Shopping in Belgium

No trip is complete unless you burn a hole in your pocket, however small! And how can you come back without something for your family, your friend who kept your dog and the colleague at the office! When shopping in Belgium, there is no cause for worry - it offers a variety of interesting things at reasonable prices.

You can choose big gifts, small knick knacks, expensive presents, and inexpensive souvenirs, ranging from pieces of art and craft to a variety of famous Belgian chocolates, beer, cheese or even diamonds!

Belgium shopping provides many opportunities to pick up some great souvenirs. Taking a look at the shopping in Brussels will give you some more local ideas. And while shopping, there is nothing better than check out the Belgian restaurant scene.

Belgium Shopping Guide 

Belgian chocolates - called Pralines - are famous throughout the world, some of the well known names being Godiva,.Leonidas, Galler, Guylian, Neuhaus, and Burie. Pick up pre-packed Praline boxes or put together one of your own choice. And you have almost 2000 chocolates shops in Belgium to choose from!

Belgium is also famous for its cookies which make splendid gifts. After all, cookies are not as obviously fattening as chocolates! Sablés, spéculoos, and pain à la Grecque are varieties of cookies that you can pick up, from the authentic pastry shops or off the shelves in supermarkets. If it is candy you are looking for, then Caramella Mokatine is highly recommended by the Belgians. It is a sugary mocha flavoured candy, sweet yet subtle and makes for an unusual gift. Belgium shopping will also mean you have a full stomach!

Finally, the gourmet in you can choose from almost 300 varieties of cheese that are made in Belgium. Maredsous (a loaf shaped pungent cheese made in the monastery at Maredsous Abbey) and Pie are two speciality cheeses that are typically Belgian. You can pick up cheese either from the speciality cheese shops (which is an experience in itself) or from supermarkets.

In Belgium, cheese and beer often go together. Belgium boasts of the largest and most varied assortment of beer in the world. There are almost 500 varieties being made in 115 breweries and any of these would make an excellent gift!

Belgian Crafts

The traditional arts and crafts of Belgium make ideal gifts. Lace from Belgium is very famous and special, as it is one of the few in the world to be entirely hand-made. Pick up some fine lace hankies and table linen for your elderly friends or choose some trendy t-shirts with delicate lace borders for your young pals. An exquisite array of antique and new lace is available extensively in Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges Mechelen and Brussels.

Spa is where you can pick up some excellent wood carving, big and small, ideal for both your home and as gifts. Tournai is famous for its tapestries - delicate yet colourful, they make excellent gifts. Shop for some of the other Belgium specialities like hand beaten copperware and ceramics from Dinant, crystals from Val Saint Lambert, and of course Belgian comics.

All these are available extensively in Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Mons, Liege, Namur, Mechelen and Ostend. The local crafts are one of the highlights of shopping in Belgium.

Antique Shops

If you want to carry home a bit of Belgian history, then explore the antique markets of Brussels, Tongeren and Antwerp. Brussels has the largest flea market and on sale are antique furniture, jewellery, books paintings and much more. If you are suspicious of the authenticity of the stuff being sold or not good at bargaining, you can shop at the numerous antique shops around Belgium.

Diamonds in Antwerp & Belgium

In Antwerp, the Diamond Quarter is a must see. This Mecca of the world diamond trade has a trade volume that is six times that of the Amsterdam market. ‘Cut in Antwerp' is the ultimate stamp of quality. The diamond trade here is dominated by the conservative Jews whose black dress and orthodox ways form a striking background to the glitter of the diamonds.

Shopping Centres in Belgium

Belgium is also the place to pick up fashionable clothes, fabrics, designer accessories and vintage jewellery. Most of the hot names in fashion have reasonably priced outlets here. You can also pick up good music and books as gifts from the many bookshops across Belgium.

When & Where to Shop

Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, Mechelen, Ghent, Liege, Mons, Namur and Ostend are the major shopping areas of Belgium.

Shops are open from Monday to Saturday, from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm (9.00pm on Friday). They are closed on Sundays. However, flea markets and antique shops are open on Saturdays and Sundays.