Brussels Escorts
Escorts in Brussels
Brussels Shopping
- Belgian chocolate is one of the most commonly bought souvenirs in Brussels, but handmade pralines and truffles are also very popular. These are joined by those other popular Belgian delicacies, such as lace, diamonds, tapestries and antiques. Lace products can be bought in stores such as Manufacture Belge de Dentelle, located in Galerie de la Reine, which is Brussels' largest lace-maker offers excellent, reasonably-priced handmade goods, which are of higher quality and greater durability than machine-manufactured products. Both antique and contemporary lace designs are available on placemats, tablecloths, blouses, nightgowns, linens, and other clothing. Doilies suitable for framing, along with bookmarks and handkerchiefs, also make excellent souvenirs.
The Galéries St-Hubert located on Rue des Bouchers, are made up of the Galérie du Roi (King’s Gallery), the Galérie de la Reine (Queen's gallery) and a third, smaller section called the Galérie du Prince (Prince's gallery). Galéries St-Hubert was the first shopping arcade in Europe and one of the most sophisticated and ornate. The Italian Neo-Renaissance style design and the domed vaulted-glass ceiling continue to create an added air of glamour. A highlight of this gallery is that the building itself is open 24 hours, so you can appreciate the intricate masonry anytime of the day or night. King Leopold I instigated the building of the galleries in 1837, and converted the entire Rue Saint-Hubert into the present spacious arcade, which is replete with luxury boutiques, jewellers, chocolate shops, restaurants, cafés, and even a theatre and cinema. The focal point of this arcade is the Kaat Tilley shop, located in Galerie du Roi, which features the creations of the popular Belgian designer. Kaat Tilley’s profile has continued to grow enormously since she began in 1985, with her ladies’ fashion creations which favour light silks and chiffon, and now with her bridal wear, evening wear and children’s wear. Although the designer sells her creations in boutiques around the world, the largest selection of Kaat Tilley is found at her flagship store, here in Brussels.
The Quartier Marolles is one of the best places to head to for specialist merchandise, such as interior and antique goods, especially on Rue Haute, and for flea market finds, which can be sought in the daily market held in the Place du Jeu de Balle. The market has been held on this site since 1640, and continues today to be a treasure trove of goods, including pre-war collector’s items, antiques, old postcards, retro clothing, and household items.
Rue Neuve, the longest pedestrian shopping street in the capital, is a shopper’s haven, and has been since the 1800s. The street contains familiar international chainstores as well as shopping malls such as City 2, which houses shops including the famous Fnac and cafés, and also features the city’s main department store, Inno which offers everything from fashion to homeware.
Galérie Bortier, located on Rue de la Madeleine, is an unusual shopping arcade, in that it is devoted entirely to book and map shops. This is a haven for bibliophiles looking for French second-hand books and antiquarian treasures. The gallery was built by a Monsieur Bortier who wished to build a covered arcade of shops on his own land, and the glass and wrought-iron roof is a spectacular feature of this arcade.
Avenue Louise, located in the Ixelles district of Brussels, is the city’s premier shopping street, where the likes of Gucci and Versace can be found. Inno, the popular department store also has a branch here, although high-class boutiques are a more common occurrence. These include Bonpoint which is a local favourite for children's clothes, and Natan an exclusive ladies’ fashion store. Serneels, located in Place Louise in the exclusive Wiltshire shopping centre, is Brussels’ equivalent to Hamleys, offering a magnificent array of toys. Top Belgian designer Oliver Strelli, and the Shine department store, which exclusively stocks Belgian designers, are also features of this fantastic shopping street. The area also features many superb bookstores, galleries and cafés, as well as the famous historic department store Old England, now located on this stylish street. Galéries Toison d’Or and the adjacent Galéries Louise are full of European High Street fashion shops, whilst the Galéries d’Ixelles, located on nearby Chaussée d’Ixelles, contain an assortment of small ethnic shops.
