Sainte-Catherine is a lively and very “food” corner of the center, known for its terraces and its neighborhood atmosphere. The presence of fish and seafood restaurants is no coincidence: here, we are on the site of the old inner port of Brussels, around the Vismet — the former fish market, active from 1884 to 1955.
Just behind the church of Sainte-Catherine, you can also see the Black Tower, a well-preserved vestige of the first medieval enclosure.
Why go with your family?
- Because it’s central : you can improvise, shorten, take breaks, and easily continue with the historic center.
- Because it’s “easy to sell” to children: a lively square, a real atmosphere, and the promise of a gourmet break.
- Because it also works with teenagers: street vibes, food, and the possibility of adding an immersive experience / a panoramic bus.
About Sainte-Catherine
- Sainte-Catherine is best known for its food scene (and naturally combines with Dansaert).
- The district is historically linked to the inner port of Brussels: the Vismet (fish market) was active there from 1884 to 1955.
- Behind the church, you can see the Black Tower, visible from the square.
- St. Catherine’s Church was built between 1854 and 1874 on the site of a basin in the old port.
Walking route
1) Place Sainte-Catherine: simple starting point
We start with the square and the church: it is the landmark of the district, and the “center + terraces” atmosphere is immediate.
2) Behind the church: the Black Tower
A discreet medieval vestige, perfect as a small “curiosity” stopover with the family.
3) Fish Market / Vismet: the “food” heart of the district
Head for the quays (Quai aux Briques / Quai au Bois à Brûler): former inner port of Brussels, historically associated with the fish market (Vismet). This is where the neighborhood gets its “fish/seafood/street-food” DNA.
4) Gourmet break
We land around the Vismet / Rue Sainte-Catherine. It’s a very nice place in the neighborhood.
5) Family activity
- Immersive option : MOIR (60 min)
- Art & Gaming Option : ARTCADE (60–90 min)
6) Go up the pedestrian area (Boulevard Anspach) for the “Brussels centre” atmosphere
This is the natural transition between Sainte-Catherine and the centre’s indoor activity spots.
7) Return to Sainte-Catherine to finish on a “terrace / dinner” vibe
You naturally return to the square and the quays to close the exit.
🎟️ To book in the neighborhood
- MOIR – Museum of Infinite Realities (immersive experience)
Course in 7 interactive rooms, more “game + introspection”, great for families from 7 years old.
Rue du Marché aux Poulets 30, 1000 Brussels.
Duration: about 60 min.
- ARTCADE (art x gaming – interior, very good “rain” plan)
Immersive show with 360° + AR projections on smartphone, at Le Viage.
Address: Boulevard Anspach 30, 1000 Brussels.
Duration: 60 to 90 min.
At a glance
Easy starting points
- Sainte-Catherine metro station (direct in the atmosphere)
- St. Catherine’s Church (central marker)
- Quays (Vismet / Quai aux Briques) if you come “to eat”
Duration
- 2 hours : square + docks + snack break / snack
- 3–4 hours : + Dansaert detour + mini dose of culture (Saint-Géry / exhibition) + dinner
Better timing
- Lunch / afternoon : atmosphere + food + easy walk
- End of the day : aperitif / dinner (very lively district)
Where to eat in the neighborhood with kids
Sainte-Catherine is the “food” district of the center: ideal for families because everything is close, and you can choose between pizza/pasta (kids-friendly), or brasserie for a real break.
Simple lunch (effective with kids)
- WOLF Sharing Food Market — Rue du Fossé aux Loups 48C, 1000 Brussels
The easiest plan when everyone wants something different: several stands, a lively atmosphere, a meal that doesn’t last forever. - Bavet (Sainte-Catherine) — Place Sainte-Catherine 1, 1000 Brussels
Pasta + quick format: perfect when you have to eat without negotiation (and without waiting too long).
On the go “Sainte-Catherine” (street-food)
- Noordzee – North Sea – Rue Sainte-Catherine 45, 1000 Brussels
The classic of the neighborhood: you order at the counter and eat outside (when the weather is nice). Very “Sainte-Catherine”, very simple with children. - Bia Mara (Fish & Chips) — Rue du Marché aux Poulets 41, 1000 Brussels
An effective fish and chips in the centre: practical for a quick break before going for a walk again.
Pizza (universal kids option)
- NONA Pizza St-Cat — Rue Sainte-Catherine 17–19, 1000 Brussels
The safe bet when you want to be sure that it works (and in general, it goes quickly).
More relaxed dinner (“real outing” version)
Fin de Siècle — Rue des Chartreux 9, 1000 Brussels
Generous Belgian brasserie, lively atmosphere: great if you want a real table without leaving the neighborhood.
Practical information
Wednesday organic market — Sainte-Catherine (Place du Vieux Marché aux Grains)
- Hours: 7:30 am – 3 pm
- Metro access: Sainte-Catherine Station — Lines 1 and 5.
- Location: Old Grain Market Square
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a very central district, known for its restaurants, bars and cafes with a real “fish and seafood” DNA inherited from the old port and the fish market. It’s also a nice place to stroll between squares, quays and pretty streets.
The “Vismet” historically refers to the fish market: the area was linked to the port of Brussels and the sale of fish. Today, there is no longer a fish market, but the district remains a reference for eating seafood and fish.
The Sainte-Catherine church, the Black Tower (medieval vestige), and the corner of the Beguinage (Saint-Jean-Baptiste-au-Béguinage church) are among the “heritage” landmarks that are easy to integrate into a walk.
Both: it’s a neighborhood where you come as much for the atmosphere (terraces, gourmet addresses) as for a short walk in the center, especially around Place Sainte-Catherine and the quays.
During the day to stroll quietly (and enjoy the addresses around), and in the late afternoon/early evening if you want to continue with a dinner on site.
Yes: a market takes place on Wednesday mornings (“farmers’ market” format, very well known in the district). If you come specifically for this, it is better to check the exact times the day before (they may change depending on the season/events).
These are two “complementary” districts: Dansaert is more “shopping/design/concept stores”, while Sainte-Catherine is more identified with the food scene (especially fish) and terraces.
Yes: it is a central area and rather simple to practice in urban walking mode. As is often the case in the centre, the only real obstacle may be the crowds at rush hour and on weekends.
Other districts of Brussels to visit with the family
Brussels is a small city, with several districts, each with its own particularity. Everything is quite easy to do on foot.
The main museums to do with the family
Brussels offers a wide variety of cultural venues. These are generally small museums that are very suitable for a young audience. Discover here our selection of museums that should please your children
