Top 10 Things To Do And See In Sainte Catherine Brussels

The vibrant Sainte Catherine is a must-see area of Brussels — a well-suited match of old style and new vibes. Located just a stone’s throw from the Grand Place, it is a paradise for seafood lovers and for those who are looking for a lively and alternative spot in the heart of the Belgian capital.

1. Sainte Catherine’s Church

Church

A beautiful architectural pearl gives its name to the neighborhood — the church of Sainte Catherine is quite a recent construction, considering it was built over the foundation of a 14thcentury church, finished and consecrated in 1874. Nevertheless, its style is inspired by the 16th-century French churches, and it presents a spot-on mixture of gothic, in its shapes, and baroque, in its decorations. Sainte Catherine’s Church impresses the eye of the traveler, complete with buttresses crowned with gargoyles. On the right side, the ancient baroque belfry belonging to the older church still stands out.

Walk Around The Quais

Quai du Commerce, Quai aux Briques, Quai du Bois a Brûler, Quai aux Pierre de Tailles are the most common streets around Sainte Catherine. But what does ‘quai‘ mean? It literally means dock or wharf. What used to be the location of the ancient port of Brussels has left traces in the toponymy in this neighborhood, and not only that. Place Sainte-Catherine has also been long known as Vismet, namely the fish market. Although the fishermen no longer sell their products there, the market still preserves its origins since seafood reigns supreme on the menus at the restaurants in the area — the best ones in the city.

Spot The Tour Noire

Brussels is surely known as a modern city, but it still withholds some of its medieval treasures. La Tour Noire — in English ‘The black tower’ — is an example of what is left of Brussels’ 13th-century first city walls. Situated right behind Sainte Catherine’s Church, it became a tavern called ‘In de Toren’ in the 16th century and risked demolition at the end of the 19th century. It is now surrounded by a modern hotel, but its exterior can still be admired from the street, allowing you to picture its medieval effect.

La Belle Maraîchère

One spot cannot be missed once in Sainte Catherine, and that is La Belle Maraîchère. Situated in a lovely building from 1759, the menu will satisfy every taste, and those who do pass by this neighborhood should stop here for fish or lobster soup. It will be difficult to resist what comes next.

La Belle Maraîchère, 11A Place Sainte-Catherine, Brussels, Belgium, +32 2 512 97 59

Visit The Enchanted Christmas Markets

Last but not least, this is a real treat to the eye of every Christmas lover and an amazing event for every age. Place Sainte-Catherine is the epicenter of the Brussels Christmas Market; the wooden chalets on the sides of the Vismet are ready to charm you with their spicy hot wine, hot rum with honey and countless gourmet dishes — from the typical Belgian waffles and salmon to meat and Italian delicacies. Curiously enough, a spacious Swiss chalet stands out in the middle of the square; inside, Swiss traditional fondues can be tasted together with some renowned wine. The picture can only be completed with a ride in the magnificent Ferris wheel, which gives the opportunity to admire, from above, a breathtaking Brussels illuminated by the Christmas decorations.

Opening hours: 12pm-10pm
By Laura Tombolato