Staying in Sablon and the Marolles
These adjoining neighborhoods occupy different levels of the city. Around the Sablon, you can follow Rue de la Régence toward the museums and the Palace of Justice. In the Marolles, Rue Haute and Rue Blaes lead through a denser network of shops and homes. Plot your hotel on a map before booking, since a short distance can involve a noticeable climb.
At a glance
- Best for
- Museums, quiet, antiques
- At night
- Quiet
- Getting around
- Metro Louise or Parc; trams 92 and 94
- Price level
- €€€
The Upper Town, near the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, with antique shops, chocolatiers and calm streets.
Good for
- Museums and galleries on foot
- Quiet evenings and chocolate shops
- A flea market at your door in the Marolles
Think twice if
- You want a lively bar scene
- Hills tire you
How Sablon and the Marolles compares with the rest of Brussels
What is near Sablon and the Marolles
Petit Sablon
About 3 minutes from Place du Grand Sablon, this enclosed garden provides benches beside the church.
Place Poelaert
Walk uphill for about 10 minutes from Place du Grand Sablon to the viewpoint beside the Palace of Justice.
Place du Jeu de Balle
About 15 minutes from Place du Grand Sablon via Rue Blaes, with extra time needed for browsing along the way.
Eating in Sablon and the Marolles
Around Place du Grand Sablon, expect chocolate shops, tea rooms and restaurants suited to a seated lunch. Along Rue Haute and Rue Blaes, look for smaller cafes and straightforward meals between shop visits. If you plan to browse the flea market, eat nearby before tackling the climb back toward the Upper Town.
Getting around from Sablon and the Marolles
Louise station, on metro lines 2 and 6, is useful for the upper edge of the area. Porte de Hal, also on lines 2 and 6, suits parts of the Marolles. The public lift beside Place Poelaert connects the viewpoint with the lower streets; check availability if you rely on it.
Hotels in Sablon and the Marolles
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Other areas of Brussels
Staying in Sablon and the Marolles
Are Sablon and the Marolles at the same level?
No. Sablon sits above much of the Marolles, so routes between them can involve slopes or steps. Check your hotel's approach if walking uphill is difficult.
When should I visit the flea market?
Go in the morning for browsing at Place du Jeu de Balle, then continue along Rue Blaes or Rue Haute. Check official information for current market hours.
Can I use the lift near the Palace of Justice?
The public lift links Place Poelaert with the Marolles below. If it is essential to your route, check that it is operating before setting out.