Shopping in Belgium is a pleasure, with shops in affluent Belgian cities such as shopping in Brussels and Antwerp selling everything from high-end designer wear to no-nonsense yet stylish household goods. Belgium’s shopping has reasonable prices and a decent supply of international goods and foods, which is good news for foreigners shopping in Belgium.
Shopping in Belgium provides all kinds of experiences, with luxury shopping arcades and atmospheric pedestrian streets in major cities, and quirky antique and flea markets dotting most towns. Hundreds of open markets operate in small city squares throughout Belgium during the week, with the biggest markets usually held on Sundays.
For luxury designer shopping, the Maasmechelen Village complex is an hour’s journey from either Brussels or Antwerp and gives an elegant experience at discount prices at over 100 designer stores, including Dolce and Gahanna, Karen Millen, and Hugo Boss. For serious fashion shopping in Belgium, it’s well worth the trip.

Being the capital city of Belgium, it is the essence of the country’s retail industry with a huge variety on offer in antiques, tapestries, lace, Christmas markets, fashion boutiques, Swarovski crystals, etc.
In Brussels, you will find plenty of large shopping centers, malls, stores, local markets, small boutiques, and amazing chocolatiers to satisfy your shopping needs.
Most Brussels will shop on Saturdays because most shops are closed on Sundays. So if you want to avoid overcrowded shops and messy clothes racks, then avoid shopping on Saturdays. On Sundays some shops near the Grand Place will be most likely open and so will some of the Brussels markets.
The shops in the center of Brussels may also be open on Sundays. Many major chain stores at the Reu Nerve and the boutiques of the Margolis, the Sablan, and the Grand Place are also open. In the upper city and the Saint-Jacques and Danseur quarters, some stores are open.

Welcome to Brussels, a city that effortlessly blends historic charm with contemporary flair, making it a shopping haven for every type of enthusiast. From grand marketplaces to boutique-lined streets, Brussels offers a unique and diverse shopping experience that caters to all tastes. Let’s embark on a journey through the best areas for shopping in the heart of Belgium.

1. Rue Nerve: The Rue Nerve is a pedestrian-only shopping avenue in the center of Brussels. It is the second most renowned shopping area in the country visited by many shoppers regularly. It is home to many international brands such as H&M, Bersama, Mango, Primark, and Benetton making it a great place for tourists looking to shop in familiar stores. You will also find the giant Media Market here for all your electronic needs at bargain prices. It has two large shopping centers Innu and City 2. The street is always overflowing with shoppers and if you want to take a break from the crowded atmosphere, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can relax.

2. Chaussee d’Ixelles: Chaussee d’Ixelles is the second busiest shopping street, of Brussels. It is home to stores devoted to fashion, decoration, and leisure where you can find anything you imagine there. You can also veer off towards the Saint-Boniface neighborhood where cafes, boutiques, and restaurants await you in a cosmopolitan atmosphere. You can also go to the Matane neighborhood where you will find exotic food stores, beauty salons, and clothing shops offering a little piece of Africa on Belgian soil.

3. Rue Antoine Danseur: Rue Antoine Danseur is a focal point for fashion and design especially regional as the majority of the featured boutiques in this area are by Belgian designers full of creativity and new ideas. The street is lined with high buildings with beautiful facades. The area has numerous swanky restaurants and trendy bars dotted around, particularly between the Nouveau Marché aux Grains and the canal where you can enjoy the worldwide cuisine along with national.

4. Avenue Louise: Avenue Louise is one of Brussels’s most exclusive shopping areas offering everything from clothing to housewares. Here you will find luxury fashion stores and boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Co, Dior, Channel, etc. In this street you will find top designers from Belgium such as Meres du Nord, Zadie and Voltaire, Chine Collections and Walt are all present just to name a few are also present. The street is perfect for finding office wear or designer dresses.

5. Galleria St. Hubert: The Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries are an ensemble of glazed shopping arcades in Brussels and also the first glazed shopping arcade in Europe. It is beautiful and well worth a visit as it is the oldest shopping arcade in Europe. The place is divided into two main sections and houses several luxury boutique shops, restaurants, a cinema, and a theatre.

6. Rue du Bailly: The Rue du Bailly is a focal point for independent clothes stores and knick-knack boutiques. Stroll along Bailly and pop your head into the variety of stores. When all the shopping begins to tire you out, hop across to Place Chatelain or Rue du Page for a spritzer or tapas plate.

