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One of Brussels' many attractions is to be found in its everyday life, in its streets.
We are not only talking about its exceptional gastronomy, which ranges from its Frietkot with the best fries in Brussels, to its most elaborate Belgian cuisine, to its unique and inimitable Belgian waffles.
Amongst food stalls, centuries-old monuments and interesting stories and legends, the city's daily life unfolds, and it is here that some of the Belgian capital's most glittering gems are hidden.
Today we focus on the flea markets. Places where you can find antiques, typical street food or flowers. Local products from local people, so you can feel the real atmosphere of the city.
Brussels' flea markets are so numerous and comprehensive that we've decided to divide them into two main groups: those that sell only food, such as vegetables, fruit, cheese or ready-made dishes, and others where you'll find a bit of everything.
Rue Ropsy Chaudron 24, 1070 Anderlecht
Our first destination is about fifteen minutes west of the centre of Brussels, but it's well worth the walk, especially if you like to get up early.
From Friday to Sunday, from 7am, you should take a stroll through one of the newer markets. You'll find all the ingredients you need to make a Belgian-flavoured dish, from spices to meat, fish and cheese.
All of which are of the highest quality. During peak tourist season you may even find some souvenir stalls, but the market's speciality is food, especially meat.
Parv. de Saint-Gilles, 1060 Saint-Gilles
If you're looking for food, both prepared and fresh local produce, you're in for a treat. On weekends from 7.30am you can stop by this market, which is just a stone's throw from the Porte de Halle, the Porte de Hal.
Saint-Gilles is the bohemian quarter of Brussels and this could be the start of a good day's stroll. As well as the Horta Museum to the south, a little further north you can visit landmarks such as the Palais de Justice or attractions such as the Great Ferris Wheel.
Pl. Eugène Flagey 18ª
We continue with our weekend visits, walking among stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as places where local snacks are prepared.
This is one of the favourite markets of the people of Brussels, where they come to do their weekly shopping. On some weekends you can also find stalls dedicated to crafts, but the real reason for this market is fresh, quality food.
Rue des Tanneurs 58
We are approaching the centre of Brussels. Open from 11:30 a.m., from 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, until 6:30 p.m., 5 p.m. on weekends. Only closed on Mondays.
One of the locals' favourite organic markets, especially for those who can't wait until the weekend to get their favourite fresh produce. That is one of the great advantages of this market.
They work with top quality gourmet products and have a huge range of goods, from meats of all kinds to nuts and dried fruits, spices and local craft beers and wines from the region. A real treat for the senses.
In these markets you'll find everything from objects looking for a second life to handicrafts and even, among the clothes stalls, some offering fresh fruit and vegetables. You'll find everything here.
One of the most iconic and colourful markets in the country. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. you have an appointment at the incomparable Grand Place to enjoy its flower market.
If you've fallen in love with the Grand Place, wait until you see it full of flowers and plants, colouring a place that already exudes magic. A truly unique experience.
Avenue Fonsny
You only have one chance a week to enjoy the biggest market in Belgium: the Midi Market. On Sundays from 7 a.m. onwards, you have an appointment to discover the thousand and one faces of this flea market, just outside the Gare du Midi.
As you can imagine, you'll find everything at this gigantic flea market. A real flea market where hundreds of people gather and a fantastic atmosphere is created.
From gastronomic corners from all over the world, with a large presence of local products, to objects looking for a second life, crafts and clothes.
Place du Jeu de Balle
The Old Market, as it is known, is one of the most popular markets in the city and is held in the Place du Jeu de Balle, in the heart of the Marolles district. The old market is not just marketing, it is a reality, as it has been held since 1919.
Every day, from early in the morning until 2pm, its 300 stalls offer authentic gems of antiques, works of art and second-hand goods. It's a fantastic area to lose yourself in the streets or enjoy a local craft beer on one of the terraces.
Place du Grand Sablon
Continuing to refine our list of flea markets, we come to the Place du Grand Sablon in the Sablon district. Here, its 64 stalls offer real works of art.
And that's not just a figure of speech, you'll find art, antiques, ceramics, jewellery, porcelain, furniture and a long etcetera that will make you walk for hours without paying attention to the clock. A wonderful place to lose yourself in on Saturdays from 9am.
If you're passing through Place Sainte-Catherine for sightseeing, make sure you do it from Wednesday to Saturday mornings to take advantage of the flea market that's set up there.
They offer sustainable products where you'll not only see local edibles, but you can also buy flowers, plants and even cosmetics. The most sustainable and ecological market you'll see in the city.
Pl. Saint-Géry 1
Although it is not a flea market as such, you should visit this covered market with an interesting history and three floors where you can choose from clothes, costume jewellery, works by local and national authors and even vinyls.
The market hosts exhibitions, presentations and live performances. Drop by any day to enjoy the atmosphere, although the first Sunday of every month is when the vintage market takes place.
If you're lucky enough or have the fantastic idea of visiting Brussels at Christmas time, you can't miss its most emblematic flea market; Plaisirs d'Hiver, i.e. winter delights.
Around the Grand Place and Place Sainte-Catherine, stalls are set up offering visitors a wide variety of Christmas decorations, crafts, seasonal food and lots of gifts and souvenirs.
