The Sablon at a glance
The Place du Grand Sablon is a square and a quarter known for antiques dealers and chocolate craft. Its landmark is Notre-Dame du Sablon, a Gothic church from the 15th century that is tied to the Ommegang tradition. A few steps away, the Petit Sablon is a small garden with bronze statuettes. Below the Place Royale, the Mont des Arts gardens link the upper and lower parts of the city.
Most visitors come for a slow hour or two after the Grand Place. If you are building a longer day, pair it with our guide to the Old Town around the Grand Place or book one of the Brussels walking tours that cover the centre. The Sablon is a good place to see how the city looks away from the main square.
Sablon antiques market and other market days
Market hours in 2026.
| Market | Day | Hours | What it sells |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antiques market, Place du Grand Sablon | Saturday | 9:00–17:00 | Antiques |
| Antiques market, Place du Grand Sablon | Sunday | 9:00–15:00 | Antiques |
| Sablon Gourmet market | Thursday | 15:00–21:00 | Food and tastings |
The antiques market is a weekend market, so plan for Saturday or Sunday and check the day again before you go. The Thursday market is a food market, not an antiques market. For most visitors, Saturday morning is the simplest choice: the antiques market is open until 17:00 and the Grand Place is a short walk away.
Brussels tours that include the Sablon area
Guided walks through the centre, with chocolate and beer stops, live prices and availability.
What to see around the Sablon
Four stops within the quarter and just below it.
Notre-Dame du Sablon
A Gothic church from the 15th century on the edge of the square. It is linked to the Ommegang tradition. Opening hours for visitors can change, so check at the door or before you travel.
Petit Sablon
A garden designed by Henri Beyaert, enclosed by wrought-iron railings with 48 bronze statuettes of former trades. Check the gate times on the day.
Mont des Arts
The gardens sit below the Place Royale and connect the upper and lower town. They were laid out for the 1910 world fair, redesigned in the 1950s and restored in 2001. The step-free route is via the Rue du Mont des Arts. Other access is by stairs.
Chocolate craft
The Sablon is known for chocolate making alongside its antiques trade. For the story of the Belgian praline and a museum visit, see the Brussels chocolate guide.
Mont des Arts, between the upper town and the Grand Place
The gardens are a green stop between the Sablon and the centre. Visitors in a wheelchair or with a pushchair should use the Rue du Mont des Arts access.
Plan a Sablon visit
Where it fits with the rest of Brussels.
- Saturday or Sunday: go in the morning for the antiques market, then walk on to the Mont des Arts.
- Thursday: visit in the afternoon or evening for the gourmet market.
- Any other day: the church exterior, the Petit Sablon and the chocolate shops make a short visit.
Sablon Brussels: frequently asked questions
When is the Sablon antiques market?
Saturday 9:00–17:00 and Sunday 9:00–15:00. Confirm the day before a special trip.
Is there a market on Thursday?
Yes, the Sablon Gourmet market runs on Thursday from 15:00 to 21:00. It sells food and tastings, not antiques.
What is the Petit Sablon?
A small garden by Henri Beyaert, enclosed by wrought-iron railings with 48 bronze statuettes of former trades.
Can I get into Notre-Dame du Sablon?
It is a Gothic church from the 15th century. Visiting hours and any entry fee can change, so check at the church on the day.
Is the Mont des Arts accessible?
The step-free access is via the Rue du Mont des Arts. Other ways in use stairs.
What else is near the Sablon?
The Petit Sablon garden is a few steps away, and the Mont des Arts gardens lie below the Place Royale.