During times of urbanisation, at the end of the 19th and 20th centuries, Schaerbeek, as well as Saint-Gilles, wanted to demonstrate its importance and pride as a commune. The urban planners did this by drawing out long roads, on which your gaze is constantly drawn to important buildings. In recent decades, many migrants have settled in the commune: people coming from Asia Minor, Morocco, Central and Eastern Europe, etc. Nowadays, the centre is also very popular amongst a young, urban population. Schaerbeek's traditions and local products - cherries, donkeys, ‘wipschieten’ and ‘Scharnaval’ - are once again gaining notoriety.
This walk is available at the tourist reception offices of visit.brussels.
(Rue Royale 2-4 or Grand-Place – Town Hall).
