Marolles

A taste of 'old Brussels' and a vintage shopper's heaven
Word to the wise: Marolles is just about the only place in Brussels where shops are open on Sundays.

Despite the city's recent modernisation as the seat of the EU, 'Old Brussels' still exists and Marolles is one of the best places to see it. A former working-class district, the 'echte Brusseleirs', as real locals are known, still live here. You'll sometimes hear their strong Brussels dialect, a mixture of French and Dutch, on the streets.
Place Jeu de Balle and its daily flea market form the heart of this district. From 7am to 2pm you will find everything from Tintin figurines and old crockery to Art Nouveau vases, African art and one-off antique pieces. In addition, shops selling second-hand antiques and curios line the streets leading off the square, but many only open on the weekend.

Even if you're not in shopping mode, the area's cafe culture makes it a perfect stop for a coffee or a Belgian beer at a pavement table while watching the world go by.