Flea marketing in Brussels and Bruges

the Zandfeesten in Bruges (Tongeren)

I think you're mixing up two things.

The Bruges Zandfeesten (in Bruges) is a premier antique fair held three times a year, from 6 AM to 6 PM, where a diverse range of vintage and handcrafted items are offered.

https://brugsezandfeesten.be/index-en.html

The largest antiques market in the Benelux (= Belgium -Netherlands-Luxembourg) is held in Tongeren, every Sunday between 7 AM and 1 PM.
(Sometimes there is an extra-large event that runs all day Saturday and Sunday such as in June or during anniversary celebrations), featuring additional vendors, entertainment, or filming).

https://www.visittongeren-borgloon.be/en/antiques-market-tongeren

Bruges and Tongeren are about a 3-hour train ride apart.

Which airport should I fly into?

Brussels International airport (BRU) is the best one with a trainstation underneath the terminal.

Other options are Paris (CDG) and Amsterdam (AMS) with high speed train connection to Brussels.

Do you have any recommendations for a hotel relatively close to the flea market in Brussels?

Nope, but since visitors here are often looking for hotels in the higher categories, I can mention these:

• Hotel NH Collection Brussels Grand Sablon https://maps.app.goo.gl/s88NQXgZqPewvSVp6
• 9Hotel Sablon Zavel https://maps.app.goo.gl/apiSKHb2Z597bGhL8
• The Hotel Brussels https://maps.app.goo.gl/NXp6LwPjzrwDMcsK6

FYI location flea market here https://maps.app.goo.gl/8GC1HNv5GtEUkPrUA

What is the best way to travel from the airport to the hotel area?

Train to Brussel-Centraal, continuing on foot (or bus STIB/MIVB).
https://www.belgiantrain.be/en

What is the best way to travel from Brussels to Bruges and how long is the trip?

Train (1 hour ride) continuing on foot or bus De Lijn.

Again, hotel suggestions for a hotel in close proximity to the Zandfeesten flea market and how to get there from the train?

Your choice. Location Zandfeesten here https://maps.app.goo.gl/CzhEomJgKQJCGXyz8

FYI location Tongeren antiques market here https://maps.app.goo.gl/tq7AwQcSkHRuiz5u9

Train ride Brussels-Centraal to Tongeren is 1 hour 40 minutes.

Hi Judy, hope I can help you. If you are flying internationally you really only have 2 choices of airport, BRU (Brussels National Airport at Zaventem) and Charleroi Brussels (CRL). CRL is a long way out of Brussels with difficult transport into the city, and has second airlines and inter-Europe flights. I would pick BRU if you are coming from another European destination but if you are coming directly from the US I don't think you will have much choice and it will be BRU by default.

Don't stay somewhere close to the flea market in Brussels. The area around Bruxelles Midi train station is a bit unpleasant and there are drug users around Porte de Hal metro. This does not mean you can't go there, but you are not seeing Brussels from its best side. Instead you might be interested to stay at the hotel that I stay in most often, which is at Louise metro, Citadines Brussels Toison d'Or. From there you can cross the road, walking past the Palais de Justice (which has been under scaffolding for 40 years - it's the biggest one of its kind) to Place Poelaert and descending to the Lower Town in the lift (also near the ferris wheel). There is a good view of the city from there. If you then walk down Rue Haute it will take you to the flea market.

EDIT: you have to turn right at Rue des Renards from Rue Haute for the flea market, heading south-west. When I visited last December we did walk north-east up Rue Blaes from the flea market and then traversed to get to Rue Haute. Sorry for the bum-steer.

Travelling there from the airport? You should catch a train from BRU to Bruxelles Midi. From there you can either catch a metro to Louise (the metro line is 2 floors below the train station), or if your bags are an issue, a taxi from Midi to the hotel. It's reasonably close, about €10 - €14 euros. I opt for the taxi.

Best way from Brussels to Bruges is by train from Bruxelles Midi. Trains are the usual way of getting around between cities.

I will leave others to pick up your other questions. I don't live in the US so not sure about import duties regarding your purchases (I think the law may have changed on this but again I don't know). Also Bruges has its own very good and strong following on this forum and you will likely get some excellent advice.

Lavandula

Or airport to city: Bruxelles-Centrale train station, then metro or taxi to Louise, which is right near the hotel.

Lavandula

the Palais de Justice (which has been under scaffolding for 40 years - it's the biggest one of its kind)

No more scaffolding today!
https://ibb.co/1tBM771n

Yes, I heard part had already come down. Is it all gone now?

Lavandula

The front facade, yes.
There is still scaffolding against the base of the dome, which is next in line for restoration (until end 2027).
By 2035, all the facades of the Palace of Justice should be restored, and the building should once again have its full historical appearance.

A few fun facts:

• With a built-up area of 26,006 square meters, the Brussels' Palace of Justice is the largest courthouse in the world.
• The building was used as a “train station” in the American blockbuster “Darling Lili,” starring Julie Andrews.
• The Palacio de Justicia in Lima (Peru) is a replica, albeit slightly smaller and without a dome (which was originally planned but never built).

Hi Judy,

Adding one thing that hasn't been covered yet, bringing your purchases home:

As a returning US resident, you get an $800 personal exemption before duty applies, as long as you've been abroad 48+ hours (you will be) and haven't used the exemption in the last 30 days. For "several hundred dollars" of personal-use items, you should be fine, just keep your receipts and declare the total value honestly on your customs form when you land.

One thing to double check: the Bruges Zandfeesten only runs 3 times a year, so make sure it actually falls on your September dates it's not a weekly market like Tongeren.

Have a great trip!

Thank you so much

I appreciate everyone for their insightful comments.