go to content go to search box go to global site navigation

Belgium

Shopping in Belgium

  1. A

    Waterstones

    This British emporium has Brussels’ most comprehensive range of English-language books.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Rommelmarkt

    Many a Sunday in Antwerp is spent trawling through the brocante Rommelmarkt, near the river.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Dijver

    On weekends, Dijver and the nearby Vismarkt are taken over by antique and bric-a-brac stalls.

    reviewed

  4. D

    FNAC

    On 1st floor of the Grand Bazar shopping centre. All-round bookshop with a strong travel section.

    reviewed

  5. E

    FNAC

    Department store with extensive literary selection, English-language books, travel guides and maps.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Boutique Tintin

    No prizes for guessing the star of this comic shop, which stocks albums galore and cute merchandise.

    reviewed

  7. G

    B

    An outlet for all manner of Belgian designs - everything from clothes to household products and toys.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Rue Neuve

    Rue Neuve is a pedestrianised street that's wall-to-wall shoppers, especially on Saturday afternoons.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Galerie Bortier

    Galerie Bortier opened in 1848 and it is well worth a look, particularly if you're into second-hand books.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Gobelijn

    Cartoon shop tucked away on a backstreet. It sports a solid line-up of Belgian and international cartoons.

    reviewed

  11. Advertisement

  12. Mekanik Strip

    This superb comic shop has a little art gallery upstairs, and has initiated Antwerp’s own Comic Mural Route.

    reviewed

  13. K

    Passage du Nord

    Passage du Nord’s array of quality boutiques makes this vaulted glass arcade a good spot to escape the rain.

    reviewed

  14. L

    De Biertempel

    As its name implies, this shop is a temple to beer, stocking upwards of 700 brews along with matching glasses.

    reviewed

  15. M

    Het Oorcussen

    Unimposing shop that's home to top Flemish fashion designers including Ann Demeulemeester and Dries Van Noten.

    reviewed

  16. N

    Mekanik Strip

    This superb comic-strip shop has a little art gallery upstairs, and has initiated Antwerp's own Comic Mural Route.

    reviewed

  17. O

    GB Express

    Little supermarket near the Grand Place. There is another branch in Ste-Catherine (Quai au Bois à Brûler 4)

    reviewed

  18. P

    L'Héroïne

    A handful of Belgium's top designers are represented in this discreet boutique on one of Bruges' main shopping streets.

    reviewed

  19. Q

    Marina Yee

    New shop by the least known of the Antwerp Six. Look for wisteria cladding at the revamped northern end of St Catherine.

    reviewed

  20. R

    Vogelmarkt

    Antwerp's principal food market takes over the huge square behind Het Paleis theatre every weekend. Saturday is the big day.

    reviewed

  21. S

    Philip's Biscuits

    Exclusive biscuit shop specialising in speculoos (cinnamon-flavoured biscuits) and peperkoek (honey cake).

    reviewed

  22. Advertisement

  23. T

    Galerie Ravenstein

    The cavernous but rundown Galerie Ravenstein connects Gare Centrale with the Upper Town is a truly wonderful Galerie.

    reviewed

  24. U

    Parfumerie Guy Laforge

    Belgium's only perfume-maker is Parfumerie Guy Laforge. Tours take in the cold Charles V galleries where the perfumes are stored.

    reviewed

  25. Ann Demeulemeester

    The monochrome men’s and women’s fashions of this Antwerp Six pioneer reflect the monastic backdrop of her flagship store in ‘t Zuid.

    reviewed

  26. V

    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.

    reviewed

  27. W

    Wittamer

    The Wittamer family still makes its own excellent chocolates, which you can buy at this boutique. They also run a pâtisserie and tearoom.

    reviewed