Shopping in Belgium

Belgium is an incredibly captivating country, offering not only a wealth of sightseeing and cultural experiences but also a fantastic shopping scene. Shopping in Belgium provides opportunities to acquire exclusive items from local designers, high-quality lace, and exquisite diamonds. When in Belgium, it's impossible to resist the culinary delights of chocolate and beer.

When planning a shopping tour in Belgium, it's essential to research in advance which region is renowned for specific goods. For example, the finest lace is found in Bruges, while Antwerp is the go-to destination for diamond jewelry and designer clothing. The Belgian capital, Brussels, boasts a plethora of designer clothing stores, chocolatiers, and breweries. In Ghent, you'll discover fame in beer, cheese, and candle making.

If you're a savvy shopper, Belgium's sale season begins in January and can extend until June. Typically, Belgian stores open at 10:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM, with each of them taking a day off on Sundays. Larger shopping centers, however, often remain open until 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM.

If you happen to miss the sales in Belgium, souvenir prices remain quite reasonable throughout the year. For instance, a bar of chocolate costs around 3 EUR, a box of chocolates goes for about 15 EUR, and you can find a youth dress by a local designer for approximately 40 EUR. For those interested in unique souvenirs, license plates from various countries around the world can be purchased for just 10 EUR.