7. Passage du Nord: The Passage du Nord is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Brussels and a delightful street flanked by beautiful caryatids and many other statues. The building dates back to the 19th century and was designed by the architect Henri Rieke. You can enjoy shopping at a multitude of shops like luxury goods shops, jewelry shops, shoe shops, etc.

Shopping in Antwerp is an unforgettable experience showcasing high quality fashion goods as well as street markets. It fits in perfectly with Antwerp’s status as a fashion capital. Whatever your style is in Antwerp you will find elegant pieces from large fashion houses, trendy boutiques, and small, independent stores, to groundbreaking concept stores. All this is within walking distance in a city that is at the same time hip and historical, cool and classic, trendy and traditional.

In Antwerp you can get unique shopping experiences in shops such as a gold-filled banquet hall at Stadsfeestzaal aan de Meir, an old bank building at Verso, a former printing shop at St. Vincents, and a real palace at Palace op de Meir.

Antwerp, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic influence, also stands out as a premier shopping destination. With a perfect blend of historical charm and contemporary flair, Antwerp offers a plethora of shopping areas that cater to every taste. Let’s explore the best areas for shopping in this vibrant city.

1. Meir: Meir is Antwerp’s most prestigious and vibrant walking and shopping avenue. It is a pedestrian only shopping avenue a favorite hotspot for every shopaholic. Here you will find many of the large international chains outlets lined up among the immensely beautiful Rococo buildings.

2. Fashion District: Antwerp’s fashion epicenter is located in Nationalestraat and the surrounding streets, including Lombardenvest and Steenhouwersvest, It is the home of Antwerp’s fashion scene. From prestigious fashion houses to up and coming designers this neighbourhood oozes cutting edge design. Antwerp owes its reputation as an international fashion capital to several designers including the Antwerp Six who graduated from the fashion department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. The shops of many leading designers, including Dries van Note, Christian Winant’s, A.F. Vandevorst, Stephan Schneider are located in or around Nationalestraat.

3. Quartier Latin: The Quartier Latin also known anteater district is a lively neighborhood with plenty of theatres, including the large Stadsschouwburg and the Bourka Theatre as well as many cafés and restaurants. It is home to some of Antwerp’s most exclusive boutiques and some eye-catching antiques and specialty shops. On this street you will find all national and international luxury brands such as Hermès, Nathan, Jimmy Choo, Vuitton, Chanel, Delvauxite.

4. Kammenstraat: At Kammenstraat you will find plenty of posh boutiques, young and edgy brands. There are plenty of other shops including tattoo and piercing studios, a sci-fi and fantasy shop, trendy lighting shop and some original food bars. A bit of a hipster neighborhood in other words.

5. Wilde Zee: The Wilde Zee neighborhood is formed by five lively pedestrian shopping streets and is named after the old 15th century bridge. The five Wilde Zee streets Korte Gasthuisstraat, Wiegstraat, Lombardenvest, Groendaalstraat and Schrijnwerkerstraat are lined with hip clothing, shoe shops, large chains, beauty shops and sweet delicatessens. This area is also home to Belgium’s oldest shopping center the Niue Gander, where you will find the pop-ups of start-ups as well as established businesses. You can find everything here from a bakery with people queueing patiently outside and divine caterers. Every chocolate brand has a shop in this neighborhood.

6. Historic City Centre: The historic city center has lovely, winding streets where antiques lovers or anyone who likes picturesque city views can browse an endless supply of collectibles. Kloosterstraat has been a popular place with shoppers because of its many antiques, vintage and second-hand shops for decades. In addition all shops in the Kloosterstraat are open on Sundays. There are plenty of nice restaurants and authentic pubs around Grote Market you can choose from. Shopaholics should head to the Grand Bazar Shopping Center in Groenplaats, which has 50 shops under one roof, making it the city’s largest shopping.

7. Het Zuid: Het Zuid neighborhood is all about art and culture. Here you will find the city’s three large museums the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Photo Museum numerous art galleries and a few famous auction houses. The area around Vlaamsekaai and Waalsekaai is home to modern galleries and some exclusive design and interior shops.

Het Zuid’s hipster factor is highest in Volksraad, where you’ll find several trendy concept stores that stock design products, unique accessories and lots of interior objects. A very lively neighborhood which is always nice when shopping.

