Drawing Week Brussels brings together sketchers, illustrators, and urban artists from across Europe and beyond. Choosing the right place to stay can make or break your experience — you want easy access to workshops, sketching spots, and fellow artists, all while staying within budget. This guide covers the best neighbourhoods, accommodation types, and practical tips for finding a home base during Drawing Week. For a full overview of the event, see our complete guide to Drawing Week Brussels.

Understanding Drawing Week Venues and Neighbourhoods

Drawing Week events are spread across several venues in central Brussels. The main hub is the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts (Rue Ravenstein 23, 1000 Brussels), located in the Quartier Royal near the Mont des Arts. Other key venues include the Museum of Fine Arts (Rue de la Régence 3) and the Royal Library of Belgium (Boulevard de l'Empereur 4). Many workshops and meetups also take place at La Fonderie (Rue Ransfort 27, 1080 Molenbeek) and various cafés in the Saint-Gilles and Ixelles districts. For a full list, see our venue map and directions.

Because venues aren't all in one spot, you'll want a centrally located neighbourhood with good public transport. Brussels has an extensive metro, tram, and bus network. A single ticket costs €2.10 (2025 price) and is valid for one hour. A day pass is €7.50. Most venues are within a 20-minute ride from the city centre. For more transport tips, check out our guide on getting around Brussels.

Best Neighbourhoods for Drawing Week Attendees

1. Quartier Royal (Central)

This is the epicentre of Drawing Week. Staying here puts you within walking distance of Bozar, the museums, and the Mont des Arts — a prime urban sketching spot. Hotels in this area include the Hotel Le Plaza (Boulevard Adolphe Max 118-126, from €120/night) and the Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre (Avenue du Boulevard 17, from €90/night). Budget options are limited; the Meininger Hotel Brussels City Center (Quai du Hainaut 33, from €35/night for a dorm) is a 15-minute walk away. The Quartier Royal is also close to the Central Station, making it easy to arrive from the airport or Gare du Midi.

2. Saint-Gilles / Louise

Saint-Gilles is a vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood with a strong arts scene. It's home to many workshops and the Maison des Arts (Rue de l'Hôtel des Monnaies 65). The area around Louise Square has plenty of hotels and guesthouses. Recommended: Hotel du Congrès (Rue du Congrès 42, from €80/night) and Bed & Breakfast Louise (Rue de la Source 63, from €70/night). Saint-Gilles is well connected by tram lines 92 and 97 to the city centre. Sketching spots include the Parvis de Saint-Gilles and the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market (open daily 6:00–14:00). For more sketching locations, see our best spots for urban sketching.

3. Ixelles / Flagey

Ixelles is a lively student and artist district. The Flagey cultural centre (Place Sainte-Croix, 1050 Brussels) hosts some Drawing Week events. Accommodation ranges from hostels like Brussels Welcome Hostel (Rue de la Sablonnière 28, from €25/night) to mid-range hotels like Hotel Jolly (Rue de la Loi 107, from €85/night). Ixelles has many cafés and parks perfect for sketching, such as the Parc du Cinquantenaire and the Bois de la Cambre. It's a 20-minute tram ride (line 81) to Bozar.

4. Molenbeek / La Fonderie

Molenbeek is an up-and-coming area with a creative vibe. La Fonderie, a former iron foundry turned cultural space, hosts several Drawing Week workshops. Staying nearby saves you commute time. Options: Hotel Cote Cour (Rue de la Gare 1, from €60/night) and B&B Molenbeek (Rue Ransfort 45, from €50/night). The area is less touristy, but has good metro access (line 1 to Gare de l'Ouest). Sketching subjects include the picturesque Place de la Commune and the canal banks.

5. Sablon / Marolles

Sablon is a chic neighbourhood with antique shops and chocolate boutiques. The Place du Grand Sablon hosts a weekend antiques market and is a lovely sketching spot. Hotels here are pricier: Hotel Sablon (Rue de la Régence 28, from €150/night) or B&B Sablon (Rue Lebeau 17, from €100/night). The nearby Marolles district offers more affordable options like Hotel des Marolles (Rue des Minimes 30, from €70/night). Both areas are within a 10-minute walk to Bozar.

Types of Accommodation: Hotels, Hostels, and Artist-Friendly Stays

Hotels

Brussels has a wide range of hotels. For a comfortable stay with workspace, consider Hotel Bloom (Rue Royale 250, from €90/night) — it has a co-working lounge and art-filled interiors. Hotel Cafe Pacific (Rue des Drapiers 5, from €80/night) offers a relaxed atmosphere with a café. Many hotels offer early check-in or luggage storage, which is handy if you arrive before check-in time. Book early, as Drawing Week coincides with the spring tourist season.

Hostels

If you're on a budget, hostels are a great way to meet other artists. Hostel Bruegel (Rue du Saint-Esprit 2, from €25/night) is in the heart of the Marolles, a 10-minute walk from Bozar. Meininger Brussels City Center (Quai du Hainaut 33, from €35/night) has private rooms and dorms. Jacques Brel Youth Hostel (Rue de la Sablonnière 30, from €20/night) is in Ixelles and popular with students. Most hostels have free Wi-Fi, communal areas, and sometimes offer breakfast for an extra €7.

Artist-Friendly Stays

Some accommodations cater specifically to creatives. Artist's Residence Brussels (Rue de la Loi 107, from €100/night) offers studio rooms with easels and good lighting. Airbnb is also a popular option — you can rent an apartment with a desk and kitchen. Look for listings in the Saint-Gilles or Ixelles communes. Prices range from €50 to €120 per night for a whole apartment. Be sure to check the cancellation policy, as Drawing Week workshops may have flexible schedules.

Proximity to Key Drawing Week Events

Your choice of accommodation should also consider the events you plan to attend. The main drawing workshops and lectures happen at Bozar and the Museum of Fine Arts. If you're attending advanced sketching workshops, which are often held at La Fonderie, you might prefer Molenbeek. For the urban sketching basics sessions that take place at various outdoor locations, being near a metro station is key. Check the Drawing Week schedule to plan your days and choose a neighbourhood that minimises travel time.

Budget Considerations

Brussels accommodation prices vary widely. On average, a double room in a mid-range hotel costs €80–€130 per night. Hostel dorms are €20–€35. Airbnb apartments range from €50 to €150. The cheapest neighbourhoods are Molenbeek and Saint-Gilles, while Quartier Royal and Sablon are pricier. Booking at least two weeks in advance can save 10–20%. Also consider buying a Brussels Card (€28 for 24 hours), which includes free public transport and discounts at some museums — useful if you're staying further out.

Practical Tips for Booking

  • Book early: Drawing Week attracts hundreds of participants. Rooms near venues sell out quickly.
  • Check cancellation policies: Some workshops may change venues; flexible booking is safer.
  • Look for artist discounts: A few hotels offer discounts for art event attendees. Ask when booking.
  • Consider shared accommodation: Hostels or Airbnb with friends can cut costs and provide networking opportunities.
  • Use public transport: A 10-journey ticket (€16) is economical if you'll move around a lot.

Conclusion

Choosing where to stay in Brussels for Drawing Week depends on your budget, preferred atmosphere, and which events you'll attend. The Quartier Royal is most convenient for Bozar events, but Saint-Gilles and Ixelles offer more affordable options and a lively arts scene. Molenbeek is great if you're focused on La Fonderie workshops. No matter where you stay, Brussels' compact size and efficient transport make it easy to get around. For more details on what to expect, read our what to expect at Drawing Week Brussels.

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