Waterstone's was the first English-only bookstore in Brussels. It sells a large selection of magazines and newspapers from the United States and United Kingdom. The first floor is filled with cookbooks, novels, maps and a very extensive selection of travel and tourism books representing many different places throughout the world. They also have a book called Hints for Living in Belgium by the North American Woman's Club.
Winning the World Chocolate Championship in 1995, Pierre Marcolini set out to revolutionize the chocolate industry. Using only the finest cocoa beans from around the world, Marcolini now owns and operates luxury chocolate boutiques in five different countries. His sweet treats include delicacies such as truffles, macaroons, biscuits, liqueur chocolates, brittles and much more. Each purchase is presented in a handsomely designed gift box that perfectly compliments the luxury treat found within.
The King, Queen and Prince Galleries of Saint-Hubert (which are over 200 years old) house expensive, old-fashioned boutiques selling a variety of accessories including gloves, hats, hand-bags and jewelry. In 1837, King Léopold I instructed the young architect Jean-Pierre Cluysenaars to turn rue Saint-Hubert into a mall. This shopping arcade, divided into the King's, Queen's and Prince's galleries, is now considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Chocolate lovers should visit Neuheus (25 Galerie de la Reine) and ice cream fans can indulge at the Häagen Dazs located near the front entrance of the gallery.
This large, interesting store sells functional and fashionable women's clothing. Outfits for both work and play can be found. While listening to the pleasant music, you can look through the seasonal collections which offer everything for today's woman including shoes, pants, dresses, T-shirts and accessories.
Located on a street teeming with plenty of shops, this store's attractive window calls out to men and women who desire the latest footwear trends. Pass the large bubblegum machine at the entrance and you'll come across a spacious boutique filled with stylish, well-made and affordable shoes. Alongside the Invito brand, one can also find Diesel, Puma and the popular lady's Spanish label, El Dante.
Known as the chocolate capital of the world, Brussels is filled with sweet confection shops. Mary's Chocolatier lives up to its city's standards and has some of the best chocolate creations around. Established in 1919 by Mary Delluc along the Rue Royal on the route to the palace, this legendary shop was beloved by the king himself as well as nobels and other royals. Today people travel far and wide for Mary's famous confections. Delicious hand-painted chocolates, caramels, truffles, bars, and more can be found. Grab yourself one of their beloved boxes in order to sample Mary's sweet treats.
In business since 1912, the family-owned Maison Renardy offers the very best in exceptional teas, coffees, and handmade chocolates, candies, pastries, and breads. Snuggled conveniently on the corner of Rue Anoul and Chaussée de Wavre, the shop's large glass windows are perfect for people watching or letting in light to read by. The perfect place to spend an afternoon chatting or relaxing, the Maison Renardy is classy yet undeniably comfortable and charming. If you don't have time to sit down and stay, Maison Renardy also sells loose leaf tea, snacks, and baked goodies to-go.
This popular beer shop is repeatedly praised by newspapers for its vast variety of, as the name of the shop claims, beer. Within the shop, there also exists the opportunity to sample beer before purchase. The owners of the shop aim to ensure the most helpful shopping experience possible by even providing information regarding the correct glasses to use for specific types of beer.
Just steps from several bus routes and a train station, Le Jardin de Luxembourg is a sweet little florist nestled in Brussels' Elsene neighborhood. With all the traditional offerings of a flower shop, Le Jardin is sure to have whatever you're looking for, whether it is a bouquet to brighten someone's day or a potted plant to take home yourself.
Galerie Toison d'Or was established in the 1960s and is one of the best places in the neighborhood to shop. This mall features 40 stores which includes fashion, toys, shoes and jewelry. There are also cafes, restaurants and specialty shops. Check out cultural events at the Théâtre De La Toison D’or and UGC Toison D’or.
The Ars Vinorum is an epicurean delight, geared towards true-blue gourmets. Their selection of Italian wines, cheese, conserves, flavored olive oil and specialty foods are great for a special occasion or authentic Italian dinner. Discover a range of hard-to-find items like white truffles, olive oil from Naples and more. The restaurant features a charmingly rustic, cozy ambiance, ideal for a quiet meal with a date. The menu changes weekly, depending on what's in season. You'll find dishes like swordfish carpaccio with zuchini and capers; ravioli with braised meat sauce; swordfish steak with beans and fennel drizzled in olive oil. Their wine list features a fine selection from Italy, from fruity whites to robust reds.
Wine-Not is a lovely shop near the Place du Jeu de Balles. Despite the twist in the name, this is the place to buy wine. Wine connoisseurs feel at home at Wine-Not. The owner loves to give additional information on the different kinds of wine in order to let you know which wine is best suited for the occasion. This deters you from using the best and most expensive wine for coq au vin, for example. On Sundays, there is wine tasting as well.