Enjoy shopping in Brussels city centre and beyond!

Main Shopping Areas in Brussels

Before you head out on your Brussels shopping expedition, make sure that the shops are open at the time you wish to visit. Most places are open for business Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm, although smaller corner shops will open later and a new initiative by a group of Brussels shopkeepers is encouraging larger stores to stay open until 8pm on Thursdays. Many stores are closed on Sundays or only open for a couple of hours. Tourists flock to the Galeries St Hubert as much for the covered arcade's stunning architecture as the shops within. Boulevard de Waterloo boasts the best designer labels, while Rue Antoine Dansaert is the place to go for up-and-coming designers and quirky items you won't find elsewhere. Brussels is a small, compact city and it's easy to get around on foot or by using the efficient underground, tram or bus networks.

What To Buy in Brussels

Brussels has a long history of chocolate making, and a Brussels shopping trip wouldn't be complete without a box of handmade chocolates or truffles to take back as souvenirs. One of the best chocolate shops in the city is Mary, at 73 Rue Royale. They have been making and retailing delicious chocolates since 1919, and although their products aren't cheap, they do make the perfect indulgent treat to take home. There are also many chocolate shops in the streets around the Grand Place offering a wide range of different products to cater for all budgets. Other well-known brands to look out for include Wittamer, Neuhaus and Leonidas. Just outside the city, pay a visit to the Neuhaus factory outlet in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. Here you can buy in bulk and take advantage of offers not found in the standard retail outlets. If you would prefer something longer lasting, look out for Brussels lace products. Lace has been made in Brussels since the 15th century and many of the smaller boutiques sell purses, handkerchiefs or table runners which are the perfect size to pop in your suitcase and take home.

Designer Brussels Style

All the main designer brands have branches in Brussels, most of which are on the Boulevard de Waterloo and the nearby Rue de Namur. There are also a number of boutiques which specialise in vintage and unusual clothing and accessories, many of these located in the area around Avenue Louise. One of the best known Brussels shopping brands is Delvaux, a luxury leather goods company founded in the city in 1829. It has two branches in the city selling top-quality bags and purses. Hunting and Collecting on Rue de Chartreux is an innovative store and a continually evolving space, part-retail and part-art gallery.

Airport Shopping in Brussels

For many visitors leaving by air, the last Brussels shopping experience is at the airport. Brussels airport has a wide range of retailers offering everything from jewellery to clothing and electronics. Remember that if you're flying home you may qualify for duty or tax free savings. The airport is also the perfect place to pick up some last minute boxes of Belgian chocolates or a few Belgian beers to enjoy once you return home, little reminders of this cosmopolitan European capital city.

Author: Sidy Diallo

Guest Relations Manager at the NH Collection Brussels Centre

My name is Sidy DIALLO, I am proud to be the Guest Relations Manager at the NH Collection Brussels Centre, deeply in love with Brussels. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Public Management and a Master's Degree in Administration and Public Policies, I have more than 10 years of professional experience in the world of hospitality. throughout my career I have always worked on numerous issues relating to customer relations.
Together with my colleagues from Front Desk and Guest Services we are making sure that all guests have the best experience in our hotel and taking care of their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy from solving problems and doing the best I can and I love that every day is different and full of surprises. I put my face to it, I take personal responsibility for my work, I like to take the hand of those who turn to me and accompany them throughout the experience we build together. It doesn't matter if I am asked a simple question or a request that may seem impossible: my function is to try to satisfy every Desire.
I look forward to welcoming you warmly here at NH Collection Brussels Center to offer you a memorable experience!