8. Station District: The Station District is located around Antwerp’s magnificent Central Station split in the exclusive diamond district on the one side, with Chinatown on the other side. In between you’ll find a wide boulevard with plenty of terraces and shops.

The Station District is also home to the ‘Diamond Square Mile’, Antwerp’s diamond district. This square mile is home to 1,600 diamond companies and four diamond exchanges, making it the world’s diamond capital. There are also plenty of diamond traders and jewelers who will tempt you with their dazzling showrooms. Here you can purchase the jewel of your dreams, but always make sure to go to shops with the ‘Antwerp’s Most Brilliant’ label. This label stands for reliability and quality.

9. Lien: The Lien boulevards stretch from the Opera on Frankrijklei to Amerikalei in the Zuid district and home to fantastically interesting specialty shops as well as some lovely restaurants and bars – perfect to take a well earned break.

Ghent, with its medieval charm and vibrant atmosphere, offers a delightful shopping experience for locals and visitors alike. From historic squares to trendy boutiques, the city has a diverse range of shopping areas to explore. Let’s discover the best areas for shopping in the picturesque city of Ghent.

The shops and boutiques in Graz are like a wardrobe with a mixed assortment of colourful clothes. Casual outfits for the city stroll share a coat hanger with elegant robes for the evening gala. Affordable second-hand accessories can be had next to expensive jewellery, and traditional costumes compete for attention with flashy designer fashion.

1. Vrijdagmarkt: The Vrijdagmarkt and surrounding area are well worth a visit. You can spend hours and hours on and around the square. On Fridays and Saturdays, visit the market that gave the square its name. Soak in the atmosphere in the alleyways that surround the square and admire the magnificent façades.

2. Cite Culture: Cite Culture is the ideal starting point for your shopping adventure. In this historic area around Mudbug, Karalee, and Sleepstraat you feel the working-class character and the typical Ghent hospitality.

3. East District: The eastern part of the city is where you can find the East District, the commercial area around Henegouwenstraat, Bennesteeg, Mageleinstraat, and Voldersstraat. Belgian fashions for all ages but also a nice selection of delicatessens and sweet shops. The shops in Henegouwenstraat specialize in different kinds of luxury goods, such as lingerie, vintage and new couture, and men’s fashion.

4. Ronda Sint-Jacobs: Ronda Sint-Jacob is one of the most lively areas in the city. At night it is the habitat of students and party-goers; during the day it is the playground for treasure hunters. In this shopping area with pleasant streets, you will find original fashion, design, and vintage. It is an artistic Valhalla with interesting art galleries and interior shops. Ottogracht, Belfortstraat, Hoogpoort, and Vlasmarkt are home to surprising shops with accessories, fashion, stationary, and design. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday you can browse through the antiques and collectibles market.

5. Gent Central: The historical heart of Ghent is a wonderful place to shop thanks to its pedestrian shopping streets and impressive monuments. The area around Korenmarkt, Veldstraat, and Longmont is traditionally the main shopping area where you can find shops from large and small store chains.

6. Linkeroever: Linkeroever is a charming area on the left bank of the river Lys breathes art. People who are into collectibles, art, and antiques are sure to find what they are looking for here. Onderbergen is a street that whisks you away from the buzz and activity of the Veldstraat. Discover trendy shops with original concepts, and cozy terraces in the shade and have lunch among the mansions.

7. SoGo: SoGo is the biggest shopping area in Ghent with more than 450 distinctive shops. Stylish boutiques, quirky restaurants, and specialist shops have been around for generations. Follow the endless row of fashion shops in Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat, Walpoortstraat, and Kortedagsteeg. The chic shoe shops and famous brands, streetwear shops, and outlets are every shopaholic’s dream.

8. Quartier Sint-Pieters: The area around the railway station is not only the hub of Ghent but also a surprising shopping paradise and a majestic part of the city. Here you can find specialized shopkeepers in all domains: bakers, butchers, health shops, bicycle shops, fashion boutiques, hairdressers, booksellers, you name it.

9. Zuid: You can find almost everything in this neighborhood once dominated by a railway station. Exclusive fashion, classic design, or stylish interiors. You will also find unpretentious bars and eateries with food from all over the world.

10. Bruges: Bruges is a true shopper’s paradise for shopping lovers of every kind with a broad range of interesting shops adapted to everyone’s needs and budget. Bruges is pedestrian-friendly and the main streets are all close to each other so a day’s shopping here is much more relaxing than in many other cities.

