Sablon

Fine foods and antiques in an elegant enclave

Noteworthy for: The weekend antiques market in Place Sablon, with the majestic Notre Dame church as a backdrop, features stalls selling a huge variety of antiques and curios.
In a network of streets running from Sablon's elegant square, and lording over the square itself, are nestled some of the city's most interesting and beautiful shops. The fine Belgian chocolate boutiques, sprawling antiques emporiums, and aromatic patisseries dotted around this refined area make for an extremely pleasant shopping experience - even if you're just browsing.

Top picks include the exclusive and utterly divine Pierre Marcolini, which releases new season chocolates like a fashion house and whose macaroons are to-die-for, the row of Aladdin's cave antiques shops snaking up Rue de Rollebeek, and the House of Wittamer, the patisserie and chocolatier that has graced the square since 1910.