Near Gare du Midi

South of central Brussels' ring, the Gare du Midi train station is flanked on one side by Constitution Place and on the other by the tree-lined Avenue de la Porte de Hal. During the day, the area hustles and bustles with the city's commuters, but provides few points of interest to travelers. It does, however, offer its share of cheap hotel deals (especially convenient if you're catching an early train). Gare du Midi's surroundings at night could seem a bit dodgy, so observe caution.

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Near Gare du Nord

Gare du Nord, the city's northern train station, isn't as busy (or occasionally sketchy) as the southern Gare du Midi station. Rather, it's an area busy with large stores and malls, movie theaters, and restaurants. And, you guessed it - budget hotels! The Grand Place is a 10-15 minute walk south.

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Grand Place

The Grand Place, Brussels' main square, dates to the middle ages and is still home to the city's Town Hall, built in 1402. The square is the heart of the city, and most tourists use the square as a reference point and meeting spot. The square is lined with many of the city's original Gothic-Baroque guild houses, which are incredibly photogenic.

The area surrounding the Place is busy with hotels, cutesy cafes, restaurants, and chocolate shops. On the eastern side of the square, the Tin Tin store offers pajamas, posters and more, all emblazoned with the famous blond-headed boy. From the western edge, meander down cobblestone streets until you reach Boulevard Anspach, where the old Bourse building holds center stage.

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Ixelles

The area of Ixelles is divided by the "Rodeo Drive" of Brussels, the lovely Avenue Louise. The avenue is packed with designer shops and boutiques, some art galleries, and many restaurants. The hotels and B&B's around the area are smaller, mostly family-run properties. Some offer more personalized service than the budget hotels and chain properties near the Grand Place. During the day, Ixelles is abuzz with traffic and trams running up and down Avenue Louise, and all the shops are open for business. The area becomes much quieter at night.

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Marolles

Marolles is the old working-class neighborhood in central Brussels, located five minutes south of the Grand Place. The area hosts secondhand shops, Belgian bars (Read: draft beer aplenty!), and a famous flea market at Place de Jeu de Balle. You might hear a twang in the accent of the shopkeepers and residents of Marolles: the old guard here speak a version of Dutch mixed with French.

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Ste. Catherine

Located five to ten minutes northwest of the Grand Place, Place Ste Catherine is a small square surrounded by seafood merchants, boutiques, and restaurants. The square's main draw is the majestic medieval cathedral, devoted to St. Catherine, patron saint of firefighters and guardian against sickness (among other things). During the middle ages, the area was Brussels' main shipping port. Today, a stroll through Ste. Catherine is a welcome respite, often quiet and charming.

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