Brussels flea markets ...
Bargain hunters, antiques dealers, collectors and other vintage enthusiasts regularly haunt Brussels’ flea markets, like gold diggers. From the Place du Jeu de Balle, to Sablon through Auderghem, all seams are good in order to dig up a “golden nugget” at the flea market!
Brussels ranks as one of Europe’s best capital city for flea market shopping. And to the trained eye, its streets on flea market days are literally filled with treasures. So sharpen your haggling technique, put on your raincoat and get your search for bargains started!
Flagey Sunday Market
On Sundays, the whole of Brussels’ trendy Ixelles quarter comes out in force to the promenade and peruse the stalls at Place Flagey.
Grab a sunny seat outside one of the square’s cafes to watch children splashing in fountains and people gorging on slices of fresh mango or wandering in and out of bars with paper cones of freshly fried chips from the famous Frit Flagey hut.
For something more sophisticated, join the locals enjoying €2 glasses of bubbly and €1 oysters on their shells while perching on stools by the van they’re sold from. > Place Flagey, Sunday, 7am-1pm
La Brocante – flea market
The sprawling Jeu de Balle flea market is a Brussels must-see and the ancient cobbled square is surrounded by many bars packed out with street traders and bargain hunters.
Most are drinking Jupiler, the quaffable local pils, or classic Trappist ales such as Orval and Chimay, served in their own distinctive glass. But La Brocante is a café-bar that stands out for its remarkable craft-beer selection.
The bar rocks at the weekend, with lunchtime jazz and blues concerts, generous platefuls of traditional Brussels grub: don’t miss the “stoemp”, a Belgian take on sausages and mash. And if you are looking for surprises outside the 120 different beers, ask for the passionate young owner, Sébastien de Neef, about his limited-edition seasonal craft beers that he reserves for serious enthusiasts.
La Brocante, 170 Rue Blaes, +32 2 512 1343, no website