:
- Excellent public transportation, with subways, trams, and buses connecting you to the entire city.
- Well-maintained and safe streets, perfect for walking or biking.
- A wide range of cultural and gastronomic offerings, with cafés, museums, and restaurants just a few steps away.
- Multilingual schools and a diverse community that makes it easy to integrate.
In short, Etterbeek is a European-flavored, comfortable, and cosmopolitan neighborhood, ideal for those who want to stay close to the city center without giving up peace and quiet.
4. Uccle (Ukkel)
Uccle has a different feel from the rest of the city. It is peaceful, green, and residential, almost like a small town within Brussels. Life here offers plenty of space, calm, and access to nature, while still keeping shops and amenities within easy reach. It is a refined area with large homes and gardens, popular with families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
What stands out most about Uccle:
- An exceptional natural environment, with the Bois de la Cambre and Parc de Wolvendael offering large spaces for walking or playing sports.
- Top-level international schools and medical centers, perfect for those moving with their families.
- Convenient connections to the rest of the city, but far enough away from the noise of the center.
Uccle offers a peaceful life surrounded by nature, perfect for those looking for peace and quiet without leaving Brussels.
5. Saint-Gilles
Saint-Gilles has a creative energy you notice as soon as you walk its streets, with colorful murals, lively cafés, and people from all over the world sharing the same neighborhood. It is one of Brussels’ most authentic and characterful areas, popular with artists, young professionals, and anyone who enjoys a bohemian vibe while staying well connected to the rest of the city.
What makes Saint-Gilles special:
- An artistic and cultural atmosphere, with galleries, theaters, and bars where there is always live music.
- Excellent public transportation, with metro and tram lines that take you directly to the city center.
- A variety of local shops, from supermarkets and organic markets to independent stores.
- A diverse and inclusive community, where locals and foreigners live side by side, creating an open and friendly atmosphere.
- A more affordable cost of living than in other central neighborhoods, without compromising on quality or charm.
The best neighborhoods to live as a digital nomad in Brussels
Next, we take a look at the best neighborhoods in Brussels for digital nomads, highlighting areas with strong connectivity, co-living options, a vibrant international community, and the ideal balance between professional life and leisure that makes the city so appealing.
1. Ixelles (Elsene)
Ixelles is one of the most appealing neighborhoods in Brussels for digital nomads. Its multicultural vibe and proximity to coworking spaces, modern cafés, and co-living options make it a great choice for remote workers. The area is perfect for digital nomads, with plenty of cafés offering reliable Wi-Fi and a productive atmosphere. It is also close to popular coworking spots like Silversquare Louise and Factory Forty.
- Safety: It is one of the safest neighborhoods in Brussels, especially around areas like Châtelain, Flagey, and Avenue Louise. The streets are well-lit, there is a visible police presence, and the area stays lively throughout the day and evening.
- Connections: Good public transportation connections and safe streets for walking or cycling.
- The neighborhood offers a wide range of shared apartments and modern co-living spaces. It has an international atmosphere with an active community of expats and digital professionals.
2. Anderlecht
Traditionally a residential area, Anderlecht has evolved with the rise of remote work. Today, it features modern spaces, co-living options, and projects designed to attract digital nomads. Integrated co-living and coworking spaces like Espace 26 make it appealing, and the cost of living is lower than in other central neighborhoods.
Anderlecht has fast and convenient connections to the city center. The neighborhood is culturally diverse and offers a wide variety of dining options. Safety varies across the area. While many parts are quiet and residential, some sections, especially near the canal or train station, can feel less secure at night. Recent co-living developments have helped improve security and created a more welcoming atmosphere overall.
3. Schaerbeek
Schaerbeek is becoming increasingly popular with digital nomads looking for a quieter area with architectural charm and more affordable prices. Its cultural diversity makes it especially appealing to those who enjoy vibrant international communities, and living costs are lower than in the city center.
- It is a quiet area with good connections to the airport and downtown.
- There are large parks and local cafés, great for working peacefully.
- Security: Schaerbeek is undergoing a period of renewal and shows clear contrasts. Some areas, like the upper parts near Parc Josaphat, are very peaceful, while others still have a more traditional feel and require extra caution, especially at night.
The importance of always being connected
For a digital nomad, a reliable internet connection is just as important as a workspace. In Brussels, having an international eSIM lets you have data from day one, without relying on café or accommodation Wi-Fi.
With Holafly’s monthly plans, you can enjoy unlimited data and stay connected at all times, whether it’s for video calls, sending work projects, or exploring the city without worrying about roaming. With the Brussels eSIM, you can stay online and work seamlessly while traveling across Europe.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
The best neighborhoods to live in as a student in Brussels
Brussels is an ideal city for international students. It is lively, multicultural, and home to prestigious universities like ULB, VUB, and Saint-Louis. The city also offers safety, a youthful atmosphere, and plenty of cultural activities. Next, we will explore the best neighborhoods for students in Brussels, with options to suit different budgets and lifestyles.
1. Ixelles (Elsene)
Ixelles is by far the most popular neighborhood for international students in Brussels. Its proximity to the ULB University and Saint-Louis University means there are plenty of student residences, shared apartments, and studios geared toward young people.
Perfect for students because:
- It is close to universities and international schools.
- There are lots of cafés, bars, and affordable restaurants with a student vibe.
- Excellent public transportation, connected by metro, tram, and bus.
- It is a safe area with a lively social scene, especially in Flagey and Châtelain.
- There is a large university community, ideal for making friends or participating in academic activities.
2. Saint-Gilles
Saint-Gilles offers a mix of cultural life, affordable prices, and a youthful, bohemian vibe. It is well connected to the main universities and has plenty of shared apartments and modern co-living spaces, making it very popular among international students.
Why it’s ideal for students:
- More affordable rent prices than in central areas.
- Artistic and diverse atmosphere, with markets, bars, and festivals all year round.
- Good access to trams and buses to the city center and the European Quarter.
- Very open community, perfect for those arriving in the city for the first time.
In Saint-Gilles, you will find co-living options like The Nest Brussels and Coliving.com, student residences near Parvis, and cafés with reliable Wi-Fi perfect for studying, such as Le Dillens or Parlor Coffee Roasters. There are also coworking spaces like Transforma BXL and The Mug Coworking.
3. Etterbeek
Etterbeek is one of the safest and most peaceful areas for studying in Brussels. It is close to the European Quarter as well as several universities and language schools. The neighborhood has a residential feel, making it ideal for those seeking focus and stability.
Ideal for students because:
- It’s a safe residential area with parks and quiet streets.
- It’s close to universities and public libraries.
- It’s very well connected by metro and tram.
- It’s perfect for people who combine their studies with remote work or internships.
What is the best neighborhood to live in Brussels?
Overall, the best neighborhood to live in Brussels for all types of residents, including families, expats, professionals, students, and digital nomads, is Ixelles (Elsene).
This district stands out for its strategic location, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and excellent balance of city life, safety, amenities, and overall quality of life. It is close to the city center, the European Quarter, and several major universities, making it an ideal hub for people who work, study, or simply want to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Reasons why Ixelles is the best neighborhood to live in Brussels:
- Central location: Easy access to any part of the city by metro, tram, or bike.
- Lively atmosphere: Lots of cafés, international restaurants, local shops, and markets.
- Green spaces: Areas such as the Ixelles pond and Bois de la Cambre are perfect for relaxing or exercising.
- Modern infrastructure: Good internet connection, coworking spaces, coliving spaces, and renovated housing.
- Quality services: Access to healthcare centers, international schools, and renowned universities.
- International community: Large number of expats and young professionals, which facilitates integration.
In short, Ixelles brings together everything that makes Brussels great. It is vibrant, multicultural, and safe, with all the conveniences you need to enjoy life, whatever your lifestyle or daily routine.
Frequently asked questions about the best neighborhoods to stay in Brussels
Etterbeek and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre stand out for their peaceful atmosphere, low crime rates, and family-friendly environment, ideal for those who prioritize safety.
Etterbeek and Ixelles are perfect due to their proximity to European institutions and excellent transport links.
Ixelles and Saint-Gilles are favorites for their cafés with Wi-Fi, coworking spaces, and multicultural atmosphere.
Ixelles and Etterbeek are the most popular due to their proximity to universities, student residences, and areas with a lively youth culture.
Yes, the center and the European Quarter tend to have higher rental prices, although they offer better transport links and cultural life.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
