Located just a 10-minute walk from Brussel’s bustling Grand Place, Place du Grand Sablon is a historic square at the heart of the Sablon quarter. It feels a world away from the busy city center, with striking medieval townhouses, stylish restaurants, terrace cafés, and a lively antiques market.
The Basics
The Sablon District of Brussels is an ideal spot for dining, shopping, or enjoying a peaceful glass of Belgian beer after a day of sightseeing. Visit on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to explore the area’s maze of cobbled streets, or opt for a private city tour to learn about the square’s history and visit other Brussels highlights such as St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Royal Palace.
While the star attraction is the weekend antiques market, the area around Place du Grand Sablon is also a popular stop on chocolate tours of Brussels, with Belgian chocolate shops such as Marcolini, Godiva, Neuhaus, Wittamer, and Leonidas located on and around the square. Place du Grand Sablon is also a good jumping-off point for visiting nearby attractions such as the Manneken Pis, the Mont des Arts gardens, and Brussels Park (Parc de Bruxelles).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Place du Grand Sablon is a must-see for culture, food, and history lovers.
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore the cobbled lanes of the Sablon District.
- The Place du Grand Sablon is wheelchair accessible, although if you’re attending the market it’s a good idea to arrive early to browse before crowds arrive.
How to Get to There
Place du Grand Sablon is a 10-minute walk from the Grand Place in central Brussels. The closest metro station is Louise, and trams 92 and 93 also stop nearby.
When to Get There
Summer (especially July and August) is the most popular time to visit Place du Grand Sablon, when the weather is typically warm and sunny. Be sure to visit on a weekend to catch the famous antique and book markets, which are held all day Saturday and on Sunday mornings.
Exploring the Sablon District
The picturesque lanes of the Sablon District are ideal for strolling and the whole area is packed with art galleries, antique shops, and cafés. After browsing the market stalls on Place du Grand Sablon, make the short walk uphill to the Place du Petit Sablon, home to the beautiful late-Gothic church of Notre-Dame du Sablon. Close by, the Mont des Arts District is home to museums including the Magritte Museum, the Museum of Musical Instruments, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.
