Belgium has long been the unspoken trading capital of Europe. Here you can buy a variety of things – from handmade chocolate to branded clothes and shoes. Before planning shopping, it is recommended to study the shopping centers and shops in Belgium, their location, opening hours, assortment. This practical guide will be handy for tourists and independent travelers who decide to visit this European country.
[lwptoc]Features of shopping in the cities of the country
The main shopping centers are located in big cities – in Brussels, Antwerp, Liege. But in addition to large stores, boutiques, there are many small markets and private shops in the country. Global trading corporations have not been able to completely capture this sector of the economy. to the delight of tourists, there are still many family-owned shops in Belgium that have a special atmosphere. It is recommended to visit them while traveling around the country.
Shopping malls and shops in Brussels
You can start shopping in Belgium from Brussels. The capital has many shopping centers, large bazaars and flea markets. The main attraction is located on the main street Neuve. This is a long pedestrian avenue, in the houses of which international chain stores are open. At the northern end of the street is the City 2 shopping mall. It is a branch of the Fnac entertainment complex.
Must visit Galeries Royale Saint Hubert is the oldest shopping arcade in Europe. Here, in addition to boutiques and small shops, there are cafes and restaurants. For family holidays, you can visit the cinema, which is located in Galeries du Roy. This is a convenient place for a family, relaxing holiday. Designer boutiques are located on Avenue Louise and Waterloo Boulevard. These are fashion stores in Belgium, where you can not only buy, but also see the latest – designer clothes, shoes.
What to visit in Brussels:
- Grand place Market – the flower market of the city, where you can also buy greenery. works from 8:00 to 20:00 every day.
- Cremerie de Linkebeek. The famous Brussels cheese market, which houses shops and small shopping centers. It sells more than 350 varieties of cheese, you can try local original sandwiches.
- Place du Jeu de Balle. Brussels flea market, popular with tourists and independent travelers. The best place to buy souvenirs.
- Châtelain. Fashionable boutique quarter with clothes and shoes from world designers.
- chocolaterie Mary. Want to try real Belgian chocolate? Go to this quiet street.
Shopping in Brussels is an opportunity to buy unique things, souvenirs, original Belgian food. However, most of the city’s shops can discourage tourists with high prices. An alternative is to visit other shops in Belgium in less popular cities in the country.
Shopping in Antwerp
Antwerp is the unofficial fashion capital of Central Europe. Here you can buy modern branded items. It is not for nothing that the famous Antwerp Six is located in this city. Along with fashionable clothing and footwear stores, the city has a developed tourist infrastructure. Travelers plan shopping and sightseeing. For relaxation, you can visit one of the local restaurants or small cafes.
If this is your first time in Antwerp, go to Nationalestraat. This place houses the famous shops of Belgium, which offer clothes and shoes from world couturiers. Be sure to visit the MoMu Fashion Museum. Representatives of international trade networks are housed in ancient buildings of the 18th century. They are located in the pedestrian zone of the city – Meir. Paul shops work here Smith, Buirberry and many more. They are all located on the Schuttershofstraat.
What to visit in Antwerp while shopping:
- This is a former conference hall, which houses small shopping centers and shops in Belgium.
- Chocolatier & Confiserie Burie. They offer famous Belgian sweets – sweets, chocolate, original cakes.
- Het Zuid. The outlet is located within walking distance from the city center, where you can buy branded items at a relatively low price.
- Saint Andries. A place with antiques, works of art, original souvenirs.
Antwerp is full of shopping malls, boutiques and shops. Some of them are located on the outskirts of the city. When planning shopping, it is recommended to study the map, public transport schedule. The alternative is to rent a car.
Shops in Ghent
In this Belgian city, you can make interesting purchases, visit local historical sights. The architecture is a combination of the classical Middle Ages and post-industrial buildings. The pace of life here is lower than in Brussels or Antwerp. However, for leisurely shopping, Ghent is the best city. Representative offices of almost all international brands are open on its streets, there are family, private shops, which are very popular in Belgium.
Must-see places for tourists and independent travelers:
- Veldstraat shopping area. Trade offices and small souvenir shops work on the main street.
- The place of concentration of fashionable boutiques and salons. After active shopping, you can sit in a local cafe or order a classic Belgian dish in a restaurant.
- The Other shop. The original bookstore where you can find modern editions and rarities.
- Sint-Jacob’s Prondelmarkt. Flea market in Ghent. Need new experiences, do you want to bargain and enjoy communicating with the locals? Go to Sint-Jacob’s Prondelmarkt.
You can try classic confectionery in Belgium’s Confiserie Temmerman. Original sweets with different types of fillings, cakes, Belgian chocolate. All this can be bought, but before that, the sellers offer to taste their product.
Shopping malls in Liege
It is the largest city in Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium. To start your shopping journey, visit the main street – Rue Vinave d’Île. It houses small retail outlets and international trade brands. Interesting: there is a large Gothic cathedral nearby. For complex purchases, it is recommended to visit the Médiacité shopping center. More than 100 stores operate here, which is rare in Belgium, as there is not enough space for such a concentration in the country. Be sure to go to La Market Batte, which only works on Sundays. In the village of Maasmechelen, you can buy branded clothes and shoes at discounted prices.
Where to go shopping in Liege:
- Benoit Nihant. A local chocolate center where you can taste classic Belgian sweets.
