Belgium captivates visitors with its medieval cities, world-class chocolates, and rich artistic heritage. From the grand canals of Bruges to the vibrant Art Nouveau architecture of Brussels, this compact country offers an unforgettable blend of culture, cuisine, and historic charm.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Belgian Chocolates
Handcrafted pralines and truffles from renowned Belgian chocolatiers. Look for Neuhaus (inventor of the praline), Godiva, Leonidas, Marcolini, and local artisan chocolatiers in every city.
Price: €8–€50
Belgian Lace
Handmade bobbin lace is a centuries-old Belgian craft, particularly famous in Bruges and Brussels. Authentic pieces can be distinguished from machine-made imports by their irregular, organic patterns.
Price: €15–€500+
Belgian Beer and Beer Accessories
Belgium has over 1,500 beer varieties including Trappist ales, lambics, gueuze, and saisons. Beer gift sets, branded glassware, and bottle openers make excellent gifts.
Price: €3–€80
Waffles and Waffle Irons
Belgium produces two distinct waffle types: the light, rectangular Brussels waffle and the denser, oval Liège waffle with pearl sugar. Traditional cast-iron waffle irons make distinctive souvenirs.
Price: €2–€60
Comic Book Art and Merchandise
Belgium is the birthplace of Tintin (Hergé) and the Smurfs (Peyo). Original comic art, prints, figurines, and collectibles are widely available. The Belgian comic tradition also includes Lucky Luke and Spirou.
Price: €5–€500+
Antwerp Diamond Jewelry
Antwerp is the world's diamond capital, handling over 80% of the world's rough diamonds. Certified diamond jewelry and loose stones can be purchased directly from dealers in the Diamond District.
Price: €200–€50,000+
Speculoos Cookies
Spiced shortcrust biscuits traditionally baked for St. Nicholas Day but now available year-round. Lotus Biscoff is the internationally famous brand, but artisan speculoos from bakeries are far superior.
Price: €3–€15
Bruges Lacework Items
Bruges-specific lacework applied to tablecloths, collars, handkerchiefs, and framed decorative pieces. The city's lace-making tradition dates to the 16th century.
Price: €20–€300
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Marché du Midi (Zuidmarkt)
Brussels' largest and most vibrant market, reflecting the city's multicultural character. Over 400 stalls selling North African spices, Mediterranean produce, fresh fish, halal meats, olives, cheeses, and clothing. One of Europe's great Sunday markets.
Where: Around Gare du Midi, Brussels
Bruges Saturday Market (Markt)
A traditional Flemish market held in Bruges' magnificent central square beneath the medieval Belfry. Local farmers sell fresh vegetables, flowers, cheeses, bread, and regional specialties. Smaller than Brussels but atmospheric.
Where: Markt square, Bruges
Antwerp Vrijdagmarkt
Historic Friday market in one of Antwerp's charming squares, selling fresh food, flowers, and household goods. The square also hosts occasional antique and vintage markets. Surrounded by historic guild houses and Brabo fountain.
Where: Vrijdagmarkt square, Antwerp
Ghent Korenmarkt/Groentenmarkt Area
Ghent's historic vegetable market has operated since medieval times. The covered Groot Vleeshuis (Great Butchers' Hall) nearby sells Ghent regional products including the famous grey Ghent shrimp and waterzooi ingredients.
Where: Groentenmarkt (Vegetable Market), Ghent
Place du Grand Sablon Antiques Market
Brussels' premier antiques and art market set in the elegant Sablon quarter. Dealers sell fine art, vintage jewelry, silverware, old maps, ceramics, and collectibles. Surrounded by the city's best chocolate shops and patisseries.
Where: Place du Grand Sablon, Brussels
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Rue Neuve / Nieuwstraat, Brussels
Belgium's busiest shopping street, a pedestrianized zone in central Brussels lined with major international chains, Belgian fashion brands, and department stores. Connects Place de la Monnaie to Place Rogier.
Best for: Mass-market fashion, electronics, international brands
Antwerp Fashion District / Meir
Antwerp is Belgium's fashion capital and one of Europe's most important fashion cities. The Meir is the main pedestrian shopping street, while the area around Nationalestraat and Kammenstraat hosts the famous Antwerp Six designers and avant-garde boutiques.
Best for: High fashion, designer clothing, avant-garde Belgian designers, vintage
Bruges Historic Center Shopping
Bruges' UNESCO-listed medieval center is lined with specialty shops selling lace, chocolates, beer, and artisan products. Steenstraat and Zuidzandstraat are the main shopping streets, while side streets hold boutiques and artisan studios.
