How long does it take to walk the Old Port Trail in Brussels?

The core trail through Sainte-Catherine takes about 60-90 minutes. If you follow the full route to the Marolles and Avenue Louise, expect to spend about 2 to 3 hours including stops for photos and snacks.

Is the Sainte-Catherine neighborhood worth visiting?

Yes, it is one of Brussels' most authentic districts. It offers a unique mix of medieval history, maritime heritage, and the city's best seafood dining, located just a short walk from the Grand Place.

Where can I see the old city walls of Brussels?

The Black Tower (Tour Noire) near Saint Catherine Church is one of the best-preserved sections of the 13th-century first city walls, standing in stark contrast to the modern buildings around it.

Can I do this walking route with a stroller?

Most of the route is very accessible and flat. The Sainte-Catherine quays and grand boulevards are stroller-friendly, though be prepared for some cobblestones in the older alleys and the Marolles district.

When is the best time to visit the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market?

The flea market is daily, but it is best to go in the morning. On weekdays it runs until 2:00 PM, and on weekends until 3:00 PM, but the most interesting items are usually found before noon.

What are the highlights of the Brussels maritime district?

Key highlights include the Quai aux Briques (former docks), Saint Catherine Church, the medieval Black Tower, and the Halles Saint-Géry, which marks the island where Brussels was founded.

How do I get back to the center from Avenue Louise?

From the end of the route at Cafe de la Presse, you can easily take Tram 93 or 8 from the 'Legrand' stop. These trams run frequently and will take you back to the city center in about 15-20 minutes.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Embark on a self-guided walk through the soul of Brussels, where the city’s maritime past meets its vibrant culinary present. This neighborhood stroll focuses on Sainte-Catherine, an area once defined by bustling docks and the smell of salt air, now transformed into a haven for foodies and history buffs alike. As you explore independently, you will trace the invisible lines of the old Zenne river and the fortifications that once protected this medieval powerhouse. The route begins near the iconic Bourse, the former Stock Exchange, before diving into the winding alleys that lead to the legendary Grand Place. From there, the trail shifts toward the 'Vieux Port' or Old Port area. You will encounter the Black Tower, a surprising 13th-century relic standing defiantly against modern architecture, and the majestic Saint Catherine Church, which remains the heart of the district. The quays, once filled with merchant ships, are now lined with some of the city's finest seafood restaurants and trendy boutiques. This walking route doesn't just stick to the classics; it invites you to discover the birthplace of Brussels at Halles Saint-Géry and the eclectic energy of the Marolles flea market. Whether you are admiring the neoclassical facades or sampling a traditional speculoos biscuit, this experience captures the multifaceted personality of the Belgian capital. This self-guided adventure allows you to set the pace, whether you want to linger over a craft beer at the Delirium Café or browse the vintage treasures at Place du Jeu de Balle. It is a perfect introduction for those who want to see the transition from the historic center to the local favorites that define modern Brussels life. By following this audio walk, you will understand how a city built on water evolved into the international crossroads it is today, all while enjoying the freedom of an independent journey.

Highlights

The medieval Black Tower, a hidden 13th-century remnant

The former docks of Quai aux Briques, now a seafood paradise

Halles Saint-Géry, the historic birthplace of Brussels

Maison Dandoy's world-famous traditional Belgian biscuits

The vibrant atmosphere of the Place du Jeu de Balle flea market

Saint Catherine Church, the architectural heart of the old port

Tour Stops (15)

Carrefour market Saint Honoré

Start your self-guided adventure here in the heart of the city. While it looks like a modern marketplace today, this area sits on the edge of the historic 'Ilot Sacré.' This spot serves as a perfect gateway between the commercial center and the historic docks. As you begin your neighborhood stroll, take a moment to notice the blend of architecture surrounding you. Brussels is a city of layers, and here, the 19th-century grand boulevards meet the older, narrower medieval street patterns. This intersection was once a hive of activity for local merchants supplying the nearby markets with fresh goods from the surrounding countryside.

Brussels Stock Exchange

The Bourse, or Stock Exchange, is a masterpiece of neoclassical design completed in 1873. It stands on the site of a former Franciscan convent, reflecting the city's shift from religious to commercial dominance in the 19th century. Look up at the ornate sculptures; many were crafted by famous artists, including a young Auguste Rodin. Today, the building has been reimagined as 'Belgian World,' a temple to Belgian beer culture. This landmark serves as a central meeting point for locals and marks the boundary where the old river Zenne used to flow before it was covered up to create these grand boulevards.

Maison Dandoy - Grand Place

Follow the scent of cinnamon and caramelized sugar to Maison Dandoy. This is a true Brussels institution, family-run since 1829. They are famous for Speculoos, a spiced shortcrust biscuit traditionally baked for St. Nicholas Day. The wooden molds used to shape these biscuits are works of art themselves, often depicting historical figures or local folklore. Sampling a biscuit here is a rite of passage for any visitor. It represents the Belgian dedication to artisanal craft and culinary tradition that has remained unchanged for nearly two centuries, even as the city modernized around it.

Lloyd Coffee Eatery - Grand-Place

Just steps from the world-famous Grand Place, this spot highlights the contemporary coffee culture that thrives alongside Brussels' historic tea rooms. The Grand Place itself, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was once the city's main market square. While the guilds of bakers, brewers, and tailors once dominated these gold-leafed facades, today's cafes like Lloyd offer a modern space to observe the international crowd. Notice how the architecture transitions from the gothic heights of the Town Hall to the opulence of the guild houses, each vying for prestige in the city's economic heart.

