The city's flea market, the Vrijdagmarkt, just west of the cathedral, has been held every Friday since the 16th century, and is quite an experience. Everything is sold by auction, and although the sales are conducted in incomprehensible Flemish, the dealers are quite ready for bids in English, should you find an irresistible antique. Mainly old household furniture. Open 9am – 1pm.

Lijnwaadmarkt – near the Cathedral of Our lady - antiques on Saturdays 9am to 5pm from Easter till October.

Grote Markt – This is the venue of the annual Rubens market on 15th August, and also the Christmas market during mid December.

Theaterplein (near City Theatre ‘Het Paleis’) - Exotic market on Saturdays 8am till 4pm, and the Vogelenmarkt on Sundays 8am – 1pm.

Sint Jansplein - market on Wednesdays and Fridays 8am – 1pm

Sint Andries - market on Thursdays 8am – 1pm

Dageraadplaats - market on Thursdays 8am – 1pm