Shopping in Brussels
Discover 26 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Brussels, Belgium. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
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Neuhaus
A bit more expensive than Leonidas and a bit higher quality. Very popular with the locals as well. It is also possible to get good discounts by buying directly at the shop outlet outside of the factory (Postweg 2, 1602 Vlezenbeek, tel: +32 2 568-23-10) which is just on the outer limits of Brussels, just a short walk away from the Erasme/ Erasmus metro station. Prices can go as low as €10 per kilo, however only the products that are specifically marked as having reduced prices are worth the trip, other products have the exact same price as in local shops.
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Christmas market
240 wooden Christmas chalets line the streets looking like gingerbread houses, twinkling with fairy lights and covered with ‘snow-top’ roofs. The chalets sell a variety of Christmas items, decorations, gifts and Christmas season food (including "vin chaud/gluhwein" mulled wine). Activities include a skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and ice dinosaur monster (admission fees). Brass bands, free performances and ice sculptures are also on display.
Grand Place, Boulevard Anspachlaan and on Vissenmarkt-Marché aux Poissons Late Nov-Early Jan -
Belgian Lace
among the best in the world. Several shops are located at the Grand' Place-Grote Markt itself. Beware of some shops that sell Belgian lace even though production was outsourced abroad. Ask for a country of origin if purchasing around Grand Place.
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GB/Carrefour
Branches around the city carry a wide variety of beers, including almost all Trappist beer. Selection varies by store. The GB in Grand Place has a large selection and offers prices that are approximately a third of the prices in tourist shops.
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Beer Mania
Claims to have a stock of over 400 beers, but has been overrun by beer tourists. The stock is extensive, but quite pricey in comparison to GB, Delhaize, or Carrefour. Beer Mania is a great place to find out of the ordinary beers.
174-176 Chausse de Wavre-Waversesteenweg, Ixelles/Elsene Website -
Marché du Midi - Zuidmarkt
One of the largest markets in Europe, with a strong North African influence. A great source of fresh fruits and vegetables, and the prices drop to dirt cheap by 13:30. Also a wide selection of clothes and other items.
Midi/Zuid station Sun 06:00 – 14:00 -
Maison Renardy
A great boutique shop with delicious chocolate and friendly service. Stop by for a cup of tea or coffee, and get one of their chocolates free with your tea. Still peckish? You're able to bring a whole box home.
17 Rue de Dublinstraat -
Cora
Two very large supermarkets on the outer limits of Brussels. They have a much larger choice of beers than Carrefour/ Delhaize/ Match and some very nice gift boxes but still with reasonable supermarket prices.
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Chocolate bars
For the frugal, you can buy 100-200 gram gourmet bars of chocolate in grocery stores for about €1 each. Good brands to buy are Côte-d'Or and Jacques, both are Belgian.
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Galeries Saint Hubert-Sint Hubertusgalerijen
The world's first shopping mall, opened in 1847, is a light and airy triple-gallery enclosing boutiques, bookshops, cafés, restaurants, and a theater and cinema
Galerie du Roi 5 Website -
Wittamer
Another excellent chocolate maker, with also a selection of macarons and cakes. They may however insist on a minimum 100g purchase for the chocolates.
6-12-13 Place du Grand Sablon-Grote Zavel Plein -
Marcolini
Arguably the best Belgian chocolates and priced accordingly. The country-specific products are difficult to find and quite worth the price.
39 Place du Grand Sablon-Grote Zavel Plein Website -
Pele-Mele
maze-like, second-hand bookshop with huge selection of used books at bargain prices. A bookworm's haven.
Boulevard Maurice Lemonnierlaan, 55 & 59 -
Match
Another store similar to GB/Carrefour, but has more of the unusual Belgian beers including Delirium.
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Passion Chocolat
Delicious chocolates, and they often offer free samples of 1-2 chocolates from their collection.
2/4 Rue Bodenbroek, also 20 Avenue Louis Gribaumont Website -
Brüsel
Right in the center and one of the most up to date stores when it comes to contemporary comics.
100 Boulevard Anspachlaan Website -
Filigranes
the largest bookshop in Brussels, features a small bar/café inside and quite often live music.
39 Avenue des Arts-Kunstlaan open 7 days a week -
Marché aux Puces - Vlooienmarkt
This flea market offers everything from the weird to the wonderful at rock-bottom prices.
Place du Jeu de Balle-Vossenplein every day from 7AM-2PM -
General shopping
with GB supermarket at City 2 accessed from Rue Neuve-Nieuwstraat and Metro Rogier.
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Chocopolis
Pick and choose your favorite type of chocolates, all at reasonable prices.
81 Rue du Marché aux Herbes-Grasmarkt -
Sterling Books
One of the most popular English bookshops in downtown Brussels.
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Delhaize
Similar to GB/Carrefour, but a tad more expensive.
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Galeria Inno
Department store (fashion, cosmetics, etc.)
111-123 Rue Neuve-Nieuwstraat -
Godiva
Not very popular and quite pricey.
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Brussels: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Brussels is one of the best ways to experience local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local specialties, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or looking for handcrafted souvenirs to bring home, Brussels's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler.
This guide lists 26 shopping spots in Brussels sourced from Wikivoyage — the community travel guide written by real travelers. These are the shops, markets, and stores that visitors actually recommend to each other.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Brussels
- Visit markets early for the best selection at Brussels's food and craft markets.
- Carry local cash — many independent vendors and market stalls prefer cash over cards.
- Check opening days — many specialty shops in Brussels are closed on Sundays or have limited weekend hours.
- Ask about local products — the best souvenirs are made locally, not imported for tourist shops.
- Use Nomax to connect with travelers currently in Brussels who can share real-time shopping tips.
Meet Fellow Travelers in Brussels
Download Nomax to see other travelers currently in Brussels. Find a market companion, share shopping discoveries, or join city activities organized by the traveler community. Free on iOS and Android.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in Brussels
Where to shop in Brussels?
Brussels has 26 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop in Brussels, from open-air markets to specialist shops. Use Nomax to connect with fellow travelers who can share shopping tips.
What souvenirs to buy in Brussels?
The best souvenirs from Brussels are locally produced food and drink, handmade crafts, books about the city, and artisan goods. Markets are the best place to find authentic products. Check listings in this guide for specialty shops and markets in Brussels.
Are there markets in Brussels?
Yes, Brussels has several markets in this guide including food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Opening days and hours vary by market — check individual listings before visiting.
Is Nomax free to use in Brussels?
Yes, Nomax is completely free. Download it on iOS or Android to connect with travelers currently in Brussels, join activities, and get shopping recommendations from people who know the city.
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