Markets in Brussels You Must Visit

Madeleine Bazil

One of the most authentic ways to experience any city is by exploring its markets, and Brussels is no exception. From antiques to clothing, food, and flowers, Brussels’ street markets have it all. Don’t miss these ones in the Belgian capital.

Brussels

1. Grand Place

Market

Grand Place

For plants and flowers, look no further than the Grand Place, or Grote Markt, which is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Beyond serving as a market, this square is at the epicenter of the entire city; it is ringed by guildhalls, the Town Hall, and the famed King’s House building which is home to the Museum of the City of Brussels. The Grand Place is even a UNESCO World Heritage site — what better location than this to buy a spontaneous floral bouquet?
Grand Place, Ville de Bruxelles, Belgium, +32 2 279 22 11

Bruxelles Maisons Bordant la Grand Place | © Galaxa1/WikiCommonsBruxelles Maisons Bordant la Grand Place | © Galaxa1/WikiCommons

2. Marché du Midi

Market

Marché du Midi

Next door to the main train station is this sprawling market, said to be the biggest one in all of Europe. Check out the food scene, like Moroccan crêpes and mint tea, Mediterranean spices, and cheeses. And don’t miss the leather wares and clothing in this vibrant and lively market.
Marché du Midi, Gare du Midi, Ville de Bruxelles, Belgium, +32 2 513 89 40

3. Place du Grand Sablon

Market

Place du Grand Sablon

On weekends (Saturdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.), this gorgeous historic square comes alive with an antique and book flea market. After perusing the market, check out the beautiful old houses, mouthwatering chocolatiers and cute shops which encircle it.
Place du Grand Sablon, Ville de Bruxelles, Belgium

Wittamer, Place du Grand Sablon | © Sweets in WITTAMER/WikiCommonsWittamer, Place du Grand Sablon | © Sweets in WITTAMER/WikiCommons

4. Place Sainte-Catherine

Market

Place Sainte-Catherine

This food and flower market is up and running every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. — but if possible, stop by on a Wednesday, when from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. it also serves as an all-organic food market. In wintertime, there is also a Christmas market in the square.
Place Sainte-Catherine, Ville de Bruxelles, Belgium

Place Sainte-Catherine | © Michel wal/WikiCommonsPlace Sainte-Catherine | © Michel wal/WikiCommons

5. Place du Jeu de Balle

Market

Place du Jeu de Balle

A flea market in the truest sense of the word, open every day of the week, this is a bargain-hunter’s paradise. The market opens at 6 a.m., so get there early— especially on Thursdays and Fridays, which according to locals are the best days to visit— before all the best gems are gone.
Place du Jeu de Balle, Ville de Bruxelles, Belgium, +32 2 503 00 83

Place du Jeu de Balle | © Stephane Mignon/FlickrPlace du Jeu de Balle | © Stephane Mignon/Flickr

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