Antiques & Flea Markets, Brussels

Not sure if this was a special Sunday or not, but there was a very cute art market, selling hand made type things, on the Place d'Espagne. We only saw it on Sunday, not during the week.

What to pay: different prices

On the weekends, there is a fine antique market held on the place du Grand Sablon. It's a very small market and this seemed like a place for serious antique shoppers not casual browsers like us.

Open Saturday from 9am-6pm and Sunday 9 am-2pm

Held daily from 7 am-2pm, the Marche-aux-Puces is an open air market selling mostly second hand household goods, knicks knacks and clothing. It's located on the place du Jeu-de-Balle, a large square in the Marolles district. Like most flea markets, it's probably slightly more lively on the weekends.

We had just been to the huge flea market in Lille France a few days earlier so we just walked around the perimeter and headed off to our next stop.

As a huge music fan, I am always on the look out for interesting record shops when I travel abroad.

'The Collector' is a real treasure chest of vinyl from rock to pop, jazz and soul.

Prices are on the high side but the range is very wide. I found some rare albums that I have spent years looking for back in the UK.

For "vinylists", the place has that special glow that only a decent, good and honest record shop (one that is run by an enthusiast) can. Give yourself a good couple of hours for digging those crates!!

What to buy: 60s/70s/80s rock, pop, soul and jazz albums especially but there is a very eclectic range of vinyl including punk/new wave, old film soundtracks, european music etc

What to pay: 10 to 15 euros upwards

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This market happens daily from 7a.m. to 1p.m. You will find a large number of vendors selling secondhand household and antique items. While there we found an antique brass clock with matching candleabras...beautiful pieces and a great price. Antiques are few, old clothing, and dishes are there in abundance.

With Sablon area, les Marolles is, as I said earlier in another tip, the Mecca of antiques shopping. The whole area that comprehends le Sablon and les Marolles is so atmospheric.

Here and there, the small pubs with beer sippers sitting on the terraces, or even, on pedestrian lanes. Then, the main streets in Marolles: Rue Blaes and Rue Haute as far as antiques are concerned. Private galleries, simple outlets and the flea market on Place du jeu de balle.

In fact, I like seeing & examining antiques items. At same time, when you see monogrammed silver plate & cup & brush, you feel a pinch because you know that not everyone would accept to get rid of those items that use to be gifts from family members. So, what was there to make them put those personal effects on sale ? Financial troubles ? Fights in the families ? Who knows...

What to buy: * Antiques (trinkets, paintings, figurines, bijoux anciens and jewelry in general, the latter are my favourite...)
* Home furnishing (both the antiques & 2nd-hand shop and the Asian style at Rambaggh, rue Haute)
*Second-hand books (incl. comic strips)

The flea market is held every morning on this nice square in a very popular part of the city.
It is here that ther real Bruxellois, the Ketjes live.

What to buy: Everything, from old books, to funiture from the 1950's, old LP-records, foreign currency, paintings, ...

Be early ! Because the best items go away first.

What to pay: Don' pay too much, always bargain !

Around Place du Sablon, there are many antiques shops selling all sort of art pieces and antiques.
I guess brussels is a bit specialised in African art and antiques.
The pic is random ! many others similar shops around.
For antiques lovers or seekers, do not miss the flea market at Place du Jeu de balle.

What to buy: All sort of antiques and african (primitive) art.

What to pay: Beware, it is not that cheap !