Where else than on Grand Place would you find the Brussels shop of Godiva, the best-known Belgian chocolatier? There are five other shops in this city, but let us see this one as a symbol. And by the way, though their delectable pralines are still made in Brussels, the firm of Godiva has long ago been swallowed by an American company, makers also of Campbell's soup. A fancy Grand Place tin filled with an assortment including "Coeur de Bruxelles" (heart of Brussels) in milk chocolate costs nothing much. Godiva also has special chocolate gifts for all occasions.
This daily flea market in the heart of the Marolles is well-known in Brussels for those who are seeking bargains and have patience. Everyday vendors awake early and bring their goods with the hopes of making some money. Haggling is allowed and encouraged, and as the day draws close to 1pm, it gets easier to buy something for the price you want to pay. You'll find everything here from photo frames to the desk to display them on. This market exemplifies the phrase, "One man's junk is another man's treasure." On Sundays antiques are also on display here.
The Fanshop RSC Anderlecht was opened in 1997 on the initiative of the wife of Roger Vanden Stock, president of the football club Anderlecht. The majority of the items sold here are sports garments such as football shirts, tracksuits and anoraks. You can buy sportswear with or without the names of the Anderlecht footballers emblazoned on them. In 1998, the Fanshop started a mail-order shopping service, thus Anderlecht realized that they have fans abroad too— in France, in the United States of America and in Australia.
This is a great shop if you want to gift a bottle of wine to someone, or if you are looking for something special. The shop carries a selection of wines from Spain, Portugal, Australia, Romania, California, France, Italy and South Africa and all over the world. You can also find some bottles of champagne. Prices range greatly as does the variety.
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.
The gold-plated sign by the entry hints to the luxury that exists behind its doors. If you are a fan of Ralph Lauren's all-American luxury line, then you've found yourself in the right place. This collection features classically tailored clothes for men and women, and there is also a selection of upscale home furnishings and designs under the same label. For clothes that remind one of prep-school or collegiate chic and summers at Martha's Vineyard, Polo takes the match.