Discover Saint-Catherine : An authentic experience in Brussels

a large cathedral with a big round window

The Sainte-Catherine district of Brussels is a charming and lively area in the heart of the city, known for its friendly atmosphere, fine dining, and cultural diversity. This vibrant neighborhood attracts residents and visitors with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, trendy bistros, seafood restaurants, and traditional Belgian eateries around Place Sainte-Catherine. Rich in culture, the district features art galleries, boutique shops, and the picturesque Marché aux Poissons.

The Gothic Revival Church of Sainte-Catherine adds historical charm, while the dynamic lifestyle offers scenic strolls and vibrant nightlife. Proximity to major attractions like the Grand Place makes it an ideal base for exploring Brussels. Sainte-Catherine immerses you in the city’s essence, providing a delightful way to discover Brussels and its people.

A history of Saint-Catherine

One of the neighborhood’s main attractions is undoubtedly Place Sainte-Catherine itself. Surrounded by magnificient historic buildings, this lively square is the heart of the neighborhood. Here you’ll find a multitude of coffes, restaurants and boutiques, as well as a weekly market where locals can buy fresh, local produce. 

The picturesque Sainte Catherine’s Church, with its Gothic facade, adds an extra touch of charm to this iconic location. It was built on one of the basins of the former port of Brussels, Sainte-Catherine boasts a rich heritage and history dating back to the 19 th century. Over the years, it has undergone a number of transformations to become the peaceful, tourist-friendly place it is today. 

a church with stained glass windows and pews

Optimal accessibility for easy mobility

In terms of accessibility, Sainte-Catherine benefits from excellent public transportation, with several bus and streetcar lines linking it to the rest of the city… 

The main metro lines into the city center are and 5. Tramway 3 and 4 are also nearby. The nearest train station is Gare du Nord, accessible via tramway 3 or 4. Some DeLijn buses also run in the neighbourhood.

In Debrouckère, which is not far from sainte catherine, you’ll also find the 71 bus, which departs from there and continues on to ixelles. A great way to discover this side of town. 

There is also a night service operated by the STIB, departing from Central Station. For further information, please consult : Noctis

To find out more about Brussels Public transportation, available subscriptions and rates, go to Stib

black and white floor tiles

For those who prefer not to use public transport, Brussels offers various alternative options. Bicycles and scooters can be easily hired via apps, making it convenient to explore the city. Rental cars, available for holders of a B driving license, can be accessed through apps like Miles, Poppy, and Cambio. For scooter rentals, consult the Visit Brussels website.

Day and night, cab apps such as Bolt, Heetch, and Uber provide reliable transport. Additionally, the neighborhood is well-served by Collecto stops, a shared taxi service operating from 11 PM to 6 AM. For just €6, Collecto allows travel between specific stops, offering a safe and affordable night-time option.

With these flexible choices, navigating Brussels is easy, whether you prefer rental cars, cab apps, or eco-friendly bicycles and scooters.

Point of interest - Activities

Not far from the square is the picturesque Vieux Marché Aux Grains district, known for its cobbled streets, colorful houses and small craft stores. It’s an ideal place to stroll, take photos or discover the unique creations of local artists. 

The Saint-Catherine district is also renowned for its varied gastronomic scene. The streets are packed with restaurants, brasseries and coffes offering a variety of cuisine, from traditional Belgian dishes to more exotic international fare. Seafood lovers will be particularly delighted, as the area is famous for its excellent fish and seafood restaurants. 

In terms of advantages, the Sainte-catherine neighborhood offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where life is good. Residents appreciate the proximity of shops, public transportation and green spaces, as well as the cultural and age diversity that characterizes the neighborhood. What’s more, the presence of numerous events and festivals throughout the year help to enliven the neighborhood’s social and cultural life. 

Rue neuve, ideal for shopping, can be reached via the metro lines 2 and 6, which are avaible at Yser and allow you to travel all around Brussels. Also in the city center, you’ll find a theater, a cinema, various types of museums and even an arcade. 

a yellow building with blue doors

So we've come up with a few suggestions for good places in the area :

Restaurants
Ellis Gourmet burger, Resto 26 for meats lovers and Sensei Sushi are interesting and varied choices
Bars
Le bar des amis, le delirium, le madame moustache, la camionette rouge,.. A wide range of options are available in and around this neighborhood
Activities
There's plenty to do in the area: a museum of Compteporain art? Fancy an evening of karaoke? Or just a stroll around town? It's all close by
Utilities
The nearest laundromat is the Maximousse laundromat, and others are available further south in the region. As for grocery stores, there's a Carrefour and Okay store, as well as more specific outlets such as boutique japan, wang li and many other Asian supermarkets in the region.

Discover More...

Vieux marchés au Grains

At weekends, le market is held here, and when the weather's fine, nearby cafés set up chairs.

Cocoa Journey

Discover Belgian chocolate and make your own

Place Sainte-Catherine

The Place Sainte Catherine remains a place where Brussels locals love to go. Whether it's the fish restaurants, the bars, or simply to sit on one of the benches and chat.

Grand-Place

A must-see when visiting Brussels. The Grand Place is magnificent, especially at night when the buildings are lit up.

Bath & Barley

A much-appreciated moment of relaxation in the heart of the capital, accompanied by Belgian beer.

Finding your way around Sainte-Catherine

The commune of Brussels is located at Rue des Halles 4 – 1000 Brussels. The commune’s opening hours vary from one department to another, but in general, the administrative offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 12pm and from 1:30pm to 4pm. Foreigners wishing to register with the commune must present themselves to the Foreigners Department with the required documents, such as passport, visa and, if applicable, a rental contract.

For further information: Commune of Bruxelles

Our appartments near The Sainte-Catherine

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