Top Fifteen Souvenirs and Shopping Tips When Traveling in Belgium
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Top 15 Souvenirs from Belgium
This guide is an overview of the some of the best shopping I discovered in Belgium and specifically where to go for regional specialties. While some of these items can also be tracked down and purchased in the US, there are many highly coveted items that can only be purchased in Belgium.
Above photo: Belgian linen
Linen
Belgium is well-known for its high quality linen production. The growing conditions in the region are ideal for flax, the plant from which linen is made. For centuries, traditional weaving methods have been passed down contributing to Belgium’s global reputation of having the softest and most durable linen money can buy.
One of the premier mills for linen production is Libeco, located in Tielt, Belgium. You can visit their home store in Meulebeke, which includes an “outlet” section.
Libeco, as well as other brands, can be found in specialty stores in Bruges, Ghent, Kortrijk and Brussels. If you are in Kortrijk, you can additionally visit the Texture – Flax & River Lys Museum.
Jenever
Jenever is a type of white spirit, similar to gin, flavored with juniper berries, herbs, and spices. It is made exclusively in Belgium, The Netherlands, and adjoining areas in northern France and northwestern Germany. The areas areas around Hasselt and Ghent have some of the better-known distilleries.
To learn more about Jenever, you can visit the Jenever Museum in Hasselt or join a Chocolate and Jenever Tasting Tour in Ghent. Or, for a more hands-on experience, you can visit the Filliers Distillery in Deinze (just outside of Ghent).
If you’d prefer to just pick up a bottle to take home, that’s an option too! Jenever is sold at specialty liquor stores throughout Belgium. Popular brands include Filliers, Smeets, and Wortegemsen.
Above photo: Filliers Jenever
Above photo: Comic book shop in Brussels
Comic Books
Did you know that Belgium has more comic book artists (relative to area) than any other country in the world? The best place to experience comic culture is Brussels, which has a Comic Art Museum, a Comic Book Route, and a couple dozen comic book stores.
For a large selection of American comic books and figurines, visit Utopia on Rue du Midi. Other popular stores include House of Comics, Librairie Galerie, and Multi BD.
Tintin
In case you don’t know, Tintin is a cartoon character created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé. The Adventures of Tintin comic books were originally published in the late-1920s and 1930s, and later translated into other languages that have sold millions of copies worldwide. Tintin and his dog Snowy still have quite a following today. In addition to the Tintin book series, figurines and collector memorabilia are popular souvenirs to come away with.
Look for The Tintin Shop on Rue de la Colline in Brussels. Another alternative is to take a private walking tour of all the Tintin comic walls and places that inspired Hergé.
Above photo: The Adventures of Tintin
Above photo: Smurfs at The Grasshopper in Brussels
Smurfs
Another popular Belgian-created cartoon series is the Smurfs. Every kid growing up in the 1980s is surely familiar with these adorable little blue characters and their antagonist, Gargamel. They kind of disappeared in America, but can still be spotted all over Brussels.
Keep an eye out for all kinds of Smurfy souvenirs ranging from plush and figurines, to special collectable candy tins. The Grasshopper on Rue du Marché aux Herbes has a great selection of plush toys.
Val Saint Lambert Crystal
Val Saint Lambert is a Belgian crystal brand based in Seraing. Their pieces are known for highly intricate designs with cuts and engraving. They are also known for their use of eye-catching colors.
If you are visiting near Seraing, you won’t want to pass up the opportunity to visit the Val Saint Lambert Museum housed in the abbey castle of Val Saint-Lambert, which includes 200 years of production history and live demonstrations.
The best place to purchase Val Saint Lambert pieces is at their factory store. However, you can also find it at upscale retailers in the Sablon area of Brussels.
Above photo: Val Saint Lambert Crystal
Above photo: Belgian lace at Maison Pickery in Bruges
Lace
There are two main types of lace in Belgium. Brussels lace is a form of bobbin lace where the main motifs are joined by thin bars of thread using wooden spools to manipulate the threads. Bruges lace is a loom lace where decorative patterns are created on a weaving loom.
The Lace Center & Museum in Bruges is a wonderful place to learn more about the history, techniques, and teaching of this time-honored art and profession.
There are a few shops in Bruges where you can purchase handmade lace, mostly run by older women who continue to weave lace by traditional methods. Look for Maison Pickery on Breidelstraat. Each of these pieces is completely unique. There are no lace factories in Belgium — only the traditional lace trade!
Kipling Bags
One of Belgium’s more recent claims to fame are the coveted Kipling bags. The brand was started in Antwerp in the 1980s by three designers who discovered crinkle nylon, the primary material used to create their sturdy handbags, backpacks, and luggage.
Although Kipling bags are distributed in over 80 countries, you won’t want to miss their flagship store in Antwerp, located near the Antwerp Central Station. The store has a large selection of bags and comes with bragging rights of purchasing your bag from the place where it all began.
If you aren’t so lucky to be headed to Antwerp, click here to shop Kipling in the US.
Above photo: Kipling cosmetic bag
Above photo: de Biertempel in Brussels
Beer & Beer Glassware
Belgian beer is in a league of its own. With centuries-old brewing traditions and diverse styles, it is not surprising that it has been recognized by UNESCO as an integral part of Belgian culture. Somewhere around 1,500 different types of beer are produced in this country alone. It seems fair to ask, have you even really been to Belgium if you haven’t tried the beer?
