Belgium is full of surprises—charming cities, coastal escapes, buzzing student life, and rich history all packed into one compact country. If you’re looking for a way to explore it all while staying connected to local culture, Hostelling International (HI) offers a brilliant network of hostels that put you right where the action is. From art-filled alleys and student cafés to seaside promenades and historic squares, each hostel puts you within reach of local experiences that go beyond the guidebook. With their unique HI Flanders character, these hostels combine comfort, community, and convenience—making them ideal for travellers who want to connect with Belgium’s local vibes. Ready to say HI to Belgium? Let’s get started.
The Capital Of Taste, Hasselt
Hasselt, stylish, walkable, and full of surprises. From the scent of jenever from cosy bars to the calm of Europe’s largest Japanese Garden, the city blends culture and chill in all the right ways. Just steps from the train station, Hostel H is the perfect launchpad to explore the “Capital of Taste.” Spend your days wandering art routes, browsing car-free shopping streets, or cycling through Limburg’s green landscapes. Back at the hostel, the hip vibe, private ensuite rooms, and backpackers bar make it easy to relax, recharge, and meet fellow travellers. Hasselt, it packs a punch!
Where Old Meets Bold – Kortrijk
A UNESCO Creative City of Design, Kortrijk is historic yet cool. From medieval towers to sleek architecture and riverside parks, it blends old soul with modern vibes. Centrally located Groeninghe Hostel is your ideal city base. With bold red walls and airy interiors, it’s a standout stay, as stylish as the city itself. Step out to visit museums, check out the Belgian boutiques, or try to catch an exhibition at the Interieur design fair. At the end of the day, chill in the hostel garden, bar, and bright social spaces that make it easy to unwind and connect with other hostellers. Kortrijk, it’s old but bold!
Gothic Towers To Craft Beers, Leuven
The youthful yet historic city of Leuven offers travellers academic energy with laid-back charm. From the Gothic spires of the university library to the buzz of student cafés and traditional breweries, you’ll love the Belgian warmth. Staff at the modern De Blauwput hostel can’t wait to welcome you. Located right behind the train station, you’ll have easy access to wander cobbled streets, discover hidden courtyards, and sample local brews at the birthplace of Stella Artois. In the evenings, however, make the most of the hostel terrace and lounge. Great places to meet and exchange stories with fellow backpackers. Are you ready to say HI?
Escape to Belgium’s Coast, De Haan
What’s not to love about De Haan? It’s breezy, elegant, and quietly iconic, with its belle-époque villas, leafy avenues, and the widest beach on Belgium’s coast. This seaside town is all about slow living and fresh air. Just a short stroll from the sand, Dunepanne hostel offers great coastal adventures. Check in to your spacious room before walking the dunes, hopping on the coastal tram, or exploring the town’s retro charm. Tired? Then unwind on the sunny hostel terrace and breathe in the relaxed vibes and connect with like-minded guests. Dunepanne may be a new hostel, but it’s already setting the tone for stylish, social stays by the sea!
Fashion & Architecture In Antwerp
Whether looking for the sparkle of the Diamond District or the street art of Zuid. Maybe the fashion vibes of Het Eilandje or just a relaxing river walk to the harbour. Antwerp is all about expression, a mash-up of old-world charm and modern energy. Hostel Pulcinella is just the go-to base you need to experience the rhythm of this style capital. With all rooms having en-suite facilities too, you’ll settle in from the minute you get there. Don’t miss the photography, art and fashion museums, but do remember to recharge your batteries with your newly made hostel connections! Be it on the roof terrace, in the lounge or hostel bar, you’ll find the perfect starting point both day and night.
The Heart of Europe, Brussels
Quirky, multicultural, and vibrant, welcome to Brussels! From the grandeur of the Grand Place to comic strip murals tucked into side streets, the city boasts European polish with creative flair. Take time museum-hopping, tasting waffles and frites, or spotting EU landmarks and vintage shops. Bruegel hostel, sits just a few steps from Central Station, Grote Markt and Brussels’ top attractions. From this trendy base, discover the buzzing city with ease and relax in the evening in the colourful common areas, all with the theme of painter Pieter Bruegel. There will be lots of opportunities to meet other hostellers, with 185 beds available! Brussels is always buzzing, enjoy!
📣NEWS!!!!!📣
What makes HI Flanders so special? Let them show you in their amazing promo video. Also, don’t miss their Wij jarig, jij ook campaign, from 1st July 2025 to 30 June 2026, you can book a free night during your birthday week! Last but not least, take a look at their Blog on winter city magic and find the holiday spirit right outside their hostel doors. 🎄
So, are you ready to say HI? Belgium isn’t just easy to explore—it’s packed with culture, creativity, and coastal charm. From the artistic streets of Hasselt to the seaside calm of De Haan, each city offers a unique experience—and Hostelling International (HI) makes it simple to dive in. With HI Flanders hostels as your base, discover local flavours, meet fellow travellers, and stay connected to the heart of each destination. Whether you’re into street art, student cafés, historic squares or beach walks, Belgium has it all. Enjoy, one city, one hostel, and one unforgettable experience at a time. So grab your backpack, follow those good vibes, and say HI to Belgium!
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
