DE MARKTEN
The Sainte Catherine area in the centre of Brussels is one of the most lively neighbourhoods in town and amongst my personal favourites, especially on a sunny day! There’s pretty much everything you’re looking for here: cool boutiques along the trendy Rue Dansaert, great restaurants and cute little cafes, comic walls and last but not least, Belgian chocolate shops to satisfy my sweet tooth. Here’s when you can also find De Markten, a cafe which has hands down one of the best terraces in Brussels.
Located in a beautiful little square overlooking the Sainte Catherine church, De Markten is the cafe of the Flemish Cultural Centre. Popular with both locals and visitors, it’s a great place to relax, read a book or catch up with friends over a cup of coffee, tea or a couple of beers (we are in Belgium, after all!). During weekdays, you’ll also find quite a few people working on their laptops as free wifi is available. While the interior is bright and simply decorated, the highlight is the terrace. This is one of the best places to chill during the summer as it’s spacious and littered with tall trees providing shade, a small playground for kids and deckchairs where you can lay back and soak up the sun.
Right across the street you can find Noordzee, famous for serving some of the best seafood in the city, but De Markten also offers light meals. Don’t expect anything fancy, just simple and reasonably priced dishes like salads, soups, omelettes, quiches, open sandwiches and croques. Not too bad if you’re looking for a light lunch or even a no-fuss brunch during the weekend. The only downside of this spot is the inconsistent service. Depending on the day, you may leave either very happy with the staff’s efficiency or a bit annoyed for having to wait forever just to place your order. Since you cannot book a table in advance, make sure to go with an open mind and enjoy De Markten’s lovely location and terrace.
| INFO |
| Address: Rue du Vieux Marché aux Grains 5, 1000 Brussels, Belgium |
| Telephone: +32 2 5139855 |
| Website / Facebook page |
