The flea market at the Place du Jeu de Balle, also known as the "Old Market" (the "Vieux Marché" in French), located in the heart of the Marolles district of Brussels, is certainly the most famous flea market in the Belgian capital: 450 merchants work there every day of the year - this flea market is for professional sellers only.
Built in 1853, the Place du Jeu de Balle or "Old Market", together with the nearby Rue Blaes, was originally intended to serve as a playing field for players of "balle pelote" (a former version of tennis), a highly regarded game in Brussels in the nineteenth century. In 1873, the city council decided to move the "junk and old clothes market" ("den â met", which means "old market" in the Brussels dialect), which then occupied the Anneessens square and, in the words of a local councilor, "had a negative impact on the appearance of the new central boulevards".
Today, the "old market" has lost none of its former charm and there are always prizes to be won: antiques, second-hand clothes, and bric-a-brac in a friendly and cosmopolitan atmosphere. You will also have to bargain a little, because that's part of the game, but remember that there is no market anyway: we bargain a little, yes, but the prices are the prices, because you will often find quality items.
Regular visitors will tell you that the best days to go to the flea market on the Place du Jeu de Balle are Thursdays and Fridays. On Saturday and Sunday, however, you may be able to find some more "specific" or rare items that usually only come out on weekends. Whichever day you choose to visit the flea market at the Place du Jeu de Balle, remember that if you want to increase your chances of finding that hidden gem, go early in the morning when the dealers are unpacking their boxes (around 5 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.).
At the end of your visit to the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market, do not forget to explore the nearby antique and second-hand shops, such as those on Grande Rue, Rue Blaes, and Place Sablon. You should find what you are looking for there... And if you also go to Place Saint Catherine, do not forget to make a stop at Stef Antiek, one of the most surprising junk dealers in the Belgian capital.
Romuald Crépin
10th July 2015 at 22:50Très tôt le matin et, en particulier le mardi et le jeudi, vous pouvez faire de magnifiques découvertes. En plein quartier de marolles, la place du jeu de balle est le rendez-vous des brocanteurs professionnels.
Là, se côtoient brocanteurs et antiquaires en quête d’une bonne affaire.
Les vendeurs sont tous des professionnels de la brocante et des vides-greniers.
Bien discuter les prix. Attention aux arnaques. Beaucoup de copies vendues comme des originaux. Néanmoins, un oeil averti peut découvrir de belles choses.
Ouvert tous les jours, mais je recommande d’éviter d’y aller les samedis et dimanches.
Mathew Mills
29th September 2015 at 06:55The Place du Jeu de Balle is a daily event, starting about 6am and running to lunchtime. It is a kaleidoscope of junk and stuff, from piles of clothes, scarves, to books, yesterdays and tomorrows antiques with very colorful characters doing the bidding.
Be prepared to haggle or die, and go during the week (prices are lower than on the weekend where there is the tourist premium). Caveat Emptor is the rule: so have a good look before you part with your money; It maybe the last you see of it. Also around are some great antique shops, reasonably priced compared to Paris.
Erin Armstrong
8th December 2015 at 16:12If you enjoy flea markets, this is one for you. People there were open and very diverse! Saw people from lots of different cultures and they’re were all selling personal stuff which printed a nice atmosphere in the place.
Bianca Cluysen
9th February 2016 at 06:45This is a fantastic flea market. The best day to visit it is Sunday morning. The rest of the week is not as lively. The square is large and surrounded by red brick buildings including a church. On Sundays the bars and cafes around it liven up and there is good jazz music live, Belgian beer and simple food.
Leslie Nelson
18th June 2016 at 06:25There are over 100 stall laid out on the ground and tables. Haggling is suggested for the prices. Small restaurants are along the edge of the place. Things for sale change every day – so go back.