Delirium Café

Tucked away in a small alley, the Delirium Café is legendary among beer lovers, once holding the Guinness World Record for the number of beers offered—over 2,000! The pink elephant logo is a nod to the 'Delirium Tremens' beer. This stop is essential for understanding the sheer scale of Belgian beer heritage. The alley itself, Impasse de la Fidélité, also houses the Jeanneke Pis, the female counterpart to the famous Manneken Pis statue. It is a quirky, vibrant corner of the city that perfectly captures the Belgian sense of humor and love for a good brew.

Grand Casino Brussels VIAGE

Located in a former gallery, the VIAGE represents the modern entertainment face of Brussels. However, the building's history is tied to the 19th-century 'Anspach' urban renewal project. This area was once the site of a massive covered market. As you pass by, consider how Brussels has constantly repurposed its grand spaces. What was once a place for trading meat and vegetables became a theater, and eventually, a modern leisure complex. It sits on the edge of the pedestrian zone, one of the largest in Europe, which has returned the streets to walkers and explorers.

Black Tower

One of the most striking sights on this walking route is the Black Tower. This 13th-century stone structure is a rare remnant of the first city walls of Brussels. It is almost surreal to see this medieval fortification standing directly behind the modern Novotel hotel. It survived the centuries because it was integrated into other buildings, only to be rediscovered and restored in the 19th century. It serves as a silent witness to the era when Brussels was a fortified town, protecting its wealth and its people from the turbulent politics of the Middle Ages.

Saint Catherine Catholic Church

Saint Catherine is the patron saint of sailors, which is why this church is the centerpiece of the old port district. The current building, completed in the 1850s, replaced an older medieval church that stood when the docks were still active. Its architecture is an eclectic mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Inside, you can find a statue of the 'Black Madonna,' which according to legend, was thrown into the river but miraculously floated. The church stands as a bridge between the city's religious devotion and its maritime commercial history.

Quai aux Briques

You are now standing where the water once flowed. The 'Quai aux Briques' (Brick Quay) and the parallel 'Quai au Bois à Brûler' (Firewood Quay) were the main basins of the Port of Brussels. Merchant ships from the North Sea would sail right into the city center to unload their cargo. Although the basins were filled in at the end of the 19th century, the wide open space and the name of the streets preserve the memory of the docks. Today, this is the premier spot for seafood, with restaurants displaying their fresh catches of the day on ice outside.

Rue de Flandre

The Rue de Flandre is one of the oldest and most atmospheric streets in the Sainte-Catherine neighborhood. Historically, this was the main road leading towards the County of Flanders. Today, it is a hub for independent designers, cozy bistros, and local boutiques. As you stroll, look for the 'Vismet,' the old fish market. The street perfectly blends the old Brussels—with its traditional 'estaminet' pubs—and the new, creative energy of the city's Flemish-influenced design scene. It is the best place to feel the local, authentic pulse of the neighborhood away from the main tourist trail.

Halles Saint-Géry

This is where it all began. The Halles Saint-Géry is built on the site of an island in the Zenne river where the first settlement of Brussels was established in the 10th century. The current building is a beautiful former covered meat market from 1881. Today, it serves as an exhibition space and a popular bar. Look for the glass floor sections inside that reveal the foundations of the original city and a symbolic representation of the lost Zenne river. It remains the beating heart of the city's nightlife and a symbol of Brussels' urban resilience.

Wolf Sharing Food Market 🐺

Wolf is a modern take on the traditional market hall, located in the former headquarters of the CGER bank. This food hall brings together some of the city's best independent chefs under one roof, featuring a microbrewery and diverse global cuisines. The architecture preserves the grand marble and brass of the original bank, creating a unique atmosphere that blends corporate history with street food culture. It reflects the 21st-century Brussels: international, diverse, and always focused on high-quality gastronomy. It’s a great place to see how the city continues to reinvent its historic spaces.

Vieux Marché place du Jeu de Balle

To reach this stop, you've crossed into the Marolles, the most 'Brusselse' of all neighborhoods. Since 1873, the Place du Jeu de Balle has hosted a daily flea market. This is the place to find everything from antique silverware to quirky mid-century furniture. The name 'Jeu de Balle' refers to a traditional ball game once played here. The Marolles was historically the working-class district, and that gritty, authentic spirit remains. Whether you buy anything or not, the experience of watching the stallholders and hearing the local 'Brusseleer' dialect is a highlight of any neighborhood stroll.

Café Belga

Moving south toward the Flagey area, you encounter Café Belga, located in the iconic Flagey Building. This Art Deco masterpiece, shaped like a ship, was the former headquarters of the National Institute of Radio Broadcasting. Café Belga is more than just a coffee shop; it is a cultural crossroads where students, artists, and expats meet. The nearby Ixelles Ponds offer a peaceful escape, but the energy of Belga remains the main draw. It represents the shift of Brussels' social life toward the vibrant, diverse communes outside the immediate historic center.

Cafe de la Presse

Your journey concludes on the Avenue Louise, near the beautiful Bois de la Cambre. Cafe de la Presse is a favorite for locals seeking a relaxed atmosphere amidst the high-end fashion boutiques of the Louise district. This area developed in the late 19th century as a prestigious residential boulevard. As you finish your walk, notice the contrast between the working-class Marolles and the leafy, affluent Louise neighborhood. It’s a fitting end to a route that has taken you from the medieval docks to the modern, cosmopolitan capital of Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk is the best way to explore Sainte-Catherine. This route takes you from the historic Bourse to the old fish market quays, allowing you to discover landmarks like the Black Tower and Halles Saint-Géry at your own pace.