Brussels is a real paradise for shopaholics. Today we will talk about the intricacies of Belgian shopping. We will walk around the most interesting shops, taste branded sweets and make the most profitable purchases.
Chocolate Paradise
Everyone will be able to appreciate the quality of branded goods, local beer and the most delicious chocolate in the world. Pralines and truffles are especially popular among those with a sweet tooth. Keep in mind that for an excellent delicacy Neuhaus, Leonidas, Pierre Marcolini or Godiva, with various fillings, you will have to pay from 5 to 50 euros. Yes, Brussels is a chocolate paradise. An amazing thing, but for a million inhabitants there are, believe it or not, but five hundred “shock masters”.
Apparently, this is why chocolate can be bought here in any place convenient for you, both in specialized boutiques and in small private shops where it is made according to family traditions and secret recipes. We didn't just start our shopping from Grand Place, because it is here that the largest number of “chocolate” stores is concentrated.
Lace Manufacture Belge de Dent
Lace deserves special attention, the main manufacturer of which is Manufacture Belge de Dent. Lace has been considered a luxury for over 600 years. Still, the company store presents real works of art, the finest, I would even say, jewelry work. The company store presents luxurious blouses that fashionistas will appreciate. Tablecloths, napkins, bed linen – all this causes genuine admiration. If you buy lace for a gift, then believe me, it will be appreciated. The store is located at Galerie de la Reine, 6–8.
Galleries of Saint Hubert
From the Grand Place, you can go to the Royales Saint-Hubert Galleries. You will certainly be inspired to shop by walking through this delightful gallery. If modern architects prefer simple forms and laconic design, then Royales Saint-Hubert Galleries is simply saturated with luxury – this is a real architectural masterpiece. Initially, seventy stores were located here. Just heaven for shopaholics. It also housed and still has offices and even residential premises.
It's funny to imagine, but once the entrance was paid. If on ordinary days the visitor gave 10 santims, then on Thursday or Sunday they had to pay 25 santims. As the popularity of this place grew, it was transformed into a kind of literary center. Just imagine that Hugo, Dumas, Baudelaire, Verlaine and other world-famous creators once liked to spend time here in the cafe, which today is known as Taverne du Passage.
Today the entrance to the Royales Saint-Hubert Galleries is free and the doors to 54 stores are open to visitors. Here you can buy not only things of famous brands, but also exotic spices. Next to the Grand Place is one of the three galleries – the Queen's Gallery.
In general, here you will find several hundred brands, exquisite jewelry, antiques, sweets, many cozy cafes and restaurants that amaze with their sophistication.
Street Rue Neuve
For connoisseurs of luxury brands
Lovers of luxury and luxury brands can head to Avenue Louise and Boulevard de Waterloo. Here you will find boutiques of the best brands, trendsetters: Christian Dior, Valentino, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Chanel and many others.
Do you dream of buying the things of the famous Belgian designer Oliver Strelli? Then you need to go to avenue Louise. The collections of this leading couturier are distinguished by sophistication, unsurpassed style and elegance. It cannot be overestimated. As soon as you see these excellent things with your own eyes, ranging from clothes to accessories and linens, you will be convinced that it deserves special and very close attention. Items from his collection can be seen on show business stars and royalty.
If you are seriously interested in the work of Belgian designers, you should visit Antoine Dansaert Street, where the famous Stijl boutique is located. Here you can try on items from the collection of Belgian design star Tim Van Steenbergen. Shops with accessories from Marianne Timperman and Christa Reniers are located nearby. You definitely won't pass by.
Sales lovers can purchase their favorite items with a good discount only from July 1 or January 3. Sale lasts exactly one month. Dates are strictly fixed.
Boutique town in Limburg
Just a couple of hours drive from the Grand Place and you will find yourself in a real paradise – a boutique town in Limburg – one of the best places for shopping. More than 100 boutiques will offer you luxury goods. What could be more tempting than buying items from famous Belgian designers and such world-famous designers as Tommy Hilfiger, Versace with a discount of up to 60%! In addition, here you can easily issue Tax Free (tax refund).
Please note that in order to receive a VAT refund, the amount of a one-time purchase in this store must not be less than 125 EUR. Using Tax Free, you can return up to 21% of the purchase price. You need to receive a check from the Tax Free cashier, which will indicate the name of the product, its value including VAT and the amount that you will have to be reimbursed. This check will need to be presented at the customs office in order for you to be stamped. Keep in mind that a staff member may ask you to show your purchases. It is important that they are not unpacked, with tags, not worn or used in any way.
Well, now, after such a busy day and pleasant shopping, it's time to look into a cozy restaurant and enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee and delicate waffles.
What to see in Brussels – all the details in our guide.