Best for: Belgian chocolates, authentic lace, artisan beer, specialty souvenirs
Ghent Veldstraat and Mageleinstraat
Ghent's main shopping axis runs through Veldstraat (major chains and department stores) connecting to the boutique area around Mageleinstraat, Kortedagsteeg, and the Patershol quarter for independent shops.
Best for: Mix of mainstream and indie shopping, Ghent regional specialties
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
City2
Brussels' central indoor shopping mall located above the Rogier metro station on Rue Neuve. Five levels of international fashion brands, electronics, a food court, and Fnac (books/electronics). Connected to the busy pedestrian shopping street.
Wijnegem Shopping Center
One of Belgium's largest shopping malls, located just east of Antwerp. Over 180 shops spread across an expansive indoor complex with a dedicated fashion wing, home furnishing stores, and extensive food options. Easily reached by bus from Antwerp Central Station.
Galeria Inno (Department Store)
Belgium's leading department store chain, operating since 1897. The Brussels flagship carries fashion, beauty, housewares, and a gourmet food hall. The food hall in the basement is excellent for Belgian specialty foods.
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not customary in Belgian shops, supermarkets, or malls. Fixed prices are the norm and attempting to negotiate is considered inappropriate in most retail settings.
At flea markets and antique markets (such as Place du Jeu de Balle in Brussels or the Sablon weekend market), gentle negotiation is expected, especially when buying multiple items. Ask 'Vous faites un meilleur prix?' (French) or 'Kunt u iets van de prijs afdoen?' (Dutch).
Second-hand and vintage shops in cities like Ghent (Kammenstraat area) and Brussels (Ixelles) sometimes allow negotiation on higher-priced items, particularly clothing and furniture.
End-of-season sales (soldes/solden) run from January and July — prices are fixed but deeply discounted. Check for extra 'clearance' racks in the back of shops.
At farmers' markets, buying in larger quantities (e.g., a full kilo of cheese instead of 200g) sometimes results in a small informal discount, offered voluntarily by stallholders.
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions:
- Prohibited
- Counterfeit goods (strict enforcement, especially for designer items)
- Certain agricultural products when entering from non-EU countries
- Endangered species products (ivory, certain reptile skins)
- Restricted
- Alcohol over duty-free limits for non-EU travelers
- Tobacco over duty-free limits
- Cash over €10,000 must be declared at customs
- Notes
- Belgium is an EU member, so travel within the EU has no customs restrictions. Restrictions apply only when entering from non-EU countries (e.g., UK, USA).
Tax Refund:
- Eligible
- Non-EU residents spending over €125 in a single shop in one day are eligible for VAT refund (typically 21% VAT on most goods, 6% on food/books).
- Process
- Request a tax-free shopping form (e.g., Global Blue or Planet) at the point of purchase. Have the form stamped by customs at Brussels Airport (allow extra time) before your flight. Refund can be claimed at cash refund desks or processed to your credit card.
- Vat rates
- Standard rate: 21%. Reduced rate (food, books, medicine): 6%. Restaurants: 12%.
- Tips
- Brussels Airport has Global Blue and Planet refund desks after security. The refund process takes 15–20 minutes at customs, so arrive early.
Duty Free:
- Alcohol
- 1 liter spirits over 22% ABV OR 2 liters sparkling wine/fortified wine; plus 4 liters still wine and 16 liters beer (per adult, non-EU travelers entering Belgium)
- Tobacco
- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco (per adult, non-EU travelers)
- Other goods
- €430 limit on other goods for air/sea travelers; €300 for land/inland waterway travelers
- Notes
- These limits apply when entering Belgium from outside the EU. Within the EU, there are no limits for personal use (though quantities must be for personal use, not commercial resale).
Shipping:
- Services
- Bpost (Belgian national post) — reliable for EU destinations
- DHL, FedEx, UPS — available in major cities for international shipping
- Many shops offer international shipping for fragile or valuable items (particularly diamond jewelers in Antwerp)
- Tips
- For fragile items like Belgian chocolate, ship via express service in cool months (avoid summer shipping). Many chocolatiers offer refrigerated shipping within Europe. Antwerp diamond dealers routinely ship insured parcels worldwide.
- Packaging
- Specialty shops for chocolates, lace, and crystal will pack purchases for travel. Declare high-value items such as diamonds to your home country customs on arrival.