Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Brussels

Brussels is Belgium’s quintessential city, brimming with culture, towering Gothic cathedrals, and over 100 museums (don't miss the Royal Museums of Fine Arts near Brussels Central Station), art galleries, and cultural centers. It’s also a food lover’s paradise with delicious dishes, chocolates, and culinary specialties that combine flavors from around the world. But if you’re here to shop, the capital of Belgium won’t disappoint you. With numerous vibrant shopping streets in the city centre and beyond, Brussels has much to offer every shopaholic.

Shopping in Brussels will guarantee a satisfying experience. It has plenty of trendy fashion boutiques, concept stores, and vintage shops throughout the city. There are also shopping malls and historic arcades waiting to be explored. In addition to clothes shopping, the capital city also offers traditional products like Belgian chocolate and beer you can take home.

If you still have places to visit after your shopping adventure, store your shopping bags at a luggage locker in Brussels. Since you don’t have extra items to carry around, it gives you more energy and freedom for sightseeing.

Brussels Shopping Arcades and Malls

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Constructed in 1847, the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert is one of Europe’s first covered shopping arcades. It is nestled in the heart of Brussels, opposite the famous Grand Place. Although the building is about 175 years old, it remains one of the elegant structures of the city.

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert has three sections: the Galerie du Roi, Galerie des Princes, and Galerie de la Reine. Each features stunningly decorated window displays. Inside, you’ll find restaurants, exclusive boutiques, antique shops, jewelry, handbags, and some of the country’s best chocolate makers.

Stop by at Christmas as the storefronts are decorated with gorgeous lights and ornaments. It’s also a favorite meeting point for many artists and tourists who want to shop or enjoy a sip of coffee.

Address: Galerie du Roi 5, 1000, Brussels

Passage du Nord

Also, one of the city’s oldest shopping arcades worth visiting is Passage du Nord. It’s housed in a majestic 19th-century building designed by Henri Rieck. It’s a spectacular artwork and a historical gem in the heart of Brussels, offering an outstanding selection of shops for all styles and budgets.

Passage du Nord is home to 19 shops and more than 150 brands. It receives over 200,000 visitors each year who come to shop and witness its marvelous architecture. It is filled with interesting shops selling leather goods, vintage clothing, jewelry, smartphones, and accessories. It’s like an elegant shopping street with charming caryatids.

Address: Rue Neuve 40, 1000, Brussels

Docks Bruxsel

Opened in 2016, Docks Bruxsel is one of Brussels’ newest shopping centers. But it’s more than just another shopping center in the city’s beating heart. It’s also a tourist spot where visitors can embrace a unique urban experience, mixing leisure activities with entertainment, shopping, food, and culture.

Among its more than 110 stores are major retail outlets like Zara, Levi's, H&M, Michael Kors, and other international brands for luxury shopping. It also has numerous chocolate stores, cinema screens, a food court, and an event hall, making it an ideal destination for spending time with family and loved ones.

Address: Bd Lambermont 1, 1000, Brussels

City 2

For a complete shopping experience, head to City 2, a massive shopping mall in the heart of the capital. It boasts more than 100 stores, making it an excellent hunting ground for fashionistas, shopaholics, geeks, food lovers, and more. If you’re looking for a place for window shopping or don’t have time to explore other shopping spots while on vacation, City 2 is the right place to go.

Whether you’re looking for new shoes and accessories, home décor, gifts, or healthy ingredients for your dish, you’ll find it there. It also has a number of restaurants for every taste and budget. It has free WiFi access and ample parking and is wheelchair-friendly. The shopping center is open from Monday to Friday between 10 AM to 7 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM to 7:30 PM.

Address: Rue Neuve, 123 1000 Brussels

Westland Shopping Centre

For those looking for a family-friendly shopping experience in Brussels, check out Westland Shopping. Spanning over 50,000 square miles, the Westland is like a small village inside a city. It boasts 110 stores, including some of the most fashionable brands in fashion, beauty, home improvement, jewelry, and more.

The shopping center has everything for everyone, from electronics and house equipment to shoes, leather goods, watches, and accessories. It is also home to fifteen restaurants to please your taste buds.

Address: Bd Sylvain Dupuis 433, 1070 Brussels

Brussels Shopping Streets and Districts

Avenue Louise

Your shopping in Brussels won’t be complete without exploring Avenue Louise, one of the famous shopping streets in Belgium’s capital. It’s a runway of many prestigious international brands, such as Chanel and Versace, as well as some notable Belgian designers. Apart from fashion, you can also spot high-end cosmetic shops, jewelry stores, and houseware.

Don’t worry if your budget doesn’t allow for luxury items. You can always visit the cafés and restaurants in the area. Also, the little side streets off the avenue are not to be missed, as they offer additional shopping opportunities. Plus, it is close to several city attractions, magnificent Art Nouveau buildings, and museums.

Boulevard de Waterloo

Boulevard de Waterloo is another popular shopping street in Brussels that promises a luxury shopping experience. It’s a shopaholic’s paradise home to some prestigious local designers like Delvaux, Diane von Furstenberg, and Carine Gilson. It’s an easy stroll within the Avenue Louise area, so be sure to stop by while exploring the avenue.

If you want to go global and try high-end fashion, many international designer boutiques await you at Boulevard de Waterloo. You’ll find Gucci just next to Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Dior, Chanel, and Salvatore Ferragamo in a row. It’s also home to other luxury brands like Cartier and Emporio Armani.

