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). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Brussels: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Brussels is one of the best ways to experience the city's local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local delicacies, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or searching for artisan crafts and design goods to take home, Brussels's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.
This guide covers 26 shopping spots in Brussels sourced from Wikivoyage — the traveler-written travel guide — ensuring you're getting recommendations from real visitors who've been there. Unlike algorithmically ranked lists, these are the shops, markets, and stores that travelers actually tell each other about.
Types of Shopping in Brussels
Brussels's shopping landscape includes several distinct categories. Markets are the heart of local commerce — weekly or daily gatherings where you'll find fresh food, second-hand clothing, handmade goods, and antiques at prices far below tourist shops. Specialty stores in Brussels often have decades of history and deep expertise — bookshops, wine merchants, tea rooms, craft suppliers, and independent fashion boutiques. Souvenir and gift shops vary widely in quality: the best ones in Brussels sell locally made products, while others sell identical mass-produced goods found in every city. This guide steers you toward the former.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Brussels
- Visit markets early. The best stalls at Brussels's markets fill up fast. Arrive in the first hour of opening for the widest selection and freshest goods, especially for food markets.
- Carry local currency. Many independent shops and market vendors in Brussels prefer cash. Have small denomination local currency on hand to avoid problems at card-only or cash-only stalls.
- Check opening days carefully. Many specialist shops in Brussels close on Sundays and some close on Mondays or Wednesday afternoons. Always verify hours before making a special trip.
- Ask about provenance. When buying what appears to be locally made or artisan goods in Brussels, don't hesitate to ask where items are made. Genuine local products make far better souvenirs than imported look-alikes.
- Budget for customs limits. If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind duty-free allowances for your home country, especially for food products, alcohol, and tobacco bought in Brussels.
- Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in Brussels light bargaining is expected; in most established shops, the price is fixed. Follow local cues — if other shoppers are negotiating, it's acceptable; if prices are clearly marked, they typically aren't.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Brussels
The most meaningful souvenirs from Brussels are the ones that can't be bought elsewhere — locally produced food and drink, handmade objects by local artisans, books published in the city or about the region, and items that reflect the city's distinct cultural identity. Avoid mass-produced miniatures and branded merchandise that you'll find in identical form in every tourist shop. Instead, focus on the specialty stores and markets listed in this guide where authentic local products are the norm.
Shopping Neighborhoods in Brussels
Like most cities, Brussels's best independent shopping is concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across the city. Historic city centers and old towns tend to have the highest density of specialty shops, antique dealers, and design boutiques. Residential neighborhoods often host the best local food markets and everyday shopping that tourists rarely discover. This guide's listings span the city so you can plan your shopping around whichever neighborhoods you're already visiting.
Meet Fellow Travelers While Exploring Brussels
Solo travel and group shopping are not mutually exclusive. Many Nomax users find travel companions for market days, afternoon shopping strolls, or finding someone who knows the city well enough to point you to the best local stores. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers currently in Brussels — whether you want a market guide, a fellow bargain hunter, or simply someone to share the discovery of a great find.
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, from open-air markets with local produce and handmade goods to bookshops, antique dealers, and souvenir stores. Use the Nomax app to connect with fellow travelers who can share their favourite shopping finds in Brussels.
What souvenirs to buy in Brussels?
The best souvenirs from Brussels are those that reflect the city's culture and craftsmanship — local food specialties, artisan products, books about the city or region, handmade ceramics or textiles, and locally produced beverages. Markets are the best place to find authentic souvenirs at fair prices. Other travelers on Nomax often share tips on where to find genuinely local products versus tourist-trap shops.
Are there any markets in Brussels?
Yes, Brussels has several markets listed in this guide including weekly food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Markets are excellent for experiencing local daily life and finding unique items you won't find in chain stores. Opening days and hours vary — check individual listings for current schedules before visiting.
What are the best specialty shops in Brussels?
Brussels has a range of specialty shops covering books, design, fashion, food and drink, antiques, and local crafts. Many of the shops in this guide are independent stores with deep expertise in their niche — a far better experience than mall shopping. The listings here are sourced from traveler community knowledge, so they tend to be the kinds of places locals actually recommend.
How do I find shopping companions in Brussels?
Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in Brussels. Whether you want a local recommendation, a shopping companion for a market day, or someone who knows where to find the best local products, Nomax lets you chat with and meet fellow travelers in the city. It's free and available on iOS and Android.
Is it safe to shop in Brussels as a solo traveler?
Shopping in Brussels is generally safe for solo travelers. At markets, keep an eye on your belongings and use a secure bag. For valuable purchases, ask for receipts and check the return policy. When browsing late-evening markets, stick to well-lit areas. Connect with other travelers on Nomax for up-to-date safety tips from people currently in Brussels.
Explore Brussels with fellow travelers
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