Flea markets, museums, parks, brunches… Brussels doesn’t fall asleep on Sundays. On Car-Free Day, September 21, the capital offers countless ways to gently stretch out the weekend.
After a packed week of back-to-back meetings, Sunday becomes a pause, a little parenthesis in time. Instead of rushing out of town, why not enjoy Brussels itself? On Car-Free Day, the city lends itself even more to walks, markets and discoveries, whether on foot or by bike. Here are a few ideas for a Sunday of simple pleasures.
Browsing and strolling: Sunday treasures
The day starts early for those who love wandering between stalls and antique finds. First stop: the flea market at Place du Jeu de Balle. Every day, and especially on Sunday mornings, the Marolles buzz with conversations and discoveries. Furniture from another era, yellowed pages of old books, second-hand clothing—everyone is looking for that special gem. A little further on, the Sablon Antiques Market (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) remains a safe bet for those in search of rarer pieces or a bit of history to take home.
For a more cosmopolitan atmosphere, food lovers head to Gare du Midi. Its Sunday market, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., feels like a journey around the world: fruits and vegetables from every corner of the globe, fragrant spices, clothes and plants spread out over several blocks. Smaller but just as friendly are the markets of Boitsfort (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Place Jourdan, where locals shop for organic produce, roast chicken or regional specialties.
On Sunday afternoons, the MicroMarché at Quai à la Houille highlights artisanal creations, while the Brussels Vintage Market and Voddemet at Tour & Taxis (on the first or last Sunday of the month) celebrate second-hand treasures and retro style.
Green pauses and urban walks
Sunday also means walking, and Brussels is full of green spaces to catch your breath: the Royal Park with its classic avenues, the Bois de la Cambre for a picnic with friends, Josaphat Park with its century-old trees, or the gardens of Laeken. No car needed—everything is within reach by bike, public transport, or simply on foot. During Mobility Week, why not seize the chance to get around differently?
And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries provide elegant shelter for strolling indoors, among bookshops, chocolatiers and cafés. Several shopping districts are also open on Sundays: around the Grand-Place for souvenirs and fashion boutiques, Rue de Brabant near the North Station for spices and textiles, or the Brugmann district, perfect for window shopping paired with a coffee break.
Culture, brunch and little pleasures
Sunday is also made for cultural discoveries. On the first Sunday of every month, several Brussels museums open their doors free of charge: the City Museum, the Fashion & Lace Museum, or the Sewer Museum. Others are accessible year-round: Bozar, the Magritte Museum, or the Tram Museum, where you can hop aboard a vintage tram for a ride through history.
Another Brussels ritual that has become a must: brunch. Whether organic, hearty or vegetarian, it has found its place both in cozy neighborhood cafés and in trendier spots. To cool off, you can head to the city-center swimming pool or Mix Brussels. And to round off the day: a movie, a visit to one of the bookstores that stay open, or a plant market such as Plantes pour tous, perfect for bringing a little greenery home.
A Sunday that feels like us
On Sundays, Brussels shows many faces. The point isn’t to do it all, but to choose: browse a market, relax in a park, visit a museum, or simply get lost in a neighborhood. The city adapts to every mood, without pressure. And at a time when soft mobility is on the rise, perhaps that’s the true luxury: rediscovering the city’s proximity and human scale. After all, you don’t always need to travel far to find a change of scenery—Brussels on a Sunday already has everything you need.