Dansaert is the creative and trendy Brussels: pretty shop windows, design boutiques, trendy cafés… and an urban atmosphere that appeals to adults and teenagers alike. The big advantage with the family: you can do a short loop (2 hours) without getting tired, or a long version (3–4 hours) by adding an activity to book + a dinner on the Sainte-Catherine side.
Why go with your family?
- Because it’s a “cool” and simple plan : you stroll, you do 2–3 shops max, and you keep up the pace.
- Because the breaks are easy : coffees, snacks and quick food options just a stone’s throw away (Sainte-Catherine).
- Because it works very well with teenagers : shop windows, concept stores, photo spots, and the possibility of adding a street art tour or an immersive experience.
About the Neighbourhood
- Dansaert = fashion, design, trendy boutiques (a real shopping hub in Brussels).
- Rue Antoine Dansaert is the main axis: there are many stylish boutiques (Visit Brussels cites Stijl, Icon and Dries Van Noten, among others).
- Sainte-Catherine completes perfectly: terraces, restaurants, a very lively atmosphere — and a real “fish and seafood” DNA linked to the history of the district (former fish market / port)
At a glance
Best starting points
- Sainte-Catherine (central, convenient for eating)
- Place de la Bourse (if you are coming from the historic centre)
- Rue Antoine Dansaert (direct in the “design” heart)
Duration
- 2 hours : window displays + 2–3 shops + snack break
- 3–4 hours : + activity to book + dinner / aperitif
The right timing
- Afternoon : Shops + cafes
- End of the day : aperitif / dinner (also great without children)
🎟️ To be booked in the neighborhood (our “safe bets”)
- Street art guided tour (urban format, perfect for teenagers)
- Immersive experience (rain plan)
- Show at the end of the day (if you want an “evening” outing)
- Museum or exhibition accessible from the centre
Dansaert Walking Itinerary (2 to 4 hours)
1) Departure: Sainte-Catherine (easy and central)
Start here if you want a “no-fuss” outing: atmosphere, terraces, and food options at your fingertips.
2) Go up to Rue Antoine Dansaert (the “design” heart)
Stroll through windows + concept stores.
Golden rule for families : 2–3 shops maximum, then a break (otherwise it drags on and everyone drops out).
3) Coffee break / snack (the moment that saves the exit)
Take a break after 45–60 minutes. In the neighborhood, the coffee option is easy (and very “Dansaert”).
4) “Add an experience” option (recommended)
Then schedule 1 reserved activity according to your mood:
- Street Art & Comics (if you want to walk and see “urban Brussels”)
- MOIR / Banksy / Choco-Story (if you want an indoor / museum plan)
5) End of the walk: Saint-Géry (very nice bonus)
If you want a last stop on “living Brussels”, make a detour to Saint-Géry / Les Halles Saint-Géry : emblematic building, exhibitions/events according to the programme.
Where to eat around Dansaert with children
Fast and efficient (Sainte-Catherine)
The area is renowned for its restaurants and bars, with a strong presence of fish/seafood (historical heritage of the fish market).
- Noordzee – North Sea : well-known “on-the-go” option.
- Bavet (Sainte-Catherine): practical when you want to eat quickly.
Single table (Rue Dansaert and surroundings)
- Café Walvis : friendly brasserie, convenient for an “easy” lunch break.
“Kids-friendly” break
- Arsouille : useful when you are looking for a more “family” break.
Practical information
Market in Sainte-Catherine (nice to combine)
- Market (Wednesday): The market on Place Sainte-Catherine is announced every Wednesday (morning/midday).
(Schedules and formats may change depending on the season/events: if you come “for that”, check the day before.)
Access
- Hyper central district: easily combined with the historic center on foot (Stock Exchange / Grand-Place).
- Sainte-Catherine metro station: lines indicated in the market / local mobility information.
Stroller
- Yes, it is doable. The only point to anticipate: the crowds on weekends (more comfortable during the week or early afternoon).
Frequently Asked Questions
This is the “creative” district of Brussels: design, concept stores, pretty shop windows, stylish cafes and a real urban atmosphere.
Allow 2 hours for a shopping walk + a break. Allow 3 to 4 hours if you add a restaurant or activity to book at the end of the afternoon.
The afternoon is the most pleasant to enjoy the shops and cafes. The end of the day also works very well if you want to follow up with dinner.
Yes, the walk is simple. The only real point to anticipate is the crowds at the weekend: it’s better to come in the early afternoon or during the week if you want to get around easily.
Yes, if you think of it as a “cool” outing: a few shops, a snack break, then a small detour (exhibition, guided tour, experience). The idea is not to string together too many addresses.
Very. They love the urban atmosphere, concept stores and photo spots. The little extra: finish with a street art tour or an immersive experience.
The easiest way is to start on the Sainte-Catherine side, then go up to Rue Antoine Dansaert. It makes it easy to set up a snack break at the beginning or end.