If you find a new favorite, you can take some home with you. But, it might be easier to transport a set of new glasses, which come in a dizzying array of shapes and sizes, and are unique to the type of beer you are drinking. Look for Biertemple on Rue du Marché aux Herbes.
For a crash course, consider visiting Belgian Beer World located inside the newly restored Bourse of Brussels.
Speculoos Cookies
Speculoos cookies are traditional biscuits, often associated with Saint Nicholas Day and the Christmas season. The cookies are made with aromatic spices, heavy on the cinnamon, and are usually pretty crunchy. Personally, I think they are best dunked in coffee:)
The most popular brand of speculoos cookies is Lotus Biscoff. However, you will find other small batch brands in specialty stores and bakeries. Look for Maison Dandoy in Brussels and Maison La Confiance in Bruges.
Also keep an eye out for speculoos cookie butter, which is Belgium’s answer to Nutella. It is made from cookies, butter, flour, and sugar. The consistency is similar to other sandwich spreads — or can be eaten by the spoonful when no one is watching.
Above photo: Little Belgians speculoos cookies
Above photo: Roseline D’Oreye Silk Scarf
Roseline D’Oreye Silk Scarves
My favorite purchase that I brought home from Belgium was my Roseline D’Oreye silk scarf. Roseline D’Oreye is an illustrator whose work on silk and leather has resulted in a beautiful collection of objects d’art and fashion accessories.
I found her store in the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert in Brussels and was immediately drawn in by the vibrant colors that exude happiness. In addition to silk scarves, she also offers kimonos, leather handbags, and cashmere ponchos.
Street Art
Lately, I’ve started to pick up street art as I travel. I only wish I had started doing this years ago. Not only does it support the local arts community, but you end up with a collection of original artwork that inherently embodies the culture of each destination.
I ended up buying a watercolor from an artist who had set-up his easel and pop-up shop near the center of Grand-Place in Brussels.
In addition to the many independent artists, The City of Brussels issues permits for street performers and the “Call to Walls” program, which encourages private property owners to offer their buildings as canvases for street artists. As a result, Brussels is known for its public street art scene.
Above photo: Street art in Brussels
Above photo: Diamond shopping in Antwerp
Diamonds
Since the 15th-century, Antwerp has been a major center for the diamond cutting and trade. Over 3,500 brokers, merchants, and diamond cutters work in the Diamond Quarter of the city.
While much of the polishing and cutting now takes place in other areas, over 84% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through Antwerp on their way to other exchanges.
If you are in the market for diamond jewelry, Antwerp is a good place to find a deal. However, it is important to stick to reputable dealers and look for the “Antwerp’s Most Brilliant” label and request the GIA certification.
To discover more behind-the-scenes, consider taking a walking tour in collaboration with DIVA Antwerp’s Diamond Museum.
Chocolate
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The very best thing to buy in Belgium is chocolate. I made it my mission to try and buy as much as possible. The main thing to avoid is any mass produced chocolate and instead focus on artisan brands such as Neuhaus, Leonidas, Mary, and Elisabeth.
In Bruges, there are over 70 chocolate shops! Chocolate can be a bit subjective, but my favorite chocolate was from The Chocolate Line. This bean-to-bar operation manufactures all of its chocolate from cacao they import themselves. I also really enjoyed the pralines from The Chocolate Crown, located near Rosary Quay. Chocolatier Duman was another favorite, but more so for their super charming little shop.
Above photo: Mary Chocolate
Shopping Tips
Key Shopping Areas
For the serious shopper, there are a couple great areas for you to hone in on. In Antwerp, head over to Wolstraat, a hub for Belgian designer fashion and concept stores, like Graanmarkt 13. For couture and high-end, don’t miss Enso (vintage & upcycle) and the Louis department store.
In Brussles, luxury brand shops are concentrated on Boulevard de Waterloo and Avenue Louise. I personally enjoyed Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert the most because of the ambiance and smaller boutiques. For antiques, look no further than the shops and weekend market at Place du Grand Sablon.
In Bruges and Ghent, you will find small proprietors and boutiques scattered throughout the old town streets. My advice would be to let yourself be surprised by what you find, especially in the way of chocolate:)
Finally, for bargain hunters, the Maasmechelen Outlet is roughly a 1.25 hours drive east of Brussels. Shops include luxury brands from around the globe. If you don’t have a car, there are also group tours that include transportation.
Shopping Tip: VAT Tax Refund
If you are resident outside the EU you are entitled to a VAT refund on goods you have bought during your stay in the EU if the goods are shown to customs on departure within 3 months of their purchase together with the VAT refund documents. If you plan on making any large purchases e.g., luxury goods, the VAT tax refund could result in significant savings.
In Belgium, the minimum purchase to be eligible for the VAT refund is 125 € (including VAT) in a single transaction. To get the process started, be sure to ask the store you’re visiting about their VAT refund policy and to create the necessary documents. Click here for a complete guide on how to get a VAT refund for cross-border transactions.
Your Photos
Last, but not least, there are some things that you simply cannot bottle or pack. Corny as it sounds, memories and time spent with special people are the best souvenirs. Photographs are a close second because I don’t have the best memory and photos help me recall the moments. In that regard, here are a few suggestions for organizing and printing your beloved memories:
- Mpix: love their albums and photo gifts
- Shutterfly: great for creating greeting cards from your photos
- Printique: great for wall prints
- Mixbook: great for creating photobooks
- Snapfish: my longtime fave for individual prints
Read my posts on Bruges and Brussels for more details on these individual places.
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