Brussels for Solo Travelers | Best Areas, Cafes & Safety

Traveling on your own through a city like Brussels can be rather rewarding. Brussels for solo travelers is an ideal destination, offering the perfect mix of independence and rich cultural experiences. Perfect for solo travelers, the city is a city steeped in history, culture, and a laid-back vibe. In Brussels, you will walk along cobblestone streets, try decadent chocolates, or relax in charming cafes… Whatever your preference, there is something for everyone.

In this blog, we’ll discuss where you should stay in Stockholm, what to order in the famous cafés, what to pay attention to to stay completely safe, and the hop on hop off Brussels tour that makes the best out of sightseeing.

Table of Contents

Best Areas to Stay in Brussels for Solo Travelers

There are so many areas of Brussels for the solo traveler, with a vast array of neighborhoods to choose from, whether you want to be in the middle of things, have something bohemian, or finish off the night in a quiet residential area. Some of the top choices during your stay include

City Centre (Brussels-Central)
The City Centre is the most convenient place for first-time solo travelers to stay. The city is home to the famous Grand Place, Manneken Pis, and the Royal Palace. You will be close to many museums, shops, and restaurants, and everything is within walking distance. This is a bustling, living area with simple solo traveler navigation.
Ixelles
Ixelles is known for its multicultural charm and is ideal for solo travelers who want to go beyond the tourist spots in Brussels. This part of the town is filled with trendy cafes, quirky boutiques, and lively markets. Ixelles combines history with modernity and a mix of old and new, so it is an exciting thing to walk through or ride a bike through.
Saint-Gilles
Saint-Gilles is for those that love art and want a bohemian atmosphere. There are art galleries, vintage shops, and cozy bars packed in this district. It’s creative, it’s calm, and it’s very idyllic for solo travelers looking to connect with the artistic local side of Brussels or just enjoy the gentler, more intimate side of the city.
Sablon
It would be defined as Sablon for those who prefer a more elegant, upscale stay. Charming cobblestone streets, fine dining, antique shops, and galleries are all here in this historic area. Sablon is ideal for solo travelers who simply want to absorb Brussels’ cultural richness in a more refined setting.

These areas are not only ideal for accommodation but also offer safe and easy access to the city’s many attractions.

Top Cafes for Solo Travelers in Brussels

There are quite a few cozy cafes in Brussels that are happy to welcome solo travelers. These are great places to spend a couple of hours of your own if you are looking to work, relax or just people-watch.

Café de la Presse
Café de la Presse is a quiet home for solo travelers, with a relaxed, atmosphere, great to read or just take your cup of coffee. Since it is located in the center of the city, the windows have big and the view of the street just around provides you with the luminosity of the urban life.
OR Coffee
OR Coffee is a must for anyone who is a coffee aficionado. This place is known for its choice of first-class, ethically sourced coffees and provides an airy, quiet place to savor your coffee and digest your day or (preferably) a book. The creative and artsy vibe and solo travelers will fit right in this café as well.
La Pharmacie Anglaise
The most quirky café in the centre of Brussels within the walls of an old storehouse, hiding away. La Pharmacie Anglaise is a place which is known for the unique décor and relaxing ambience; it is for solo traveller who wants to have a relaxing afternoon sipping with coffee or tea. An extra charm is added with the vintage pharmacy inspired interior.
Le Cirio
Le Cirio is definitely a good option if you want something with a little bit of a piece of Brussels’ history. Over a century, this historic café has been serving the locals and visitors. Great for a coffee or a local pastry and giving themselves to the cultural heritage of Brussels, its elegant, old world charm appeals to a range of people.

Each of these cafés offers something special for solo travelers, whether you’re looking for a place to relax, work, or simply enjoy a quiet moment with your thoughts.

Essential Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Brussels

Brussels is generally a safe city, but like any major European destination, there are a few things solo travelers should keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. While exploring all the things to do Brussels has to offer, here are some essential safety tips:

Stay Alert in Crowded Areas
All that, as you’d expect in a large city, in crowded places such as Grand Place or when you are in public transport. Busy locations are places where pickpockets operate, and therefore, always keep an eye on your belongings. If added security is needed, consider using a money belt or an anti-theft backpack.
Avoid Isolated Areas at Night
Overall, Brussels is a safe city, but it is advisable to stay away from poorly lit areas in the dark. Keep to well-lit streets and always remain alert in your surroundings.
Use Trusted Transportation
Brussels is not very efficient in terms of public transportation, but if you take a taxi or one of the ride-sharing apps (such as Uber or Bolt), the service is on a friendly tip if it passes your security tests.
Know Emergency Contacts
In case you need emergency help, you’d best be familiar with local emergency numbers. Police, fire, and medical emergencies in Belgium are handled by the general emergency number 112.
Solo Traveler-Friendly Services
Brussels has plenty of guided walking tours and meetups for solo travelers. These tours are a great way to see the city safely and meet other travelers. Find a way on platforms like Meetup or Couchsurfing.

By taking these simple precautions, you can ensure a smooth and safe solo journey in Brussels.

Image Source: hop-on-hop-off-bus-tour.com

Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour: The Best Way to See Brussels

One of the best ways for solo travelers to explore Brussels is by taking the Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour. These tours offer an easy and convenient way to see the major sights of the city at your own pace. Here’s why you should consider it:

Convenience
The buses run frequently, and you can hop off at any of the top attractions, including Atomium, Palais Royal, and Mont des Arts. Once you’re done exploring, just hop on the next bus to continue your journey.
Self-Guided Exploration
Most hop-on, hop-off buses come with an audio guide in multiple languages, giving you interesting facts about the places you’re passing. This is an excellent way for solo travelers to learn about the city without the need for a group tour.
Flexible Itinerary
You can create your own itinerary and decide how long you want to spend at each stop. Whether you’re taking photos at Grand Place or exploring the Musée Magritte, the choice is yours.
Safety
As a solo traveler, taking a hop-on, hop-off tour is a safe and efficient way to see the city, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the public transport system or prefer not to wander around alone at night.

How to Get Around Brussels as a Solo Traveler

It is easy to get around Brussels using public transport, walking, or cycling. If you are a solo traveler, then you can try these options.

Public Transportation
There is an excellent public transport network in Brussels made up of metros, trams, and buses. If visiting a lot of sites, consider buying the Brussels Card or day passes; this is great to buy if you are a solo traveler. They’re affordable and convenient.
Walking
All the top attractions in Brussels are quite walkable and are never more than two blocks away from each other. One of the best ways to discover hidden gems or feel the city’s unique neighborhoods is to explore on foot.
Cycling
Rented bikes represent a more eco-friendly and active way to get around. The Villo! Clearly this is the city where bike sharing is very well spread out. With the use of the bike, you can hop and jump and explore at your sole pace.

Conclusion

Solo travelers will have a great time in Brussels. With a mix of culture, history, and relaxation, such as in Ixelles and Saint-Gilles or cafés like Café de la Presse, the city is truly charming. Remember the safety tips, and if you want to sightsee without a lot of effort, then use the Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour.

Brussels is a great city to solo travel in, and with this in mind, your trip is sure to be memorable with many new discoveries and unforgettable moments.