Check out the largest open-air market of the country, ready to surprise you with thousands of colours and flavours.
The Marche du Midi, or the Midi Market, is probably the best representation of Brussels: a melting pot of people, colours and cultures, with a lot of new things to learn, see, and taste.
Every Sunday, from the first lights of dawn, over 500 dealers occupy the spacious Avenue Fonsny in front of the Brussels Midi (Brussels South) Station to start selling their products to thousands of visitors. Tourists and locals alike love this market: after all, it’s the biggest open market in the country.
Whether you just want to find some new food and enjoy the smells or are ready to grocery shop in bulk for the whole week, the Marche du Midi is the perfect place to find fresh produce at affordable prices, plus tons of fish, meat, dairy and every sort of herb and spices.
- If you are a fan of North African products, this will become your go-to market. Let us warn you: it will probably take you a day or two to look at all the oriental spices and halal meats that are sold here.
- The market is divided into different areas: kitchen utensils and dishes, clothes and leather goods, flowers and plants, food and entertainment.
- Even though the Marche du Midi is famous for its international and special products, don’t think you won’t also find a lot of Belgian food here! There are countless stands selling chocolate and many other Belgian (and European) delicacies.
- If you fancy a bit of bartering or to learn about the goods in front of you, most stalls have someone who can speak English.
Tips and Tricks
- Deal Frenzy: many vendors will usually sell their products at incredibly low prices towards the end of the market, around 13:30, to get rid of leftovers before closing time. Chances are you might be able to get a huge fruit basket for 1€. And, if you get really lucky, maybe you’ll even get something for free.
- Make sure you visit the market on an empty stomach: there are lots of free samples waiting for you.
- Our advice? Try the Moroccan pancakes--in the Middle Eastern section in an inner corner of the market--with a mix of olives and some Moroccan sweet tea. The Chorizo at the Spanish specialties store is worth the calories as well.
Getting There
- By Bus/Tram/Metro: you can take the 27 bus, 82 tram or the 6 metro and get off at Gare du Midi. The market is only a few steps away from the stops.
- By Car: make sure you get there early to find a free on-street parking spot. For paid parking, check Q-Park in the Brussels Midi Station.
Su, 06:00 to 14:00
All seasons
Free
Open; national COVID measures apply.
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