You will find all the major national and international chains, as well as trendy local boutiques. And if you leave the beaten shopping paths you will certainly make plenty of interesting discoveries. The most important shopping streets run between the Market Square and the old city gates: Steenstraat, Simon Stevinplein, Mariastraat, Zuidzandstraat, Sint-Jakobsstraat, Sint- Amandsstraat, Geldmuntstraat, Noordzandstraat, Smedenstraat, Vlamingstraat, Philipstockstraat, Academiestraat, Hoogstraat, Langestraat and the Katelijnestraat. There is also a small but elegant shopping center, the Zilverpand, hidden between the Noordzandstraat and the Zuidzandstraat.

Each neighborhood has its unique atmosphere. In the Steenstraat, for example, you will find famous brand names, whereas the Langestraat boasts many little second-hand and bric-a-brac shops. The large hypermarkets are located just outside the city center. You don’t know where to start? On www.visitbruges.be there is a selection of well-established family businesses and creative entrepreneurs. These are all unique boutiques, situated close to the city center, and each is guaranteed to give you a great shopping experience.

11. Michelin: Michelin is a lively sort of place and you sense that immediately! Even the shops have a buzz about them. You can stock up at an outdoor market, or head for Michelin’s main drag de Brule, which is home to the big brands, and on Sint-Katelijnestraat you’ll find lots of independent retailers and specialist stores. Shopping in Michelin in combination with a dinner in the numerous good bistros and restaurants is always a unique experience.

The largest shopping street in the center of Michelin is undoubtedly the Brule, also described as the Abdijstraat. This shopping boulevard is divided into two. The first part from the Grote Market is the Korte Brule which changes from the Botermarkt to the actual Brule. This shopping promenade stretches from the Grote Marks to the Fonteinbrug.

12. Mons: The main shopping area of Mons City is located around the Rue de la Coupe, close to the Grand Place. This is a pedestrian area where you can find chain stores but also some smaller shops on the side streets.

Watch out for the label “Ballade des chateaux originaux”. It means “Walk of Original Presents” and it’s a label granted to over 50 stores in Mons that offer customers you can’t find anywhere else something original.

13. Namur: Namur has plenty of fashionable boutiques, pleasant cafés and restaurants (see below). As a university town, it is also a good place to buy CDs and DVDs, books, and stationery. etc. The main shopping streets are the Rue de Fer, Rue de Lange, and Rue de Brunelle, as well as in front of the train station. But many boutiques are located in the small pedestrian streets in the old town.

14. Ostend: Ostend is an exceptional place where shopaholics feel right at home and will find everything their hearts desire. This includes several pedestrian shopping streets in which you can casually stroll from shop window to shop window and from one side of the street to the other without being harassed by traffic.

15. Ypres: Discover the variety of trendy boutiques, and charming restaurants that will make you will feel immediately at home in this small but charming town. There are three main streets in Ypres, which have a variety of shops and boutiques. These are Boterstraat, Meensestraat and Rijselstraat. Each of these streets is in the center of the town and is easily accessible from the Grote Market.

Belgium, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and culinary excellence, offers a treasure trove of unique and delightful items for shoppers. From mouthwatering chocolates to intricate lace, Belgium provides an array of souvenirs that capture the essence of its craftsmanship. Let’s explore the must-buy items in Belgium, ensuring your shopping experience is as memorable as your visit.

1. Belgian Chocolates: Belgium is known as the best chocolate producer in the world and the best gift that you should get from Belgium is chocolate. Neuhaus, Lady Godiva, and Leonidas are among the popular Belgian brands that have standard quality across the board. The most famous is Pierre Marcolini, a chocolatier that’s renowned for controlling every aspect of his production. Pralines are chocolate shells filled with fruits, nuts, caramel or other fillings, which are the “signature” chocolate of Belgium.

2. Comic Books: Belgium is considered to be one of the most important countries with a huge comic book industry and is an integral part of Belgian culture,. Home of the famous characters such as Adventures of Tintin, Asterix, The Smurfs, Lucky Luke, Spirou, Bob and Bobette. If you like reading comic books while traveling, you’re in the right place.

3. Life-size Mannikin pies: Brussels’ Mannikin Pies statue is one of the most famous sculptural images and perhaps the country’s most well known landmark. You can find miniature copies on everything from key rings, to life-size Mannikin Pies fountains.

