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The Best Shopping in Brussels
Brussels is a vibrant and exciting city, full of culture and history. With its cobbled streets and ancient architecture, Brussels is a bustling hub of activity, and the perfect place for a shopping spree. Whether you’re looking for designer labels, unique souvenirs, or tasty treats, there’s something for everyone in Brussels. Here’s a guide to the best shopping in Brussels.
Luxury Boutiques
If you’re looking for luxury shopping, Brussels has plenty of designer boutiques to choose from. The Avenue Louise is the city’s top shopping destination, with high-end stores like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Dior. The area is also home to independent designers, like Natan and Annemie Verbeke. The nearby Place du Sablon is packed with antique stores, galleries, and designer boutiques.
The city centre is home to several department stores, like Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert and the Delhaize department store. Here you’ll find a wide selection of fashion, beauty, and homeware. For more luxury shopping, head to the Ixelles district, where you’ll find chic boutiques like the multi-brand store Les Filles.
Chocolate Shops
No trip to Brussels would be complete without sampling the city’s famous chocolate. From artisanal chocolatiers to chocolate-filled boutiques, there’s something for everyone. The city’s most famous chocolate shop is Neuhaus, which has been in business since 1857. Here you’ll find classic Belgian chocolates, like pralines and truffles.
For a unique experience, head to the Choco-Story Museum, where you’ll learn all about the history of chocolate, from its origins in the Aztec Empire to its introduction to Europe. The museum also has a chocolate shop, where you can purchase freshly-made chocolates. If you’re looking for something a little different, head to the Pierre Marcolini boutique, where you’ll find unusual flavours, like raspberry and passionfruit.
Flea Markets
Brussels’ flea markets are the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and antiques. The Marolles flea market is the largest in the city, with over 300 stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to antique furniture. The Place du Jeu de Balle is another popular flea market, where you’ll find a wide selection of antiques and collectibles.
The Marolles market is also home to the Maison du Marollien, which sells traditional Belgian souvenirs, like hand-painted Delftware and lace. The Midi Market is another great place to find souvenirs, with stalls selling handmade jewelry, leather goods, and vintage clothing.
Food Markets
Brussels is home to several food markets, where you can sample the city’s delicious fare. The Grand Place market is one of the most popular, with stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as regional specialties. The Place du Jeu de Balle is also a great place for food shopping, with a wide selection of cheeses, cured meats, and baked goods.
The Place du Chatelain is a popular food market, with stalls selling fresh fish, artisan breads, and gourmet cheeses. For an authentic Brussels experience, head to the Place du Grand Sablon, where you’ll find a wide selection of chocolates, pastries, and Belgian beers.
Vintage Markets
If you’re looking for vintage finds, Brussels has plenty to offer. The Place du Jeu de Balle is home to several vintage shops, selling everything from records to furniture. The Grand Place market is also a great place to find vintage clothing, with stalls selling everything from second-hand designer labels to vintage accessories.
The Parvis de Saint-Gilles is another popular vintage market, where you’ll find everything from vintage posters to retro furniture. The Place du Chatelain is also home to several vintage stores, selling everything from clothes to furniture. For something a little different, head to the Sunday market at Parc du Cinquantenaire, where you’ll find vintage toys, books, and collectibles.
Markets for Local Products
If you’re looking for locally-made products, Brussels has plenty to offer. The Grand Place market is packed with stalls selling artisanal cheese, cured meats, and freshly-baked breads. The Place du Chatelain is home to several stalls selling locally-crafted jewelry and handmade pottery. The Sunday market at Parc du Cinquantenaire also has a variety of locally-made crafts, like woodcarvings and leather goods.
For a truly unique experience, head to the Marolles flea market, where you’ll find antique furniture, vintage clothing, and locally-made souvenirs. The Place du Grand Sablon is also home to several independent shops, selling everything from handmade jewelry to locally-made chocolates.
Outlet Stores
Brussels is home to several outlet stores, where you can find discounted designer labels. The Brussels Outlet Store is the city’s largest outlet mall, with over 100 stores selling discounted designer labels. The nearby Docks Bruxsel is also a great destination for discounted fashion, with stores like Zara, H&M, and Mango.
For luxury outlet shopping, head to the Outlet Village Mechelen, where you’ll find discounted designer labels, like Michael Kors and Gucci. The nearby Outlet Village Maasmechelen is another great place for discounted fashion, with stores like Armani, Hugo Boss, and Versace.
Shopping Malls
Brussels has plenty of shopping malls to explore. The City 2 shopping mall is the city’s largest, with over 200 stores selling everything from fashion to homeware. The nearby Les Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is another great mall, with a wide selection of fashion, beauty, and homeware.
The Avenue Louise is home to two shopping malls: the Bascule Shopping Centre and the Avenue Louise Shopping Centre. Both malls have a wide selection of fashion, beauty, and homeware stores. The Woluwe Shopping Centre is also a great destination for shopping, with over 100 stores selling fashion, beauty, and homeware.
Markets for Crafts and Artwork
If you’re looking for unique crafts and artwork, Brussels has plenty of markets to explore. The Grand Place market is packed with stalls selling handmade jewelry, leather goods, and pottery. The Place du Jeu de Balle is also a great destination for unique crafts, with stalls selling hand-painted Delftware and vintage posters.
The Place du Grand Sablon is home to several independent stores, selling everything from handmade jewelry to locally-made chocolates. The Marolles flea market is also a great place for unique souvenirs, with stalls selling antiques, vintage clothing, and locally-made crafts.
Summary
Brussels is a vibrant and exciting city, with plenty of shopping to explore. From luxury boutiques to flea markets, there’s something for everyone in Brussels. The city is home to several department stores, designer boutiques, and outlet stores, as well as markets selling fresh produce, vintage finds, and locally-made crafts. Whether you’re looking for designer labels, unique souvenirs, or tasty treats, there’s something for everyone in Brussels.