Intro
It usually all starts with an “innocent” visit to the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market in Brussels, just to see what the place looks like. And before you know it, you’re caught by this flea market hunting frenzy, that takes you from one booth to another, and won’t leave you until you’ve visited at least each stall twice (“just to be sure”…).
The Jeu de Balle flea market is probably the most famous of its kind in Belgium. But there are many other flea markets around the country, some just as great as this one.
Belgium has always been a great trading post. Located at the crossroad between European superpowers like France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Great Britain, it has collected along the centuries, influences from its mighty neighbors. And that explains why today it’s not surprising to find some incredible marvels and bargains at most flea markets around the country: it ain’t for no reason that Belgium is one of the favorite hunting places for wealthy European antiques dealer and seasoned flea market hunters.
From weekly flea markets to behemoth yearly antique fairs, here is our selection of Belgium’s best flea markets.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This review has been divided into 4 pages to make it easier to jump quickly from one page to the other. By clicking on any of the link featured in the table of Contents below, you’ll be able to land directly on the page of your interest. You can alternatively use the “Continue” link, featured below the sharing buttons, to load the next page.
Bonus: flea markets of Belgium on a map!
With our tool Fleamapket, you can view 18 of the best flea markets in Belgium on a map! Not only did we include some of the flea markets that made it into our ranking of the Best Flea Markets in Belgium, but we also added some of the country’s most acclaimed antique fairs to the mix. Click on the image below to access our map feature for free.
Paul Hunt
Ciney Expo Flea Market and Antique Fair, anyone know the dates for 2016?
flea market insiders
Hi Paul, the next Ciney Expo Flea Market and Antique Fair will take place on Friday 25th (“Merchants’ Day”), Saturday 26th, Sunday 28th and Monday 29th of March 2016.
Sian
Hello I am thinking of having a “flea market” weekend in Belgium. Where would you recommend to be the best place? Someone said Waterloo, any ideas please?
flea market insiders
Hi Sian, I would say it totally depends on when you’re planning to be in Belgium :) If you’re flexible, I’d recommend you to attend the Ciney Expo Flea Market & Antique Fair (upcoming dates available in our calendar); the fair only takes place a few times in the year, so it requires a bit of planning ahead.
A great weekly flea market is Tongeren, in Flanders. The Place du Jeu de Balle is nice (all the more so as the Antiques Dealer streets rue Haute and rue Blaes are nearby), but not worth a trip to Belgium in its own. As per the Waterloo flea market, it ain’t that big.
However, if you’re in Brussels, you could easily do the Place du Jeu de Balle and in the same day, drive to Waterloo (25 miles). One useful tool: our map of flea markets in Belgium, so you can plan your trip: http://www.fleamapket.com/location/belgium/
Have a happy flea market shopping time in Belgium!
Sian
Thanks so much for the info. I have been to the Ciney fairs before, yes, very good. The journey is a bit further from the UK. I am thinking of going 12th Feb for 4 days. I will certianly visit the markets you have suggested. Best wishes and thanks!
Tori Owen
Hi-I will be attending Ciney and wondered whether I should go to Tournai or Tongeren? I am furnishing a home in Amsterdam so mostly looking for furniture.
Thanks!
Tori
Ashley Miller
AuthorHi Tori, if you’re looking for antique furniture to furnish your home, I’d rather recommend Tongeren than Tournai. Even if the later is one of the biggest flea markets in the country, Tongeren is one of the best from a quality perspective. Items might also be on the pricey side, but you will find gems there. Also, Tongeren is only a few miles away from Liège, where the brocante Saint Pholien takes place every Friday of the week: https://www.fleamapket.com/listing/brocante-saint-pholien/
We wish you a lot of success with your flea market road trip! :)
Tori Owen
Ashley-thank you so much! I am so glad I asked:)
Tori
Ashley Miller
AuthorYou’re very welcome Tori :) And feel free to share some pictures of your finds on our facebook page, if you feel like it!
Nick
Looking for good second hand clothing flea markets not in Holland? Thanks
karen
Hi Ashley could you tell me if there is a big flea market in Uccle Sunday 2nd Sept 18 please and is it good for vintage shopping? Many thanks Karen
Ashley Miller
AuthorHi Karen, there’s indeed a Brocante in Uccle on 2 September 2018 (08:00-18:00) hosting over 150 exhibitors, in the streets Myosotis, Van Ophem, de Puysselaer, and Molenvel. No new items are allowed to be sold, and food stalls are limited. More info: https://www.brocantes.be/fr/brocante/1642/Uccle-Brocante-annuelle-du-Comit%C3%A9-de-quartier-Ophem-C%C2%B0-02-septembre-2018-
Clark
Have driven for an hour to Tournai for the antiques market only to find it’s been built on…. not happy. If you are giving out information at least make sure it’s up to date….
Ashley Miller
AuthorHi Clark, sorry to hear that you haven’t had a good experience in Tournai. I checked their official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/brocantedesbastions/), and the flea market was still taking place last month. The upcoming Brocante des Bastions is also announced here: https://wallonie.sortir.eu/evenements/brocante-des-bastions-2018
Are you sure you were at the right place that Sunday?
Marley
I am in Waterloo and I’m packing a container to the US . Was planning on going to flea market les Bastions on Sunday … read review from Clark and now I’m a little hesitant since that is my last shopping day before returning to US . Did you find any new news on that market ?
Ashley Miller
AuthorHi Marley, I personally reached out to the organisers of the Brocante des Bastions, and they confirmed me that the flea market is still operating. The next flea market will take place on October 21st 2018. All upcoming dates: https://wallonie.sortir.eu/evenements/brocante-des-bastions-2018
James
Hi Ashley, I am looking for a genuine brass antique Flemish chandelier converted for electric lighting. Please can you recommend where to find a good one? Preferably, not too far from Mons/Brussels. Thank you.