4. Lace: In Belgium, lace is not merely a traditional craft but a part of the country’s cultural heritage. You can find dresses, table clothes, bride veil made of lace. There are different kinds such as duchess, princess, and renaissance.

5. Belgian Beer: You will definitely fell in love with Belgium beer for its unique taste and flavors. It produces 600 different kinds of beer that are some of the most sought-after craft beers in the world. The best beers are considered to be the Trappist variety produced by the monastic orders and currently there are only six monasteries in Belgium that sell their beer as authentic Trappist product.

6. Beer Cups: Belgian beer is known for its glassware. Every beer has its own glass, carefully selected by the brewer. The different glass shapes are however essential in bringing out the specific characteristics and aromas of each beer.

7. Ginger Tea: Ginger Love is the legendary hot drink of Belgium. It is a divine mix of citrus fruits, ginger and herbs. The warm frothy drink is caffeine free and is said to be beneficial to the immune system. Ginger Love is created by chef Lombardian a renowned vegan restaurant in the Belgian city of Antwerp.

8. Whiskey: Belgium whisky ranks well on the international scale of countries that produce yummy whisky. The Belgian Owl Single Malt 64 Months has been named the best single malt whisky in Europe.

9. Cube dons: The Cube dons also called the Ghent Nose is a traditional delicacy Belgian. They are easily identified by their cone-shape and deep purple color made from a sweet mix of red berries, their hard outer shell encasing a gooey center. You will find Cube dons at every candy shop in Brussels as well as throughout the rest of Belgium.

10. Belgian Waffles: Belgian waffles are completely irresistible and one of the yummiest options that you can buy from Belgium is waffle. You can buy some to eat with your family or friends, and you can also buy the waffle flour to bake it yourself. Belgian waffles come in two distinct varieties such as Brussels Giuffre and liege.

11. Speculums Biscuits: Speculums biscuits are fragrant cookies made with brown sugar and spices. It is a type of spiced short crust biscuit, traditionally baked for consumption on or just before St Nicholas day and according to the tradition used to be baked in the shape of Saint Nicholas.

12.Snow Globe: The Belgium snow globes show the world in miniature. The glass globes have enchanted people with their romantic winter landscape themes. The snow globe is available in various sizes you can let it snow on key landmarks, mountains and villages, animals, cakes, famous landmarks and even expressions of love.

13. Christmas Balls: The Christmas Balls of Belgium are hand crafted making it a wonderful gift for someone special. Each ball is painted individually and is thus unique with minor variations to each item.

14. Eggwhite Soap: The Eggwhite soaps are made of pure egg whites and skillfully mixed with the soothing properties of the oil of pressed lecithin and chamomile. The soap will draw impurities from your pores, leaving the skin glowing with freshness, soothed, soft to touch leaving a fresh glow appears on your skin.

Waterloo Flea Market

For several years a flea market has been held every Sunday morning in the car park of the Carrefour supermarket in Waterloo, close to the roundabout of the Château Cheval (Castle Horse) and the Lion of Waterloo. This flea market, which is also known as “La Briante du Biggs”, “Briante Château Cheval”, “Briante du Carrefour”, “Briante de Waterloo”, or “Briante du Lion”, is a true paradise for bargain hunters
The Waterloo Flea Market offers a good mix of genuine antiques and more contemporary antiques & collectibles, but as always, watch out for replicas. The venue has plenty of parking and a good fast-food restaurant.

The flea market at Place du Jiu de Bale also known as the Margoles flea market is in the center of Brussels and takes place daily. Here you can find everything from junk and antiques to bargain buys and rip-offs. About 200 dealers turn up every day from 7 am until lunchtime. This flea market is a great place to find things you never knew you wanted, and at knockdown prices.

Twice a year in April and July, the huge Caney Expo center on the outskirts of Caney (Belgium) is given over to a four-day antique/bromate fair/flea market. This event is considered Belgium’s greatest flea market unpacking nearly 500 trucks from Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, and Italy. With hundreds of stalls both inside and out, visitors get a terrific variety of things on sale, from the very finest quality antiques to household wares.

The Caney Expo Antique Fair inside the Caney Expo Hall), features more than 50 carefully selected professional exhibitors, showcasing Gothic furniture from the Middle Ages, parchment bins, rare statues, 19th-century tables, antique jewelry, paintings, antique silverware, and so on.