Belgian Chocolate: Premium artisan chocolates and pralines from Neuhaus, Pierre Marcolini, Wittamer, Mary, Godiva, Leonidas. Sablon district is chocolate heaven. Pralines are the iconic gift - invented in Belgium.
Beer: Specialty beer shops sell hundreds of Belgian brews. Look for Trappist ales, lambics, and rare abbey beers. Beer and Chocol stores combine both specialties. Proper beer glasses make great gifts.
Lace: Brussels and Bruges lace are world-famous. Ensure it's authentic Belgian-made (not Chinese imports). Visit Manufacture Belge de Dentelle for quality pieces.
Comics & Graphic Novels: Original editions, collectibles, and art books. Multi BD store and shops near Comic Strip Center offer extensive selections.
Speculoos: Spiced Belgian biscuits and Lotus Biscoff spreads available everywhere. Dandoy biscuit shop near Grand Place is historic.
Antiques: Sablon antiques market (weekends) and Marolles flea market (daily) offer treasures from furniture to vintage posters.
Avenue Louise & Porte de Namur: Luxury brands, Belgian fashion designers, and high-end boutiques. Toison d'Or shopping center.
Rue Neuve: Main pedestrian shopping street with international chains, department stores (Galeria Inno), and City 2 shopping center.
Rue Antoine Dansaert: Belgian fashion designers, concept stores, and cutting-edge boutiques. Best for unique, locally-designed pieces.
Sablon: Antiques, art galleries, chocolate boutiques, and upscale interior design shops.
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert: Elegant 19th-century arcade with luxury goods, books, and Belgian specialties.
Stores typically open Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm. Some open Sundays in tourist areas. Sales occur January-February and July-August. VAT refund available for non-EU residents on purchases over €50 - ask for tax-free forms. Bargaining acceptable at flea markets but not in shops. Credit cards widely accepted though some small shops prefer cash.