Brussels

Shopping

About Brussels Shopping

Belgian lace and Belgian chocolates – how can any visitor leave without souvenirs of the country’s two most famous products? For pralines (the Belgian term for chocolates), visitors can do no better than Leonidas, the Belgian chocolatier with the Greek name. This chain sells high-quality, handmade pralines at reasonable prices. For lace, the city’s largest maker is Manufacture Belge de Dent. Their selection is large, their lace is handmade, and the quality is top-notch. For another excellent souvenir, visit 400 Bieres Artisanales to purchase some of Belgium’s many celebrated brews. Comic lovers will also want to stock up on Tintin memorabilia; the best selection is at Boutique de Tintin. In addition, fashionistas don’t need Paris for the hottest designers. Desirable boutiques line Avenue Louise, and the Kaat Tilley shop offers terrific designs too. Boutiques, not to mention excellent window shopping, are available in the Galeries Saint-Hubert, considered by many to be Europe’s oldest “mall.” Speaking of old, antique lovers should venture to the chic Place du Grand Sablon for the city’s largest selection. (Be sure to stop in at Wittamer, Brussels’ most famous patisserie, for a snack.) On weekend mornings, an antiques fair is held in the Sablon square. Bargain hunters, however, will find the Vieux Marche more to their tastes. This flea market has been in operation since the 17th century.