The guild houses of the Grand Place have blinded you with their gilded patina. The chocolate shops of the Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert have filled you with temptations. The Mont des Arts has given you the perfect panorama. You’ve ticked off the Brussels must-sees, but you feel something is missing, that authentic connection with the city’s culture. You’re not alone. So often we let ourselves be guided by the obvious that we forget the exceptional. For this reason, when traveling, it’s always wise to reserve some space in the itinerary to discover a corner that’s not strictly “necessary,” but genuine. In the case of Belgium’s capital, this place is, without a doubt, Place Flagey.
Outdoor Market
While in the city center lines form with the sole aim of photographing Manneken-Pis, on this Ixelles municipality square, Saturdays reward the patient queue in front of the Terra & Mar food truck with oysters and wine (there are those who prefer champagne to Sauvignon Blanc). On weekends it becomes a lively outdoor market that, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., unfolds its stalls of flowers, fruit and vegetables, but also of food. For a few hours — hours that feel like days — the urban space dedicated to former mayor Eugène Flagey is transformed into a gastronomic and social hotspot, where conversations and the aperitif can be extended (perhaps even dancing).
A variety of pickles, Flemish cheeses, fried calamari, Thai dishes, Moroccan sweets, roast chicken… No matter the craving, Place Flagey seems designed to satisfy any gastronomic desire. What more could you ask for? Since we’re hoping for it, hopefully it won’t rain so we can enjoy them right there on the square and complete the perfect plan.
