Brussels is Belgium's capital and the de facto capital of the European Union, with the Grand Place, Art Nouveau houses, comics and the Atomium.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Belgian chocolates
Pralines and truffles.
Price: €10-40 (~$12-46)
Speculoos biscuits
Spiced biscuits and spread.
Price: €4-12 (~$5-14)
Belgian beer
Trappist and lambic beers.
Price: €2-8 (~$2-9) per bottle
Brussels lace
Handmade lace.
Price: €15-150 (~$17-172)
Tintin and comics
Albums and figurines.
Price: €10-60 (~$12-69)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Marché du Midi
One of the largest Sunday markets in Europe, beside Gare du Midi.
Where: Brussels
Hours: Sunday 06:00-13:00
Place du Jeu de Balle Flea Market
A daily flea market in the Marolles with weekend crowds.
Where: Brussels
Hours: Daily 06:00-14:00
Sablon Antiques Market
Antique stalls in front of Notre-Dame du Sablon.
Where: Brussels
Hours: Saturday 09:00-18:00, Sunday 09:00-14:00
Place Flagey Market
Local market in front of the Flagey building.
Where: Brussels
Hours: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings (verify)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Rue Neuve
High-street chains.
Best for: Fashion
Avenue Louise
Luxury boutiques.
Best for: Designer shopping
Dansaert
Belgian designers.
Best for: Fashion
Sablon
Antiques and chocolatiers.
Best for: Antiques
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
City 2
Central mall on Rue Neuve.
Woluwe Shopping Center
Large mall in the east.
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Fixed prices in shops; bargaining works only at flea markets such as Jeu de Balle.
Ask for a discount on multiple antiques.
Pay in cash at markets.
Check the return policy.
Shops close early on Sunday.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions:
- Summary
- Non-EU visitors may carry goods within duty-free allowances.
Tax Refund:
- Summary
- Non-EU residents can reclaim VAT (21%) on goods over the minimum spend in a single shop; ask the retailer for the refund form and get it stamped at the airport customs desk (verify the threshold, about €125).
Duty Free:
- Summary
- Duty-free shops at Brussels Airport.
Shipping:
- Summary
- Large shops ship worldwide.