Backpacking in Belgium🇧🇪: Staying at Jacques Brel Hostel, Brussels

Oh Brussels, this place certainly sprouted a surprise in my backpacking calendar. The reason being, 10 hours before I arrived in the city, I had no idea I would be here. It all relied on the Northern Ireland v. Wales match. When Northern Ireland lost, I headed within hours for a direct Megabus from Paris to Brussels. Suddenly, I was backpacking in Belgium without any previous plan to do this!

I went with the trusted YHA again here in Brussels and though they have 3 locations in the city, I liked the look of the Jacques Brel hostel so I booked in here. It was a relaxing time in Brussels after the craziness of France and apart from some sightseeing in Brussels, I did want to chill out a bit. I met up with my friend Pol, from Brussels (Paul backpacked through Pyongyang with me in 2013) and chatted to the hostel folk, but other than that, I enjoyed some alone time at last!

Five of my favourites features of the Jacques Brel hostel are these five:

1.Spacious and Clean
Every now and then I end up staying in a large, spacious hostel and was one of them. Wide open spaces to relax, cosy sofas and a seated area in the garden for summer days. Jacques Brel hostel, named after a famous musician is a perfect place to chill out.

2.Huge Breakfast
Breakfast was a treat, it’s all you can eat and served on the first floor from 7.30 am to 10 am. Including salami, cheese, a mix of bread, both tropical and orange juices and a good range of coffees from the perculator.

3.Excellent Backpacker Bar – Babel Bar
The downstairs Babel Bar is a perfect backpacker hang out to meet new friends. Happy Hour is good value, but even away from that, the prices of food and drink are much cheaper than out in the city. I watched some football in here too- Belgium destroying Hungary 4-0 on the big screen. Beers from 1.60 Euros is definitely budget backpacker friendly.

4.Quiet Street Location
The location is on a quiet street and about 10 minutes walk from both the Brussels du Nord and the Brussels Central stations. Easy access in and out and for touring the main sights.

5.Security
Security is important and here every room has lockers (always carry your own lock by the way – a backpacker thing I learned years ago), you can check out and leave your bags in the secure luggage rooms (also bring your own lock) and you’ll need a key card to get into the hostel and the rooms, so it’s very secure.

I enjoyed my stay in Brussels, seeing the sights, the urination quirks and a good old catch up with my friend Pol!

Here are the details for booking the Jacquel Brel hostel in Brussels, Belgium:
https://www.hihostels.com/hostels/brussels-jacques-brel-youth-hostel
Tel. +32-2-2180187
Fax. +32-2-2172005
[email protected]

Here is a video from my time at the Jacques Brel Hostel, Brussels: