When you hear the word ‘market’, chances are you immediately think of the Saturday morning market they used to organize at your hometown. The one where you went as a child, where you got to taste some of the yummy things that merchants were selling and where you got to pick a flower or two at the florist’s stand. Or maybe you think of that one little market in the South of France, the one you visited last summer while on holiday. The one that smelt like spices, soap and – let’s be honest – fish.
But despite all those good memories, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t think of Brussels when it comes to markets. The region counts many of them, some weekly, some daily, others yearly. There are those that sell the cheapest vegetables, those that concentrate on organic produce and those that centre all around antiques. Really, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and no matter the day of the week, you’ll always be able to find at least one market in Brussels if you really want to.
And luckily for you, there’s more to be done at those gatherings than just do your weekly groceries. Especially those organized at night are pretty great to enjoy an after work drink with colleagues. Or to catch up with a friend you haven’t seen for months because you were both just so busy. Or to go to with you entire family, each picking the dishes you like best and sharing a joyful meal. Don’t know where those nightly markets are at? We selected 3 of our favourite ones in Brussels where you can go at night for a drink, a laugh and a bite. All, of course, centred on local produce and great drinks.
1. Marché de la Place van Meenen, Saint-Gilles
The Monday evening market at the Place van Meenen, right in front of the town hall, has literally been designed to have a great time socializing. There are long tables to sit at with friends and friendly strangers, specialties from all around the world and – of course – natural wines. During the colder months, it’s the perfect place to have a heart warming meal and now that the sun’s out more often, the trees on the square are the perfect natural umbrella’s to protect you from the city heat. Still not satisfied once the market is over? No worries, there are more than enough nice bars in the neighbourhood to continue your night out.
Every Monday until 9:00 pm.
2. Marché du Châtelain, Ixelles
When it comes to trendy neighbourhoods, the Chatelain might well belong to the most popular ones. There are cute shops, yummy restaurants and bars where you can hang out until the sun comes up. What not to like. And as if that weren’t enough, on Wednesday afternoons, there’s the Marché du Châtelain on the Place du Châtelain to go buy your groceries and to have a great time. Because even though finding a couple of rays of sunshine isn’t always that easy when you’re in a city, the Place du Châtelain gets drowned in the most beautiful light. Perfect to have a drink, grab a bite to eat and to talk the night away.
Every Wednesday from 12:00 until 8:00 pm.
3. Marché de la Place des Chasseurs Ardennais, Schaerbeek
When it comes to local produce, there aren’t many markets in Brussels that do as good as the Marché de la Place des Chasseurs Ardennais in Schaerbeek. Thanks to the great food and the greenery on site, it’s the perfect place to close off the work week – at first with your colleagues and then all your friends can join in. If you ask us, there’s no better place to calm down after a stressful day. With all the happy faces and the great ambiance around, you could easily forget you’re in Brussels for a moment – someone said aperitivo?
Every Friday from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