Like Avenue Louise, Boulevard de Waterloo is a walking distance from several must-visit areas in Brussels. It means you’ll have plenty of other sights to explore after shopping, including art galleries, historic buildings, and parks.

Rue Neuve

Rue Neuve is one of the beating hearts of Brussels, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. It’s one of the country’s most renowned shopping areas welcoming shoppers regularly. It houses big franchise stores, retail shops, and major high-end brands, including familiar favorites like UNIQLO, H&M, and Zara Celio.

Since it was pedestrianized in 1975, Rue Neuve has become a busy shopping street. It’s also homes to the historic Passage du Nord and a short walking distance from the Place de Brouckère, a major square in the central city.

Dansaert District

Once a neglected area, the Dansaert district has been transformed into one of the hippest places in town. It is located between the Grand Place and Brussels Canal, known for its trendy restaurants, vibrant bars, cobbled alleyways, and attractive shopping opportunities.

After taking a bite at one of its chic cafés, walk down Antoine Dansaert street for high fashion. It’s where you’ll find numerous local fashion stores like Hatshoe-bxl, Komono Store Brussels, Scotch & Soda, and many more. Slow fashion fans and vintage enthusiasts will also find something here to add to their collections. Whatever your style or budget, there’s a perfect store waiting for you to explore in the neighborhood.

Sablon

A short walk from the Grand Place and other city sights is another neighborhood you shouldn’t miss during your shopping adventure. Sablon District is one of the city’s most atmospheric and affluent neighborhoods, known for its elegant architecture and stunning antique markets. The area is compact, so it’s easy to explore on foot. It’s also close to a metro station.

Tour the district on the weekend to experience one of the city’s favorite book and antique markets. Besides antique shopping, you can also indulge in tasty Belgian sweets in one of the places in the district. Some popular chocolate brands you can find here are Wittamer, Neuhaus, Marcolini, and Godiva. They line the streets, allowing visitors to indulge in delicious flavors and buy gifts for loved ones at home.

Marolles

For those looking for an authentic Brussels experience, swing by the Marolles district, with a history dating back to medieval times. It’s home to the oldest bars in the city, historic brasseries, and antique shops. It’s also known for its urban art and flea market that has everything for every shopper.

Head to rue Blaes and Rue Haute for some of the capital’s best second-hand shops. They’re where vintage seekers and antique dealers meet. Check out Cyclup, a workshop and clothing store with beautiful pieces made using repurposed materials and textiles. If you’re looking for an authentic Belgian souvenir, head to Belge une fois and buy some accessories, t-shirts, tote bags, caps, and more.

Quartier Saint Jacques

Immediately off the bustling Grand Place is Quartier Saint Jacques, a lively Brussels district with an eclectic mix of stores and fashion boutiques. As one of the capital’s most ancient areas, it’s not surprising that many streets here are some of the oldest in the city, dating back to the 14th century. So while shopping, take the time to soak in the old-world vibe and admire the one-of-a-kind structures around you.

Several boutique outlets and independent retailers will easily catch your attention. They sell everything from vintage items and screen prints to Belgian chocolate and cheese. There are also great restaurants, pubs, and bars where you can enjoy classic Belgium beer while taking in the astounding architecture.

Brussels Markets

Place du Jeu de Balle

Also called the Old Market, Place du Jeu de Balle is the most visited flea market in Brussels, situated at the center of the Marolles neighborhood. It was established in 1854 and has since become a meeting point among collectors, antique lovers, and occasional visitors. It’s an excellent place to hunt for some unique pieces and hidden gems among antiquities.

With more than 300 stalls, you can find almost nearly everything and anything at the flea market. Many vendors sell unique pieces off the back of their cars or on sheets and blankets. There are also countless stalls offering tons of different objects, including vintage clothes, accessories, antique porcelains, handcrafted items, rare books, and arts and crafts. It has a pleasant atmosphere, attracting tourists and many antique hunters throughout the city and beyond.

Place du Jeu de Balle is full of various items – some are junk, but others are rare pieces that deserve a spot in your home. You’ll likely find real gems, so be patient and take your time. It is open year-round, from Mondays through Sundays, between 9 AM to 2 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 3 PM on weekends and during public holidays.

Marche du Midi

Another remarkable market to explore in Brussels is Midi Market. It’s probably an excellent representation of the city, as it’s a melting pot of cultures, people, and colors with many new things to discover, taste, and see. It attracts large numbers of craftspeople, visitors, and traders every Sunday morning at Boulevard du Midi from 7 AM to 2 PM. Since it’s only open once a week, expect to find many people as soon as it opens.

Marche du Midi is one of the largest markets in Europe, offering fresh produce, fish, meat, plants, and flowers at unbeatable prices. Although it is known for special and international products, you’ll also find stands selling signature chocolates and other Belgian delicacies. There are also clothing and accessories, leather goods, kitchen items, and food.

Shopping in Brussels

Brussels is undoubtedly a unique city with plenty to offer to every visitor. It boasts vibrant neighborhoods and bustling streets lined with fashion boutiques and antique shops for any budget. You’ll also find modern shopping malls and historic arcades in the city centre, combining shopping with sightseeing. While it may not be the most famous shopping spot in Europe, it’s an excellent destination for fun and fulfilling retail therapy. So whether you have a month or just a weekend in Brussels, add a shopping spree to your itinerary.