- A trendy urban boutique with an indescribable atmosphere.
- Grocery store with only products from this region of Belgium.
- Biggest comic book store in the country.
Before going to local shops and boutiques, it is recommended to draw up an itinerary. Public transport is well developed in Liege, but buses do not always pass conveniently through the right outlets. some parts of the city can be reached on foot in 20-30 minutes. On the way, tourists often visit local attractions.
Rating of shops and shopping centers in Belgium
There are many places in the country to shop for everyday goods, souvenirs, clothes, household appliances. They are located in different cities, it is recommended to pay special attention to flea markets, local bazaars. Here, unlike the standard shops in Belgium, one can find truly unique things.
Maasmechelen village
Outlets are located in this village. There are more than 100 shops and branded showrooms of world companies in the village. In addition to shopping, you can visit local attractions, walk along the ancient streets. If you are tired from long walks, go to the nearest restaurant or cafe. Here you will be offered traditional Belgian cuisine or a European menu.
Maasmechelen is located at Zetellaan 100, 3630. It is part of a group of villages under the general name The Bicester Village Shopping collection. There are similar places in London, Paris, Dublin, Barcelona, Milan and other EU countries. Feature – you can get a discount of up to 60% on branded items, designer shoes, clothes.
Cameleon
Large shopping malls operating under the names Woluwe and Genval. In the first, a larger selection of goods, you can pick up unique things. In Genval supermarkets, customers are offered discounts of up to 70%. They are valid for regular customers or on certain days. These stores in Belgium sell Hush products and accessories Puppies, Patagonia, Kate Spade.
The centers operate on the principle of self-service, which simplifies the process of choosing goods. In addition to the assortment, there are places for recreation, cafes, childcare centers on the territory. All conditions for long shopping in Belgium are created. Do not forget to take a discount card or register after shopping. This will help you get discounts or take part in bonus promotions. The center is located in Brussels at Avenue Ariane 15, 1200.
Godiva Factory
Godiva brand is a true symbol of Belgian chocolate. Its products are sold in over 100 countries. But real, original chocolate can only be tasted in Belgian branded stores. To do this, it is recommended to visit their representative office in Brussels. The outlet is located next to the factory of the same name. Additionally, you can order a tour of the production.
In addition to chocolate, sweet souvenirs are offered here – sweets in branded packaging, cakes and pastries. Culinary connoisseurs are advised to try sweets from the Masterpieces and Cubic Truffles collections. Godiva Shopping Center is located in Brussels at Avenue de Jette 4, 1081. You can get here by public transport or by car. For the latter, a large parking lot is provided on the territory.
Woluwe Shopping Center
In the old Belgian shopping center Woluwe, there are representative offices of famous European and world brands. This complex is over 50 years old and is one of the first establishments of its kind in Europe. The infrastructure is designed for shopping with the whole family. In addition to trading floors and boutiques, there are children’s entertainment centers, cafes and restaurants where you can take a break from shopping.
There are about 130 retail stores on the territory. In addition to trade, entertainment and cultural events are periodically held here – exhibitions, sports competitions, concerts. For a good rest, it is recommended to visit the local spa. It offers classic and innovative beauty treatments. You can visit the Woluwe shopping center at Rue Saint-Lambert 200, 1200 Woluwe – Saint – Lambert.
Waasland complex
The shopping center occupies more than 45 thousand sq.m. and is located in the town of Sint Niklas. It has become popular among tourists and independent travelers due to the large number of shops, outlets and boutiques. The Waasland feature is a one-story building, which simplifies the process of planning a shopping trip.
Fairs are held here periodically, discounts are announced. They are valid in all retail stores in Belgium. You can find out more about it on the official website of the center. It is recommended to register as a regular customer. This guarantees obtaining favorable prices for goods and services. The shopping kit is an example of true Belgian shopping culture. It is located at Kapelstraat 100, 9100 Sint-Niklas.
Saint – Hubert Royal Galleries
The premium shopping complex was built in 1847. It is located in the Galleries Saint-Hubert. The most expensive and prestigious shops in Belgium work here. In addition to shopping, buyers can enjoy the architecture of the historic building. Between the picturesque colonnades there are comfortable benches for rest. There are representative offices of 50 world brands on the territory – Camper, Gautam Diamonds, Delvaux, Danaque, Ici Paris XL.
Tired of shopping and comparing prices? Relax in exclusive restaurants. Here they offer real Belgian cuisine, you can choose a cafe with a European or Asian menu. Regular customers can rent an apartment located above the shopping gallery. The complex operates at Galerie du Roi 5, 1000 Brussels.
Shopping at Stadsfeestzaal
The building was built in 1908 and was originally used for events – trade fairs, exhibitions and concerts. So it was until 2000, when a big fire almost completely destroyed the complex. After the restoration, it was decided to turn it into a shopping center. The opening took place in 2007. This is an architectural monument, for the design of which gold leaf and stucco were used.
The complex is located in the center of Antwerp, in the Meir area. This is a convenient location and can be reached by bus, taxi or car. For convenience, a large parking lot is organized. While shopping, you can eat at local cafes or restaurants. For young buyers, children’s centers are provided. Here you can buy original men’s and women’s clothing, shoes. Location – Meir 78, 2000 Antwerp.
