Brussels is a real paradise for shopaholics. Today we will tell you about the intricacies of Belgian shopping. We will walk through the most interesting shops, taste branded sweets and make the most profitable purchases.
The best place to start your journey is from the very heart of Brussels - the Grand Place. This unique place will allow you to plunge into an amazing atmosphere from the first minutes and tune in to a fascinating journey into the world of beauty, luxury, style and sophistication.
Chocolate paradise
Everyone will be able to appreciate the quality of branded products, local beer and the world's most delicious chocolate. Pralines and truffles are especially popular with those with a sweet tooth. Keep in mind that for an excellent Neuhaus, Leonidas, Pierre Marcolini or Godiva delicacy with a variety of fillings, you will have to pay between 5 and 50 euros. Yes, Brussels is a chocolate paradise. Surprisingly, there are five hundred “shokomaster” per million inhabitants, you don’t believe it.
Apparently, that is why you can buy chocolate 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. It is not for nothing that we started our shopping with Grand Place, because it is here that the largest number of "chocolate" shops 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 brand store presents luxurious blouses that women of fashion will appreciate. Tablecloths, napkins, bed linen - all this causes genuine admiration. If you buy lace as a gift, believe me, it will be appreciated. The store is located at Galerie de la Reine, 6-8.
Galleries saint Hubert
From the Grand Place, you can head to Royales Saint – Hubert Galleries. A stroll through this delightful gallery will surely inspire you to shop. 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. A paradise for shopaholics. It also housed and still has offices and even living quarters here.
It's funny to imagine, but there was a time when entrance was paid. If on ordinary days a visitor gave 10 centimes, then on Thursday or Sunday he had to lay out 25. As the popularity of this place grew, it transformed into a kind of literary center. Just imagine that it is here in the cafe, which today is known as Taverne du Passage, that Hugo, Dumas, Baudelaire, Verlaine and other world famous creators once loved to while away.
Today, admission to Royales Saint-Hubert Galleries is free and 54 stores are open to visitors. Here you can buy not only things from famous brands, but also exotic spices. One of three galleries, the Queen's Gallery, is located next to the Grand Place.
In general, here for you are several hundred brands, exquisite jewelry, antiques, sweets, many cozy cafes and restaurants that amaze with their sophistication.
Rue Neuve street
True fashionistas will never miss the opportunity to stroll along Rue Neuve, where signs with the words "Solden" or "Soldes" appear regularly. On such days, shopping will be not only pleasant, but also profitable. More than a hundred different shops and shops are concentrated on this street. Here you can definitely forget about the time while enjoying shopping. In the City2 shopping center, which has four levels. More than 40 thousand people visit it every day. Here you can easily find fashion stores of such famous brands as Mango, Mexx, H&M, Benetton, Zara, Mothercare. Be sure to check out the local department store, Inno, which has over 600 different brands.
For connoisseurs of luxury brands
Lovers of luxury and luxury brands can proceed 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.
Are you dreaming of buying things from the famous Belgian designer Oliver Strelli? Then you need to go to the avenue Louise. The collections of this leading couturier are distinguished by sophistication, unrivaled style and elegance. It cannot be overemphasized. As soon as you see these excellent things with your own eyes, from clothes to accessories and bedding, then make sure that it deserves special and very close attention. Things from his collection can be seen on show business stars and royals.
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 things from the collection of the Belgian design star Tim Van Steenbergen. Shops with accessories from Marianne Timperman and Christa Reniers are located nearby. You definitely will not pass by.
Fans of sales can buy their favorite items with a good discount only from July 1 or January 3. Sale lasts exactly one month. Dates are strictly fixed.
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Boutique town in Limburg
Just a couple of hours drive from Grand Place and you will find yourself in a real paradise - a boutique town in Limburg - one of the best shopping places. More than 100 boutiques will offer you luxury goods. What could be more tempting than buying things from famous Belgian designers and such famous all over the world as Tommy Hilfiger, Versace with up to 60% discount! In addition, here you can easily issue Tax Free (tax refund).
Please note that for 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 get back up to 21% of the purchase price. You need to receive a Tax Free check from the cashier, which will indicate the name of the product, its value including VAT and the amount that you will have to reimburse. This check will need to be presented at customs in order for you to be stamped. Please be aware that a member of staff may ask you to show purchases. It is important that they are not unpacked, labeled, never worn or used.
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 the most delicate waffles.
What to see in Brussels - all the details in our guide.
