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Galerie de la Porte de Namur
The continuation of Galerie d'Ixelles is Galerie de la Porte de Namur. Although not far from Ave Louise, this gallery and tiny Galerie d'Ixelles are located in the Matonge quarter, home to Brussels' Congolese community. Mainstays here include pint-sized shops selling African cloth, Kinshasa's latest CD imports and hairdressing salons with names like 'Dream Hair' or 'The New Image of Black Men'.
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Galerie Ravenstein
The cavernous but rundown Galerie Ravenstein connects Gare Centrale with the Upper Town is a truly wonderful Galerie .
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Galeries de la Toison d'Or
Galeries de la Toison d'Or still beckons with clothing and jewellery shops, though architectural splendour is nonexistent in this network.
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Galeries Louise
Galeries Louise contains clothing and jewellery shops.
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Galeries Royales St-Hubert
Europe's oldest and the city's most elegant shopping arcade consists of three interconnected glass-vaulted promenades - Galerie de la Reine, Galerie du Roi and Galerie des Princes - which are home to some wonderful stores: fine chocolate shops, leather goods retailers, designer boutiques, bookshops and design stores.
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Galeries St-Hubert
The Galeries St Hubert, just one block from the Grand Place, is the grande dame of Brussels' many shopping galleries. This gorgeous arcade was a European first, opened in 1847 in a gala event by King Léopold I, and immediately a draw for the fashionable elite. At the time it housed not only fancy shops and glistening window displays, but also cafés , restaurants and entertainment venues - much the same as today.
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Galler
A step up from chain shops such as Godiva and Neuhaus and the one to choose if orange livery is your thing. A reputation for innovative flavours and a handy location just off the Grand Place.
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Gambela
If you're into trying an African beer, stop off at Gambela, a local produce store where Primus, Tembo and Doppel beers line the shelves.
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Gare du Midi
Brussels' biggest general market is held next to the railway lines and has a distinctly North African and Mediterranean feel. Bulbous cheeses, strings of sausages and vendors announcing their wares are all part of it. A rich and colourful affair.
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Gare Du Midi Market
Said to be the biggest market in Europe, this sprawl of colourful stalls next to the railway lines has an international flavour, with exotic North African and Mediterranean spices, cheeses, meats, clothing, leather goods and everything else under the sun. Its food stands, selling bites like Moroccan crêpes with cheese, honey and vegetables along with mint tea, are a favourite with clubbers winding down from Saturday night.
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GB Express
Little supermarket near the Grand Place. There is another branch in Ste-Catherine (Quai au Bois à Brûler 4)
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Grasshopper
This enormous two-storey toy shop has everything a child could possibly covet: from classics such as cuddly bears, kaleidoscopes and colourful old-fashioned wooden toys to challenging educational toys and games that are ideal for keeping them occupied while travelling.
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Halles Des Tanneurs
To give you an idea where this neighbourhood's heading, stop by the Halles des Tanneurs, an Art Nouveau former tanning factory stunningly renovated to house a bookshop, wine shop and designer florist, as well as a bar and restaurant.
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Idiz Bogam
Cavernous store specialising in retro, vintage and global second-hand gear. Big on furs, hats and sequins, and with an unbeatable assortment of shoes.
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Inno
Belgium's only home-grown department store has two locations - this one, and one in Ave Louise, Upper Town (ph 02 513 84 94). The ground floor is devoted to perfume and cosmetic counters, with haberdashry and clothing being well-represented on other floors. There's also a hairdresser for a quick trim.
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Kaat Tilley
Women's wear - everyday, formal and bridal - and children's communion outfits are the staples of this Mechelen-born designer, with a flagship store in Paris. Located in Galeries St Hubert.
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La Librairie de Rome
For international magazines and newspapers.
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Le Bonheur
Located up the top, still-evolving end of Rue Antoine Dansaert, Le Bonheur is prime browsing territory for music ranging from electronica to world, plus short films and animations, with DJs sometimes spinning in-store.
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Les Enfants d'Édouard
Swish boutique for men's and women's designer hand-me-downs and end-of-line stocks.
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Manufacture Belge de Dentelles
Brussels' oldest lace shop - now located inside Galeries St Hubert but in existence since 1810. An excellent stock of antique lace and a staff with a love affair for true lace.
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Marché Du Châtelain
This gourmet food market brings trendy Bruxellois out in force. After you've finished shopping, hit one of the bars surrounding the square.
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Marina Yee
New shop by the least known of the Antwerp Six. Look for wisteria cladding at the revamped northern end of St Catherine.
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Martin Margiela
Margiela is often tagged the unofficial seventh member of the Antwerp Six (he graduated from Antwerp's fashion academy in 1980). Shoes, accessories, men's and women's body-skimming fashions in understated colours are artfully arranged in this white-on-white boutique.
