FLAGEY MARKET
One of the things I enjoy the most when visiting a new city is to explore its local markets. The same is true for Brussels although I’ve been living here for many years now. The Flagey market is a well-known spot to locals but equally, a fun place to discover as a visitor.
I can’t count on one hand (or even two!) how many times I’ve been to this open-air market on a weekend. Since my first visit, I’ve noticed the market shifting from a food market to a gathering spot and really love the vibe. It’s actually one of my favourite food markets in Brussels – not only for the variety of fresh produce and local delicacies one can find here but also for the increasingly good food options. When I’m not going for oysters and champaign (a reason alone to look forward to a trip to the Flagey market), it’s a cup of coffee on the go from PIM while I do my weekly shopping, followed by Mexican food from El Taco Mobil, Thai from Chang Noi or a veggie wrap from Soul Kitchen.
There are other options however, if you don’t fancy grabbing a bite at the market: fresh pasta, roasted chicken, fresh bread, olives and spreads, cheese, Moroccan sweets, you name it! It’s quite hard to leave empty-handed. The market is open from early in the morning (around 7:00 am) till early in the afternoon (1:30 pm on weekends) but my advice is to go before noon for the best selection and avoid the crowds.
The square where the market takes place was formerly known as Place Sainte-Croix and renamed after Eugène Flagey, the mayor of Ixelles between 1936-1956. Whether you’re a local or not, you can combine your visit to the market with a stroll around the Ixelles ponds and a stop to Café Belga to warm up or sunbathe, depending on the season! Now see why I love the Flagey market?
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Address: Plage Eugène Flagey, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium |